Kūloa Point

Kūloa Point is an open coastal cliff about 20 feet above Palikea Stream’s mouth, where the water runs through ʻOheʻo Gulch into the Pacific. The 0.5-mile round-trip walk starts at Kīpahulu Visitor Center and has only 80 feet of elevation change. If you’re already in Kīpahulu, do the short walk: the coast and the cultural stops along the trail make it more than a roadside look at the water.

Waves break below the open cliff, while Palikea Stream’s cascades run through ʻOheʻo Gulch behind you. Looking out, you face Alenuihāhā Channel; on a clear day, Hawaiʻi Island is visible about 30 miles away. Take in both directions—the stream side is easy to miss if you focus only on the ocean. For a photo, move between the seaward cliff and the gulch rather than framing only open water.

The trail passes a reconstructed Hale Hālāwai, a hala grove, a small hale noa sleeping-house foundation, and koʻa fishing shrines. Surveys have recorded at least 300 archaeological features along Kīpahulu’s coast, and radiocarbon dates place settlement in the area between A.D. 1161 and 1384. Stay on the marked trail and leave walls, shrines, and stones in place.

Kīpahulu’s streams support endemic fish that evolved from ocean ancestors, including the rock-climbing goby, as well as freshwater shrimp. Look in the streams along the route for small signs of life beyond the surf.

Start at Kīpahulu Visitor Center near Mile Marker 42, about 12 miles past Hāna. Parking and restrooms are at the center, not out at the point. There’s no food, gas, or general supplies in the park, so bring what you need before driving the Hāna Highway.