Kaena Beach is at the end of the road on Oahu's Leeward Side. The northwest tip of the island is reachable only by off-road vehicle or foot from the North Shore.

This arid side of the island was blistering hot on the day of our visit with nothing to pass for shade. The island's micro-climates are many and varied. Just ten miles and twenty minutes back down the road we encountered a major rain storm that would have been welcome here.