Kaʻena Point Questions

Im just trying to get some information about Kaʻena Point. Ive been on island for about a year and a half and I’ve been wanting to take my truck out but just haven’t looked into where to go. Heard from a co worker that Kaʻena Point has some trails and I was just curious if I need a permit to go out there? And how the trails are because my truck doesn’t have recovery gear and it’s all stock other than some all terrain tires. 2014 4x4 off road package. Also are there any good/bad times and good/bad days to go?

thanks

 

Yes you need a pass, here’s the website to apply. https://sups.ehawaii.gov/dlnr-sup/welcome.html?service=https://sups.ehawaii.gov/dlnr-sup/j_spring_cas_security_check

Your truck should be fine in there unless there was heavy rains. Still you can make it in and out, just gotta be careful

It all depends on how the weather was prior to the days you wanted to go.

 

I don’t plan on going after it rains just on clear days. Any options that I may have as a backup in case I do get stuck? Or will there more than likely be someone out there willing to help?

thanks

 

There’s usually somebody out there willing to help. If there’s nobody there or anyone willing to help, just post on here and I’m sure someone will be willing to come out there to help you.

 

sounds good thank you for the information. Hoping there will be a meetup there soon.

 

I forgot to ask but I was just curious if there is anywhere else people go off roading that I can try out. Just applied for my permit but I’m sure it’ll take a few weeks to get approved.

 

Not really anything else good for a stock truck.

 

Howzit! Welcome to Oahu bro.
Kaena point isn’t an “off-road recreational area” (although it does allow you to go off pavement.) It’s a system of access roads that allow responsible truck owners and the public to access the nature reserve at the point, fish, hike, star gaze, and just enjoy nature in general.
If you do drive off the designated roads, and someone complains, or if a DLNR officer or worker sees you, they can revoke your permit. Mud bogging, moving rocks or barricades to open up closed areas, and driving off the designated road to test your vehicle is not allowed.

Kuaokala access road to peacock flats and side trails is a little different and a place where you can actually go off-roading. I wouldn’t ever take a 2WD up there alone and you definitely need good A/T tires there. At least KO2s. The stock Goodyear’s on the 4x4 3rd gens slip and slide in flash flood conditions. Although a stock 4x4 3rd gen OR is still very much capable of get you out of peacock flats safety.

All that being said, Kaena Point Mokuleia side is an amazing place to explore. I take my family out there about once or twice a month. We stay over night and sleep in the trucks. Fish, stargaze, disconnect from the city, and enjoy nature. It’s good to have 4x4 but if you know how to drive the right lines and know the limitations of your truck, a stock 2WD “1 tire fire” TRD sport can get you in and out.
You actually can get all the way to the end of the road without ever reaching 3000rpms. My wife’s 2014 is a stock 2WD sport with 265/70D17 AT RHS tires and it handles. I promise you, you’re 4x4 OR will handle no problem.

If you see us out there, say hi too!

Oh! And just don’t go at night, 2 days after the new moon. Don’t ask me why.

 

Kaena Point in flash food conditions can also be tricky.

 

Mmmm true.

 

You should have no problems out there ... just stick to the designated areas and don’t go if it’s raining/rained recently … like others have said!

 

Totally thought I responded but I guess I didn't after looking back. Made it out there last week and had a great time. It was super easy I didn't even have to use 4WD and got a little mud on the truck! Didn't see you out there but hope to at some point. Thanks for the post! I also see that you have SCS wheels and I'm in the market as well. Did you pay the $450 shipping or were they able to give you some sort of discount or something? I'm wanting to purchase Ray 10's but the shipping is just so expensive. Also do you have any offset on your wheels? I'm trying to figure out what -12 would be for my stock tacoma so I don't get pulled over or ticketed. Won't do any suspension here but might do a spacer to bring the front up 1". Not to eliminate rake but make it not as bad but I'm sure I won't have to do recon for that right? There's no way they would actually know.

 

$450 for shipping?
this was what I was quoted the other day from Vin. my dad wanted the SR8 but decided to just get new tires on stock wheels for now.

SR8 Matte Black 17”
$940/set of 4
$45/ET spline lugs 24pcs.
$280/shipping
$ 1265 total shipped to your door

 

Damn that's not as bad as mine! Mine looks like $900 total for Ray 10's 16" of course you have taxes and what not but then the shipping is $415 sorry not $450 but still the end all total is $1345. I would be happier with something closer to $1200 or $1100. I wonder if they will have any sort of black friday deal OR something to help with the $415 shipping. Also they seem to be sold out of the Ray 10's 16x8 in black so I'm kind of doubtful they'd have any sales but maybe they can help with shipping?

Thanks

 

I’m running the stealth 6s with 265/70R17. The tread sticks out 1/8” to 1/4” only on the right side. With that tire size, a lift is not “needed”. it would rub a little, but not anything to write home about.

This pic shows both of my trucks. Both lifted now with OME and 885 springs. But both with stealth 6 and 265/70R17.
my 2011 has 1/2” spacers (1” of actual lift) on top of the OME.
my 2014 has 1/4” spacer (1/2” of actual lift) on top of the OME.

 

Contact vin directly, the shipping price is automated but he ships through usps instead of ups for hawaii (or something along the lines) so it’s actually cheaper than website says.

 

Good to know thank you! Contacting Vin is it just the scs vendor profile? Or does he have his own?

 

Technically, any modifications to your suspension, including spacer pucks or blocks requires a recon inspection. But, you’re correct about who would actually know or look for it during the PMVI/“safety” inspection. That would depend on where you go for your PMVI.

 

Yeah and even if you were to order it with the given shipping he refunds it when he sees it goes to Hawaii. You can always order scs through auto customs in kalihi as well if that’s easier for you.

 

If you buy new rims, make sure you go with 17 inch rims. The 17 inch rims have more clearance for the brake calipers.