Lahilahi Point (Black Rock), Makaha Beach – April 21, 2012

Lahilahi Point (or Black Rock) is a well known fishing spot to locals, and there is also a popular surf site adjacent it’s west side. The significance of the name is due to the rocks at the westernmost point are “black,” as opposed to the rest of the rock which appears brown. Lahilahi has considerable cultural significance to Native Hawaiians and is a site that is sacred to Kāne. In addition to ancestral burials, it has rare petroglyphs and astronomical significance (ie, the recognition of the June solstice). Lahilahi is also known as “the eyes of Wai’anae,” meaning, “if you have not been to Lahilahi you have not seen Wai’anae.” I have to admit, this place is special. It has one of the most amazing views of the coastline on the west side of Oahu, as well as an unrivaled sunset viewpoint.

During a beach volleyball and BBQ at Makaha Beach, Jenelyn Castillo and I decided to do a short sunset hike to the top of Lahilahi Point.

The hike out to the point is short, probably take <20 minutes. Though not the conventional way of summiting, we were told by a Makaha resident and friend that the rock could be climbed on the makai-side rock face.
We verified this was true, but I do not recommend attempting unless you have climbing experience on less than solid rock. I also STRONGLY recommend that it should be done sober. I can’t believe we weren’t forewarned about the magnitude of the rock face in our inebriated condition and rubbah-slippah (flip-flops) status. lol. Despite Jenelyn being “all-smiles” and giggly, this climb was no joke! You should be able to sympathize how high we were by the photos.

However, the view once on top of the rock was spectacular… if you hadn’t noticed from the first photo.

We continued further to the highest point on the thorny, overgrown ridge… which we were not informed about as well. lol.

But sunset from the summit made all the thorn scratches and crumbly rock climbs worth it. Toast to you sunset!!!

…and what do you know, a full rainbow appeared behind us!

…and then we realized there was a distinct, moderately safe trail coming down the mauka-side of Lahilahi Summit. Again, no intel provided about this relevant information. haha. But anyhoo, the loop trail made for an awesome and short adventure.

AND we made it back in time to see James and Evelyn off for their nocturnal dive-sesh! Aloha!! can’t wait to see some pics!

…but most importantly, we made it back in time for the beach bonfire and more drinks with friends!

Mahalo nui loa to Clayton for hosting, and for the rest of the attendees for an epic beach party! Hope to catch you all out again for another soon! 🙂

Hiking to the top of Black Rock from the makai end is not recommended, inebriated OR sober. However, if you attempt, the path is not distinct and several of the holds are loose. Climb safely. For the majority of the population, I highly recommend hiking to the top from the mauka trail. There is some scrambling involved, but there is nothing in it more difficult in it than what you’d encounter at the Lanikai Pillboxes. The mauka trail shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes to reach the summit.

More questions? Just ask!

To view this location on a Google Map also known as my “Adventure Map“, Click Here. For more adventures of the Lost Trailblazers, either look at my other blogposts and “Adventures with the Lost Trailblazers” photo gallery. Thanks for visiting and come back again soon!