Journey to Ka’ena Point

“Light increases our ability to see things as they really are. When we choose to walk with light we are more able to enjoy the beauty of the people and the world around us.”

On the west end of O'ahu, Hawaiʻi, there's a popular trail that leads to Ka’ena point, the western-most point of the island.  This 2.5-mile dirt trail runs alongside the Wai’anae Mountain Range and overlooks the Pacific Ocean, countless tide pools filled with sea life, and unique rock formations everywhere.

One day, a group of us including family and friends decided to walk this trail, and because we chose to start our journey in the daylight, we were able to both see and enjoy all of the beautiful creations around us.

Kaʻena Point Trail, Kekoa and Aaron taking in the view

We saw humpback whales breaching off in the distance.  We saw Hawaiian monk seals sun bathing on the shore.  We saw huge albatross and shearwater birds flying above and nesting in the sands below.  We even discovered an underground cave that would have been hidden from us had it not been for the light of the sun.

Consider for a moment what our experience would have been like had we chosen to start our journey in the dark instead of the light. 

Without the light from the sun, the joy and excitement that came from seeing whales breeching, seals sun bathing, and all the other beautiful creations, would have literally been hidden from our eyes and ultimately from our experience.  We soon found ourselves arriving at Ka’ena point just as the sun was setting.  In fact, we were so intent on watching the sunset that we forgot that by doing so, we would have to walk back in darkness.

Sunset at Kaʻena Point, Kekoa capturing the sun

The trail that was once full of light and beauty was now becoming unclear and treacherous to travel. We began tripping over large rocks and stepping into muddy potholes and puddles that were always there, but now were hidden from sight.  In the dark, we had to walk much slower, uncertain of what our next step might encounter.  In the dark, we could not fully enjoy the beauty of what was around us, even though we knew it was still there. Thankfully, someone in our group remembered they had a tiny flashlight on their phone, and we were able to walk back a portion of the way with what little light we had to guide us safely back. 

Using our phones for light, (left to right) Masi, Kekoa, Jake, Aaron, Storm, Skivi

Light increases our ability to see things as they really are.  When we choose to walk with light we are more able to enjoy the beauty of the people and the world around us.

Although dark and gloomy days are inevitable and will surely come, our Heavenly Father has provided a way for us to find hope and light in all our moments of darkness. That way is through our Savior, Jesus Christ, the Light and Life of the World. In the scriptures, Jesus says, "I will also be your light in the wilderness; and I will prepare a way before you, if it so be that ye shall keep my commandments."

There is no darkness too great, nor despair too deep … He has overcome it all … and because of Him, so can we.