Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail
Hike a paved, accessible trail to an iconic lighthouse with stunning panoramic ocean views and seasonal whale watching opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps & sunrise magic
Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail
Best Time
Cooler temps & sunrise magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike a paved, accessible trail to an iconic lighthouse with stunning panoramic ocean views and seasonal whale watching opportunities.
"Breathtaking ocean views and a paved path make this Oahu hike a must-do!"
☀️ Beat the Sun
Hike early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense midday sun. Bring water and sunscreen!
🔭 Binoculars for Whales
If visiting in winter, bring binoculars for a better chance to spot whales offshore.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Makapu'u Point Lighthouse
Summit of the trail
Iconic historic lighthouse offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and coastline.
Ocean Vistas & Coastal Scenery
Along the trail
Breathtaking, unobstructed views of the turquoise ocean, dramatic cliffs, and neighboring islands.
Whale Watching (Seasonal)
Along the trail
During winter months, this is a prime spot to witness humpback whales migrating offshore.
Makapu'u Tide Pools
Off-trail, requires caution
Natural tide pools with vibrant blue waters, accessible with a careful venture off the main path.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Trail Accessibility & What to Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☀️ Beat the Sun
Hike early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense midday sun. Bring water and sunscreen!
🔭 Binoculars for Whales
If visiting in winter, bring binoculars for a better chance to spot whales offshore.
👟 Paved & Stroller-Friendly
The trail is paved and suitable for strollers, making it accessible for families.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trail
Leashed dogs are welcome on the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail.
Tips
from all over the internet
☀️ Beat the Sun
Hike early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense midday sun. Bring water and sunscreen!
🔭 Binoculars for Whales
If visiting in winter, bring binoculars for a better chance to spot whales offshore.
👟 Paved & Stroller-Friendly
The trail is paved and suitable for strollers, making it accessible for families.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trail
Leashed dogs are welcome on the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail.
⚠️ Tide Pool Caution
Accessing the tide pools requires venturing off-trail and can be slippery. Be cautious!
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Parking is limited, especially during peak hours. Arrive early or be prepared to wait.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail for its breathtaking ocean views, accessible paved path, and the chance to spot whales during the winter months. The lighthouse itself is a picturesque landmark. Some find the incline challenging, and parking can be difficult during peak times. Accessing the tide pools requires caution.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is located at the end of Makapu'u Lighthouse Road in Waimanalo, Oahu. You can drive there, and parking is available at the trailhead, though it can fill up quickly.
Yes, the trail is well-marked and located at the easternmost point of Oahu. Follow signs for Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Road.
Driving is the most convenient way to reach the trailhead. Consider a scenic drive along the coast to enjoy other East Oahu attractions. +1
Currently, there are no dedicated shuttle services directly to the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail. Renting a car or using ride-sharing services are the primary options.
Yes, it's about a 30-45 minute drive from Waikiki to Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail, depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required to access the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail. It's a public park.
The trail is generally open from sunrise to sunset. However, it's best to check local park hours for any specific closures or changes. +1
The lighthouse itself is not open for public tours, and there is no admission fee to hike the trail to view it from the outside.
While the trail is technically open during daylight hours, hiking after dark is not recommended due to safety and visibility concerns.
The main restriction is that dogs must be on a leash. Otherwise, it's open to the public during daylight hours.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The round trip is about 2 miles and typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your pace and how long you stop to enjoy the views.
It's considered a moderate hike due to a gradual, consistent incline on the paved path. It's manageable for most fitness levels.
Yes, the paved surface makes it very stroller-friendly, which is great for families with young children.
Swimming is not recommended directly from the lighthouse trail due to rough waters and rocky shores. Makapu'u Beach nearby offers swimming opportunities.
Comfortable walking or hiking shoes are recommended. Light, breathable clothing, a hat, and sunglasses are essential due to the sun exposure.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire trail offers stunning photo opportunities. The summit near the lighthouse provides panoramic ocean and coastline shots. The tide pools also offer unique photographic subjects.
Absolutely! Sunrise hikes offer beautiful golden light, and sunset provides dramatic colors over the ocean.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national parks and protected areas. It's best to check current regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ocean views. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting whales.
Generally, no specific photo restrictions apply, but always be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking the path.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The 2-mile round trip is manageable for most children, and the stunning ocean views provide constant engagement. Pack plenty of snacks and water, and consider an early morning hike to avoid the heat and potential crowds. The chance to spot whales in winter can be a magical experience for kids! 🐶 Dog Owners
The paved path is comfortable for paws, and your dog will likely enjoy the fresh air and scenic views as much as you do. Remember to bring water for both of you and clean up after your pet. 📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical times for capturing breathtaking light.+1 If you're adventurous, the Makapu'u Tide Pools provide unique, vibrant blue backdrops.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Whale Watching at Makapu'u
To enhance your whale watching experience, bring binoculars.
The paved trail offers unobstructed views of the ocean, allowing you to scan the horizon for these magnificent marine mammals. While sightings are not guaranteed, the winter months significantly increase your chances. Even without whale sightings, the panoramic ocean views are spectacular. Remember that whale watching is a seasonal activity. If you're visiting outside of the winter months, you'll still enjoy the stunning coastal scenery and the historic lighthouse, but the chances of spotting whales will be very low.
Exploring the Makapu'u Tide Pools
These natural pools, carved into the volcanic rock, fill with crystal-clear turquoise water, creating a picturesque scene. However, accessing them requires venturing off the main paved trail, and it's crucial to proceed with extreme caution.The terrain leading to the tide pools can be uneven, slippery, and involve navigating rocky paths. Visitors are advised to wear appropriate footwear with good grip and be mindful of the ocean's conditions. It's important to note that these pools are best enjoyed during low tide.
While the tide pools are a popular spot for photos and a refreshing dip for some, safety should always be the top priority. Always check the ocean conditions and be aware of your surroundings. If you're not comfortable with off-trail exploration or rocky terrain, sticking to the main lighthouse trail is a perfectly rewarding experience.
The Paved Path & Accessibility
This makes the 2-mile round trip hike accessible to a wider range of visitors, including families with strollers and individuals who may find unpaved trails challenging. The gradual incline provides a good workout without being overly strenuous for most. +1This accessibility also extends to dog owners, as the trail is dog-friendly for leashed pets.
This allows more people to enjoy the stunning coastal scenery with their furry companions. The consistent, smooth path ensures a comfortable walking experience, allowing visitors to focus on the breathtaking views rather than navigating difficult terrain. While the paved path is a significant advantage, it's still important to be prepared for the Hawaiian sun. Bring water, wear sunscreen, and consider a hat, especially during the warmer parts of the day. The accessibility of the trail, combined with its spectacular views, makes it a must-do for many visitors to Oahu.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit