Oahu's Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail

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O'ahu, Hawaii

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(5 votes, 3 reviews)

Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.0 miles / 3.2 km
Duration: 1-3 hours

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Overview: This hike in the Ka Iwi State Scenic Shoreline offers great views of the eastern shore as well as views all the way to Moloka'i and Lana'i on a clear day.

If you are here between November and May you may be lucky enough to see humpback whales migrating between Oahu and Moloka'i and Lana'i. Look out for water spouts in the distance.

This entire hike is along a paved path with great views the entire time, and is a hike not to be missed. The lighthouse is not open to the public, but you can get close and take some amazing pictures with Waimanalo's beaches far below.

Tips: This entire hike is exposed and this area of the island can be very hot. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen—you may admire the views from the top for longer than you expected.

Bring binoculars if you are here during humpback whale migrating season (November-May).

Points of Interest

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Trail head

Turn off Kalanianaole Highway just before you bend around the island headed toward Waimanalo; park in the parking lot directly after the turnoff. The trail begins at the far side of the parking lot along the paved path.

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The trail

The trail to the lighthouse is paved the entire way and climbs gradually the entire hike. To your right you can see Koko Crater in the distance and cacti near the side of the trail.

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Great views

As you pass the halfway point on the way up you will start hiking north toward the lighthouse. You will see more cacti along the path and if you are hiking during whale migration season (November to May), you may see humpback whales swimming between Oahu and Moloka'i and Lana'i.

On a clear day you can see all the way to Moloka'i and Lana'i. Continue along the path until you reach the top.

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Makapu'u Lighthouse

At the top you will see the Makapu'u Lighthouse, one of Oahu's most famous landmarks. The lighthouse was built in 1909, but sadly you cannot go inside or to the top of it today. However, you can take pictures of the red and white lighthouse against the bright blue ocean in the background.

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Views of Waimanalo

Near the lighthouse you will have amazing views of the eastern side of Oahu, with views of Waimanalo Beach and even Kailua and Olomana peak in the distance. From the top you can see how blue the water is and you will likely see swimmers and surfers down below.

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Bunker

If you want a little more of a challenge, hike up the dirt trail to the west, up to the bunker. From here you can see Koko Crater in the distance and the parking lot below, as well as a nice panoramic view of the whole island to the west.

Pictures in this guide taken by: chris

How does this work?

This gentle, paved incline is an easy hike which provides glorious views the entire way. The lighthouse is off limits but the view from the peak is better anyway. We walked it in flops after visiting the really nice beach at Makapu’u Cove just north of the lookout point.

Note too that midway in the hike there is an unmarked trail to a lava bench at sea level with several blow-holes, a.k.a. “Dragon’s Nostrils.” When we were there, the ocean was somewhat calm and afforded several tide pools for ocean side soaking.

Visited on Aug 09, 2012

by JRLuker on Aug 21, 2012

Great, easy hike with amazing views of island coastline. If you can do it from Jan-Apr you are almost guaranteed of seeing some whales.

Make sure you take lots of water as it can get very hot!
Visited on Aug 12, 2011

by Wads on Aug 22, 2011

I don't know how I missed this trail for 5 years while visiting Oahu. The path is paved the whole way up, but it offers create views of Diamond Head, the lighthouse, and all of Waimanalo all the way to Kailua. You can every seen Moloka'i and Lana'i on a clear day.

The whole hike probably took about an hour and that was with a long rest on the top of one of the bunkers at the top of the hill.

If you want some great views (especially of Waimanalo) this is the best place to do it!
Visited on Feb 16, 2010

by chris on Feb 10, 2011