These hiking poles are sturdy, and great to help keep your balance on short or longer hikes
It’s kind of funny that even though Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail is the second most popular trail in Oahu, Hawaii, we hadn’t hiked it in its entirety in all of the times we’ve been to Oahu. When we’re in Oahu, we’re usually looking for more challenging hikes such as 3 Peaks, Crouching Lion, or the Puu Ohulehule. The Makapuu Lighthouse Trail is a bit too tame for us. However, this last time around, with our family in towed, we decided to take them to the top of this popular trail. There is a reason why Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail is one of the most popular trails in Oahu. Because it is paved all the way, it is easy for beginner hikers, the elderly, and children. This also means that the whole family can enjoy the spectacular views of the coastline and the historic Makapuu Lighthouse. And if you’re here at the right time, you can even see whales or dolphins.
Trailhead:
Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail, Waimanalo, HI 96795
21.305557, -157.655482
There is a small paved parking lot in front of the trailhead. You can also park along the road.
Free
No restroom at the trailhead
Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
The park is open from 7 a.m. to 7.45 p.m.
2 miles R.T.
500ft
Easy
Takes average 1-1.5 hours
Early mornings or late afternoons are recommended to avoid the heat. Winter months (November through April) are the best for whale watching.
Established in 1909, the Makapuu Point Lighthouse has the largest lens of any lighthouse in the United States at the time of its construction. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. For over a century, this lighthouse was the beacon of safety for vessels navigating the dangerous waters around Hawaii. Now automated, the Makapuu Point Lighthouse still served as an important aid to navigation in the islands of Hawaii. The paved path, which was built for keepers and maintenance workers, has since become the popular Makapuu Point Lighthouse trail where visitors and locals alike get to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
The trailhead for the Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail is located off the Kalanianaole Highway (Hwy. 72) at the southeasternmost point of Oahu. You can use the address and GPS coordinates above to map your way there.
From Honolulu:
From Windward Side:
There is a small parking lot near the trailhead. You can also park along the Makapuu Lighthouse road. However, if you do, please make sure to park inside the lines and obey all traffic signs. The gate at the beginning of the road only opens from 7 am to 7:45 pm. If you want to go outside that time frame, you can park along Highway 72 and hike in. It is about 0.25 miles. Again, please make sure to obey all parking signages and stay off the road.
We got to the trailhead around 10 am on a Thursday but there were already cars parking near the gate. There were a lot of people here. We were lucky to be able to snag a spot about halfway along the Makapu’u Lighthouse road. We followed the paved road to the start of Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail.
The trail starts with an immediate incline. Even with the climb, it is gradual so it didn’t feel as bad. The trail is also paved all the way. My mom and aunt were able to climb to the top without any issues, albeit with plenty of breaks. This was also partially due to the heat. Even at 10 am, it was already sweltering hot. There weren’t any shades and because the trail is paved, it also seemed to absorb the heat, which makes the Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail seem even hotter.
The Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail climbs up the western side of the ridge. Along the way, there are a few viewpoints where we could stop to see the spectacular views of the O‘ahu’s southeastern coastline, along with Koko Head and Koko Crater. About halfway through, we reached the top of the ridge. At this point, the trail switches back to the north, following along the ridgeline and the coastline. The trail also leveled out a bit but you still have to climb to the top.
As we climbed higher and higher, the views also became more beautiful. We could see the turquoise water splashed against the dark volcanic rocks. It also became more breezy, a welcome change from the heat. Once we reached the third viewpoint, we could see Makapuu Tidepools, one of our favorite short hikes resting below. If you’re up for some exciting fun, you can hike down to the tidepools from this viewpoint.
The section of Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail after the third viewpoint to the summit is our favorite section of this hike. It runs right along the edge, without any obstructions, providing a clear view of the gorgeous water. Once we were near the summit, there was a small side trail to the right leading straight to the lighthouse. However, we don’t think that you could go very far. It was too hot so we just stayed on the main trail.
Once we reached the summit of Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail, there was a two-level viewpoint area where we had panoramic views of the coastlines. It also got very windy at the summit. From here, we could see the historic Makapu’u Lighthouse sitting on top of the cliff. Too bad you can’t get too close to the lighthouse because it looked quite impressive already from up top. Besides the lighthouse, on a clear day, you might even have Molokai and Lanai. It was quite foggy when we went so we only saw the two small bird sanctuary islands closer to shore. If you love birds, this is a great place to watch the Hawaiian seabirds such as the frigate bird, ‘iwa, and more. If you’re visiting during the right season and time (November – May), you might be able to see humpback whales and tons of seabirds.
After finishing admiring the views and the wildlife, you can head back the same way. The Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail is the easiest trail we have hiked in Oahu. Another one is the Kaena Point, either North or West side. The Manoa Falls is another beautiful hike and not too difficult. It is such a beautiful hike through a tropical paradise. Another tropical paradise is the Hoomaluhia Bonatical Garden.
Happy Adventuring. Don’t forget to check out the related posts below for more inspiration on your upcoming adventures. While at it, follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel! We’ll love you forever!
These are the gear that we personally use and find helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.
These hiking poles are sturdy, and great to help keep your balance on short or longer hikes
If you tend to have foot blisters on hikes, get this! We use this all the time.
Our favorite hiking/travel jacket. It's warm and packable, perfect to bring on a hike or a road trip.
Our favorite hiking/travel jacket. It's warm and packable, perfect to bring on a hike or a road trip.
This jacket is packable into a super small and light little ball. Perfect for when you just need a little…
This jacket is packable into a super small and light little ball. Perfect for when you just need a little…
It's always good to bring a GPS tracker with you. We use the Garmin inReach.
This is Vy's favorite hiking bag! It has tons of room for snacks and water!
Our favorite biodegradable, eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen!
This is our go-to camera for all of our adventures. It comes with us everywhere!
Compact GoPro pole that extends to 25", perfect to bring on your adventure.
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Hi! We are Dustin & Vy, the proud creators of Live That Adventure. We created this website because we wanted to inspire others to live their lives to the fullest. On here, you’ll find everything from hiking, canyoneering, kayaking, and snorkeling to adventure and travel tips, gear reviews, and bucket list items such as bungee jumping or wing walking. We’ll show you the ropes so you can do them too!
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