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Parking is free but somewhat tight and limited. You just have to get to the open space as someone is leaving. Otherwise, parking along the main road just means a little further walk in which isn't bad. The hike is on solid paved road with a slight incline in the early parts of the trail. You can finish it in roughly 1-1.5 hours round trip without counting stoppage for photos for the ocean coast scenes. The lighthouse can't be accessed anymore but you can still see it below from the top vista point. The ocean views are excellent. Children and strollers and dogs are frequently seen as it's a more family oriented, easier hike.
Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail is a trail on the southeastern side of Oahu along the Kalanianaʻole Highway. There's a parking lot at the trailhead and on the short road to get there. The trail itself is fully-paved and is about 2 miles round trip to the lighthouse and back. It takes about an hour to complete but could take longer depending on your pace and due to the different viewing stops along the route. Although relatively short there is no shade along the hike. The summit of the trail has panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the coast, and Koko Crater. The Makapuʻu Lighthouse was built in 1909 and is active although inaccessible from the hike. From December to May this is a prime viewing spot for humpback whales. The paved trail and small elevation gain make this feel less like a hike and more like a stroll. The views are great and you'll be lucky if you can see some whales.
The Views From The Top of Makapu'u are Beautiful! Such an amazing hike with a makai views most of the way shared with mauka views the rest as you hit switchbacks on your way up and back. Park or rideshare to the base and bring water. Some wear exercise footwear, some feel comfortable making the 2 mile round trip trek in slippers since it is paved and well kept. Pet and keiki friendly, easy to take strollers to the top. There is one area I recall that has steps only access. On a clear day, Molokai is easy to view along with the light house and nearby Sea Life Park. The Google says this is 500 ft incline so it is not flat and does take a bit of effort, as they estimate for anyone not typically in hike mode to plan about 1 hour 30 minutes. Sunscreen and a hat or visor are a good idea as well! (And take !)
Fantastic paved trail on the east side of the island. Parking always a challenge; note, I have witnessed terrible parking attempts with bumping on multiple occasions, so don't bring your fancy car here. Came 3 times in January with visiting friends, specifically to watch for whales. Was rewarded with epic views of multiple whales breaching and spouting just off the coast. Incredible views, even on days without whale sightings. Trail is paved, open and HOT, so come early and wear a hat.
It's a gorgeous hike on a paved road! Definitely go early because the parking gets pretty packed after 10am. We took our little dog there and I made such a mistake of not bringing him water on the trail and left it in the car! He was so exhausted and I had to carry him half the time. It was pretty hot without any shade so it was a tough walk for him. The view is absolutely gorgeous here and although it may seem easy, make sure you keep your loved ones close. Keep an eye out on any older folks you're with because there's been a time when a man had cardiac arrest while he was walking and sadly passed. Also, we saw a man with a baby in a stroller almost like a newborn baby and the baby was crying so much because it was so hot! Probably not a good idea to bring your small dogs and babies. It gets super hot if you go past around 9am. On our walk, we even saw some whales from afar! Awesome views and it's free so bring your water, sunscreen and camera!
This is a very family friendly hike. The entire path is paved. However, there isn't any shade so it gets really hot during peak times. Remember to bring extra water. I've seen people push a baby stroller up this hike. I think this may be the easiest hike on Oahu. The difficulty is probably only a 1/5. The view is very beautiful so it's worth the walk up there. You cannot goto the lighthouse Parking can be really bad if you go after 10am. Get there early to secure a spot.
Walked the trail last year and took it further and explored the tide pools this year! The trail is very family friendly as I took my family last year and the paved road made it safe and easy to walk up. The tide pools were a little more work to get to, so wear shoes with grip and watch your step! This trail with the pools takes some time out of the day and it was nice to chill in the cool water for a bit. There are sea urchins so water shoes would be helpful. I'd recommend the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail for your itinerary as a great introduction to one of the many trails if you are visiting for the first time!
This paved inclined trail leads to an historic lighthouse also offering spectacular coastal views of the Pacific Ocean. There's no shade best to visit in the morning. Parking can be limited advised to arrive early. Bring plenty of water to replenish along the way because it can get exhausting. Walk on your own pace as there are also lots of break stops overlooking the stunning ocean. As you reach the lighthouse, a rewarding view will await you. Glad I took the time to take my kids for this amazing experience. Perfect for families and casual hikers.
This was a good hike for my level. It's on a paved path, is long enough, and there are several resting spots to stop and take a breath when needed. I think it's a 2-2.5 miles round trip hike. The views on the way and at the top are beautiful! The walk up is pretty steep and I definitely needed those resting spots as well as lots of water! There were many different levels of hikers, including young and older, and families with kids in strollers. I did the hike in Reef flip flops (silly me!), which was fine, but good walking shoes would have been so much better. At the top is the viewing area which looks out towards Molokai and where you can see the lighthouse. Beautiful views of Hawaii's deep blue seas. The path and viewing area is clean and kept up nicely. I didn't notice any bathrooms. The paved parking lot has some parking spots. It was full when we arrived, so we parked along the busy street. This is a good hike that won't get you dusty and dirty (because of being paved). But, you will get sweaty and thirsty. So be sure to take water and wear comfortable shoes.
Great trail, with nice views at the top! There path is paved, and the elevation change is pretty gradual, so it's suitable for most skill levels. The only issue to keep in mind is that there's essentially no shade for the majority of the route. Plan ahead with lots of sunscreen, water, and frequent breaks as needed. Once at the top, be sure to check out the lighthouse just beneath the peak! read more
We are lucky to live 10 minutes away from this 2.4 mile round trip hike up to the lighthouse view point. There are many whales during Spring time, bring binoculars! My dog did this with his wheels. There's a 500'ft elevation gain, well worth the 1 hour hike. Beautiful views of the coastline, and can see islands of Lanai, Molokai and Maui! Bring water and a hat. Best time is before 9am or after 4:30p. There's a tide pool with Dragon's Nostrils blow hole right next to it. You can hike down (20-30 min) and swim in the tide pool, it's not marked, but there a trail on left side of 2nd look out spot for whales. read more
1 year ago
Beautiful hike with whale spotting opportunities. We were in awe of the turquoise ocean here. One of the best vista points on Oahu. read more
My favorite hiking trail, which is not as brutal and I can handle even before my starting my new healthy lifestyle. I wish I lived closer, I would love to hike here every single day. Its really a nice treat when I have a chance to hike Makapu'u. Usually during State Holidays when I don't have any trip plans or when my daughter comes for a visit, she loves this trail just as much as I do. During this recent visit to Makapu'u was with my daughter, she was here for a short visit and we did an impromptu here. With only 2 hours to hike and back home so she could get ready to hang out with her friends. We finish our hike and back home within that that time frame. Parking could be a problem as this trail gets busy crowded, We were lucky most times scoring a spot. Once my other half had to park on the main road. Please no valuables in the car, there has been tons of break ins recently per social media post. Don't forget water, sunscreen, sun attire, comfortable footwear, & good music for the hike. Best time to hike is to catch the sunrise, sunset or whale watching. I usually miss all of this but I will plan for this next time. I LOVE this hike, so safe and loved the paved trails. Love seeing all the cute doggies hiking it up too. OH my wow!! & What a reward reaching the top, such amazing breathtaking views, taking it all in, grateful and lucky to live here on such a beautiful island. I cherish all the moments I have with my daughter and my family here. such beautiful memories! Don't forget Makapu'u closes at 7:45 pm. read more
While visiting Oahu, Nadine C. asked if I wanted to do a sunrise hike at Makapu'u. At the top/end of the trail, we would be able to see the Lighthouse. I of course said, "Yes!" I was excited until I found out that we would need to meet at 4:40 am to head out... Oh boy, it was early! It was still dark and a flashlight was needed. The lot and entrance was closed. So we had to park on the side of the street and walk around the gates, through the lot, and into the pathway. Nadine was right! I would never have found it on my own. Especially since the sign out from the street said, "Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline." The hike itself was fairly easy. It was paved and had a slight incline. To me it didn't feel like a hike but a leisure walk uphill. I think it's doable for everyone as long as you don't have extreme mobility issues. As for the weather, it's unpredictable in Hawaii... It was cloudy and drizzling as we walked up the trail. It was definitely a treat to see the sunrise at the top. When the sun came out, I got to take in the exquisite view. Surprisingly, the walk down the trail was another treat. The scenery we didn't get to see on the way up was just as beautiful. read more
I really liked this trail. It was so easy, fully paved, busy, had shade at around 4 pm, and had wind. I didn't like that a lot of dog owners don't use leashes, though. That really bothered me. There were a lot of people who went with strollers. read more
This isn't really a hike but rather a slightly inclined walk up. Trail is completely paved. Good for all ages with any type of footwear. It's a pretty short walk ( less than 1 hour up and down) with a spectacular view of the ocean. Beautiful in all weather conditions, rain or shine. Parking lot is small and can fill up quickly. You can park alongside the highway and that's a short walk to the trailhead. read more
My friend organized a pre-dawn hike at this popular trail on the southeastern tip of the island of Oahu. She likes to take first-time visitors here to get a glimpse of the ocean while the sun is just peeking above the horizon. There were four of us in the group, and we arrived in pitch black darkness shortly after 5 am. The gates to the parking lot didn't open until 7 am so we parked our vehicles on the shoulder of Hwy 72 and walked onto the trail grounds. The path was completely paved and was a part of the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline. The roundtrip was 2.5 miles out and back. If you don't stop at the Makapu'u Lookout (why wouldn't you?) and turn around immediately, then you can complete the circuit in less than 90 minutes. The blacktop surface was very wide, and the elevation gain was approximately 500 feet. There were various stops where mounted signs described the scenery and points of interest in the distance. Since it was before sunrise, we didn't pause long at any of these spots and saved them for the daylight return trek. I would call this hike more of a stroll as it was leisurely and not difficult at all if you are an experienced hiker. If fortunate, then you might be able to spot whales in the water on their migration journey. We did not notice any during our time on the trail. From the Lookout, you can see the Makapu'u Lighthouse a few hundred feet further down the bluff and much closer to the shoreline. With the early start, we showed up well in advance of the sunrise time of 6:53 am. I think our group was the second to arrive which gave us a prime viewpoint. About a couple of dozen hikers made it to the Lookout by the time the sun began to reveal itself. The conditions weren't optimal though because clouds obscured a significant portion of the horizon as the sun tried to poke through the cover. One person in our party mentioned that the sunrise view was equally impressive, if not more so, from the ocean level at Makapu'u Beach Park which was north and west of the Lookout. Besides looking eastward at the sun and water, other views such as Koko Crater to the south and west and Mānana Island Seabird Sanctuary (aka Rabbit Island) to the north were also quite beautiful. By the time we returned to the trailhead, the parking lot was nearly full of vehicles. I recommend starting early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds on the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail. read more
3 years ago
What a great spot! I'll admit, my son and I are pretty athletic people but we both have some serious things coming up in the near future so as much as I'd like to have flown into HNL and gone on the most adventurous hikes we could find - I knew for both of our sake we had to play it very safe (not my usual speed). I'd never in a million years refer to this as a "hike", it's a walk as most hikes are walks on dirt but a hike to me is something with a good amount of elevation change that I'm out on for hours on end. You'll be to the light house on a paved path in less than 20minutes, call it what you want! Once reaching the final outlook and spotting the lighthouse we then began to spot SO many whales!!!! This is why this is a 5 STAR experience. Never in my life have I spotted this many whales. I'm not certain I've ever even seen a whale (Thanks Alaska in October!) but we spotted at least 14 different whales in several different areas along this trail. It was such a peaceful experience to be so present, staring out at the calm waters as they frolicked about. It felt like a slow constant dopamine drip. Each time one does something everyone gets so excited, Oooo's and Awwww's smiles, excitement. It really was incredible! Very little in this world can hold my attention for any length of time, so it's really nice when something actually does and this did. We'd stop at several outlooks and each paid off. If you love humpback whales, bring your binoculars and some good sunscreen because this place does not disappoint. If you're looking for a strenuous hike, this is by no means it. It's less than 2 miles and if you don't stop to whale watch every chance you get - you'll be in and out in maybe 35minutes. Fantastic area! I'm obsessed with light houses and love visiting them so admiring this one was also a nice little treat but the highlight was definitely the amount of whale activity. Plenty of parking, we snagged a spot closest to the gate because we love getting our steps in and didn't want to try to find a close spot knowing this would already be a super short walk. read more
1 year ago
A nice uphill hike. Takes about 45 minutes. Gorgeous views and you may see whales. Park closes at 6:45 and parking is free. read more
Beautiful place to hike and enjoy fresh air without admission, and there are plenty of parking available. The trial is paved all the way, very safe for walking/hiking, and even running since the slope/incline is not too challenging for all ages. It is advertised that from November to April visitors can see the humpback whales , if they are lucky. read more
Easy paved hiking trail if you're looking for an easy morning walk. May see whales if you're lucky. It is steep certain part of the trail but not hard or slippery. There's parking if you go early or wait for someone to leave. About 1.5 hour up and down if you take your time. read more
11 months ago
Wake up those calve muscles by walking this trail. The incline is real, folks, so if your not ship shaped, then your calves are going to be nasty the next day. So, no shocker here, my calves were screaming at me for daysss!!! I saw all walks of life going up this trail - families with strollers, seniors with walkers, kiddies running up and down, normal Joes, like myself, and exercise buffs running up the trail with no issues. However, you can not beat the views when you get to the top and you can't help but to do a little happy dance when you get up there! There are no shades to reprieve you from the sun, so, bring a hat or umbrella. And for goodness sakes, bring water! I don't recommend bringing your dog unless you have lots and lots of water to share with them. I saw a few thirsty dogs at the top and I felt bad for them :(. read more
Easy hike to the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse with amazing views along the way. This hike is a short 2.5 miles round trip and is paved pretty much the entire way. Parking is limited and fills up quickly. I arrived around 8:30 am on a Wednesday morning and was able to snag one of the last parking spots along the side of the road right outside of the small parking lot. This hike is super popular, so I'd advise that you get there as soon as possible to secure parking. The trails starts on a gradual incline up a paved road. The total elevation gain isn't too difficult, but you'll be able to enjoy the scenic views as you move higher up the trail. Although the path is paved, it's surrounded by vibrant tropical plants and lush greenery. Could not believe how incredibly green the vegetation was on this trail but that's just Hawaii for you. You'll get to a point when the trail levels off and becomes more of a brisk walk than a hike. This was honestly my favorite part of the hike because the coastal views are immaculate. You'll get to enjoy some scenic coastal views all throughout this hike. You'll even be able to spot the lighthouse from certain parts of the trail. Not sure if it's actually open to the public, but the trail leading to it was closed when I went. Of course, nothing will beat the gorgeous viewpoint near the end of the trail right above the lighthouse. This is where you'll be able to see the true beauty of Hawaii. The views are simple breathtaking and the picture taking opportunities seem to be endless. Although this trail is popular, it wasn't overly crowded. The people who I encountered on the trail were all very friendly and pleasant. This is a great place to bring your lunch or breakfast and enjoy it with a beautiful view. If you have time, I'd recommend hiking out to Alan Davis Beach and taking a sneak peak at the swimming hole down below. If you really plan it out, you can even take a dip in the beach and/or swimming hole. I didn't have much time to really explore the swimming hole, but lunch at Alan Davis beach was so peaceful and serene. All in all, I really enjoyed this easy hike and the views alone are worth the short trek to the top. read more
1 year ago
Super easy and relaxing walk on a paved road to the top. Stroller accessible. Excellent views of the eat and Molokai on a clear day. Watch the waters for whales and dolphins for a little added excitement. read more
If your looking for a hike that's reasonably easy, this would be a good start. Compared to all the others on the island, this one is more steady and it's on a paved road. There's a little lot at the base of the trail as well as parking along the side of the road when coming in. It does get pretty busy depending on time and day. We did mid week and parking was pretty much full already. Was able to get one along the road when you come in. The trail is paved so that makes it pretty easy. It's basically incline the whole way but not bad. After the first incline there's a vista point that over looks the water and mountain which is amazing. Just standing there and enjoying the view alone was worth it. Continuing on, you'll have a couple more vista point along the way. Once to the top, of course another vista point of the island coast and the lighthouse. It was busy on top as there was a guided tour going on. While hike was pretty easy with the paved road. There's not much of seating if you get tired the way up. Round trip was probably 2.5 miles or less. View was amazing, paved road and wide enough. read more
2 years ago
Just beautiful!!! We weren't sure going with our 1 year old but that stroller surely helped with that elevation upwards. Moms you will definitely get a good workout going up and pushing the stroller upwards!! Bring those snacks and water cups for the kids!! Totally worth that uncomfortable humid you'll feel up to the point you feel that good breeze and amazing breath taking view. read more
Great hike that's not too strenuous with a beautiful view at the end of the lighthouse. I was looking for a fairly easy hike since I was with my parents, and this trail was it. It's got a moderate incline but it's paved, so it feels easy. Took us less than two hours to go up, spend time looking and taking pictures, and getting back down. The trail has no shade at all so it gets really hot, so wear sunscreen and drink water. There's a small parking lot but don't bet on having much available spaces if you don't come early enough. read more
Great hiking trail, paved and not too steep. This place is great for families with kids or elderly family members who are still very active. The trail is easy to follow with stunning views of the ocean. Less than an hour to climb. If you have kids in stroller age, you can do this trial. However, make sure to bring help to alternate the walk/stroll on the way up. read more
We only had about a few hours in the morning before the husband and I had to attend to other engagements in the day, so we decided to do the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail. The trail is not too strenuous, approximately 2.5 miles and takes about 1-2 hours to walk it. The main trail is paved with several lookout points, making it ideal for families! However, the trail is exposed, so I recommend starting early in the morning or later in the day. Also, don't forget the sunscreen, hat, and water! There are other routes that are off trail, if you feel like challenging yourself. Just be careful and read the warning signs! We went during the weekday in which it wasn't crowded and we did not have any issues with parking. I really enjoyed this trail and look forward to returning! read more
We hiked here right after visiting Diamond Head, so it made for a very active first day of vacation! This trail is quite nice and there's a good amount of elevation change, but it's not challenging overall. It's all exposed though, so make sure to bring sun protection and lots of water. The views here are stunning and it's a beautiful part of the island. The trail is free as well and it's a great way to spend part of your day in O'ahu! read more
3 years ago
I'm not sure why but I do love I mean LOVE a lighthouse . This was an easy walk up the pavement that leads you right to the viewing area . I would say it's a little over a mile walk up . Easily done. We did it in the rain and it was not bad. Parking is easy . Free entrance. read more
It's a scenic drive getting to the Makapu'u trail. You'll pass by iconic spots, such as the Lanai lookout and Halona blowhole. Hiking around the end of February at 2:30pm, the wind was strong. There was not a lot of shade throughout the hike. However, we didn't mind the sun since it was a little overcast. At the start of the hike, there is a small parking lot. Parking is free! The entire trail was paved, so you don't have to worry about bumpy, slippery rocks while enjoying the scenic landscape. I loved seeing the ocean and Koko Crater along the way. You can soak in that fresh ocean air. The top view was magnificent. The ocean, clouds, breeze, lighthouse, and pyroclastic tuff cones create that wow factor. It's a nice break from the city to enjoy nature. Honestly, I like the view from Makapu'u trail a lot more than the Diamond Head hike. It's definitely a hidden gem, and not as overhyped/crowded. Going at a steady pace with frequent breaks to take photos, it took us about 1 hour and 10 minutes round trip. FYI: I didn't see any restroom before or during the hike. Make sure you use the bathroom before venturing out to hike. read more
I'm not a big hiking person but I have been on a few hikes in Hawaii but not sure this is considered a real hike as it is paved like a street the whole way. There really is no flat area as it is an upgrade the whole way. There is virtually no shade on this walk so better wear sunscreen and bring some water. There is some side paths during this walk that people hike and it leads to the ocean or lookout spots. At the end of this walk is a nice lookout point of the lighthouse and Makapu'u beach. To the left of the lookout point is a short small hike up to some pillboxes. There are 3 different pillboxes up there. There was no one real path going up but several different ways. The view up on the top pillbox is even better than the lookout point and few people go to the pillboxes so go check it out. There is limited amount of parking so go early to find one and at same time avoid the scorching sun. The view at the top is beautiful as is most hikes in Hawaii. read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
I loved this hike so much that I stopped by here TWICE to do the hike. Located on the East Side, Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail is a pretty light trail/hike to see the famous(?) Makapu'u Point Lighthouse, and I would say you definitely want to stop by here if you're on the East Side. I recorded how long it takes to get up there, and it's less than 1.5 miles to get to the peak of the hike, and with average speeds, you should be able to go up in 30 minutes or less. The incline is not bad at all, and best of all - the trail is paved so you don't have to worry about any rocky roads (unless you want to go for the second peak.. which is like another good 10-15 minute deep incline hike, which offers pretty magnificent views as well). On your hikeup, you'll see great views along the way so your eyes are definitely in for a treat. Once you're at the peak, you'll be able to see the great Pacific Ocean, along with the lighthouse, and you'll also see these two small islands (I looked it up but forgot what they were called) which is just gorgeous to see. On the other side, you'll see beautiful mountains, so you really do get the best of both worlds. One thing I would say be cautious of is that there are a LOT of gnats at the peak of the trail. So keep moving around so they don't stick on you. Parking is free here but it can get limited during peak hours so make sure to plan accordingly. read more
4 years ago
Gorgeous hike and great alternative to Diamond Head and Pillbox! Originally, we were trying to do the Diamond Head hike but it turns out that they require reservations as of May 2022. We weren't planning on doing this hike at all but we're glad we did! The hike is about 2.5 miles round trip with moderate incline and can be challenging if you're not used to it. The trail is actually entirely paved so it is wheel chair friendly! It took our group of 10+ about 2 hours with the steady pace and frequent photo breaks. The views are beautiful even though you cannot go to the lighthouse itself. Parking- Free and plenty if you come earlier. Restrooms- None that I saw. read more
Jax did it!!! Sunset 2 mile hike Makapu'u Lighthouse This is Jax's second hike, first hike with the doggie hike group. We both had a slow start at first, but after some rest at the first look out, some water and mommy put on a Jax's cooling vest. Jax was pulling Mommy up the hill. The Makapuu Lighthouse hike will take you about 30 /60 minutes to reach the top. With a few switchbacks, you'll find some great viewing spots early on and along the way. Take time to enjoy the beautiful coastal views towards Koko Head as you start your climb. The Oahu hiking trail is paved from the parking lot to the top. It's a moderate climb that travels approximately 500 feet up to a viewing platform. People can't decide if it is a 1 1/2 mile hike, 2 mile hike or 2 1/2 mile hike. To us it felt like a 2 1/2 mile hike going up and a 1 mile hike going down. Most folks including younger kids will enjoy this hike, and should be able to make the journey to the top. Dogs are welcomed on this hike, they must be on a leash. It is best to walk them during sunset or sunrise or on a cool day. There is no shade on the trail and it can get very hot. Humpback Whales watching, keep an eye out toward the ocean once you cross the first ridgeline, because you just might spot some humpback whales migrating if you're lucky! Migrating seasons is typically May - November. Although the Makapuu Lighthouse is off limits, you will have two opportunities to view it, including a great side view with a private curving walkway that leads to the structure. read more
4 years ago
It's summer time! That means fun adventures, hiking and exploring the island i've lived on since birth. Never been to the lighthouse hike before so this was the first time and I enjoyed myself. It's a short and easy hike with a nice paved road. Great for families, people of all ages and bikers it seems. We saw families with their kids in strollers and a few people on bikes gettin their exercise on! We arrived around 10am which is kinda late for a hike for myself because normally around 7-8am is great for hikes in my opinion. There were a lot of cars in the parking lot, it was packed and we had to wait a bit for someone to leave. The views are great. At the bottom near the ocean, there's a couple pools of water we saw people hike down the mountain to. Overall, it was a really nice hike and glad I came here finally. read more
5 years ago
Oahu has no shortages of great hiking trails and if you're looking for something easy yet rewarding, look no further than the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse trail. Although there is plenty of incline going up, this is one of the simpler hikes on the island to do due to its wide, paved path and shorter distance. You'll still get a good workout but your legs won't feel like jello going down afterwards. The trail is about 2 miles and shouldn't take you more than an hour roundtrip unless you make stops along the way, which you totally should! You'll find plenty of breathtaking sights to see along this including Rabbit Island, Waimanalo Beach, Makepu'u Beach, and more. You can even see far enough into Kailua and Lanikai where you can spot the Mokes, Popoia Island and even Molokai in the distance on a good day. In the wintertime, you can sometimes catch whales breaching to the ocean surface if you get lucky. This hike is also the sight of the famous Makapu'u Tidepools, which you can climb down the rocks to if you dare. Wear plenty of sunscreen and a hat, as there is nearly no shade on this trail. You get a nice ocean breeze in the morning but it can still get hot around noon and the afternoon. Parking is first come, first serve and generally easy as people are always coming in and out at all times of the day. read more
1 year ago
Typically, I love to go on this hike with friends and family who are visiting. It is the perfect way to show them the incredible views at the South part of the island and the hike is paved and wide making it universally-appealing. Recently, I went at sunset and it was absolutely stunning. I want to do this hike more often and make it more of a routine to add to my week. It was so nice in the evening because it wasn't too hot and the sun wasn't blazing down on us. It was such a nice way to end the day! I love that this hike is maintained so well and there is plenty of parking. Make sure to bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses if you are going during peak sun hours as it can get bright. There is plenty of parking but it can get crowded if you go late-morning. read more
3 years ago
This trail is pretty short (an hour round trip) and is paved, which is perfect if you're traveling/hiking with someone who has difficulty hiking trails. It can get super hot during the day so definitely bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. The views are great and you can go down to the tidepools, highly recommend. read more
More info about Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail
Kalanianaole Hwy
Honolulu, HI 96825
Directions
(808) 587-0300
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https://dlnr.hawaii.gov
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Ask the Community - Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail
Is Makapu'u open on Christmas Day?
How long does it take to hike the trail?
Usually less than 2hrs round trip. It can take much longer depending on stopping for pictures and exploring. People can run up and down in less than 45min.
How late do they close?
The trail gates usually starts closing around 6:45p everyday. Definitely plan ahead as it's about 1hr hike or longer depending if you stop a lot.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are allowed on-leash, under control of the owner. There are usually several dogs on the trail, so if your pup struggles to behave around other dogs, keep that in mind. Enjoy!!
Is this trail still open to the public right now?
Per the DLNR website, all State Parks are closed until further notice.… Read more
Is the Trail closed due to covid-19?
The Dept of Land @ Resources has closed state parks til end of the month.
My friend and I want to come do this hike to see sunset. Will our car get locked in if we return to it after 7:30? If so, where is an alternate place to park?
You can park on the shoulder of the main road just outside of the gate. Just to be on the safe side.
We want to hike Makapuu to see the sunrise but it said the trail doesn't open until 7am...is the top accessible any other way?
You can park on the side of the road and walk in through the gate -- a lot of people do this so they can catch the sunrise
Can u do it with stroller?double stroller 😂?
Absolutely can hike with stroller. I've hiked with a 1 and 4yr old. Plenty of stopping points as well it's all nicely paved.
Is this a place to see sunrise or sunset? Is there a waterfall?
a lot of people hike here for the sunrise
8.26. will it open?
The lighthouse itself has been closed for a while now, but the trail is always open even when it's closed!
What happens if you go before it opens?
The main gate will be closed, so you won't be able to get a vehicle in there. It's possible that you could be cited for trespassing if you are caught on the trail after hours. They do patrol the area. (I once witnessed a group that was detained for… Read more
What other fun things to do nearby?
Snorkeling at Haunama Bay, lunch with a view at Kona Brewing Company, SeaLife Park, watching the surfers and boogieboarders at Makapu'u or Sandy Beach Parks.
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Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail - hiking - Updated July 2026
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