Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse

The Basics

The scenic Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail is entirely paved and stretches for 1.2 miles (2 kilometers). The hike affords views of Makapu’u Beach, Koko Head, and, on clear days, the neighboring islands of Lanai and Molokai. Lucky hikers will also see humpback whales breaching in winter months. There are also several delights along the trail, including military pillboxes and teeming tide pools.

Most travelers hike the trail independently, while many group and private tours of East Oahu and the entire island include stops at the Makapu’u Point Lookout.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Makapu’u Point is ideal for lighthouse enthusiasts and anyone looking for a lovely, low-impact outdoor experience.

• There is no access to the lighthouse.

• Good walking shoes are recommended, as are a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. On cloudy days, tote a rain jacket.

• The trail is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, though it does have a moderate grade to the lighthouse. The side trail to the tide pools is not accessible.

How to Get There

The Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail is located on Oahu’s southeastern point, about 16 miles (26 kilometers) from downtown Honolulu. If driving, park on the street or in the free Makapu’u Point Lookout parking lot (opens at 7am) at the base of the hike.

When to Get There

The trail is open year-round. Oahu has mild tropical weather but can be wet in winter and quite hot in summer. No matter the time of year, arrive early in the day to avoid crowds and heat.

Makapu’u Tide Pools

Once you reach the third rest stop along the lighthouse trail, you can climb down a challenging, rocky trail to the Makapu’u tide pools. Made of black volcanic rock, the pools host sea stars, crabs, fish, and intermittent blowholes. Be advised that this portion of the hike is unpaved and best suited to experienced hikers. There have been serious injuries and deaths at the tide pools—visitors are advised to stay far from the area during high tide.

Ways to explore

Whether you visit on your own or as part of a guided tour of the island and its lookouts, the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse is an excellent place to take in the scenery. The paved trail is considered a moderately easy hike. Note that you’ll need around 45 minutes to an hour for the route (not including time spent admiring the view!), so be sure to plan your trip accordingly.

Accessibility

It’s wheelchair accessible, but the steep incline could be a challenge.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunscreen, water bottle, camera

What to wear

Sturdy footwear for the hike, sun hat, sunglasses

Not allowed

Littering, smoking

Amenities

Paved trail, benches

Address 

To reach the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse, you can drive, take a taxi, use public transit, or join a tour that includes transportation. Just be sure to arrive early in the day if you need to park, because spots can fill up quickly.

Driving

If you’re coming from downtown Honolulu, take the H‑1 East freeway until it turns into the Kalanianaʻole Highway (Hwy 72). From there, drive past Hawaiʻi Kai, Hanauma Bay, and Sandy Beach until you see the turn‑off for the Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail.

Public transportation

From Honolulu, take TheBus route 23 or 69 to the SEA LIFE® Park stop. From there, you can walk about 15–25 minutes along the highway to the trailhead.

Best times to visit

Visiting the lighthouse early in the morning or in the late afternoon will help you beat the heat and avoid the crowds.

Best days to visit

Weekdays tend to be less crowded at the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse, so visiting from Monday to Thursday will be the most comfortable.

Best months to visit

For whale watching, visit the lighthouse from December to May.

Special events

Oahu hosts a number of cultural events throughout the year, including the Honolulu Festival in March and the Aloha Festivals in September.