Hours: 7 a.m. - 6:45 p.m.; Monday - Sunday
Price: FREE
About Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail
Makapu’u Point is the Eastern-most tip of Oahu. At the end of the point sits a charming lighthouse. The giant lens of the Makapu’u Lighthouse is the largest of its kind and is still in operation today – the lens was even exhibited at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.
The Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail is a two-and-a-half mile, paved hike that’s considered easy to moderate. The trail was formed on an extinct volcano -- one of five that you’ll see on Shaka Guide’s East Oahu Shoreline Drive. As your walking to the summit, you’ll take in views of Oahu’s rugged landscapes, including Kokohead, Makapu’u Beach, and Rabbit and Shark Fin Islands.
Pro tip! If you don’t feel like hiking, but still want to stop and see the historic lighthouse -- head to the scenic lookout on the side of the road! We’ll guide you there on our East Oahu Shoreline Drive. We'll guide you there on Shaka Guide's East Oahu Shoreline Drive.
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Parking
There is limited parking at Makapu’u, however, this trail is not as busy as Diamond Head. On weekdays, you’re likely to find a spot. On the Saturdays and Sundays, the lot tends to fill up, but you can park along the entryway into the lot.
Tips For Your Visit
Makapu’u Lighthouse from the hiking trail | Photo by Kaleismith, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Bring Water
There is no place to fill up your bottle on the route. Even if you’re an avid hiker, this trail is rarely shaded and is over two miles round trip.
Wear Sunscreen
As we mentioned, this hike has little shade. The sun is extremely powerful here in Hawaii. Make sure you have the proper attire and sun protection.
Gorgeous view from the top of the hiking trail | Photo by Carol Miranda, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Bring a Camera
This hike has some of the best views on Oahu. At the summit, you’ll look down at Makapu’u Lighthouse as pristine ocean and rocky, coastal cliffs surround you.
Wear Sneakers
Although this hike is considered easy, we highly recommend wearing sneakers. You’ll gain over 500 feet in elevation as you traverse the trial.
Stop and look for Whales
In the “winter” -- November to April -- humpback whales frequent the waters around Makapu’u to spawn. Keep an eye out as they come to the surface for air; you may even see one breach!
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SHAKA GUIDE'S OAHU TOURS: Grand Circle Island Tour, East Oahu Shoreline Drive, Honolulu's Backyard Rainforest Tour, Legendary North Shore Loop, Heart of Waikiki Walking Tour, Historic Downtown Honolulu Walking Tour
