Makapu'u Lighthouse and Tide pools (Hiking)

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Makapu'u Lighthouse and Tide pools (Hiking)

Description

Overview

This hike is Located at the very tip of southeast Oahu, the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail is ideal for novice hikers and not much more than a brisk walk for experienced hikers with it being a 1.5 mile roundtrip hike. It has a moderate, almost welcoming slope that climbs to the east before turning north for the stretch that takes hikers to the lighthouse. On clear days, Molokai, Maui, and Lanai are visible many miles to the east. The view north from the lighthouse is alone worth the trip, a vista of windward Oahu stretching to the horizon. To the south is the dramatic Ka Iwi Coastline and the towering Koko Crater. The trail is also ideal for whale-watching when the gentle leviathans make their annual pilgrimage to these islands each winter.

Time Commitment

1-3 HOURS

How To Get There

GOOGLE DIRECTIONS :

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Makapuʻu+Point+Lighthouse+Trail,+Hawaii/@21.3038651,-157.6557384,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x7c00117714a2e61d:0x71ab27b87c1d133f!8m2!3d21.3038651!4d-157.6535444

Tips

Bring:

Sunscreen (DONT FORGET THIS YOU'LL THANK US LATER)
SUN HAT OR VISOR
Closed toe shoes or water shoes
Swimwear (If you plan on going to tide pools)
towel
Backpack with Water & snacks

Its best to get to this hike early (for sunrise) as it becomes heavily trafficked through out the day and the sun can become very hot with little to no shade along the hike.

Disclaimer – all Oahu hikes have different challenges and hazards that can be dangerous and may inflict injury. Know your fitness and skill level before embarking in any hike. Stay on trails and obey posted signs. The information on this site is for your reading pleasure only. Please hike at your own risk.

Itinerary

LIGHTHOUSE TRAIL:

The three-mile hike doesn’t offer any shade, and the arid landscape means that you should take along plenty of water and snacks for the trip. Vehicle break-ins have been reported in the past, so it’s best not to leave valuables in your car.

LENGTH: 1.5 miles round trip

TIDE POOLS :

The most common way to reach the tide pools is to scramble down the rocks.

To do this you park your vehicle in the Makapu’u Lighthouse trail parking lot and begin walking up the paved trail.

It’s not a tough trail but it will start have you sweating and breathing hard for about 30 minutes.
About 2/3 of the way along the trail you will notice a bit of a cove on your right-hand side as you look down over the edge. Also look out for a whale watching sign board in this area.

Then you simply scramble down the rocks. It’s not dangerous at all and is just like a natural scattered staircase. Bring shoes for protection unless you live the island flip flop life.

As you begin to make your way down you will get your first view of the tide pools.

You will ascend the same way up the rocks to leave and can check out the lighthouse and viewpoint while you are there. It’s only another 5-10 minutes so you may as well

We would highly advise not swimming in this area during times when waves are breaking over the reef into the pools, as you could get hurt or swept out to sea. Stay far enough away from the ledge, and remember that the reef is sharp and the rocks tend to be slippery when wet.

Disclaimer – all Oahu hikes have different challenges and hazards that can be dangerous and may inflict injury. Know your fitness and skill level before embarking in any hike. Stay on trails and obey posted signs. The information on this site is for your reading pleasure only. Please hike at your own risk.

Where To Park

Free parking, parking lot right at the bottom of trail.

It fills up very fast, so go early otherwise you will have to wait until one becomes available.

Or park a little further by the Makapu’u lookout, and walk, it’s about .4 miles from the parking lot to the beginning of the trailhead.

Suggested Equipment

We offer several different rental items to help make your experience that much better and get you from point A to point B.

Mopeds - a moped or scooter opens the door for endless fun and our premium model can be drove all around the island ask us for more info.

Motorcycles- Require Motorcycle endorsement, we have everything from Harleys to Hondas and everything in between, check out our rentals tab to see our full list on inventory.

Bicycle or Ebikes - Great option for exercise and fun at the same time we offer pedal assist bike and regular road bikes to fit each rider.

Also check out our associated rental tab under each experience it will list our recommended rentals for each experience.

Location

Makapu'u Lighthouse trail
HONOLULU, HI 96825

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