Thanks to its easy 500-foot elevation and two-mile out-and-back route on a paved trail, the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail is the perfect hike for beginners and seasoned hikers alike! Better still, the combination of breathtaking ocean views and the opportunity to see various wildlife makes it one of the most rewarding excursions on Oahu.
Regardless of what time of the year you book your Oahu vacation, the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail is a must-add activity! Here’s all you need to know before planning your trek.
When To Do The Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
The Makapuu Lighthouse Trail is part of the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline and does not have an entrance fee! It’s open year-round to visitors with the following hours:
- Summer hours (April 1st through Labor Day): 7:00am to 7:45pm
- Winter hours (begin the day after Labor Day): 7:00am to 6:45pm
Like many outdoor activities, it’s often recommended to plan your hike to coincide with the sunrise early in the morning or sunset in the evening. Aside from being more comfortable temperature-wise, choosing one of these times will provide the extra magic of seeing the exquisite sights as the sky lights up with brilliant colors. The sunset hike is particularly popular and is the perfect way to end a day of activity before returning to your Waikiki vacation condo for a relaxing evening.
What To Expect From Your Makapuu Lighthouse Trail Hike
Firstly, you will probably want to give yourself at least a couple of hours to complete the round trip. While you won’t need that much time to cover the 2 miles back and forth, there are plenty of spots for photo opportunities! This area of the island also tends to be relatively hot and dry, so it’s always a good idea to plan for a leisurely hike. Some of the many key sights along the way include:
Makapuu Lighthouse
The Makapuu Lighthouse, an iconic feature of the trail, is a historic beacon offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean! Built in 1909, this fully automated lighthouse is known for its large, red clamshell lens, one of the few of its kind left in the world.
Though visitors cannot enter the lighthouse, the path leading up to it provides numerous vantage points for breathtaking photographs, especially of the deep blue sea and the surrounding rugged terrain.
Views of Moloka’i and Lana’i
On a clear day, you might even be able to catch glimpses of the neighboring islands of Moloka’i and Lana’i from different points along the trail. These views add an extra touch to your experience, making it feel like you’re on top of the world.
Humpback Whale Watching
If you’re hiking during whale season (December-April), keep an eye out for humpback whales in the ocean below. These majestic creatures migrate to Hawaii each year and can often be seen breaching and playing in the waters off the coast of Makapuu.
Sea Life & Wildlife Sightings
Aside from humpback whales, the Makapuu trail is also a great spot to see other marine life on the coastline, such as dolphins and sea turtles. If you’re lucky, you may even spot monk seals basking on the nearby beaches or soaring seabirds in the sky — like ‘iwa, frigate bird, and tropicbird.
Tide Pools & Rock Formations
As you make your way along the trail, be sure to stop and view some of the tide pools and unique rock formations! These areas are home to a variety of sea creatures and make for great photo opportunities with their vibrant colors and interesting shapes.
While it might be tempting to venture off the trail to explore these areas, you should always stay on the trail. Specifically, the tide pools are a CLOSED AREA and are considered very dangerous because of strong currents and waves.
How To Get To Makapuu
If you stay in one of our Waikiki vacation condos on Oahu, getting to the trail is about a 30-minute drive! If you don’t plan to rent a car, there are shuttles from Waikiki that will take you to the trail — like this one.
Either way, you will see the trailhead from the parking lot. The trail itself is the former access road for the lighthouse, making it very accessible and pretty wide. While it’s not overly steep when walking up the western side of the ridge, you will need to take care when walking back down.
Our Top Tips For Enjoying The Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
The Makapuu Lighthouse Trail is an epic experience about 15 miles from Waikiki! While you are sure to have a memorable time, here are six simple suggestions to take your enjoyment to the next level:
- Pack water, as there are no drinking water stations on the route
- Wear appropriate footwear even if it’s only a two-mile hike
- Bring sun lotion and a hat
- Don’t forget binoculars to take in the stunning views and wildlife
- Enjoy the walk, scenery, wildlife, and relaxed vibes
Once you’ve completed this trail, you can take your Oahu stay to the next level by visiting the nearby Sea Life Park or checking out some of the best botanical gardens on the island!
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