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Hike the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail

Honolulu, Hawaii

4.4/5
based on 10 reviews

Details

Distance

2.5 miles

Elevation Gain

708 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Kelly Drake

Hike to views of the historical lighthouse overlooking the beautiful west side. This is also great exercise if you're looking to stretch your legs before exploring more of the island. Fun bodysurfing and beach day at Makapu'u Beach. A photographers dream, with ocean and earth landscapes, and amazing sunrises and sunsets.

If you're looking to get moving and get your heart rate up or want a place to snap great photos, start with hiking to Makapu’u Lighthouse. The lighthouse was built in 1909 on a 600-ft cliff, which overlooks Makapu’u beach. The hike is more of an uphill walk and can be done in sandals unless you’re looking to run it. If you’re hiking it, it’s about an hour round-trip at an easy pace. 

Once you’ve made it back down to your car, drive north to Makapu’u beach, stake out your spot, throw your fins on, and get in the water. Makapu’u is a fun spot for bodysurfing and gets fairly consistent wind swell. If you’re not a great swimmer, it’s best to enjoy from the beach and break out the spam musubi. If you want to pick up some food to bring with you to the beach, head up 72 to Waimanalo and hit up Sweet Home Waimanalo for some BBQ.

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Features

Chillin
Photography
Bodysurfing
Hiking
Bathrooms
Beach
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Groups
Scenic
ADA Accessible

Hike the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail Reviews

Prevailing trade winds, can, on occasion, blow swarms of Portuguese Man-of-War to shore. A simple check before swimming is to check the waterline, if you spot a bunch of blue bubbles across the tide line, you should reconsider going out. *Also Makapu'u features some extreme under tows and rip currents that can challenge even the most advanced bodysurfers and swimmers, unless you've been swimming here your entire life, it would be highly recommended to check in with the lifeguard.

Had a blast bodysurfing!

The trail can get a little hot & a little crowded, so I prefer to go early in the morning. Also, you can drop off of the main path & hike down to some tide pools that are big enough to swim in (tide permitting, of course).

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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