Off the Beaten Path: Makapu’u Tide Pools

A little known spot on the southeast coast of Oahu is the Makapu’u tide pools. It is one of the most beautiful spots only about 30 minutes down from the main Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail. The trail can be done in slippers, but I would highly recommend shoes, as there are some loose terrain.

Check out the guide to the Lighthouse Trail here. About 2/3 of the way up the main Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail, you will see a sign for whale watching. This is where you start climbing down. The trail looks more steep than it is. The trail down is a series of switchbacks and arrows that you can follow leading you to the cove.

View of the tide pools from the Makapu’u lighthouse trail above

Once down at the Makapu’u tide pools, you can take beautiful pictures near the water. You can watch the waves break on the rocks or take a dip in the tide pools. Just don’t get too close to the edge of the rocks because the breaking waves are unpredictable and can rush the shore.

Even on a cloudy day the tide pools are picture perfect. Photo courtesy of Steph Char.

When you are ready to leave the tide pools, make sure you have gathered all of your items and picked up your rubbish. You will go up the same way you came down. Use the arrows of the rocks to help guide yourself back up, but if you are to get lost, use the whale watching sign on the main path as your reference point.