Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail
Another one of the more popular hikes with visitors is the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail. Located just off Kalanianaole Highway, the Lighthouse Trail is offers stunning views of Oahu’s southeast shoreline. On very clear days you can even see Moloka’i and Lana’i. It does get very hot on this hike and little to no shade is available. Be sure to wear lots of sunscreen and bring plenty of water! There are also no bathrooms so be sure to go before!
The journey begins when you turn off of Kalanianaole Highway into the hike’s parking area. Limited parking is available at the trailhead and on the street, but if you are patient, stalls open up frequently.
Hiking the Trail
The Makapu’u Lighthouse trail takes you around the western side of the ridge before reaching the mid-point of the hike where the trail switches and brings you around to the eastern side. While ascending the ridge on the western side, there are multiple opportunities to take great photos of Koko Head.
Somewhere on the tip of the ridge, between the west and east side, there is a stopping point with information signs that point to where you would be able to see Moloka’i and Lana’i on a clear day.
When the trail switches, you will be taken around the east side of the ridge. On the east side you can often see migrating humpback whales with binoculars between November and May. There is a sign located about 2/3 of the way up for whale watching. If you wish to go to the Makapu’u tide pools, this is where you would make your descent. Check out the full post here.
View from the east side. “Makapuu Lighthouse Trail” by imgdive is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.
The trail becomes a little more steep when you get closer to the top of the trail, and it gets pretty windy at the viewpoint.
The end of this trail offers stunning views of the southeastern coastline and a view of the lighthouse that began operation in 1909. To the north, you can see Rabbit Island, an uninhabited, state protected bird sanctuary.
Interestingly, Rabbit Island got its name because it was the location of a rabbit-raising farm; however, the rabbits no longer live there. They removed in 1994 because they were destroying the native ecosystem.
That’s it for this hike! It’s a fairly easy hike with great photo opportunities and amazing view points.
