Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail | The Best Family Hike Oahu

The Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail is a paved, 2-mile round trip hike on the southeastern tip of Oahu, about 30 minutes from Waikiki. The trail climbs gradually from a protected lower section, then rounds a corner and opens up to two coastlines, ocean air, and the kind of view that makes a short hike feel like a full exhale. From December through May, humpback whales pass regularly below the cliffs. The summit overlooks the lighthouse, Rabbit Island, and enough open ocean to reset whatever you brought with you. There are no bathrooms at the trailhead, so plan accordingly.

About the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail

The Dutch have a word for this: uitwaaien (pronounced roughly “out-vah-yen”). It means walking or cycling in windy, coastal weather specifically to clear your mind. The Makapuu lighthouse trail is uitwaaien in easy-hike form.

The trail starts low and mostly sheltered, winding past native plants built for salt, wind, and dry heat. Then you round the corner. The views open up across two coastlines, the wind hits you full in the face, and the whole thing suddenly feels a little bit wild. It’s an easy hike that delivers something bigger than it promises.

I’ve done this hike with my family more times than I can count. The kids are teenagers now, which means I see it a lot less than I used to. But it’s one of those spots that feels just as good alone as it does with people in tow. That’s not true of every hike.

The trail is fully paved to the summit, which makes it a genuine unicorn on Oahu. You can push a stroller, walk your dog, run intervals, bring your grandmother. I still see runners training here, which is not Koko Head, but it is something. Spotting scopes along the way are pointed at the lighthouse, the seabirds nesting on the offshore rocks, and in winter, the humpback whales moving below the cliffs.

My favorite time is sunset. The light on the cliffs goes warm and the wind settles just slightly and the lighthouse starts to glow against the darkening ocean. If sunset lines up with a moonrise, you stay. Early morning works too, especially in summer when the heat comes fast and the parking lot fills faster.

This is also a jumping-off point if your family wants more. The tide pools below the trail are worth the descent when the swell is down, typically outside of summer. And my personal favorite detour is the dirt trail down to Alan Davis Beach, a small, calm, almost secret beach with tide pools and enough to explore that you’ll lose track of time.

Trail Details

• Distance. The trail is approximately 2 miles round trip.
• Scenic Overlook. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged coastline below.
• Wildlife. Keep an eye out for seabirds, including terns, shearwaters, and boobies that nest on nearby offshore islets. From December-May, you have a good chance of seeing humpback whales (sometimes with babies!) cruising along the rocky shoreline below.
• Makapu’u Lighthouse. The trail leads to a viewpoint overlooking the Makapu’u Lighthouse, which is perched on a rocky outcrop. While you can’t enter the lighthouse itself, you can get great views of it and the surrounding area.

Preparing for your Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail Adventure

It’s an exposed, mostly shadeless hike, so dress light and breathable. Slippers or comfortable shoes are fine on the paved trail. In winter the wind at the summit can be genuinely cold, so a light layer is worth tossing in the bag.

Sunscreen is non-negotiable. You’re in full sun from the trailhead up. Reef-safe sunscreen please. Most drugstore brands contain chemicals that damage coral reef ecosystems so look for the reef-safe label. Hawaii banned several of them in 2021 for exactly this reason. Skip the aerosol spray too. Applying it on a windy exposed trail means everyone around you is inhaling it, which is not a gift.

Bring more water than you think you need, especially if you’re extending to Alan Davis Beach or the tide pools. Snacks if you have little kids. Uitwaaien can make you hungry.

My favorite time is sunset, but early morning is the practical choice if you’re hiking in summer or on a weekend. The heat comes fast and the parking lot fills faster. Weekdays are easier. For sunrise or moonrise, park outside the gates along Kalanianaole Highway and walk in. The lot opens at 7:00 am and closes at 6:45 pm.

Dogs are welcome on leash.

Extend your Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail experience

Makapuu tide pools. A trail descends steeply to the tide pools below the lookout. It’s sharp, uneven, and the pools are dangerous when surf is up. Go in summer when the swell is down, take care on the descent, and keep kids close near the water. Full guide here.

Makapuu lookout. The separate parking lot has its own great views from a lower vantage point.

Alan Davis Beach Trail. At the trailhead, take the split to the right for an easy, unpaved walk down to a small, calm, child-friendly beach. Tide pools, a protected swimming area, and almost no one else there. Full guide here.

The best beaches near the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail

The Ka Iwi coastline is one of the most dramatic stretches on the island: steep cliffs, rocky shores, jagged lava, and ancient Hawaiian archaeological sites including heiau and petroglyphs. It’s worth exploring every bit of it.

• Sandy Beach Park. If you love hiking you could continue your hike to Alan Davis Beach and then walk all the way to Sandy Beach. This area is packed with native coastal plants, fun tide pools, and monk seals make occasional visits. Or you can just drive to Sandy Beach, known for its epic shorebreak. Check out Sandy Beach Report #saferbeachesdowndaroad.
• Makapu’u beach. At the foot of the cliffs you will find Makapu’u Beach – all about golden sand and clear turquoise waters. The waves here are great for bodyboarding and bodysurfing and it’s a popular spot for locals. These are not beginner waves.
• Baby Makapuu. Looking for calmer conditions? Head to adjacent Baby Makapuu to splash in oversized tidpools or surf baby waves when conditions are right.
• Kaiona Beach. A lesser-known beach south of Waimanalo Beach characterized by its calm, shallow waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming and relaxation. It offers a quieter and more tranquil experience for those seeking a serene getaway or a more baby friendly beach.

More to do near Makapu’u

Kalapawai Cafe and Deli. A laid-back local spot with good breakfast, lunch, and espresso. Worth stopping on the way back through Waimanalo.

Kona Brewing Company. Burgers, pizza, and beer brewed in-house, with a lanai and water views. Can get loud but it’s a solid option after a morning out.

Koko Crater Botanical Garden. An easy loop through a volcanic crater with plants from around the world: plumeria, cacti, giant baobabs. Good for all ages. Read more here.

Sea Life Park. Marine mammal park, bird sanctuary, and aquarium in Waimanalo, right at the base of Makapuu Point. Read more here to see if it’s worth a visit.

Family Photos at Makapuu

Makapuu Beach Park just below the trail is one of my favorite spots for sessions on this side of the island. The light on the cliffs in the morning is dramatic, the views toward Rabbit Island are beautiful, and the whole area has an energy that’s different from anywhere else on Oahu. If you want to see what a morning here looks like, you can find sessions here, here, and here. And if it looks like something your family would be into, here’s where to start.

Makapu’u Lighthouse FAQs

Q: Is the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail good for families?

A: Yes. It’s one of the most family-friendly hikes on Oahu. The trail is fully paved, stroller-accessible, and 2 miles round trip. There are benches, lookout points, and spotting scopes along the way. Kids who visit in winter have a real chance of seeing humpback whales from the trail.

Q: Are there bathrooms at the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail?

A: No. There are no bathroom facilities at the trailhead or along the trail. Plan accordingly before you leave.

Q: What is the best time to hike the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail?

A: Sunset is beautiful on this hike, with warm light on the cliffs and a view of the lighthouse against the darkening ocean. If sunset lines up with a moonrise, stay for both. Early morning is the practical choice in summer when the heat comes fast and the parking lot fills faster. The lot opens at 7:00 am and closes at 6:45 pm. For sunrise or moonrise, park outside the gates along Kalanianaole Highway and walk in.

Q: Can you see whales from the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail?

A: Yes, from December through May. Humpback whales pass regularly below the cliffs and there are spotting scopes at several points along the trail. Babies are sometimes visible alongside adults. It’s one of the best free whale watching spots on Oahu.

Q: What other trails are accessible from the Makapuu trailhead?

A: Three. The Alan Davis Beach trail branches off to the right at the trailhead for an easy walk down to a secluded beach. The tide pool detour branches off partway up the main trail for a steep descent to the pools below. And the Makapuu Lookout has its own adjacent parking and unofficial ridge trail.