The Makapuu Lighthouse Trail is one of the best hikes in Oahu, Hawaii with kids. The relatively short trail is paved the entire way and offers spectacular coastal views. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know before hiking the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail!
Everything you need to know before hiking the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
Table of Contents
- Makapuu Lighthouse Trail Information:
- How to get to the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
- What to expect when hiking the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
- Other things to do near the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
Makapuu Lighthouse Trail Information:
- Distance: 2 miles out and back
- Time: Plan for about 1 1/2-2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy paved trail with a moderate steady incline
- Hours: 7 am – 6:45 pm daily
- Elevation gain: 500 feet
- Fee: No parking or entrance fee
- Dog friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on a leash. The pavement can get hot so put booties on their paws.
- Facilities: There are no bathroom facilities or drinking fountains so plan accordingly.
- Notes: There is no shade on the trail, so it is best to visit early in the morning or later in the evening. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks. Be sure to wear tennis shoes, sunglasses and hats.
How to get to the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
The Makapuu Lighthouse Trail is located on the easternmost point of Oahu within the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline Park. It is about a 30-minute drive from Honolulu.
To reach the trailhead, take the H1 freeway east from Honolulu until it becomes the Kalanianaole Highway (Hwy 72).
You’ll pass Hanauma Bay and Sandy Beach. Continue on the highway for about 2 miles past Sandy Beach until you reach the parking lot on your right.
Enjoy the scenic drive along the rugged shoreline as it is one of the most stunning stretches of road in Oahu!
Parking is free and while the lot is a decent size, it does get filled up during peak times.
What to expect when hiking the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
The Makapuu Lighthouse Trail is such a great hike for families, it is relatively short but packs a big punch!
While it is only a mile to the top, it is a steady climb so if you have little ones I would recommend bringing a stroller. And be sure to wear tennis shoes, you’ll definitely get a workout!
This coastal trail is great because it is paved the entire way and is very stroller-friendly. There is one set of stairs at the very top leading to another lookout point, but you can still see spectacular views without taking the stairs.
Another advantage of the paved walking path is that you won’t have to worry about muddy trails with the inevitable Hawaiian rain showers.
This hike is quite popular so you will be sharing the trail with plenty of other hikers. However, the trail is 6 feet wide so it never feels too crowded.
There are a few areas with steeper drop-offs, so just use caution and keep your kids close.
Just keep in mind that this part of the island tends to be more hot and dry and there is little shade on the trail.
The landscape in this area is quite unique. Instead of the usual rich vegetation and rainforest that is common in many parts of Oahu, you’ll find jagged lava rocks, thorned rambling kiawe shrubs, and even prickly pear cactus!
Be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and plenty of water as the sun can be quite intense. It can also be very windy, especially at the top, so you may want to bring a light jacket.
Due to the exposed trail, I would recommend doing this hike early in the morning or later in the evening.
An evening hike is my personal favorite. The golden hour light is pure magic and the hazy pink light over the horizon during sunset is truly breathtaking.
As you make your way to the top, you’ll find lookout points and informational boards along the way.
It is interesting to learn about the history of the area and it is also a great spot for little rest breaks for snacks and drinks.
You’ll also find binoculars scattered along the way that look out over the stunning Kaiwa Scenic Shoreline.
From the trail, you can spot Koko Crater and on a clear day you can even make out the Hawaiian islands of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai in the far distance.
This is also one of the best places to see whales in Oahu. Migration season is from November-April and humpback whales can often be seen along this coast as they migrate over 3,000 miles from Alaska to the Hawaiian islands.
About halfway up the trail, you’ll find a viewing platform with binoculars and informational plaques to help you identify the whales.
You can also bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic while looking for whales on the horizon.
Just before you reach the whale viewing platform and informational sign, you’ll see a small trail leading down to some ocean tide pools and a blowhole.
It’s a long rough trail leading down to the pools. It can also be dangerous to swim in the tidepools even at low tide as a rogue wave could wash you out to sea.
However, on a calm day at low tide, you can venture down to check it out at your own risk.
Just keep in mind that the path is steep with loose rocks, so I wouldn’t attempt it with young children. The trail can also be a little tricky to follow, but there are some rocks that have been marked to lead the way.
As you continue on your way to the summit, you can also spot the Great Frigatebirds (or ‘iwa’) that nest along these cliffs.
These giant black seabirds can have a wingspan that reaches 7 1/2 feet! You’ll notice a few islets off the shore, these are designated wildlife sanctuaries for many of the Hawaiian seabirds.
As a side note, the cute Oahu surf town of Haleiwa translates to “house of the iwa’ or frigatebird.
If you’re lucky, as you’re walking up the trail you may even see some Green Sea Turtles swimming in the ocean below.
Once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with one of the best views in all of Oahu as the sheer cliffs rise up from the iridescent water.
Related post: For an adventurous bucket list hike, check out the Olomana (Three Peaks) Trail!
You can also view the distinct red-roofed Makapuu Lighthouse which is perched precariously on a 600-foot sea cliff.
The lighthouse was constructed in 1909 after the Manchuria ship crashed into the reef six years prior. The Makapuu Lighthouse beacon continues to shine today.
While the lighthouse is closed to visitors, it is possible to walk down to the gate surrounding the lighthouse for a closer look. Although, it is always recommended to stay on the maintained path.
At the top, you’ll also see a plaque that is dedicated to nine naval aviators who lost their lives in 1942 after crashing into the nearby cliffs.
From the lookout, you can also see Rabbit Island, the largest of the uninhabited islets.
While it is not too far from shore and could easily be reached by kayak, it is illegal to land or step foot on the island as it is a protected wildlife sanctuary.
You can also sometimes view swimming, canoeing, and paddleboarding contests in the Kaiwi Channel below.
For an added adventure, you can even take a short rocky detour from the top to reach a collection of old WWII military bunkers.
Take time to enjoy the panoramic views before making your way back down.
I hope this guide has inspired and prepared you to hike the Makapuu Lighthouse trail as a family!
And if you’re looking for more things to do in Oahu, check out our guide to the Ultimate Oahu Bucket List!
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Other things to do near the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
- Sea Life Park: You can spot the Sea Life Park from the lighthouse lookout point. This marine park is fun and educational for the whole family. If you’ve seen the popular movie 50 First Dates, then you’ll recognize that this is the place where Adam Sandler’s character worked at in the movie.
- Makapuu Beach: This beautiful stretch of sand is known as one of the best boogie boarding beaches in Oahu.
- Hanauma Bay: Snorkel in an ancient volcanic crater at Hanauma Bay. You can also discover these 10 fun things to do in Oahu with kids.
- Diamond Head: Hike to the summit of Diamond Head Crater for incredible coastal views of Waikiki and Honolulu.
- Halona Blowhole: This impressive blowhole can be seen just off the side of the road.
- Halona Beach Cove: this picturesque cove is the filming location for scenes from movies such as Pirates of the Caribbean and From Here to Eternity.
- Sherwoods Beach: This beautiful white sand beach is considered one of Oahu’s hidden gems. Check out these other 9 secret spots in Oahu!
- Kualoa Ranch: Take an unforgettable Jungle Expedition Tour through the heart of Jurassic Park.
- Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens: Experince one of the most scenic drives in Oahu at the base of the towering Koolau Mountain Range.
- Post hike meal: Grab a bite to eat at one of these 12 best places to eat in Oahu.
- North Shore: Be sure to spend time on the North Shore, it is arguably the most beautiful part of the island. This 3 day North Shore Itinerary will help you make the most of your time there!
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