Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail - Activities On Oahu Waimanalo, Hawaii

The Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail is a paved walking path. If you start down at the parking lot, you'll walk about 1.25 miles to reach the top lookout area. You'll have that same walk back down so expect a 2.5 mile roundtrip hike.

For most, this isn't so much a hike as a walk in the park. It's paved the entire way (except for some minor rocky areas right at the top) and an easy walk. The only part that may be difficult for some is the elevation as you're walking uphill the entire way. It's not too steep, but you are going to gain over 500 feet in elevation.

The views at the top can be pretty awesome, especially on a clear day. On a windy day you can expect some serious winds as you work your way up. Going early is your best bet as there is no shade anywhere around here. Some people love the sunrise views from here and head up early just for that. Bring some water and good walking shoes and you should be all set.

Note that there is no bathroom anywhere around here so make sure you take care of that before you arrive. There are public bathrooms at nearby Sandy Beach (Koko Head Park), not that it will be the cleanest place.

Got kids? Many families with kids hike this trail. It's relatively safe but there are plenty of places you could get too close to an edge and fall off. It's no joke so keep to the inside of the path and watch kids. Be sure to also read up on Hiking Safety & Essentials before heading out and apply plenty of sunscreen to Protect Yourself From Sunburn & Skin Cancer as there is no shade on the trail.

The last issue is parking. There is a parking lot but it fills up fast and stays filled up all day long. Once it is full you'll want to park along the street. Regardless of where you park don't leave anything in your car. That's a good rule all the time but especially important here. Look at all that broken glass along the street to see what we mean.

Image credit: Jimmy Emerson, DVM

You can also access the Kaiwi Shoreline Trail which will then take you to Alan Davis Beach as well all from the same parking lot and trailhead.

• General: Cost: Free	• General: Kid Activities	• General: Photo Opportunity	• Hiking: Hiking	• Hiking: Kid Friendly
• Hiking: Length: 1-2 Miles	• Hiking: Level: Easy	• Hiking: Major Elevation Changes	• Hiking: Out & Back Trail	• Hiking: Paved
• Sightseeing: Great Views

Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail