ALOHA!
The Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail is a good activity to do, especially if you’ll be in Oahu when it’s whale season. This trail has been known to get a few whale sightings, and there are free binoculars along the trail that you can use to help you spot them too.
But otherwise, if you’re not going to be in Hawaii during whale season, it’s a good trail because of the coastal views!
So you’ve heard about the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail, and you’re convinced. 😉
But, it’s Hawaii, so you also want to get in some beaches (lots of beaches) when you’re in Hawaii, so are there any nearby that can be convenient to do before or after your hike?
Well yes, there are! 😉
Go to these Oahu beaches after your hike so you can rest up with a little bit of swimming or lazing on the beach as part of your recovery!
So, what are some beaches near Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail?
Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!
Makapuu Beach
This is the closest beach to the lighthouse. This beach can sometimes produce good waves which makes it a popular beach for bodyboarding on Oahu.
It’s a 5 minute drive from the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail parking lot, or a 15-20 minute walk.
Hanauma Bay
This beach is just down the road. Hanauma Bay is one of the most popular beaches on Oahu because of the snorkeling here.
It is a 10 minute drive from the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail parking lot. It’s a little far to walk (it’ll take you 90 minutes or so), but there is a bus that runs along the coast that can get you between the two. The bus ride is also a 10 minute ride, but it’ll take about 15 minutes to walk from the closest bus stop to the trail head, and then you’ll also want to factor in time waiting for the bus.
more: hanauma bay snorkeling | hanauma bay snorkel rental | hanauma bay by bus
Other beaches near Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
Here are a few more beaches in the immediate area that you may also want to take a look at:
- Waimanalo Beach / Kaiona Beach – These beaches are on the same stretch of sand
- Sandy Beach – This is reportedly one of President Obama’s favorite beaches because he likes to to go bodyboarding here
The Makapuu Lighthouse is on the east side of Oahu. If you don’t mind going a little further away from the Makapuu Lighthouse, here are a couple more beaches on East Oahu:
more: things to do in east oahu
Bodyboarding in Oahu
So with a couple of beaches near Makapuu Lighthouse Trail that can be good for bodyboarding, how can you get in on the action?!
One of the easiest ways could be to buy a boogie board like one of these once you get to Hawaii. You can find them at the convenience store called ABC Store which you’ll find all over Waikiki. Then you can have it for your whole vacation!
It will depend on what the ocean is like on any particular day, but both Makapuu Beach and Sandy Beach generally are for the more experienced body surfers. But you can always go to these beaches for people (surfer) watching!
If you’re not renting a car on Oahu, you can take some boogie boards on the bus, but there are limitations, so make sure your board fits within the requirements.
Things you might want for your beach trip
Now, here are some things you just may want to consider adding to your Hawaii packing list for the beach!
- This type of case so you can take pristine underwater pictures with your camera. (It’s cheap!)
- This type of pouch so you can take your valuables with you in the water!
- These types of UV protection shirts to wear so you don’t burn under the strong tropical sun rays when you’re in the water! If you’re on a computer, use the far left column to filter by women, men, girls, or boys! Look at these types of swim shorts too, for women and men!
- For more traditional beach wear, for women see these swimsuits and cover-ups, and for men see these swimsuits
- These types of beach shoes so you can protect your feet from sharp rocks hidden under the sand!
- A standard snorkel set like this one or a full face snorkeling mask like this one
HAPPY BEACH PLANNING NEAR MAKAPUU LIGHTHOUSE!
what to pack for hawaii >> what to wear snorkeling – what to wear hiking – what to wear to a luau
things to do on oahu | map >> beaches – snorkeling spots | east oahu – north shore – central oahu
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🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel:
- walking sandals:
I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling