ALOHA!
So if you’re looking for a day away from Waikiki Beach, have a look to the southeastern side of Oahu!
A visit to this side of the island will likely end up being a memorable part of your visit to Hawaii.
You have a number of hiking trails on Oahu to choose from around the island, and you just may want to consider the Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail.
This isn’t a dirt hiking trail, but rather a paved path. It comes with stunning views!
There is no entry fee, so it’s one of the free things to do on Oahu!
Best short hikes with scenic views on Oahu
- Diamond Head Hike
- Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
- Manoa Falls Trail
- Koko Head Hike
- Lanikai Pillbox Hike
- Puu Maelieli Trail
- North Shore Pillbox Hike
what to pack for hiking in hawaii >> what to wear hiking – best shoes for hiking
near makapuu lighthouse trail >> things to do on east side of oahu
Now, here are a few things about the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail.
This trail is a part of the Kaiwi Scenic Shoreline
The Kaiwi Shoreline Trail is designated as a state scenic shoreline by the State of Hawaii.
Basically, there are two paths that you can take when you’re at the trailhead of the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail. One path will take you on the main paved trail in the direction that almost everyone goes. The other path will take you to see another part of the scenic shoreline.
In this picture above, the narrow path that veers off to the left is the less walked path.
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!
There are plenty of spots along the trail that you can set up for some ocean photography shots
There is no shortage of scenic views!
The lighthouse for which the trail is named is off limits
But you can view the Makapuu Lighthouse from above when on the trail!
This trail can be a good spot for free whale watching
If you’re in Hawaii during the winter months when it’s whale season in Oahu, there’s another incentive for you to go on this trail! The Makapuu Lighthouse Trail is known as having a good potential for whale sightings. There are binoculars along the trail so you can test your luck!
Or, you can pack along your own binoculars! These binoculars can work out well for whale watching.
There is free parking at the start of the trail
You might have to walk a little extra if it’s a busy time! But no problem, because you are there to hike anyway! 😉
Taking the bus to the trail means that you’ll have to walk on a stretch of road with a narrow shoulder
The nearest bus stop to the start of the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail is about a 15 minute walk. There really isn’t a notable sidewalk, which means that you’ll be walking on the side of the road with cars zooming past you. So be careful! But it is a scenic walk!
more: makapuu lighthouse trail by bus
Makapuu Beach is a 5 minute drive from the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail parking lot
Makapuu Beach is known to be good for boogie boarding. When you’re in the beach area, you can also get a different perspective of the Makapuu Lighthouse!
See the white dot in between the palm trees?! That’s the Makapuu Lighthouse!
Also nearby for more things to do in the area:
more: things to do in east oahu
It’s about a mile hike to reach the trail summit
It’s an out and back trail, so around 2 miles round trip. On the out, it’s pretty much uphill the whole way. And you’re rewarded with views!
MAKE SURE YOU BRING WATER!
It can get hot in Hawaii so you want to make sure that you stay well-hydrated, especially since you’ll be hiking up a hill!
For any hike in Hawaii, even if you’re going to be on the trail for less than an hour, it’s always a very good idea to take water to make sure you stay SAFE! And for the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail, you will likely be on the trail for more than an hour, so this means that you should really consider bringing along water!
And here are some small backpacks to take a look at to pack along water and those extra snacks. Because snacks are also a very good idea when you’re hitting the trails in Hawaii.
HAPPY MAKAPUU LIGHTHOUSE TRAIL HIKING!
what to wear in hawaii >> what to wear hiking – what to wear snorkeling
more things to do on oahu | map >> more things to do on east side of 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
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