Makapu’u Lighthouse Point Trail at sunset: A must do.
The Sunset from teh Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail Lookout
What you need to know to hike the Makapu’u Lighthouse Point Trail:
What: Nicely paved walking trail that winds along the rocky shoreline of the southeastern tip of Oahu and ends at a lookout above the Makapu’u lighthouse, a historic lighthouse built in 1909 and still functional today. While the lighthouse may be the main attraction for some, and it is quaint and historic, the real stars of this hike are the AMAZING views throughout the entire hike.
Where: The southeastern tip of Oahu, just past Hanauma Bay and Sandy Beach, at the most eastern turn of highway 72.
Distance: 2.0 miles out and back
The Makapu’u Lighthouse Guiding Ships through the Kaiwi Channel
Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate. The trail is wide, paved, and well maintained, making this doable for any able-bodied individual. This one is so nicely paved, you could even take a stroller if you're looking for a physical challenge. With 500 feet of elevation gain over the 1 mile out to the lookout, however, it will give you a little workout.
Payout: 10/10
What we liked about the Makapu’u Lighthouse Point Trail:
Everything! This was one of my favorite trails ever! If I lived nearby, I would literally do this walk once a week, maybe once a day.
The views of the valley below during the first and last half mile of the hike.
The views of the ocean and coastline throughout the hike.
The nearly 360 degree view at the lookout.
Whales! We spotted 3 on our hike without spending much time looking for them. The windward side of Oahu is better for whale watching as they make their way to the protected Auau channel between Maui, Lanai, and Molokai.
The trail itself is wide and well maintained with multiple nice lookouts along the way.
The length and elevation make this a nice balance of feeling like you did something to earn the views but not too hard for the kids to start complaining.
The sunset.
What we didn’t like about the Makapu’u Lighthouse Point Trail::
This is a popular trail and I am sure it can get crowded at times. If you are looking for a secluded trail in the woods, this isn’t the trail for you.
Tips for the Makapu’u Lighthouse Point Trail:
1. This is an arid part of the island with basically no shade trees. Every review I read said to do this hike early to beat the crowds and the sun. Since the sun rises in the East, and this is on the Eastern, exposed side of the island, that makes no sense to me. The sun will already be beating down on you at 7:00 AM over here and the gates do not open until 7:00. Additionally, if you are looking for whales, in the ocean to the east of you, the sun will be glaring into your eyes. You can park outside of the gates and start the hike earlier than 7:00. If 5:30 AM hikes are your thing, I am sure the sunrise would be amazing from here. If not, I would recommend using the “No bedtimes, No borders” strategy and doing this hike at sunset. We started the hike around 5:00 PM and finished right at 6:45 (when the gates closed). This was perfect and made for absolutely magical lighting during the entire hike. The sun had already set below the ridge to the West and we were hiking in indirect light the whole time. Once we crested the top of the hill, we could see the sun setting and it was magical. Additionally, this made for optimal whale watching conditions with the sun behind us rather than in front of us.
2. There are several common use trails that lead to old pillboxes (previously used by the military) on top of the ridge above the final lookout at Makapu’u Point. We took one of these trails up to see the sunset and it was worth the extra effort. I would recommend taking a look from up there if you are able.
3. There is a common use trail that heads down from one of the lookouts (one where there is an informational sign about whales). This reportedly leads to some tide pools and a hidden blow hole below. We didn’t have time to do this detour and the trail looks very steep and loose. If you’re interested in doing this one, I thought the post from Denny and Nikki had the best instructions and I will use this if we decide to try for the tide pools next time.
4. The next time we do this hike, and there will be a next time, we will park outside of the gates and bring headlamps so that we can sit on top of the ridge and watch the sunset without worrying about being out by 6:45.
5. If you are in Oahu and you have working legs, do this hike at sunset!
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