--- title: "Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail" url: https://stacklist.com/card/13ab48c4-e97f-440e-849a-c8755b8fb00d source_url: "https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/hiking/oahu/makapuu-point-lighthouse-trail/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" stack: https://stacklist.com/stack/76467c4b-c4ea-4299-8764-34009edefadb summary: "Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail is a 2-mile moderate hiking trail on Oʻahu's southeastern coast offering panoramic views of the windward coastline, historic lighthouse, and offshore islets. The exposed trail features 500 feet of elevation gain through hot, dry terrain and is excellent for whale watching during migration season (November-May)." tags: "hiking, hawaii, lighthouse, oahu, trail, scenic-shoreline, coastal-views" key_entities: "Makapuʻu Point (location), Oʻahu (location), Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline (location), Koko Head (location), Koko Crater (location), Moloka'i (location), Lana'i (location), Honolulu (location), Makapuʻu Lighthouse (concept), humpback whales (concept), Hawaiian seabirds (concept), Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (organization), Kelvin Lu (person)" classification: "reference" content_hash: "sha256:94a105bf30f5c905ade45694b31bfad3626b5997c85087fafe59507890910e5a" acp_version: "0.2" token_counts_approximate: 1319 visibility: public agent_accessible: true status: "final" --- # Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail Hawaii.gov Government Directory Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail Photo Credit: Kelvin Lu Home » Hiking » Oʻahu » Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail ‹ › Trail Length 2.0 miles (round trip) Activity Pedestrian Difficulty Moderate Terrain Hot, Dry Slopes Elevation Gain 500 ft Park Name Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline Description The Makapu‘u Point trail, within Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline, offers outstanding views of O‘ahu’s southeastern coastline, including Koko Head and Koko Crater. From the trail’s destination at Makapu‘u Head, one is rewarded with magnificent views of the windward coast and offshore islets, as well as the historic red-roofed Makapu‘u Lighthouse built in 1909, which makes a stunning picture against the deep blue sea below (the lighthouse itself is off-limits). On a clear day, you may even see Moloka‘i and Lana‘i. The offshore islets are wildlife sanctuaries for Hawaiian seabirds, such as the ‘iwa, frigate bird, and tropicbird. This trail is an excellent place to view migrating humpback whales in season (November – May). Binoculars are suggested for viewing the whales and seabirds. An interpretive sign and viewing scope along the trail help you view and identify the whales seen from this location. This portion of the island tends to be hot and dry and the vegetation includes low-growing kiawe and panini (cactus). The trail is exposed and is usually sunny and hot. It can be very windy at the summit. A hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water are recommended. Give yourself about 2 hours to enjoy this hike and it’s wonderful views. Route A parking area offers access to the trailhead. Follow the trail as it climbs up the western side of the ridge. Upon reaching the top of the ridge (about the halfway point), the trail switches back to the north, following the eastern side of the ridge. At this point it levels out somewhat, but still climbs gradually to the summit, where a pair of guard-railed lookouts offer panoramic vistas. To return, retrace your route. Directions The park and trailhead are located off of the Kalanianaole Highway (Hwy. 72) at the southeastern-most point of Oahu. From Honolulu, take the H1 freeway east until it becomes Highway 72. Follow the road beyond Hawaii Kai, Hanauma Bay and Sandy Beach Park until you reach the park area adjacent to the highway. From the windward side, take the Kalanianaole Highway (Hwy. 72) southeast beyond Kailua, Waimanalo, and Makapu‘u Beach Park, after which the road climbs up toward Makapu‘u Head. The park will be on the left side of the highway. Additional Info Stay on the trail. Pack out at least what you pack in. No open fires.       Activities Facilities Hazards Prohibited Check out the trail in Google Street View Hiking in Hawaii Area Weather Forecast ABOUT US Contact Us Partners Brochures INTERACT Feedback FAQs POLICIES Terms of Use Accessibility Privacy Policy List [email protected] Powered by eHawaii.gov Copyright © 2026, State of Hawaii. All rights reserved. **IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES** 10/8/26 – IMPORTANT UPDATES RELATED TO HURRICANE NOLO AND HURRICANE LOWELL RECOVERY. — OʻAHU: Ka‘ena Point State Park - Vehicle Access has CLOSED. Ka‘ena Point State Park - Keawa'ula Trail remains CLOSED and vehicle access is restricted past the restroom parking lot due to storm inflicted road damage, portable toilets available as comfort station is down. Construction at ʻAiea Bay State Recreation Area begins October 5 and will last approximately two weeks. Restrooms will remain open, with limited parking during construction. HAWAI‘I Island: The following parks will be CLOSED on 10/10 for the Kona Iron Man: Kekaha Kai State Park (Mahai’ula & Kua Bay), Kiholo State Park Reserve, an Lapakahi State Historical Park. Hawai’i island parks have REOPENED, with the exception of ʻAkaka Falls State Park – Partial trail is CLOSED due to fallen trees, Waialea Section at Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area CLOSED due to fallen trees, Lapakahi State Historic Park CLOSED due to fallen trees. Camping and cabins at Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area, Kīholo State Park Reserve, and Kalopa State Recreation Area remains CLOSED, Day-Use remains OPENED at Kalopa and Kiholo. MAUI + MOLOKAʻI: ALL Maui and Moloka‘i Parks REOPENED with the exception of Polipoli - remains CLOSED due to downed trees and Waiʻānapanapa - water is back on and will REOPEN on 9/29. KAUAʻI – Partial State Parks REOPENING Monday, September 21, 2026 Wailua River State Park – River and designated landing/trailhead access will reopen. No individual kayakers are permitted to access Fern Grotto. Hiking beyond the trailhead and access to Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls) remain closed. NOTICE: Kōkeʻe Road remains closed until further notice. All Kaua‘i camping remains CLOSED. ALL OTHER KAUA‘I STATE PARKS REMAIN CLOSED. STATEWIDE: If you had a Hawaiʻi State Park reservation (day use or overnight camping/lodging) for a day that was part of a storm-related closure, you will receive an automatic refund, minus nonrefundable service charges. Please see the latest operational updates below for statewide parks impacted by Tropical Cyclones: Park Notices site Check Park Notices site for a list of all park closures and access updates.