Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail

A paved climb to Oahu's easternmost lookout

⏱ 1.5-2 hours👤 All agesFree

The place in context: Makapuʻu Point marks where Oʻahu's leeward dry side meets the trade-wind windward coast, and the lighthouse (established 1909, with one of the largest lighthouse lenses in the United States) was built because ships approaching Honolulu from the mainland made landfall here — the light was their first sight of the island. The bluffs also hold World War II-era observation bunkers, and the Ka Iwi coastline below is a protected scenic shoreline thanks to community campaigns that kept development off it.

How to do it well: go early to beat both the heat and the crowds (sunrise from the summit is a local tradition, especially on New Year's Day), carry more water than seems necessary, wear a hat and sunscreen, and stop at the interpretive whale-watching overlooks on the way up in winter. Stay on the paved path and behind the railings — the cliff edges are sheer and the wind is strong. After the hike, the Makapuʻu Lookout pullout on the highway gives the classic view of the beach and Rabbit Island, and the drive continues north along the windward coast toward Waimānalo and Kailua.

Practicals and fit: free, with a parking lot at the trailhead off Kalanianaʻole Highway (lots fill early on weekends; the state occasionally closes the trail for maintenance), about 2 miles round trip with 500 feet of gain on pavement, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, no restrooms or water at the summit. Pair it with Hanauma Bay in the morning and the windward coast after. Fit: families, first trips, couples, whale season — Oʻahu's best view per step.