Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail
Cost: $
Estimated Time: 5+ hours by car, 8+ hours by bus
The Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail is a very popular and fairly easy hiking trail. Located on the southeastern corner of Oahu, this trail is paved the whole way up and is about 2 miles round trip. But don’t let that fool you! The trail is fairly steep and will be a bit of a strenuous hike (especially if you’re not in shape like me), but it’s worth it for the view.
Cost: $
Estimated Time: 5+ hours by car, 8+ hours by bus
The Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail is a very popular and fairly easy hiking trail. Located on the southeastern corner of Oahu, this trail is paved the whole way up and is about 2 miles round trip. But don’t let that fool you! The trail is fairly steep and will be a bit of a strenuous hike (especially if you’re not in shape like me), but it’s worth it for the view.
Part-way up the trail you have a fabulous view of the open ocean between Oahu and Molokai, and on clear days you can see whales breaching out in the sea. The foliage along the path boasts cactus and grasses, along with the rocks showing evidence of ancient hot springs in their rainbow colors. Once at the top of the trail you have a commanding view of Rabbit Island and the Kāohikaipu Island bird sanctuary, both of which seem to float on top of the clearest aqua-blue water of the island. At the trailhead, you also have the option of hiking down a dirt path to a small beach.
| Tucked away among the rocks along the beach is a small swimming hole popular with the local teenagers, and a small trail leading up to Pele’s Chair. This volcanic rock formation looks like a stone throne overlooking the water, and legend has it that this was the last location of the volcano goddess on Oahu before moving on and creating the islands of Molokai and Lanai. And being the youngest rock on the island, perhaps some of the legends are true… |
Another great spot near Makapu’u is the tide pools. Found at the bottom of a rock cliff, these pools can only be accessed by hiking down rock and dirt from the whale sign half-way up the paved trail itself, and are some of the best tide pools on the island. Big enough to swim in but still small enough to seem personal, these pools are teeming with life: corals, urchins, snails and curious fish that come right up to you to investigate the newcomers to their home. The hike down is a hike but the path is marked by arrows spray painted on the rocks to guide you along the cliff face. On the way down you have to really look for them but going up is fairly easy. Just be sure to wear good shoes! For more information, go to hawaiistateparks.org. As always, be smart when you’re hiking; wear the proper clothing, bring lots of water, and stay on marked trails to prevent accidents and emergency room visits.
Directions: By car--Take Kamehameha Hwy down to Kaneohe then follow the HI-83 through town. Turn right onto the HI-72 and stay on the 72. It will take you past the beach and smaller tide pools on the shore by the Rabbit and Kāohikaipu Islands, and the parking lot to the trail head will be on the left. By bus--Take the 55 toward Honolulu through Kaneohe. Get off on Stop 1558 Pali Hwy (just past Hawaii Pacific University) and walk across the big intersection to Stop 1118 Pali Hwy. Get on BUS 57 to Sea Life Park and take it to Stop 186 Sea Life Park. From there, walk south to the Lighthouse trail head parking lot. For more bus information, go to thebus.org.
Directions: By car--Take Kamehameha Hwy down to Kaneohe then follow the HI-83 through town. Turn right onto the HI-72 and stay on the 72. It will take you past the beach and smaller tide pools on the shore by the Rabbit and Kāohikaipu Islands, and the parking lot to the trail head will be on the left. By bus--Take the 55 toward Honolulu through Kaneohe. Get off on Stop 1558 Pali Hwy (just past Hawaii Pacific University) and walk across the big intersection to Stop 1118 Pali Hwy. Get on BUS 57 to Sea Life Park and take it to Stop 186 Sea Life Park. From there, walk south to the Lighthouse trail head parking lot. For more bus information, go to thebus.org.
by Mermaid on Land <:))><
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