Makapu'u Point Lookout image

Makapu'u Point Lookout

Tourist attraction

One of the Best Places To Visits in Waimanalo


Address

Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail, Waimanalo, HI 96795, United States

Rating on Google Maps

4.90 (1K reviews)

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Working Hours

  • Saturday: 7 am to 6:30 pm
  • Sunday: 7 am to 6:30 pm
  • Monday: (Washington's Birthday), 7 am to 6:30 pm, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: 7 am to 6:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 7 am to 6:30 pm
  • Thursday: 7 am to 6:30 pm
  • Friday: 7 am to 6:30 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: hike (32) paved (23) trail (17) views (15) lighthouse (13) nice (11) view (11) easy (10) road (8) walk (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Kodi L. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing hike. Our friend proposed here and it made it an unforgettable day. Fairly easy hike up and we opted for an easy jog down. Definitely recommend adding this hike to your list!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Brian K. 2 months ago on Google • 426 reviews New
    Nice paved hike to the top with beautiful views along the way. Some interesting trails and markers to check out. I don't recommend leaving the paved path if you have small kids. There's also an amazing beach that can be accessed from early on the hike. Parking can be challenging, so consider a ride share option. Local bus is possible, but it's a dangerous hike along a busy road between bus stops and the park - please don't consider the local bus if you have small kids.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Keith H. 5 months ago on Google • 99 reviews
    This is a nice and paved trail that's very family friendly. It is on a steady incline and largely unshaded, so it would be a good idea to hike this early in the morning, or even before sunrise. The pay off is an unobstructed view of the Pacific Ocean to the east. I've never seen as vibrant a shade of blue as the views here. I'm hearing that in the winter, you can see whales breaching in the distance. Definitely worth the hike.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jonathan S. 3 years ago on Google
    An easy of a “hike” as you will find on the island. It is literally just one mile walk up a hill. The entire path is paved, which makes the “hike” even easier making it easy to secure your footing the entire way up. There are multiple stops you can make to ensure you get a full view of the ocean and island. Depending on how clear it is across the ocean, you might be able to see Maui, Lanai, and another island whose name escapes me. One negative is only one of the binoculars were working, and not entirely too well.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ron C. 1 month ago on Google • 416 reviews New
    The hike to the lookout over the lighthouse takes about 30 minutes for the average walker. It's a paved road all the way up with stopping points. If you want to catch the sunrise ensure you start your walk ~45 minutes prior to sunrise so you can catch the dawn and get a good spot. The gate to parking doesn't open til 7AM so people park along the highway and walk around it to get in and start before sunrise starts. Don't be on the east (northbound) side of the highway as the ledge is steep and you will bottom out your car or not be able to get back on the road especially after people park in front or behind you. Park on the southbound side of the highway, opposite the gate.

  • 5/5 Anil H. 2 years ago on Google
    Great beginner hike. The entire path is paved but it is a decent incline. It will take you about an hour with rest and photo stops. East side of island so great sunrise views.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dmytro L. 2 years ago on Google
    The most beautiful and unbelievable places that I saw. From first time I fall in love in this place and in whole island! It's must have to visit, and see all this gorgeous views, and enjoy it. It's my best place here to relax, hike and enjoy the nature!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alexander C. 2 years ago on Google
    Very nice place to have a nice view of the edge of land and the sea. This is where you can find yourself is actually on an island instead of a larger land. The water in the sea is pure blue in this area. Take the trails up to the summit you can see the surrounding islands. Light house is near the east coast of this area and you don’t need to reach the summit in order to see the lighthouse. No drones allowed!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shaylah 2 months ago on Google • 228 reviews New
    We did this hike at sunrise. We started at 6:40 and were at the top by 7:10. We ran 15 minutes late but I think trying to arrive a bit early to fully see all the colors would be nice. We did get to see the sky as we walked up, so nice views all along. We caught the sun peaking over the water as it rose. My friend is very active and it was super easy for him. I am not very active at all, I'm in okay shape, and I did it in about 30 minutes with huffing and puffing. I saw kids and elderly people too. It's paved, very windy, and the bugs bothered us on the way down as we forgot bug spray.

  • 5/5 Alan A. 2 months ago on Google • 130 reviews New
    Great place to hike up and see the sun rise. The parking lot doesn't open until 7 am, but you can park along the road and walk up. It is 1.5 miles round trip walk on a paved path.

  • 5/5 Dr. Jan W. 6 months ago on Google • 112 reviews
    The Makapu'u Lighthouse is 46 feet tall. It was built in 1909 on a 600-foot sea cliff overlooking Makapu'u Beach in southeast Oahu. The lighthouse is 647 feet above the ocean and is operated by the United States Coast Guard. The Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail is a paved, easy hike to the lighthouse. The trail is 2.5 miles round trip and takes about 1.5 hours to complete. You can expect to gain over 500 feet in elevation. At the summit, you'll look down at the lighthouse surrounded by the ocean and rocky cliffs.

  • 5/5 Vanessa B. 6 months ago on Google • 69 reviews
    The Makapuu Point Lookout, often referred to as the Lighthouse Trail, offers a moderately challenging hike. The entire trail is paved, which allows you to take your time and enjoy the journey. If you’re not an experienced hiker, remember to pace yourself as the incline can be demanding, and the return trip uphill requires some effort. But let me assure you, the effort is entirely worth it. The views you’ll encounter along this trail are nothing short of breathtaking. As you gaze out over the majestic landscapes, you’ll appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Plus, if you’re a dog lover, you’ll be happy to know that this trail is dog-friendly. You’ll likely come across many furry companions on your adventure. Be aware, though, that this trail is quite popular. Parking is free and can be a challenge, as the lot tends to fill up quickly. Some visitors even choose to park outside the designated area and walk to the trailhead. You’ll likely encounter fellow hikers along the way, which adds to the communal experience. However, be prepared for the occasional loud music from fellow hikers, so bringing headphones might be a good idea. In the end, the Makapuu Point Lookout offers a rewarding hiking experience with stunning views, making it a must-visit destination in Oahu.

  • 5/5 deep s. 3 months ago on Google • 30 reviews New
    This is a short hike compared to most other locations. They pitched the road to the top making it even better. I used to often visit the site when my daughter was 2-4yrs old. We will run for a while and after she was tired we used a stroller. The view never gets old, never.

  • 5/5 Conny Sw Soebagio - O. 2 months ago on Google • 29 reviews New
    A nice safe place to hike. Roughly an hour or less depending on your pace. Great view!!

  • 5/5 Clayton T. 2 years ago on Google
    A nice little stop for a great view of the shoreline.

  • 5/5 Dirk Harris (. 2 years ago on Google
    Great "trail" meaning old road. You cannot legally walk to the lighthouse folks. Watched people doing it, that's a huge fine and possible jail time. Not worth it. Please show Aloha and follow the rules. Don't make them close off even more locations to us! Mahalo. The views are wonderful enough from the trail.

  • 5/5 Vanessa W. 2 months ago on Google • 24 reviews New
    Bit of a hike up hill, however the road is paved. Make sure to take some water and wear comfortable shoes. The view at the top is AMAZING!! Well work the hike.

  • 4/5 Nicholas G. 2 years ago on Google
    It is a nice spot to look out into the Pacific. To get to it, there is a fairly short, uphill paved path that takes about 30 minutes. There are plenty of scenic views along the way.

  • 5/5 paul k. 2 years ago on Google
    Easiest trail from them all, fully paved. Views were spectacular and not too crowded.

  • 5/5 Johnny D. 3 years ago on Google
    Very nice easy paved trail, about 3 miles round trip. Because of COVID-19 the lighthouse is closed. But you can still see it. Dogs, kids and elderly are totally welcome to come. No much of inclination on the trail.

  • 4/5 ShelleyJ 2 years ago on Google
    Great hike on paved surface, beautiful views of the tide pools and ocean. A bit blustery, take a jacket.

  • 5/5 Andy S. 1 year ago on Google
    If you are just interested in nice walks with good views that are not too hard, this is ideal. Its well paved and the views of Koko crater and the shore line. You can no longer get down to the lighthouse, but can see it from the viewpoint. Well worth doing.

  • 5/5 Albert V. 1 year ago on Google
    Easy hike but make sure you bring a hat with because there are no shades on the trail. Go early in the morning if you don't want to be burning under the hot sun.

  • 4/5 corenzo w. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice hike and paved road. But depending on the time beware because the sun is brutal and there is barely any shade. It's very steep going up but kinda becomes an easier grade and levels out in a few spots one you get to the top there are some amazing views also there is s nice breeze at the top but no shade.

  • 5/5 Ryan M. 1 year ago on Google
    About 2.5 miles round trip. All paved so it’s an easy walk, but the incline could be tough depending on your physical health. Be sure to take water and sunscreen! Amazing views from the top.

  • 5/5 Tobey 0. 1 year ago on Google
    Challenging hike- medium. More challenging and longer than diamond head. Main trail is paved and has places where you can break and enjoy the view. Shoreline trail is not paved. Take water and sunblock. Arrive early- parking is challenging. Leave bags in trunk- break into cars here. Free to park and hike.

  • 5/5 Gladys T. 1 year ago on Google
    A very lovely, picturesque hike on Oahu's Southside. I consider this a pretty easy hike. Nice paved trail to the top, so quite safe. Paved parking lot. Better to get there early for parking and before it gets hot! And it is windy so hold on to your hats and anything else!

  • 5/5 Don S. 2 years ago on Google
    Spectacular view at the peak of the lighthouse and channel between Oahu and Molekai. As others have reported, this is an approximately 1 mi uphill hike on a paved trail. Took us about 30 min to get to the peak walking at a modest pace. There were a number of families even pushing baby strollers all the way up. At the top there is a good view looking down to the lighthouse. There was a rather tortuous unmaintained dirt trail out to the lighthouse itself which several more adventurous people were taking. Although others reported you could not go into the lighthouse we could see from the top lookout that it was open on the Saturday morning we were there since several people were up on the top floor of the lighthouse.

  • 5/5 James S. 2 years ago on Google
    Definitely worth the hike. Path is paved so no need to worry about rolling your ankle. Breeze from the ocean cools you off as you hike. Beautiful and stunning views. Clear days, you can see Maui in the distance. On this day, I even saw whales right off the shore!

  • 5/5 Andrew K. 2 years ago on Google
    The hike up this place is pretty easy. On a hot day it may be a little but more difficult because there is no shade...but the view at the end is worth it! You can easily do this hike in sandals


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