Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail — Attraction in Honolulu

Some of the best things in Hawaii are free, and this trail is one of them. Open 7AM to 7:45PM everyday and a short drive from Hawaii Kai or Aina Haina, this is a great place to get some exercise or just a relaxing walk. If I lived on this side of the island, I would go every day. This is a paved trail with some short/small dirt pathways created by hikers. You get a beautiful scenic walk up the trail with 3 rest stops to take pictures, take a water break, and one stop has those clunky viewers to see the whales. Yes, you can see whales breaching every so often, native plants, birds, and just a lot of fresh clean air. If you want to see the whales bring your own binoculars as the vieweres up there are in and shape due to weather. I've noticed a lot of people speed walking and up and some jogging, but I personally enjoy the leisurely stroll up. I see more and more people bringing their pets, so for you dog owners, please pick up after your pets! Go early or later in the day when the temperatures are cooler. Parking can be a bear, so arrive early near opening. I parked along ed the highway like most others because the lot was full, and so was the pathway to the lot. I'm not sure if this was legal, but about 2 dozen cars were parked this way. If you are a local or a tourist, this is a must visit, in my opinion. Allot about 1.5 hours for a super casual stroll up and down roundtrip. This time included taking dozens of pictures, 4 water breaks, and watchong whales. Please be respectful, though, and carry your trash out and let others pass...

Hiking the Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail in Honolulu, Hawaii, was an absolute highlight of my visit to Oahu. This trail offers one of the most scenic and rewarding experiences on the island.

The hike itself is relatively easy, making it accessible for families and those new to hiking, yet the views are nothing short of spectacular. As you ascend the well-maintained, paved path, each switchback reveals more of the breathtaking coastline, with the deep blue Pacific stretching out to the horizon.

The real treat comes at the end of the trail, where you're greeted with panoramic views of the rugged cliffs, the iconic Makapuʻu Lighthouse, and, if you're lucky, glimpses of migrating whales during the season. The lighthouse, while not accessible to the public, adds a touch of history and charm to the landscape.

What's particularly wonderful about this hike is its year-round appeal. Whether you're chasing the sunrise for a vibrant start to your day or catching the sunset for an unforgettable end, the natural beauty never disappoints.

The trail is well signposted, and there are plenty of spots to stop, catch your breath, and snap some photos. Parking can be a bit challenging, especially on weekends, but it's well worth the effort.

In summary, if you're in Honolulu and looking for a hike that combines ease with incredible vistas, the Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail is a must-do. It's a beautiful reminder of why Hawaii is called paradise. Highly recommended for nature lovers and...

This trail is probably one of the most well-known on Oahu. I recommend it to friends and family whenever they visit from out of town. Heck, I even recommended to friends and family that live here.

The first thing to note is the parking situation. I recommend arriving around when the gate opens, which is 7 AM, if you plan on going for a morning hike. This is due to a couple reasons. First, the parking lot fills up, relatively quickly. Second, The hike can be pretty hot if you go while the sun is high in the sky, and there aren't any water or relief stations on the trail.

Next, the view is second to none. You get a great panoramic view of the coastline on the east side from a high vantage point. If you are here during the Wright season, you can even see whales in the distance.

As for the difficulty of the hike, I'd probably say it's easy for most people. At a very leisurely pace, my friend and I managed to complete the hike in about an hour and 10 minutes.

One more thing to keep in mind is that the trail can be a little windy, so make sure that you secure any hats that you have because someone's hat actually flew away while they were walking in front of us. Beyond...