Just about every time I visit my relatives in Honolulu, I take a drive over to the southeastern tip of the island of Oahu to enjoy the Makapu’u hike.
To get there, if you’re driving from Honolulu, you pass some nice views of the ocean and coastline.
Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline park is it’s official name, but it’s more often referred to just as Makapu’u hike or the Makapu’u lighthouse hike.
The southeastern tip of Oahu is on the edge of the leeward side of the island, meaning it’s the dry side, compared to the windward side which gets lots more rain.
That means it’s not jungle tropical scenery but more like shrubs and grass.
The Makapu’u hike is actually not much of a hike at all, but more like an easy uphill walk.
The entire trail is a small single lane paved road, not a real hiking trail. I often like to be a little more off-the-beaten path, but I keep coming back here because the views are wonderful, and it’s a real leisure hike.
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This was actually one of the greenest times I’ve ever seen it. Normally the grass is just a bit browner.
Since there is relatively few trees and plants, the benefit is that you are provided with wonderful panoramic views in every direction you look.
On one side you’ll see Koko Head crater (another wonderful hike), and on a clear day you can also see Moloka’i or even the top of the mountains on Maui.
Even though the distant views are so stunning, also remember to check out some of the small flowers and plants.
Along with the great views of the Pacific Ocean, another reason to take the Makapu’u hike when you’re in Oahu is for the chance to see humpback whales.
The season normally runs from about December through March, and during these months you have a pretty decent chance at seeing these magnificent creatures breaching the surface of the water.
Last time I went, I didn’t have any luck, but other times I’ve seen a few.
The hike barely takes 30 minutes, and at the very top, you can peer down at the Makapu’u lighthouse.
46 feet high, and with an intensity of 115,000 candlepower white (I don’t really know what this means), the light from this strategic lighthouse could previously be seen from 17 nautical miles away – it’s a powerful lighthouse.
Turn your head the other direction from the lighthouse and you’re presented with an amazing panoramic view of the Oahu cliffs that rise above Makapu’u beach.
I wasn’t able to spot any whales this time… but the views from the Makapu’u hike are still always breathtaking!
Food should always be a part of your plans in Hawaii, and I could not end this post without mentioning that after completing the Makapu’u hike, I headed straight to Genki Sushi.
Their spicy tuna bombs, always hits the spot!
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tiny fishing
1 year ago
Beautiful scenery, rustic food. Very suitable for those who are passionate about backpacking, experience setting foot in each region of the country.
five nights at freddy’s
1 year ago
As the player secures each room, he finds more about what happened at this pizza place as well as insight into his own life.
High Rated Gabru
2 years ago
Nice blog. Please keep it up!!
Tammy
8 years ago
I am on a working vacation on Oahu right now and this hike just made the top of my To-Do List! Thank you for sharing the information and the gorgeous pics! Mahalo!
Mark Wiens
8 years ago
Hey Tammy, you’re welcome, and glad you’re in Oahu right now. Have a great hike!
Christy
10 years ago
Oh my, Oahu! I love this place, and it has been on my mind since my trip and I am hoping to return soon! A beautiful island and there is just so much to love about this place!~
You’re so lucky to be able to travel to this place so often!!!~ =)
Mark Wiens
10 years ago
Hey Christy, glad you love it in Hawaii as well, it really is an amazing place!
Jonny Duncan
10 years ago
Planning on hopefully getting to Hawaii in a few months. Can’t wait!
Mark Wiens
10 years ago
Great to hear that Jonny!
Renuka
10 years ago
Wow! Amazing photos (each one of them)! And what a wonderful way to sum up the hike – Tuna bomb. 🙂
Mark Wiens
10 years ago
Thank you Renuka!
Jen
10 years ago
Such a beautiful place and you have taken some equally beautiful photos Mark. Thanks for sharing them.
Mark Wiens
10 years ago
Thank you very much Jen!
AkwaabaGolden
10 years ago
These are some amazing pictures you got there… almost felt like I was actually there too! 🙂
Mark Wiens
10 years ago
Thank you!