Makapu’u Lighthouse Hike and Tidepools – Oahu, Hawaii

The Makapu’u Lighthouse trail is one of the most accessible and popular hiking paths on Oahu. The lookout is about one mile each way on a wide, freshly paved path where you can enjoy stunning views of the ocean and Koko Head.

The wide, paved path up to the look out with a lower, dirt trail down below to the coastline.

Updated: 2023. Originally published: June 2017.

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail Details

Trail Length: 2.5 mi
Average trail width: 8 feet
Route Type: Out & back
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Paved asphalt, smooth
Elevation Gain: 500 ft

What to know: Hiking the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail 

In addition to the main Makapu’u hike, there are a number of other trail options. Instead of heading up the paved path from the parking lot, you can take the flat dirt road to the right and head straight to the coast.

Toward the top of the main paved pathway, there are a few side trails to explore as well, including one leading down to some pretty impressive tidepools (more on that below).

Back in 2017, we thought they were starting to construct bathrooms at the top of the hill, however, there are still no restrooms anywhere along this trail.

The trail out to the lighthouse itself has been closed for a while, so you can’t get up close to it, but you can see it from the main path and from the final look out.

The paved trail is extremely straight forward. The only things you need to know is that it gets crowded and hot, so it’s really best to go first thing in the morning.

Be aware that the parking lot doesn’t open until 7am, so if you want to do a sunrise hike, you’ll need to park along the highway and walk in.

We have often seen the parking lot overflowing by mid-day, even in the middle of the week.

Rewarding views at the summit

Makapu’u Tidepools

Note: The Makapu’u Tide Pools is currently CLOSED to the public. The area where it is located is considered very dangerous. Learn more about the indefinite closure here.
We’ll keep this previously written section on the tide pools here for posterity. 

The way to the tidepools starts near the top of the main trail. When you’re walking up, there’s a look out point on the right side of the path. 

Next to the look out spot is a sign warning about high waves and the rocky path starts right there, on the left side. You can’t really see the tidepools below until you get further down the path.

The path to the tidepools starts between the sign and the rock wall

Hikers making their way down the rocks to the tidepools

Getting down to the tidepools takes quite a bit more agility and should be done in closed-toed shoes.

There is not a maintained trail, although you can kind of follow where the rocks are lighter in color and there are occasionally white arrows spray painted on the rocks. Step carefully.

As you’re approaching the tidepools, there’s a blow hole to the left that sprays and roars when waves come in at just the right angle.

Some of the rocks in the tidepools do get slippery when wet, and the waves crashing over the reef can come in surprisingly far.

It’s a really amazing place to experience, but you have to be very careful about where you go. I would stay a good 50 yards from the edge and stick to the innermost tidepools if you’re swimming.

Note: The Makapu’u Tide Pools is currently CLOSED to the public. The area where it is located is considered very dangerous. Learn more about the indefinite closure here.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail Hike

How long does Makapu’u Point lighthouse trail take? The hike takes no more than 2 hours to complete, but it depends on your pace.

Is Makapu’u Lighthouse Hike free? Yes. The Makapuu Lighthouse Hike is free.

What time does Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail open?  The Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail opens before sunrise and closes around sunset. Note that the parking lot does not open until 7am.

Is there parking at the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail. What time does it open? Yes, there is parking by the Makapu’u Lighthouse trailhead. It is open from 7 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. in winter and until 7:45 p.m. in summer (April 1st through Labor Day).

Tips for Happy Hiking the Makapu’u Lighthouse and Tidepools

• Go early to get parking and avoid mid-day sun
• Wear sunscreen.
• Bring plenty or water. We recommend taking a reusable water bottle.
• If visiting the tidepools, wear sturdy shoes
• Strollers, dogs, and jogs are all OK here
• Bring binoculars to watch for whales! (Nov – May)

* Access our free Hawaii packing checklist here *

If you have hiking plans for your Oahu trip, we’d love to hear about them! Let us know if you have any questions, or if there are hiking tips you think we should add to our list.

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One Week Oahu Itinerary
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Is the Go Oahu Card worth it?
Honolulu Walking Routes Maps
Where to Stay in Honolulu Outside Waikiki

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