| Popular with residents, this gated, asphalt road, built to maintain to the automated Makapuu Lighthouse, provides easy access to abandoned WWII sentry "pillboxes" and stunning windward coastal views from Oahu's southeastern-most point. It is also a vantage point for whale-watching. |
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Description: Once used as an Army anti-invasion lookout during World War II, this location later served as a nautical navigational aid site and lighthouse by the United States Coast Guard. The road was ceded to the State of Hawaii. The automated lighthouse, which was once manned, is still in operation today. From Makapu'u Point, shoreline views from the terminus include Makapu'u Beach to Kailua and Sandy Beach to Koko Head Crater. What to Expect: This is one of the easiest hikes on Oahu. It does have an incline and those out-of-shape may lose their breath - so take it easy. But if you can walk okay, then you'll have no problem with this road. Ironically, this road is used more often by sightseers then by lighthouse maintenance technicians. Expect heavy foot traffic both runners and walkers. At 540 feet in elevation a dirt path on the west end continues where the paved road leaves off. It reaches the highest point of Makapu'u Head at 647 feet (Makapu'u Point) off to the right side. Several WWII "pillboxes", a rememberance plaque, and concrete and metal-railed lookouts for sightseeing are present. The lighthouse is located at the east end on a sharp slope about 100 feet lower then the lookout (inaccessible without rappelling from this point). Because of outbreaks of vandalism in the 1980s, there is no entry permitted to the automated lighthouse via a fenced and gated pathway about 300 feet prior to the road's end. Distances/Elevations: The paved Makapuu Lighthouse Road is 1.4-mile long (one-way) The lookout (above the lighthouse) elevation is 560-ft while the pillboxes on the opposite peak is 647-ft. Trailhead Location: The start of Makapuu Lighthouse Road begins at a locked, vehicular gate along Kalanianaole Highway (Hwy 72). Proceed through the gate and stay on the road. Accessing the Trail: The road cuts through the Makapu'u Point State Wayside Park operated by the DLNR Division of State Parks. This is on the east side, or right-hand side heading Waimanalo-bound, of Kalanianaole Highway (Hwy 72) between Hawaii Kai and Waimanalo. Specifically, it is along the stretch between the Hawaii Kai Golf Course and the Makapuu Lookout (which is well before Sea Life Park). Parking/Facilities: There is no designated parking lot nor stalls. Parking near the trailhead is available along the public highway - be careful of the passing traffic. There are no facilities (e.g. restrooms) and the park is not staffed. Property/Access: Open/public-access. This is a state park, public land, and access is not restricted. Landowner (100%): State of Hawaii Leasees: none Verified with City & County of Honolulu public records June 28, 2002. It is your responsibility to obtain permission from proper landowners. For detailed property/access info, click More Info. Dangers/Other Considerations: The primary danger with this trail is human. This trailhead is very popular to those who like the views and exercise and those who like to rip the former off. Treat the trailhead as you would a beach parking lot. Never leave valuables in the car or anything tempting within view. On September 10, 1998, a man armed with a screwdriver attempted to break into cars parked along the highway at the trailhead. Police scuffled with him, he somehow grabbed one of the officer's handguns, but was soon shot after firing at and wounding another officer. |
 Hawaii Kai (east) Side (at 0.3-mile) |
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 Whale-Watching Information (at 0.9-mile) |
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 Ocean (west) Side (at 1.0-mile) |
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 End of Road & Lookout (at 1.4-mile / trail terminus) |
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 Makapuu Lighthouse (view from lookout) |
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 Kaupo Peninsula & Koolau Mountains (view from lookout) |
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 Manana, Mokuhope & Kakalaoia Is. (view from lookout) |
| What the books say... | |
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| Hawaiian Hiking Trails Craig Chisholm |
Not listed |
| Hawaii's Best Hiking Trails Robert Smith | Not listed |
| The Hikers Guide to O'ahu Stuart Ball |
Not listed |