Makapu‘U Point
Makapu‘U Point
4.5
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A beautiful, scenic spot overlooking Makapuu Peninsula.
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2 within 3 miles
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42 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
320 reviews
Excellent
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Very good
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TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN6,479 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
The best way to experience Makapu'u Point is to hike the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail. This is a paved trail that climbs 1.25 miles. It is moderately strenuous and requires at least a moderate fitness level. Terrific views of the surrounding ocean along the way and ends with a nice view of the nearby lighthouse. We also spotted a whale just off the coast as we were there in March which is during the migrating season. This is a very popular trail and the parking lot was nearly full when we arrived at around 11am. If the lot is full, there is parking along the side of the main highway, but this will add to your walking time. It is best to go early which allows you to beat the crowds and also the daytime heat as there is no shade along the hike. If you do not have the physical ability to make the climb, there is a nice vista point along the main road just north of here where you can stop and get out of the car.
Written January 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sightseer779040
509 contributions
Oct 2022
We found this during my research on places to stop on a drive around the island. It is just past the pull off for the Makapuu lighthouse trail. The parking lot is on the smaller side, but there was a decent turn around of people coming and going so it seemed to work out while we were there. You cannot see the lighthouse from here as it is around the corner, but it still has a pleasant view of the coastline down the island. There are signs in the parking lot warning of break ins. Please be sure to take your bags with you on your person, don’t leave anything that looks valuable in plain sight, and lock your doors. So please be alert and aware of your surroundings. Overall it is a great place to take in some of the beauty of the island as you make your way around.
Written November 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elisabetnoh
Maryland78 contributions
Jan 2023
We stopped along each lookout on the southside of the island, and this one was our favorite. No camera filter was needed to capture the vivid shades of blue. We went late in the afternoon and there was only one other couple there. Worth the drive and stop.
Written March 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sullivan F
Savannah, GA65 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
Excellent trail! Well maintained, beautiful views, a fair amount of parking. We walked all the way up and had no challenges, but it is a bit steep if you’re not used to doing much physical activity. Totally worth the hike! It only took us an hour to get all the way up and back. I only wish there were a bathroom and water fountain available at the base of the hike, since lots of families were there. But other than that, we will be doing this hike again!
Written April 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WrldTrvl_68
Houston, TX93 contributions
Jun 2021
I did the coastal hike to the nature reserve. There is no shade and you should bring lots of water to drink. Definitely walk all the way to the point through the protected area. The fence and gate is to protect the albatross. You may also see some monk seals.
Written June 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bex I
Silverdale, New Zealand207 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Beautiful views from this lookout. Easy to access from car park with plenty of parking. Access for prams or wheelchairs. It was very windy however lovely clear day and views for miles. Definitely worth stopping for a photo op.
Written July 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JDSoui
Tampa, FL6,781 contributions
Apr 2022 • Solo
The views are simply amazing. Additionally the varying colors of the water is amazing. The wind also adds an element of peace. Overall a fabulous stop
Written April 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenn123444
Martinsburg, WV366 contributions
Makapu'u Point is wonderful. We went for Sunrise. We were running a bit late that morning and really pushed ourselves to make sure we got to the top on time so I was 'short of breath' by the time we reached the top. Under normal circumstances I don't think you would be. It's about a one - mile (oneway) hike, mostly all up hill.
The sunrise was incredible.
The lighthouse was neat.
Make sure you go all the very way to the top - there is a small lookout point.
We went during the winter months but unfortunately did not see any humpback whales offshore.
The hike down was very easy. Took about 45 minutes.
If you are an 'outdoors' kind of person or love nature hikes, be sure to visit Makapu'u Point. It is the south eastern most point on the island.
Tips:
Bring Water
Bring Hat / Sunscreen
Wear good shoes
Take Camera
Its very windy at the top - if you wear a hat, hold onto it
The sunrise was incredible.
The lighthouse was neat.
Make sure you go all the very way to the top - there is a small lookout point.
We went during the winter months but unfortunately did not see any humpback whales offshore.
The hike down was very easy. Took about 45 minutes.
If you are an 'outdoors' kind of person or love nature hikes, be sure to visit Makapu'u Point. It is the south eastern most point on the island.
Tips:
Bring Water
Bring Hat / Sunscreen
Wear good shoes
Take Camera
Its very windy at the top - if you wear a hat, hold onto it
Written March 12, 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stpauliaina
Saint Paul, MN1,691 contributions
This is a very lovely area on the East Side of O'ahu.
You will see it from Sea Life Park. Just out from shore is Rabbit Island as
well. I love making the small circle Island via Pali Hwy and around by
Waimanalo to this area which also in the fall get good size waves.
It is a fun area to check out.
for traveler if you see it spelled Mokapu point you are getting
wrong data. It's Makapu'u Point. Shame one on tripadvisor staff
Use books or source by authentic Hawaiian companies
especially the ones who use the Okina or ' like mark and the
macron - above vowels.
You will see it from Sea Life Park. Just out from shore is Rabbit Island as
well. I love making the small circle Island via Pali Hwy and around by
Waimanalo to this area which also in the fall get good size waves.
It is a fun area to check out.
for traveler if you see it spelled Mokapu point you are getting
wrong data. It's Makapu'u Point. Shame one on tripadvisor staff
Use books or source by authentic Hawaiian companies
especially the ones who use the Okina or ' like mark and the
macron - above vowels.
Written February 12, 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arthe
Kailua86 contributions
Aug 2011
This hike is very popular and with good reasons. There is a parking lot at the beginning, it's easy and the views are spectacular. On a really cloudy day, it is often the only place without rain on the east side of the island.
You will be walking on an old road almost to the lighthouse. Take whatever shoes you are comfortable in, water and sun protection, your camera and binoculars if it's whale season (December to April usually). You could even plan to take a pic-nick up there. The first part ascends slowly on the side of the mountain, toward the sea. On your right is a rock formation that looks like a chair known as Pele's Chair. This part is protected from the wind, so if it's sunny, you will be hot. Then, you reach the top of the cliff and have a vast view in front of view. The road turns left and follows the side of the cliff, you may want to hold your children's hand. It is not overly dangerous as the road is about 3 or 4 yards wide. You then reach an observation point for whales. You will see some people going down the mountain here to bath in the tide-pools below if the waves aren't too big that day.
If you choose to go, be careful of a blowhole at the bottom, don't let the kids wander by themselves far from the pools. Look carefully at the start because it's not so easy once at the bottom to find the best way up as there are many "trails" everywhere but you will end up on the road anyway. It's better to have good shoes here and more difficult, but doable by kids. Be very careful of the ocean, there are always some waves bigger than others and you don't want to be swept into the ocean here. Some days, it's just better not to go as the ocean is too rough.
Back to the road, the plants are now very short and you enjoy a great view as you walk on a less steep section and with refreshing winds. Keep going to the end. There are two observation points with rail-guards, one seeing toward the windward side, the Sea Life, Waimanalo to Kailua and one toward Molokai. You may see what looks like two island a flat one followed by a hilly one. In fact it is all Molokai, with the flattest western part closer to you and the mountainous east side behind. The sea has beautiful variations of blue from up there.
Before the viewpoints, there is an old parking lot on the left. There are trees providing a welcomed shade there. You can follow one of the paths going up on the left from there toward old bunkers. If it has rained recently, it will be very muddy or wet. Great views from the top of the bunkers too, very windy some days. Some people go down toward the parking lot directly from the bunkers but it is more difficult and exposed. I can't comment on it since I always go down by the road, the views are so nice.
If you don't stop often, you might be done in one hour, but you could spend a short half day here, especially if you see whales.
No food between Hawaii Kai and Waimanalo. Restrooms at Sandy beach or at the beach park across the Sea Life.
You will be walking on an old road almost to the lighthouse. Take whatever shoes you are comfortable in, water and sun protection, your camera and binoculars if it's whale season (December to April usually). You could even plan to take a pic-nick up there. The first part ascends slowly on the side of the mountain, toward the sea. On your right is a rock formation that looks like a chair known as Pele's Chair. This part is protected from the wind, so if it's sunny, you will be hot. Then, you reach the top of the cliff and have a vast view in front of view. The road turns left and follows the side of the cliff, you may want to hold your children's hand. It is not overly dangerous as the road is about 3 or 4 yards wide. You then reach an observation point for whales. You will see some people going down the mountain here to bath in the tide-pools below if the waves aren't too big that day.
If you choose to go, be careful of a blowhole at the bottom, don't let the kids wander by themselves far from the pools. Look carefully at the start because it's not so easy once at the bottom to find the best way up as there are many "trails" everywhere but you will end up on the road anyway. It's better to have good shoes here and more difficult, but doable by kids. Be very careful of the ocean, there are always some waves bigger than others and you don't want to be swept into the ocean here. Some days, it's just better not to go as the ocean is too rough.
Back to the road, the plants are now very short and you enjoy a great view as you walk on a less steep section and with refreshing winds. Keep going to the end. There are two observation points with rail-guards, one seeing toward the windward side, the Sea Life, Waimanalo to Kailua and one toward Molokai. You may see what looks like two island a flat one followed by a hilly one. In fact it is all Molokai, with the flattest western part closer to you and the mountainous east side behind. The sea has beautiful variations of blue from up there.
Before the viewpoints, there is an old parking lot on the left. There are trees providing a welcomed shade there. You can follow one of the paths going up on the left from there toward old bunkers. If it has rained recently, it will be very muddy or wet. Great views from the top of the bunkers too, very windy some days. Some people go down toward the parking lot directly from the bunkers but it is more difficult and exposed. I can't comment on it since I always go down by the road, the views are so nice.
If you don't stop often, you might be done in one hour, but you could spend a short half day here, especially if you see whales.
No food between Hawaii Kai and Waimanalo. Restrooms at Sandy beach or at the beach park across the Sea Life.
Written November 18, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My wife is a little nervous about heights. She can't look out the widow on mountains. Does this trail have any narrowness or drop offs?
Written December 28, 2019
A Tripadvisor member
Halifax, Canada
4 contributions
I think your wife will enjoy the lookout area which has a wall at the edge. She won't feel too bad there. I didn't walk on the trail but it looked like it went up to a high point. I doubt she would feel comfortable doing that. You could go and I'm sure she wouldn't mind waiting for you at the lookoff. I could have sat there for hours admiring the view. Hope that's helpful!
Written December 31, 2019
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