Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail

The Makapu‘u Point trail, within Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline, is one of the closest places to downtown Honolulu and Waikiki where you can get away from the city lights. It is short, only 2 miles (3.2 km) roundtrip, but provides outstanding views of O‘ahu’s southeastern coastline, including Koko Head and Koko Crater. The trail’s destination at Makapu‘u Head offers beautiful views of the coast and its offshore islets, as well as the historic red-roofed Makapu‘u Lighthouse, which makes a stunning picture against the deep blue sea below (you cannot visit the lighthouse though). When in season (Nov-May), the trail is a great place to view migrating humpback whales (bring binoculars). Not open overnight.