The Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail is one of the most scenic and beginner-friendly hikes on Oahu, with stunning coastal views, sea cliffs, and a clear look at one of the island’s most well-known lighthouses.

Located on Oahu’s southeastern coast, this paved trail is perfect for families, casual hikers, and anyone looking for an easy hike with major rewards. From panoramic views of the coastline, to spotting whales out to sea, the surroundings are marvelous.

If you’re visiting Oahu and want a short adventure with incredible photo opportunities, this hike absolutely deserves a spot on your itinerary.

Where is Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail and How to Get There

Located on Oahu’s southeast coast, and about a 20–25-minute drive from Waikiki, the Makapu’u lighthouse trail is a popular hike amongst visitors to the island and for good reason.

The drive itself is beautiful, with ocean views and rugged coastline along the way. Simply plug “Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trailhead” into Google Maps and it will bring you directly to the parking lot.

Visiting The Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail Without a Car

If you’re visiting without a car, getting to the trailhead by public transportation or rideshare is doable, but requires more planning.

By Public Transportation

The public bus system on Oahu (called TheBus) does go near the trail, but the trip is long from tourist areas.

From Waikiki, the ride can take 1.5 to 2 hours depending on connections. You will likely need to transfer buses in town before heading toward the southeastern coast. The closest stop is along Kalanianaole Highway near the Makapuʻu Lookout area, and from there it is about a 10 to 15 minute walk to the trail entrance.

By Uber or Lyft

Using Uber or Lyft is much easier than the bus and still allows you to avoid renting a car. The drive from Waikiki usually takes 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic.

One important thing to know is that cell service can be limited at the trailhead, so it can sometimes be harder to get a ride back. Many visitors have success requesting a ride near the parking lot, but you may have to wait longer than usual. Walking a short distance toward the highway can sometimes help with signal.

Parking at Makapu’u Lighthouse trail

Parking can fill up quickly here, especially in the morning, so arriving early is key. There is a designated parking lot at the trailhead, but it is small and often full by mid-morning.

If the lot is full, street parking is available along the access road, but be sure to check for “no parking” signs. Car break-ins can happen in this area, so never leave valuables in your vehicle.

Tips Before You Go

This trail has almost no shade, so sun protection is essential. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and more water than you think you’ll need.

The path is fully paved, making it suitable for regular sneakers, strollers, and beginner hikers.

There are mounted binoculars along the trail but if you want to have the opportunity to whale watch throughout, bring your own set of binoculars if you have some.

What to Expect on the Hike

This is an easy but steady uphill walk with some of the best coastal views on Oahu. The hike is about 2 miles round trip and most people complete it in 1 to 1.5 hours depending on how often they stop for photos. The Makapu’u lighthouse trail offers extraordinary scenery of Oahu’s windward coast and, of course, an impressive view of the symbolic lighthouse at the end of the hike.

The first portion of the trail will spoil you with a panoramic view of the Wawamalu Valley below with Koko Head crater looming in the background. You will also have a cool vantage point of Alan Davis white sand beach along with a scenic stretch of the southeastern coastline.

You will then make your way up a winding part of the trail and before long, you’ll reach a couple of designated viewing platforms to gaze out at the ocean and even spot some whales if you’re here between November and April!

There are even mounted binoculars available here to get a better view out to sea, so you should definitely take advantage of these if you intend to whale watch. Further up, there will be more views along the cliffside to your right and a set of crystal-clear tide pools way down at the bottom.

Makapu’u Lighthouse View

The final stretch leads to viewing platforms overlooking the historic Makapuʻu Lighthouse perched on the cliffside. While the lighthouse itself is not accessible, the views from above are spectacular.

From the top platforms you’ll also see:

• Waimanalo Bay
• Manana Island (also called Rabbit Island)

The bright turquoise water and steep cliffs make this one of the most photogenic spots on Oahu.

Is Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail Worth It?

Yes, this is one of the best, easy hikes on the island. Given that this hike only takes about an hour to complete and is crammed with tremendous scenery, the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail is the perfect addition to your Oahu itinerary. Whether you’re an avid hiker, or just casual, there is large appeal to everyone who visits, and you will go home with pristine photos as well as some captivating knowledge of the area.

Other Things to do Near Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

The nearby Alan Davis Beach is certainly worth visiting after your hike to Makapu’u. This hidden gem is a gorgeous white sand beach where you can lay down and relax and also features clear, shallow water to cool off in. This is a good spot to snorkel and even offers some small-scale rock jumping further up the cove. The path that takes you here is found right next to the beginning of the lighthouse trail but bear in mind that this is not paved in the same way and is quite rocky so make sure you watch your step and wear appropriate footwear. The walk from the car park to the beach will take roughly 15 mins.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

How long is the Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail?

The Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail is about 2 miles round trip. It typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours roundtrip to complete the hike depending on how often you stop for photos.

Is the Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail hard?

No, this is considered an easy hike. The trail is fully paved, but there is a steady uphill incline.

Can you go inside the Makapuʻu Lighthouse?

No, the lighthouse is not open to the public. You can view it from the lookout platforms at the end of the trail.

When is the best time to hike Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail?

Morning and late afternoon are best to avoid the midday heat. From November to April, you may also see humpback whales offshore.

Can you visit Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail without a car?

Yes, but it takes longer. You can use TheBus or rideshares like Uber, but driving is the easiest option.