Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail: Strong Focus On Whales and Epic Views

Why is the Makapu’u lighthouse trail so popular? Find out what to expect on the trail and learn fun lighthouse facts. Do you know what a Fresnel lens is? Read on!

This post was updated and rewritten in 2022.

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Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

If you are looking for epic views, the Makapu’u lighthouse hike is a good candidate. Known also as Kaiwi Scenic Shoreline Trail, you can see Koko Head, Molokai, Lanai, and the eastern coast of the island. Actually, the lighthouse marks the most eastern point on Oahu.

Is the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail Easy?

After my successful MS challenge at Diamond Head and a differently successful one at Manoa Falls, we decided that the Makapu’u Lighthouse trail sounded doable. Yeah, I know, I am an optimist.

In theory, it is a relatively easy trail for people who are in good physical shape. Easy as in

• The trail is fully paved;
• “Only” one mile to the top (500 ft elevation gain) (two mile roundtrip);
• The views are so amazing that you forget about any physical hardship;
• Whales! OK, they don’t make it easy, but hey, hard to justify missing out on these gentle giants;
• There are places to sit and enjoy the views along the trail;
• At the end you get rewarded with an extensive view featuring the Makapuu Light House.

Just in case, I brought my trusty hiking poles, figuring I would get less tired, but I would be fine if I took my time. Carpe Diem! Because there is a case to be made that the trail is not particularly easy…

Is the Makau’u Lighthouse Hike Hard?

Well, the Hawaii Division of State Parks labels this Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail” as a “Moderate” difficulty. They describe the terrain as “hot, dry slopes” and recommend two hours for an average round trip.

• Two miles round trip is a lot if you are out of shape or have disability issues, like MS or another invisible illness;
• 500 feet elevation gain means you need good stamina and the ability to confidently go downhill after you are already tired from the uphill;
• The trail is usually sunny and hot;
• Oftentimes it is very windy at the summit;

Is the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail ADA Accessible?

Technically yes, this trail is fully ADA accessible because it is paved all the way. Just be aware that two miles can be a long hike and that going downhill often is harder than going uphill. The good news is that you don’t have to go all the way up to get to the views.

After about 500 feet you reach the first viewing platform, so that you get rewarded for your hard work. With my walking disability due to MS I could reach the great views, but I didn’t make it to the summit.

Fun Facts about the Makapu’u Lighthouse

According to Hawaiian legend, Makapuu was the home of a goddess with shining eyes. So it is a perfect location for a lighthouse. In 1909 they constructed this lighthouse as a guiding signal for sailors to reach the Hawaiian coast.

Although the lighthouse is only 46 feet tall, it has such a bright light that it can be seen 28 miles out to sea. In 1977 the National Park Service put this lighthouse on the National Register of Historic Places

Easternmost Point on Oahu

Makapu’u lighthouse marks the easternmost point on Oahu, so it is an excellent location to watch the sunrise. Our visit worked out to coincide with sunset instead.

The Largest Fresnel Lens in the USA

Makapuʻu Point Light on the island of Oʻahu has the largest Fresnel lens in the USA. At first, I had no clue what a Fresnel lens was.

After some research I found out that the French physicist Augustin-Jean Fresnel (pronounced “Fre-NEL”) discovered a nifty way to flatten a thick and heavy lens. I really liked this visual explanation:

In addition to lighthouses, the Fresnel lens is used in car lights, theater lights and many more.

Can You See Whales from the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail?

Yes, so bring binoculars! When I heard that there could be whales in addition to the views, I was sold on this trail. And indeed there were whales. We didn’t see them breach but we did see them spout. What a treat!

When is the Best Time to see Whales from Makapu’u Point?

From December through April, humpback whales migrate from Alaska to the warm waters of Hawaii. Enjoying their tropical vacation, they mate, give birth, and care for their newborn calves.

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A post shared by Karen Lanzetta (@our.carpe.diem)

Our Experience on the Trail

Indeed it was paved and there were views, bu I had not been paying as much attention to the ‘uphill all the way’ part of the description. Or at least I wasn’t willing to admit my feebleness. As long as I wanted it badly enough, it should be fine, right?

Wrong.

Hiking the Trail with a Walking Disability

But, my disappointment was quickly forgotten when we came to the part of the path where there were viewing points and I could sit and watch whales! Spouting and swimming right there. It still amazes me that we could see them right from shore.

Sure they were pretty far away, but still! What a treat! I decided I didn’t really care about hiking the whole trail anymore, since I already had gotten to the awesome part with the whale show.

The viewing platforms are very well done, with all kinds of good information. Our favorite bird, the magnificent frigate, can be seen here. Of course we never saw any, but it is still nice to know that they are around.

After sitting around for a bit, we hiked on, sat more, and watched more whales, until I decided that it was time to quit walking. After all, I wanted to be able to hike down still.

Tom hiked on to see what else lay ahead and eventually reached the lighthouse viewing spot. Going that far would have been too much for me that day.

Sunset at the Lighthouse Trail

So I sat, rested and enjoyed nature, whales, people and the start of the sunset. And what a sunset it was! The trail is an excellent viewpoint to see the sun go down and the sky light up. Slowly, the colors started changing.

It progressed with stunning effects, the sky looked afire. What an unexpected treat. Well, we knew the sun would go down eventually, we just hadn’t realized what a superior vantage point we would have.

We took so many pictures, but eventually I realized that if the sun was going down, there was a good possibility that it would get dark soon after.

Hello Darkness, My Old Friend…

Maybe it shouldn’t have been a surprise that hiking in the dark with MS is really, really hard. Even with my poles, I still needed Tom’s support. Basically, the timing of our hike was totally off! Still, this hike was worth every single hardship. Nothing can beat seeing whales.

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail Conclusion

If you wonder whether this hike is worth it, my answer is a whole hearted yes. Go for it! Just be aware that it might be harder than you expected and plan accordingly.

Have you been to this trail? How did you like it? Do you know any other easy hikes on Hawai’i? Please share in the comments.

Don’t Skip Pearl Harbor!

• What to expect during a Visit to Pearl Harbor;
• Five interesting facts about Ford Island. Do you know why the missionaries renamed it?
• Where the Second World War ended! Visit USS Missouri. Now with historic video footage of the Japanese surrender.
• Not all Japanese were our enemy. Some brave ones fought for us! The story of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team;

Other Epic Things To Do on Oahu

• Hiking Diamond Head in Hawai’i: ten tips to help you succeed at this iconic hike; Even if you are out of shape or live with a chronic illness;
• Manoa Falls Hike with MS: celebrating failure! A much harder hike, especially after a big rain. Not wheelchair or stroller accessible;
• Snorkeling and Dolphin Watching in Honolulu: for me, swimming is way easier than hiking;
• Surfing at Waikiki Beach Go surf at the Birth Place of Surfing! Great teachers available at Dave’s Big Waves!
• Beginners Birding Guide to Hawai’i. Discover how most of these pretty birds are actually invasive pests!

Whale Watching around the World

Sharing some other places to watch whales:

• Massachusetts: Feeding Frenzy at Stellwagen Bank;
• Canada: See humpbacks in the St Lawrence River;
• Or TOUCH a whale in Mexico’s Magdalena Bay!

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