Things to do in Oahu › Oahu beaches › Makapuu Beach Park
Makapuu Beach Park
Bodysurfing and the lighthouse trailUpdated October 30, 2026 Beach safety: Ocean Safety; trail access: DLNR
Makapuu Beach Park sits below cliffs at Oahu's eastern point. The shorebreak is powerful here. Winter surf can strip away sand and expose large boulders where the waves break. Tower 5 covers the beach. The paved lighthouse trail climbs above the coast to a lookout where you may see whales in season. This is a beach for experienced bodysurfers; you should swim only if you're a strong swimmer and the lifeguard advises it.
Map
Where Makapuu Beach Park is
21.3113° N, 157.6602° W Directions in Google Maps Apple Maps OpenStreetMap
How to get there
- From Waikiki by car The drive from Kuhio Beach in Waikiki is 14.0 miles or 22.6 km along Kalanianaole Highway. You pass Hanauma Bay and Sandy Beach before reaching the park below Makapuu Point. The beach entrance is opposite Sea Life Park.
- By bus You need a transfer from Waikiki to Route 23 at Kahala Mall. The Sea Life Park branch stops across the highway from the beach at stop 186. Some Route 23 trips end at Kalama Valley, so you need the Sea Life Park destination.
- With a tour The hiking tours list includes the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail. Your booking page should name the hike and its Waikiki pickup point. A ride to the trailhead doesn't give you beach time unless that's included in the trip.
- On foot to the lighthouse The walk starts at the lighthouse trail lot. You follow the paved former access road uphill to the lookouts and return the same way. The lighthouse itself is closed to visitors; you'll see it from the trail.
At a glance
Makapuu Beach Park at a glance
| Water | powerful shorebreak with rip currents. Winter waves can uncover boulders at the water's edge. Swimming ability and the lifeguard's advice matter here; summer doesn't make this a beginner's swimming beach. |
| Lifeguards | one tower, Tower 5 at 41-095 Kalanianaole Highway. City tower hours are 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily. A tower can close during those hours, so you still need a lifeguard on duty before entering. |
| Shade | bring your own sun protection for the beach and the trail. The lighthouse climb is exposed. You'll need water before you set off because there's none on the route. |
| Parking | free beach parking off Kalanianaole Highway. The lighthouse trail has a separate free lot at Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline. Sea Life Park parking costs $18 plus tax per vehicle per day if you're visiting the marine park. |
| On the shore | restrooms and showers at the beach park. You'll also find picnic tables here. Across the road, Sea Life Park admission costs $49.99 per adult online and children ages 3 and under enter free. |
| Hazards | shorebreak and strong currents, with jellyfish also possible. Don't climb down to the Makapuu tide pools below the trail: the area is closed. Waves can sweep people away there; the steep access route has loose rock. |
| Known for | bodysurfing and the paved lighthouse trail, a 2-mile round trip (3.2 km) with winter whale watching. Kaiwi opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 7:45 p.m. from April 1. From the day after Labor Day, it closes at 6:45 p.m.; those aren't beach parking hours. |
Before you go
- Ask the lifeguard about conditions before you enter the water. Start the lighthouse trail early to avoid the worst heat. You'll need water with you because the route has no drinking water or restrooms.
The beach
What Makapuu Beach Park is like
Black cliffs rise behind Makapuu Beach Park at the eastern end of Oahu. From the highway, the beach is easy to miss. You reach a shore where bodyboarders and bodysurfers ride the waves breaking close to land. You can use the beach park's restrooms before heading up to the lighthouse trail. Picnic tables give you a place to eat between the beach stop and the climb.
Powerful shorebreak and rip currents rule out casual swimming. You can watch experienced bodysurfers from dry sand. The highway's Makapuu Lookout has its upper viewing area closed for repairs from October 21 through November 4. Limited viewing remains on weekdays; the lookout area closes all day on weekends and holidays during the work. The lighthouse trail stays open.
The paved climb ends at lookouts above the lighthouse. You get views along Oahu's windward coast and can look for whales from the trail. Winter viewing is roughly December through April, with January through March the peak. Binoculars help with the view offshore. You can't enter the lighthouse or use the tide pools below the cliffs; the main trail is the route to follow.
Tours
Tours near Makapuu Beach
The hiking tours list includes the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail alongside other Oahu walks. Your choice depends on the pickup point and how much time you get on the paved climb.
Snorkeling tours and Hanauma Bay 14 tours · from $39.99The snorkeling list helps you plan a water outing away from Makapuu's shorebreak. It covers Hanauma Bay visits and boat trips, with transport details on the booking page.
Circle island tours 14 tours · from $75Circle island tours cover Oahu sightseeing stops on a longer day from Waikiki. Your itinerary needs to name Makapuu if you want time here; a coast drive doesn't promise a beach visit.
Nearby
Beaches near Makapuu Beach Park
Lanikai Beach
Farther up the windward coast, sheltered by a reef but without a lifeguard.
Kailua Beach Park
Farther up the windward coast, a long sandy bay with lifeguards and beach facilities.
Waikiki Beach
Back in Waikiki, with gentler waves and surf lessons along the sand.Good to know
People also ask
- Is Makapuu Beach safe for swimming?
No, Makapuu isn't a swimming beach for beginners. Its powerful shorebreak and rip currents require strong swimming skills even before you consider the day's surf. You should speak to the lifeguard at Tower 5 before entering. Winter surf can expose boulders in the break, so a beach visit needn't include a swim.
- How long is the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail?
The official trail is 2 miles or 3.2 km round trip, climbing to 500 feet. It's paved all the way up. Other sources give longer distances. You'll need water for the exposed climb; the trail has no drinking water or restrooms.
- Can you see whales from Makapuu?
Yes, you can see humpbacks from the lighthouse trail in winter. Plan for roughly December through April, with the peak from January through March. Your sighting isn't guaranteed. Binoculars help you scan offshore; a whale information sign and viewing scope stand along the trail.
- Is there parking at Makapuu Beach?
Yes, there's a free lot at Makapuu Beach Park off Kalanianaole Highway. The lighthouse trailhead has its own free lot. Kaiwi opens at 7 a.m.; its closing time changes with the season. If you visit Sea Life Park across the road, its separate parking fee is $18 plus tax per vehicle per day.
- Is Sea Life Park next to Makapuu Beach?
Yes, Sea Life Park is across Kalanianaole Highway from the beach. It's open Wednesday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closes Tuesdays. Adult general admission is $49.99 online; children ages 3 and under enter free. Your day ticket includes that day's shows and exhibits.
- How do you get to Makapuu from Waikiki?
You drive east along Kalanianaole Highway for 14.0 miles from Kuhio Beach in Waikiki. By TheBus, you transfer to Route 23 at Kahala Mall and ride to Sea Life Park. Adult cash price is $3.25 each time you board. Your HOLO price is $3.00 for 2 hours of rides; the 24-hour pass costs $7.50.