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Makapuu Lighthouse Trail

Near the Hawaii Kai Golf Course on Kalanianaole Highway, Honolulu, Oahu, HI
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As featured in 3 days in Honolulu
Ranked #11 of 143 attractions in Honolulu
Type: Hiking Trails, Scenic/ Historic Walking Areas
Fee: No
Recommended length of visit: More than 3 hours
Owner description: Further along Kalanianaole Highway is the Makapuu Lighthouse hiking trail. This easy route with its moderate incline to the 647-ft. summit is a... more » Owner description: Further along Kalanianaole Highway is the Makapuu Lighthouse hiking trail. This easy route with its moderate incline to the 647-ft. summit is a popular spot during whale season between December and April. This is a definite photo opportunity even when humpbacks aren’t spouting offshore. If you’re really ambitious, tackle a pre-sunrise hike to the top so you can grab a glorious photo of the sunrise. « less
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211 reviews from our community

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Kelowna, Canada
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 June 2013 NEW

This was a very nice walk with great views from the top - as others suggested give yourself extra time at the top, it's nice to hang out look around at some of the bunkers etc. Be sure you go to the very top - not just the viewing area. It would have been nice to go down and see... More

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See 3 more reviews by LovetoTravel154933 for Honolulu
Dallas
Senior Contributor
41 reviews 41 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 June 2013 NEW

I loved this hike! We went further than the lighthouse on the trails through the cacti and native plants, climbing a rough, rocky trail. We were rewarded with WWII bunkers that we were able to look at up close and imagine what life was like as a gunner inside one of these concrete armaments. Now covered with graffiti, and apparently... More

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See 5 more reviews by Yippie-Yi-O for Honolulu
Wolverine, Michigan
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 June 2013 NEW

This was an amazing view! We got some wonderful photos from here. We were a little disappointed that it took you above the lighthouse & could not go to the lighthouse. The walk is a little on the steep side so take your time. Definitely a must do!

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See 6 more reviews by Heather F for Honolulu
Birmingham, Alabama
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 June 2013 NEW via mobile

It's a long steep walk, very windy and hot but the view is beyond description. Saw cactus plants up top which I didn't expect, the actual lighthouse isn't accessible fwiw but you can look down at it from the top. The color of the water that you see from the top is the most amazing blue you will ever see.... More

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See 7 more reviews by bamabbc for Honolulu
Antioch, California, United States
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 June 2013

It is a beautiful lighthouse that sit atop a hill overlooking the ocean didn'y like the hike and the crowd

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See 11 more reviews by Ron C for Honolulu
tennessee
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 June 2013

Easy trail since effort is slightly uphill early on and ease is on the way back on same path. The views are unbeatable. Early morning or just before sunset is most comfortable.

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Kansas City, Missouri
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 June 2013

We loved the side hike that we took down to the tidal pools. Make sure you're fit if you are climbing down the side of the mountain. It's awesome.

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See 3 more reviews by rainstorm78 for Honolulu
Marina, California
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 June 2013

Not only did I get here late and hike up in the hot Hawaii mid-day sun (excellent views), but I climbed down to the tidal pools and did some snorkeling - awesome if you have time and energy left!

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See 12 more reviews by richardbruce for Honolulu
Honolulu, Hawaii
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 May 2013

First off, come early. Depending where you're coming from there might be some traffic. There are so much cars and not enough parking stalls. Once we turned into the area we circled once before finding a stall close to the start of the trail. It's all about timing. Come later when the sun is out and it will be hot!... More

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See 2 more reviews by AlohaSavani for Honolulu
Honolulu, Hawaii
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 May 2013

We took our daughter to see this light house on Memorial Day. I recommend getting there early (no later than 9:00 AM). Parking is limited. The trail is paved and not that challenging. We also got a lucky treat of seeing a US Coast Guard C-130 fly past us at approximately our level. The views are spectacular. Also, when you... More

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See 11 more reviews by TimmayG for Honolulu

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