Makapuʻu Lighthouse Coastal Trail

Makapuʻu Lighthouse Coastal Trail is a paved ridge walk climbs above Oʻahu’s dry southeast coast to broad views of Koko Head, the windward shoreline, offshore seabird islets, and the red-roofed Makapuʻu Lighthouse below. The lighthouse itself is off-limits, but the guarded summit lookouts deliver the defining panorama and, from roughly November through May, a chance to spot migrating humpback whales.

Plan about two hours for the two-mile out-and-back route and its steady 500-foot gain. Park at the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline trailhead, follow the paved switchbacks, and retrace the same route; there is no admission or ordinary reservation step. The path is moderate rather than technical, yet it is fully exposed to sun, heat, and strong summit wind, with little meaningful shade.