Oahu Scenic Coastal Drive Honolulu
Experience Oahu's stunning coastlines, from the iconic Makapu'u Lighthouse hike to scenic drives and legendary beaches.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical views, fewer crowds
Oahu Scenic Coastal Drive Honolulu
Best Time
Magical views, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience Oahu's stunning coastlines, from the iconic Makapu'u Lighthouse hike to scenic drives and legendary beaches.
"The views from Makapu'u are amazing, but parking is tough - go early!"
🚗 Parking Patience is Key
Parking at Makapu'u can be challenging. Arrive early or be prepared to walk from further down the road.
👟 Sturdy Shoes Recommended
The Makapu'u trail is paved but steep. Good walking or hiking shoes are essential for comfort and safety.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail
Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline
Hike to a historic lighthouse for breathtaking 360-degree ocean and island views. Perfect for sunrise!
East Oahu Scenic Drive
Kalanianaʻole Highway
Cruise along stunning coastal roads with numerous scenic pull-offs and beautiful beaches.
Waikiki Beach
Honolulu
Iconic beach for swimming, surfing, and soaking up the vibrant Honolulu atmosphere.
North Shore Beaches
Oahu's North Shore
Experience legendary surf spots and laid-back beach towns like Haleiwa.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Makapu'u
Prepare for the Sun and the Climb
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Patience is Key
Parking at Makapu'u can be challenging. Arrive early or be prepared to walk from further down the road.
👟 Sturdy Shoes Recommended
The Makapu'u trail is paved but steep. Good walking or hiking shoes are essential for comfort and safety.
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
There's no shade on the Makapu'u trail. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
💧 Hydration is Non-Negotiable
Carry plenty of water, especially for the Makapu'u hike, as there are no water fountains.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Patience is Key
Parking at Makapu'u can be challenging. Arrive early or be prepared to walk from further down the road.
👟 Sturdy Shoes Recommended
The Makapu'u trail is paved but steep. Good walking or hiking shoes are essential for comfort and safety.
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
There's no shade on the Makapu'u trail. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
💧 Hydration is Non-Negotiable
Carry plenty of water, especially for the Makapu'u hike, as there are no water fountains.
🐶 Dog-Friendly but Mindful
Dogs are allowed on the Makapu'u trail, but the pavement gets hot, and there are no amenities for them.
📸 Capture the Sunset
Oahu's sunsets are legendary! Find a scenic spot along the coast for unforgettable views. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking views, especially from the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail, and the beauty of the east Oahu scenic drive. The paved trail is accessible, though steep, and parking is frequently cited as a major challenge. Many recommend early morning visits for the best experience.
"The main trail is fully paved and wide. There are sections with a steep incline. Be prepared with good shoes, sunscreen if going during the peak of the day and water. I visited arrived at 6pm and luckily found a spot in the parking lot. There were cars parked on the side all the way back to the entrance however. There was quite a few people leaving as I started the trail so the overall amount of people wasn’t bad at all. Be mindful if you are bringing your dog as there is no water, very minimal areas for them to relive themselves besides on the trail itself and will need paw protection during the hotter times of the day. I stopped at each little info point with boards to read and maintained an average pace. It’s almost 2.5 miles round trip to the top and took me roughly 1 hour 15 minutes total. No restrooms, no water."
Amanda Bachand
"Paved, easy path. It's an up and down hike with the path going up in elevation on the way up and going downhill on the way back. Decent workout if you keep a good pace. Parking was the most difficult thing."
Marie Milligan-Hughes
"Just amazing ! One of the best spots for 360 shire view! The walk is medium level almost every one can do it. Parking is the tuffets part ... Better if you can go early."
ALFRED CARV
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular scenic coastal drive is along Kalanianaʻole Highway on the east side of Oahu. From Honolulu, head east on Highway 72 (Kalanianaʻole Highway). This road will take you past Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach, and eventually to Makapu'u Point.
Parking at the Makapu'u trailhead can be very difficult, especially during peak hours. Many visitors arrive early for sunrise or are prepared to park further down the road and walk.
Yes, TheBus routes serve many of the popular stops along the east Oahu coast, including Hanauma Bay and Makapu'u. However, for maximum flexibility, renting a car is recommended.
Some tour operators offer shuttle services that stop at key scenic points along the east Oahu coast, which can be a convenient option if you prefer not to drive.
Renting a car is ideal for exploring the North Shore at your own pace. Alternatively, consider a guided tour or using TheBus, though it will take longer.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail and Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline Park are free to access. There are no entrance fees or tickets required.
Yes, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve has an entrance fee for non-residents, and reservations are often required in advance. Check their official website for current pricing and booking information.
Most scenic pull-offs along the Kalanianaʻole Highway are free to access. However, some beaches or parks might have separate parking fees.
Waikiki Beach is a public beach and does not require tickets for entry. You can access it freely.
Most beaches on the North Shore are public and free to access. Parking can be limited at popular spots like Waimea Bay.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Makapu'u trail is a paved, uphill hike approximately 2.5 miles round trip. It offers stunning panoramic views of the coastline and is a popular spot for whale watching in season.
No, there are no restrooms or water fountains along the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail. Be sure to bring all the water you need and use facilities before you start.
Key viewpoints include Hanauma Bay Lookout, Sandy Beach, Halona Blowhole Lookout, and Makapu'u Point. The entire drive offers beautiful vistas.
At Waikiki Beach, you can swim, surf (lessons available), sunbathe, enjoy the lively atmosphere, and watch the free Kuhio Beach Hula Show.
Haleiwa is a charming, historic surf town with art galleries, boutiques, and local eateries. It has a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere.
📸 📸 Photography
The Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail offers incredible panoramic shots. Other great spots include Halona Blowhole Lookout, Sandy Beach, and various pull-offs with ocean views.
Sunrise at Makapu'u Point is spectacular for photography. Golden hour in the late afternoon also provides beautiful lighting for coastal shots.
Yes, you can take photos of the Makapu'u Lighthouse from the trail. The lighthouse itself is an active aid to navigation and is not open for tours.
Waikiki Beach offers classic tropical scenes: palm trees, surfers, Diamond Head in the background, and vibrant sunsets.
Absolutely! The North Shore is famous for its dramatic waves (in winter), beautiful beaches like Sunset Beach, and charming towns like Haleiwa.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail, it's manageable for families with older children who can handle a steady incline. Ensure everyone has plenty of water and sun protection. The paved path is stroller-friendly in parts, but the steepness might be challenging.
🚶♀️ Active Adventurers
Driving the scenic coastal roads allows for spontaneous stops at various beaches for swimming, snorkeling, or simply enjoying the ocean. The varied terrain and natural beauty of Oahu provide ample opportunities for hiking, water sports, and exploration for the active traveler.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Waikiki Beach offers iconic shots with Diamond Head in the background, while the North Shore provides opportunities for capturing powerful waves (in season) and the charming surf town aesthetics of Haleiwa.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail Experience
Planning your visit is key. Arriving before sunrise is highly recommended by many visitors to avoid the heat and crowds, and to witness a truly magical start to the day. Parking is notoriously difficult, so be prepared for that challenge. Remember to bring ample water, wear sunscreen, and choose sturdy footwear as the path can be slippery when wet. There are no restrooms or water stations along the trail, so come prepared.
This trail is also dog-friendly, but owners should be mindful of the hot pavement, especially during midday. Ensure your dog has paw protection and access to water. The lack of amenities means you need to be self-sufficient, but the breathtaking scenery makes it an unforgettable experience.
Navigating Oahu's Scenic Coastal Drives
Flexibility is key when exploring these routes. While public transport can get you to some major attractions, renting a car provides the freedom to stop at numerous scenic pull-offs and discover hidden gems. Be aware that parking at popular locations can be limited, especially during peak times. Some visitors suggest that tour bus shuttles can offer convenient stops at key points if you prefer not to drive yourself.
Beyond the east coast, the North Shore offers a different kind of coastal beauty, known for its legendary surf breaks and laid-back beach towns like Haleiwa. Driving this route allows you to experience the island's diverse landscapes, from the bustling city of Honolulu to the tranquil shores of the North Shore.
Waikiki and North Shore Beach Vibes
In contrast, Oahu's North Shore embodies a more relaxed, surf-centric culture. Towns like Haleiwa offer a charming escape with surf shops, art galleries, and local eateries. While famous for its massive waves in winter, the North Shore's beaches are beautiful year-round for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the stunning natural scenery.
Both areas offer distinct but equally captivating beach experiences. Whether you're seeking the lively buzz of Waikiki or the laid-back charm of the North Shore, Oahu's coastline provides endless opportunities for sun, sand, and surf.
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