Makapu‘u Lookout Honolulu
Iconic lookout on Oahu's eastern tip, offering dramatic sea cliffs, a historic lighthouse, and stunning ocean panoramas.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Makapu‘u Lookout Honolulu
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic lookout on Oahu's eastern tip, offering dramatic sea cliffs, a historic lighthouse, and stunning ocean panoramas.
"One of the most beautiful lookout points on the island of Oahu! The views are absolutely breathtaking."
☀️ No Shade, Bring Water!
The paved trail is fully exposed. Carry plenty of water and wear sun protection.
👟 Paved Trail, Good Footing
The trail is paved and well-maintained, making it accessible for most fitness levels.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Ocean Vistas
Breathtaking views of the Pacific, showcasing vibrant turquoise waters and distant islands.
Makapu'u Point Lighthouse
Visible from the lookout
Iconic white lighthouse perched on dramatic sea cliffs, a picturesque landmark against the blue expanse.

Whale Watching (Seasonal)
During winter months, this is a prime spot to witness majestic humpback whales migrating offshore.

Rabbit Island & Bird Islets
Offshore view
See Manana (Rabbit Island) and Kaohikaipu islets, unique volcanic formations rising from the sea.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☀️ No Shade, Bring Water!
The paved trail is fully exposed. Carry plenty of water and wear sun protection.
👟 Paved Trail, Good Footing
The trail is paved and well-maintained, making it accessible for most fitness levels.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Limited parking spots mean you might need to park on the main road and walk a bit.
🐳 Winter Whale Watching
Visit between December and May for a good chance to spot humpback whales.
Tips
from all over the internet
☀️ No Shade, Bring Water!
The paved trail is fully exposed. Carry plenty of water and wear sun protection.
👟 Paved Trail, Good Footing
The trail is paved and well-maintained, making it accessible for most fitness levels.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Limited parking spots mean you might need to park on the main road and walk a bit.
🐳 Winter Whale Watching
Visit between December and May for a good chance to spot humpback whales.
🚌 Bus Option Available
The bus is a viable, though longer, option if ride-sharing is unreliable.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the absolutely breathtaking and stunning views from Makapu'u Lookout, calling it one of the most beautiful spots on Oahu. The paved trail is appreciated for its accessibility, though many note it's steeper than expected and lacks shade. Parking can be a challenge, and some find the lack of fences concerning for young children.
"Planned to hike out to the lighthouse originally but opted to enjoy the view from the lookout and spend the time we saved to see other beautiful places along the east shore heading north. Parking wasn't a problem around 1pm"
Jeffrey Ewing
"This is a beautiful look out with an amazing view!! The look out area is paved and there's parking on site. We didn't hike the area but just stopping to see the view was well worth the drive there."
Nikki Appleton
"4 km in total (2 km uphill)
Views are amazing
Take water with you
Probably wouldn’t recommend to take small children, it is steep and no fence.
I got told it is an easy walk but it is certainly not an easy stroll.
Well worth the hike though"
Istvan Ulmann
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive, take a bus, or use ride-sharing services. Driving is about a 30-minute trip from Honolulu.
Ride-sharing can be unreliable for return trips, so consider a rental car or the bus. The bus route from Sea Life Park to Waikiki is an option, though it takes longer.Parking is available but limited. If the main lot is full, you may need to park on the main road and walk a short distance.
Yes, you can take a taxi or Uber, but be aware that securing a ride back can be challenging. It's recommended to have a backup plan or arrange a return trip in advance.
Yes, you can take the bus. It's a longer journey, but it's a budget-friendly option. Be prepared for a walk from the bus stop to the trailhead.
Kaimana Tours offers transportation to the trail, but this limits your flexibility with timing.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Makapu'u Lookout is a public scenic viewpoint and does not require an entrance fee or tickets.
The lookout and the paved trail are generally accessible at all hours, though the lighthouse itself is not open to the public.
There is no admission fee to access the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail or the lookout.
The trailhead is technically always open as it's a roadway. However, it's best to hike during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
The lighthouse is an active U.S. Coast Guard facility and is not open for public tours. You can view it from the trail.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
It's a paved, uphill trail approximately 2 miles round trip. It offers stunning panoramic views but has no shade.
While paved, the trail is steep and can be challenging for those not accustomed to inclines. It's considered moderate, not an easy stroll.
The trail is steep and has no fences, so caution is advised, especially with young children. Stay on the designated path.
Expect breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, dramatic sea cliffs, the lighthouse, and offshore islets.
Due to the steepness and lack of fences, it's recommended to exercise caution with small children.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography. The golden hour before sunset provides stunning colors.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ocean views and coastline. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting whales.
The main lookout area offers the most iconic views. Continue along the paved trail for different perspectives of the lighthouse and coastline.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas, especially near protected wildlife or the lighthouse. Always check local regulations before flying.
Walk along the paved trail towards the lighthouse for unobstructed shots. The contrast of the white lighthouse against the blue ocean is striking.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Active Adventurers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail Experience
At the summit, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the iconic Makapu'u Lighthouse, and the offshore islets of Manana (Rabbit Island) and Kaohikaipu. During the winter months (December to May), this lookout is a prime spot for whale watching, as humpback whales migrate through Hawaiian waters. Remember to stay on the marked path and be mindful of the steep drop-offs, especially if you are visiting with children.
Transportation Options to Makapu'u
For those seeking a guided experience, tour operators like Kaimana Tours provide transportation, but this often comes with a fixed schedule, limiting spontaneous exploration. If you choose to drive, be aware that parking at the trailhead is limited and can fill up quickly, especially during peak hours. In such cases, parking on the adjacent main road and walking a short distance is a common alternative.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit