Makapuu Beach

Makapuu Beach is a Hawaiian gem that sits below the southeast of Makapuu Point.  Most visitors venture out this direction to hike up to the Makapuu Lighthouse, but rarely stick around to enjoy one of the most spectaular Oahu beaches!

As you come around the Makapuu Point Lookout, make sure to pull over and take a moment to enjoy one of the most scenic views into the Windward side of Oahu -- the hillside leading up to the Makapuu lighthouse and a spectacular view of Makapuu Beach Park below.

This Oahu beach is nestled in a cove like bay, with mounds of sand that cascade down to the ocean.

The dark lava rock mountain that juts out into the ocean casts a silhouette that is ominous and impressive to look at from the beach. 

The Makapuu Lighthouse stands as a beacon, and looks as if it is clinging precariously towards the top of the dark rocky cliffs.  This mountain has such a commanding presence of  pure Hawaiian raw power and beauty at the same time.

Makapuu is my personal favorite beach!  The beautiful beach against the deep blue ocean and the black mountain will take your breath away as you make your way down from the parking lot to the beach. 

The waves have a similar shorebreak as its neighbor, Sandy’s Beach, which tend to get big and crash onto the shore.  You will more than likely see mostly locals bodysurfing and bodyboarding the waves on the right hand side of the ocean.

Getting to Makapu'u Beach 

Makapu’u beach park is about a 1 hour drive or 90 minute bus ride from Waikiki.

Street View Map from Makapuu Point:

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By Car from Waikiki:

• From Waikiki , take the Kalanianaoli Highway (H-1) south. 
• The H-1 turns into Hwy 72, but still is part of the Kalanianaoli Hwy which follows the coast. 
• Follow the H-1 through the residences, around the Koko Head Crater, pass Sandy Beach and up towards Makapu’u Point. 
• When you reach the top, take a moment to check out the beautiful views before heading down to the Makapuu beach parking lot.
• Turn into the Makapuu Beach Park parking lot located directly across from Sea Life Park.

Oahu Map of Makapu’u Beach Park

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By Oahu Bus from Waikiki:

Take the number 22 or 23 Oahu Bus from Kuhio Ave in Waikiki, headed in the Diamond Head direction.  Depending on traffic, it should only take about 1 hour to 90 minutes to arrive at Makapu’u.

These buses run on the hour during, weekdays and about every half hour on the weekends.

Facilities

• Restrooms above the parking lot
• Beach showers above the parking lot
• A couple of picnic tables midway down
• A few shady trees
• Life guard on duty
• Free Parking Lot 

Visiting Tips

Bring the right equipment – If you are visiting Makapu’u Beach to bodysurf or bodyboard the waves, make sure to bring the right swim fins with you. 

Invest in a good pair of swim fins with foot leashes.  Swim fins are your best friends as you need them to propel yourself through the waves.  You can find these types of fins in local surf shops around the island for about $25 to $50.

Food - There are no food facilities in the area, so make sure to pack a small cooler with food and drinks before arrival. 

Consider stopping in the Koko Marina Shopping Center located in Hawaii Kai for food options, before you continue driving to Makapuu Beach Park.

Parking Lot – It’s unfortunate, but there have been a lot of car break-ins over the years at Makapu’u Beach.  I have not experienced any trouble, but it is very important to take all personal belongings with you to the beach and leave nothing visible in the car.

Morning time – The mornings are beautiful at Makapuu Beach Park, as the sun rises on this side of the island.  There’s also a good chance that you will have this Oahu beach all to yourself from sunrise to mid-morning.  A sunrise at Makapuu beach is a fantastic way to start your journey up the windward coast of Oahu.

In the Makapu'u Beach Area

Hanauma Bay

Plan your day early and you could spend some time snorkling Hanauma Bay before heading off to Makapu’u Beach Park.  This protected lava crater bay is rich in marine life and hundreds of tropical Hawaiian fish. It's rated one of the best rated spots for snorkeling in Oahu. Makapu'u Beach Park is only 15 minutes down the road after you pass Hanauma Bay.

Halona Blowhole

This is one of Oahu’s natural wonders that is guaranteed to entertain on big surf days. 

When the waves roll into the rocks, it pushes a truckload of water into a small underwater lava tube, which has nowhere to go but up through a small blowhole.  

The force is so powerful, that you can hear and feel the explosion of the Hanauma Blowhole on big days, as it sprays 20 to 50 feet into the air!

Eternity Beach – Halona Beach Cove

If you are stopping at the Halona Blowhole, make sure to stroll over to the right side of the parking lot to view the famous Eternity beach that has been featured in a few movies, including the popular old romantic 1953 film titled “From Here to Eternity”. 

You won’t find any signs for Eternity Beach, because its only a nickname for the Halona Beach Cove.

If you choose to hike down to the Halona Beach Cove, make sure to take great caution on the rocky and loose gravel path that you will be stepping on to get down to the beach cove.  It is also highly unadvisable to swim at Eternity Beach during turbulent days, when waves are crashing and the ocean current is very strong. 

Hiking Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

Are you are up for a light 2 mile hike up a paved path to the Makapu’u Lighthouse? 

It is best to start this Oahu hike early in the morning, as it tends to heat up later in the day.  The Windward island views on top of Makapu’u Point are worth the half-hour trek to get there!

Waimanalo Bay Beach Park

If the waves are too rough for you at Makapuu Beach, then consider driving another 15 minutes up the road to see one of the most beautiful Oahu beaches on the island. 

The waves tend to be smaller and much more forgiving at Waimanalo Bay -but still fun to play in!