Oʻahu trail guide · East Honolulu
Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail
Plan Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail with its official route map, difficulty, access details, weather, UV, rainfall, and estimated mud and water-flow conditions.
Also known as: Makapuu Lighthouse Trail · Makapuʻu Lighthouse Hike · Kaiwi Trail
Trail facts
- Region: East Honolulu
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 2 miles
- Elevation gain: 500 feet
- Managed by: Hawaiʻi DLNR — Division of State Parks
- Trail type: STANDARD
- Access status: VERIFY
Trail features
Lighthouse views, Coastal views, Whale watching, Historic site
Amenities
Parking, interpretive signs, lookouts
Route orientation
Listed start: Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline parking area. Listed end: Makapuʻu Head lookouts. Confirm the actual route and return path with the land manager's current map.
Mapped hazards
High UV, heat, wind, cliff edges
Access planning
Check State Parks notices before visiting.
Plan for the terrain
Recent rain can leave steps, roots and rock slick after skies clear. Consider heat, shade, footing and the return trip as well as the forecast.
The listed 2-mile length does not account for detours, rests or the time needed to return. Access has not been verified; confirm the current status with the land manager.
Check before you leave
- Read the latest National Weather Service forecast and alerts for the trail area.
- Confirm the manager’s current access and permit rules, including the intended entry point.
- Share your route and expected return time with someone, and choose a lower-exposure alternative if conditions change.
National Weather Service Honolulu · Hawaiʻi State Parks notices
Trail-specific official sources
Conditions note: Weather, mud and water-flow information are planning estimates, not safety ratings or official warnings. Read the observation time in the live trail view; no live reading is implied by this page.