Oahu’s Wild East: Blowhole, Makapu’u, and Waimanalo in a Day
A coast-hugging day that blends eruptive geology, cliffside views, and one of Oahu’s best beaches.
The ocean is already talking when you pull into the overlook at Hālona. Whitewater breathes against the lava coast, pauses, then roars through a narrow throat as the blowhole fires skyward—thirty feet of seawater tossed into sunlight. It’s a dare from the Pacific and a welcome from Oʻahu’s rugged east side. The day ahead will track the island’s ancient edges: a lava-tube geyser, a lighthouse walk etched into sea cliffs, and a soft landing on one of Oʻahu’s longest beaches. Simple as a line drawn along the coast, but dense with story—the geology of a collapsed volcano, the winter pulse of humpbacks, and a shoreline that has shaped community for centuries.
Trail Wisdom
Beat the Sun at Makapuʻu
Start the lighthouse trail before 9 a.m. for cooler temps and softer light; the path is exposed and heats up quickly.
Respect the Blowhole
View Hālona from the designated lookout only—rogue waves and slippery rock make the fenced areas dangerous.
Swim Smart at Waimānalo
Ask lifeguards about shorebreak and currents before entering; conditions change quickly with wind and swell.
Hydrate and Reapply
Carry at least 1–2 liters of water per person and reapply reef-safe sunscreen every two hours on this fully exposed route.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Hālona Cove (also called Eternity Beach) viewpoint from the guardrail above—admire from a distance for safety
- •Ka Iwi Scenic Shoreline lookouts just beyond the main switchbacks for wider views of the Kaiwi Channel
Wildlife
Humpback whales (in season), Hawaiian monk seal (occasionally hauled out on windward beaches—view from 50+ yards)
Conservation Note
Stay on marked paths to protect fragile coastal vegetation and dunes; use reef-safe sunscreen and keep a respectful distance from marine mammals and nesting seabirds.
Makapuʻu Lighthouse was completed in 1909 and houses a massive hyper-radiant Fresnel lens that protected mariners traversing the Kaiwi Channel.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Whale-spotting stragglers, Wildflower patches on slopes
Challenges: Variable wind, Passing showers
Late-season whale sightings taper off, but conditions are often mild with green hills and manageable crowds.
summer
Best for: Calmer ocean swimming, Long beach days
Challenges: Strong tradewinds, Intense sun and heat
Trade winds can keep things breezy but expect strong sun; Waimānalo’s water is often clearest and calmest.
fall
Best for: Fewer crowds, Warm water
Challenges: Hot, humid hikes, Light surf variability
Shoulder season brings quieter overlooks and warm water, with occasional sticky humidity on the trail.
winter
Best for: Humpback whales, Dramatic blowhole action
Challenges: Stronger surf and currents, Windy cliff hikes
Swell wakes the coast—perfect for blowhole theatrics and whale watching, but use extra caution near the water.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Closed-Toe Walking ShoesEssential
The Makapuʻu trail is paved but steep and exposed; grippy shoes keep footing secure.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen (SPF 30+)Essential
Protects skin and the nearshore reef environment during long, sunny hours.
Lightweight Sun HatEssential
Essential shade on the exposed lighthouse climb and during beach time.
Insulated Water Bottle (1–2 L)Essential
Stays cold in the heat and encourages consistent hydration throughout the day.
Common Questions
How long is the Makapuʻu Lighthouse hike?
About 1.6 miles round-trip with roughly 500 feet of elevation gain on a fully paved path.
Can I swim at Waimānalo Beach?
Yes, but check with lifeguards first—shorebreak and currents can be strong depending on wind and swell.
When is the best time to see humpback whales?
December through April, with peak activity typically January to March.
Is parking available at Hālona Blowhole and Makapuʻu?
Yes, but lots are small and fill quickly; arrive early or go with a guided tour to simplify logistics.
Are there restrooms on this route?
Restrooms are available at Makapuʻu trailhead and Waimānalo Beach Park; none at the Hālona lookout.
Do I need a permit for the hike?
No permits are required for the Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail; the area is open during daylight hours.
What to Pack
Closed-toe walking shoes for the paved but steep Makapuʻu trail; 1–2 liters of water per person to stay ahead of the sun; reef-safe sunscreen and a brimmed hat for full exposure; a lightweight towel and swimsuit for Waimānalo’s post-hike cooldown.
Did You Know
Makapuʻu Lighthouse houses a hyper-radiant Fresnel lens—among the largest of its kind in the United States—installed in 1909 to guide ships through the Kaiwi Channel.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive at Hālona before 9 a.m. to avoid parking crunches; Check surf and wind forecasts for safer swimming at Waimānalo; Bring cash or card for local plate lunch stops en route; Respect cultural sites and posted signs—stay off closed areas and dunes.
Local Flavor
Post-hike, swing through Waimānalo for fresh plate lunches at Ono Steaks and Shrimp Shack or plant-forward bowls at Ai Love Nalo. If you’re heading back through Kailua, celebrate with a pint at Lanikai Brewing Company or a shave ice from Island Snow. Keep it local, be patient, and embrace the windward pace.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Daniel K. Inouye International (HNL). Trailhead: Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse (Ka Iwi State Scenic Shoreline), ~35–45 minutes from Waikīkī by car depending on traffic. Cell service: Generally good on the trail and in towns, spotty at some coastal pullouts. Permits: None for this route; parking is first-come, first-served and daylight hours only.
Sustainability Note
This coast is home to nesting seabirds and resting monk seals—observe from a distance and never cross roped-off zones. Pack out all trash, use reef-safe sunscreen, and stay on established trails to protect dunes and native plants.
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