HONOLULU (KHON2) — On Wednesday, June 5, KHON2.com’s Unfit Adventurer took a trip out to experience the Makapauʻu Lighthouse Trail. It’s hugely popular with both locals and visitors, and it offers some of the most breathtaking views of Oʻahu’s southeast coastline and the Pacific Ocean.
The hike is a paved path that winds its visitors around the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline and offers breathtaking views of O‘ahu’s southeastern coastline.
The hike is approximately two miles and takes about two hours from start to finish. It is classified as easy to moderate, and most hikers we met certainly agreed.
As we hiked, we saw beautiful vistas of the Pacific Ocean; and we even spotted the neighboring islands of Moloka‘i and Lana‘i in the distance.
We met Michelle and Dan from San Diego, California as we set out on our hike. They love taking the Makapuʻu hike any time they visit Honolulu.
“I’m old; so, it’s nice to have a hike where you feel safe,” said Michelle. “It’s an easy hike with such gorgeous views that are breathtaking.” Dan fully agreed.
We continued our journey when we noticed lots of young couples out on the hike. So, we decided to find out what the draw was.
“I love this hike because it’s an easy but gorgeous; it’s perfect for dates,” said Mason. While his date had a suggestion for Honolulu’s Division of Parks and Recreation. “There needs to be restrooms,” said Kayleigh.
Good point, Kayleigh!
Continuing on the paved path, we met Tiffany and Nate from Ohio. They both said that this hike rivals the cliff hikes of Italy’s famous Amalfi Coast. But they had a word of advice for anyone who wants to take it.
“Don’t eat a huge meal and drink before coming,” Tiffany said laughing as she and Nate took off up the trail.
As we neared the top of the hike, we encountered a lookout point that had several Tower Viewer Binoculars.
“Those don’t work,” we heard as we approached them. Tina, a local resident from Waimānalo was sitting a few feet away. “They don’t’ keep them maintained; so, you can’t see anything,” she added. Tina loves to come out to this hike because it is gorgeous and helps her think about what Hawaiʻi was like long ago.
“I think about my ancestors who would have been out here, and I feel closer to them,” said Tina. We left her at the location as she continued to meditate and experience her heritage.
A little closer to the top, we met a group of young adults from New Jersey. They were celebrating their friend Morgan’s birthday by taking her to a place she’d love.
“I love lighthouses; so, this was number one to do while here,” said Morgan. “I cannot believe how gorgeous this hike is.” Her friend group all agreed. Another person from the group also chimed in. “There needs to be a bus stop closer to the trail and there needs to be some access to water,” said Anthony.
Happy Birthday, Morgan!
Next, we met Kawailoa. She was born in Waimanālo and now lives in Kalihi. Before she had children, she said she used to hike Makapuʻu all the time.
“Once I had kids, I had to back off the hikes, but now that they’re older, I have the freedom to do what I love again,” said Kawailoa. Her son decidedly did not like the hike, he indicated.
Like Tina, she said the greatest draw of Makapuʻu is that it reminds her of what Hawaiʻi was like in ancient times. All the paths and openness and beauty that surrounds us, surrounded them.
“I feel like I’m just a bit closer to what they would have experienced when I’m out here,” she added.
At the top of the hike, we saw some of the most gorgeous views of Oʻahu’s coastline along with the expansiveness of the Pacific Ocean. We met Nana and Leo who are visiting from New York.
“We just happened to see this hike entrance as we were driving and decided to check it out,” said Nanna. “It’s much more gorgeous than we had anticipated but probably would not have come if we’d just read about it. Also, this place needs restrooms and water.”
We also met the Gilland Family at the top. They used to live in Kāneʻohe but recently relocated to Utah. They came to Makapuʻu because their daughter loves the hike.
“This is my daughter’s top three hikes here; so, we came out to enjoy it while we’re visiting,” said the mom.
After a taking some time to soak in the views, we made our way back down the trail.
This is where we met Todd. He is a retired producer for CNN and said that the hike is definitely worth it and true to its ranking of being an easy to moderate hike.
“This is just an absolutely gorgeous hike,” said Todd. “I’ve been to so many places, but there is something truly special about this one.”
On these hikes, it’s not uncommon to see folks dressed in clothes that are not your typical hiking wear; but when we saw a lady wearing a dress hiking up, we had to ask.
“I just came from the temple, and my Uber driver suggested I take this hike while I’m out here,” said Rinky who’s from California. “My husband’s been sick, and I’m just exploring and enjoying the scenery. It feels safe out here.”
Close to the end of the hike, we met Jarrod. He’s from South Carolina but lives on Oʻahu. He is taking his visiting family on all his favorite hikes.
“I’ve been here a few years; so, I thought I’d take my family on a hike that’s easy and safe but also gorgeous and fun,” said Jarrod.
If you’re looking for a beautiful hike with stunning views on O‘ahu, the Makapu‘u Lighthouse Trail is a fantastic choice. This trail is perfect for families, beginner hikers and anyone who wants to enjoy some of the best scenery Hawaiʻi has to offer.
The Unfit Adventurer Rating for this hiking trail is: (ratings are out of a possible five hiking boots.)
Ease of hike for unfit folks
Views offered
Friendliness of fellow hikers
Worth the struggle
Feeling of accomplishment
So, if you decide to hike Mānoa Falls Trail Hike, then be aware that the experience for everyone who does it is different. You’ll need to rely on your own physical skills to determine whether this is the right hike for you.