Is the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail Worth It for Families with Kids?

Are you looking for kid-friendly Oahu hiking trail? Keep scrolling to learn how to do the Makapuu Lighthouse trail on Oahu with kids.
This guide to the Makapuu Lighthouse trail on Oahu with kids was co-written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Guest post by Sharlene Earnshaw

Are you looking for a relatively easy hike on Oahu with sprawling views and a lovely lighthouse? If so, the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail is for you! 

The Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail is paved and gains about 500 feet in the 1.25-mile hike up to an observation deck with 360-degree views of the lighthouse, the ocean, Windward Oahu, as well as Oahu’s southeastern coastline, including Koko Head and Koko Crater.

It is possible to see whales, hang gliders, and the Maui, Lanai, and Molokai islands from this trail on clear days. During whale season (November through April), humpback whales are a common sight along the Windward Coast.

You won’t regret going on this family-friendly hike! We’ve got all the details you need right here.

Keep scrolling to find out how to do the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail on Oahu with kids.

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Oahu Itinerary, complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.

Oahu Easy Hikes FAQs

What are some easy hiking trails in Oahu for families?

A few popular, easy Oahu hikes include the Manoa Falls trail, Diamond Head hike, and Kaena Point hike. There’s also Waimea Valley, where you can hike to Waimea Falls, one of the best Oahu waterfalls for swimming. Another family favorite is the Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail, which offers paved paths and stunning views of the ocean and neighboring islands.

What are some short hikes in Oahu?

The Waimea Valley Trail, Diamond Head Trail, Manoa Falls Trail, and Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail are all 2 miles or less.

What are some tips for hiking Oahu with kids?

It’s always a good idea to bring water and snacks to energize and hydrate kids while doing easy hikes in Oahu. You’ll also want to check the weather before you go to ensure everyone wears the right clothes and footwear. And it’s smart to have a portable battery pack in case your phone dies, and you need to call for help.

Where is Makapuu Lighthouse Trail on Oahu?

The Makapu’u Lighthouse trail is on Oahu’s southeastern shore. It is located just outside of Hawaii Kai along the Kalanianaole Highway, near the southeasternmost point of Oahu. It is about 13 miles or a 30-minute drive from Waikiki.

History of Makapuu Lighthouse in Hawaii

The historic red-roofed Makapu’u Lighthouse was built on a 600-foot sea cliff in 1909. It was constructed to serve as a vital navigational aid for maritime commerce, especially for ships passing along the southeastern most point of Oahu.

Image of a lighthouse in Oahu with a red roof sitting on a cliff by the ocean.
Makapuu Lighthouse on Oahu. Photo credit: Sharlene Earnshaw

At its construction, it had the largest lens in the United States and is still used as a navigational aid today. While the lighthouse had a keep to keep it lit, it is unmanned and fully automated today. 

This is a popular lighthouse in Hawaii because of its history and because it’s an easy hike in Oahu for people of all ages.

Why We Chose This Hike on Oahu

My family chose the Makapuu trail on our most recent trip to Oahu because we were visiting with my active, 70-year-old mother and wanted a trail that she would be able to complete but would still pack in plenty of “wow factor.”

Image of the Oahu coastline from the Makapuu hike in Hawaii.
View from Makapuu hike on Oahu. Photo credit: Sharlene Earnshaw

I have done this hike on more than one occasion and knew it would benefit everyone in our group. It will certainly get your heart rate going, but it is paved, and the climb is steady, so it isn’t too difficult.

The lookout points along the trail provide stunning views of the ocean, neighboring islands, and even whales during whale season.

What to Know About the Makapuu Lighthouse Hike Before You Go:

Parking

Parking at Makapu’u Lighthouse trail is on the spur road, which leads to the trailhead. Though dozens of spots are available, they can fill up during peak time and overflow onto the Kalanianaole Highway.

Thankfully, since the trail isn’t long, finding a spot as people complete their hike is pretty easy. Parking is free. 

Is There a Makapuu Lighthouse Trail Cost?

No, there is no cost to do the Makapu’u hike.

Makapuu Lighthouse Trail Hike Time

The time you spend on the Makapu’u Lighthouse trail depends entirely on how fast you walk and how many breaks you take.

Image of people walking on a paved path to Makapuu Lighthouse in Oahu Hawaii.
The path to Makapuu Lighthouse on Oahu.

The way up the hill is almost always slower than the way down. Expect to take about 90 minutes on this trail. Use the lookout points along the way to catch your breath and take in the stunning views of the Windward Coast and neighboring islands.

What to Wear

Oahu’s southeastern most point tends to be very dry and hot, so I would wear shorts and a comfortable shirt. Tennis shoes are suitable on this trail since it is paved. A hat is a good idea, but it can get windy near the top, so keep an eye on it!

What to Bring/What to Pack

Since this is a short trail, you don’t need to pack much other than water. Wear sunscreen, especially since this is a trail with no shade. If you’re visiting during the winter months, pack binoculars to spot whales during the trek.

Are There Nearby Food/Drink Options?

Hawaii Kai is nearby and a great place to grab a bite to eat after your hike. We like going to Kona Brewing Company and getting a table on the water. 

5 Tips for Hiking Makapuu Lighthouse Trail on Oahu with Kids

Arrive either early in the day or closer to sunset.

This trail is unshaded and can be very hot in the middle of the day. Early morning hikes provide cooler temps and ample parking.

The parking lot, located near the park area adjacent to the trailhead, opens at 7 am. Hiking closer to sunset tends to be cooler as well.

Pack binoculars if you are visiting from November through April.

There are often humpback whales in the ocean between Oahu and Maui during the winter months. From lookout points along the trail, you can see whales with the naked eye, but binoculars will amplify your experience.

You may also spot the neighboring islands of Lanai and Molokai on clear days.

Don’t leave valuables in your car.

Rental car break-ins are common in Hawaii, especially in popular tourist areas like this Oahu lighthouse hike.

The park area around the Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail is monitored, but it’s best to take precautions.

If you are up for an adventure, head down to the Makapuu tide pools.

I only suggest these tide pools to families with older, adventurous kids. Everyone in your group should be active and relatively fit. You can reach them by taking the spur trail at the third rest stop, which begins right by a sign that talks about whales.

Image of a man swimming in a tidepool surrounded by lava rocks on Oahu
Makapuu tide pools.

The trail is very steep, and shoes with tread will help in areas with loose rocks. Do not enter the Makapuʻu tide pools if waves are crashing over the rocks, as this can be extremely dangerous.

After your hike, check out Makapuu Beach Park.

Just down the road from the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail is Makapuʻu Beach Park. This is a popular spot for expert bodyboarders to ride the waves.

The park area adjacent to the beach provides plenty of space to relax, and you can enjoy views of Rabbit Island from the shore.

Image of a sandy beach with crashing waves and a little island in the background.
Makapuu Beach Park and Rabbit Island.

The shorebreak is rough, so relaxing in the sand and enjoying the show is best.

Would We Recommend This Oahu Hike to Families?

The Makapu’u Lighthouse trail is one of the most kid-friendly hikes in Oahu for those looking for stunning views and a bit of a workout.

Image of a paved path with shrubs on either side.
This is the Makapuu Lighthouse hiking trail.

Since it is paved and there are a few rest stops, it is a good trail for most anyone who is reasonably active. It is a great option for hiking in Oahu with kids. 

This hike also offers incredible vistas of Oahu’s southeastern most point, the Windward Coast, and even the neighboring islands on clear days. The short distance and steady incline make it manageable for families, including younger children and active seniors.

If you’re looking to extend your adventure, consider visiting Makapuʻu Beach Park, Makapuʻu tide pools, or nearby Alan Davis Beach, which is known for its calm waters and peaceful atmosphere.

I’d definitely say it’s one of our favorite kid-friendly hikes in Oahu.

About Sharlene

Sharlene Earnshaw is the Managing Editor of Trekaroo.com and has worked in the family travel field for over 15 years. She was born in Hawaii, and the islands are still her favorite place on Earth, so she visits them as often as possible. She currently lives in Orange County with her husband and 15-year-old son and daughter (twins!). 

Looking for more easy hikes on Oahu? Check out our guides for Manoa Falls, Kaena Point, and Waimea Valley.

P.S. Join our Hawaii Travel with Kids Facebook group to get connected with other families planning a trip to Hawaii!