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Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail (Oahu, Hawaii)

Address: Makapuu Lighthouse Rd. Honolulu Hawaii 96825

Makapu’u Lighthouse is located on the East side of the Island of Oahu. The Lighthouse is built in 1909, Makapu’u Lighthouse is a shining beacon situated on a 600-foot seacliff. The place is open 7 days a week from 7 am- 6:45 pm. The Lighthouse is colored red and white and it is off limits for safety. The famous movie “50 First Dates” by Adam Sandler was filmed in the Makapu’u Lighthouse. The walk or hike to the Lighthouse is about 30 minutes one way or 60 minutes roundtrip. The elevation gain is 500 feet and is warm, windy, and humid as you ascend towards the top.

We drove for about 30 minutes (14 miles) from Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel to Makapu’u Lighthouse via HI-72. Our drive to the Lighthouse via HI-72 was a very scenic, winding road, relaxing and fun. We arrived in the parking lot of the Lighthouse at around 1 pm. We drove our Mustang convertible slowly as the free parking is made up of gravel and sand.

We forgot to bring our walking /running shoes so we end up using our slippers to hike up the lighthouse. We were surprised and intimidated as we saw the uphill paved trail leading up to the Makapuu Lighthouse. We had packed some bottled water, sunscreen, and a hat as we ascend the gradual uphill climb to the top. The weather was sunny, and warm with the cooler wind. We drank water constantly and had to stop a few times to get a breather and water break. The gradual steep climb to the summit was challenging but doable. There were a lot of people (families, pets, etc.) climbing the hill that day. We stopped at a few lookout areas with guard rails to rest. The view from the lookout was beautiful, picturesque, and panoramic with the clear blue sea in the background. We were told that we may be able to see Humpback Whales from the month of November to May.

Overall it was a great memorable experience for us to be able to hike up to the Makapu’u Lighthouse with our slippers. LOL. My family and I felt accomplished and proud as we completed the challenging hike to the top of the lighthouse trail. I would highly recommend this place when you visit the Island of Oahu. We also learned a few things about the history of the Makapuu area as we read some of the informational signage along the way.

Tips: Ensure that you pack bottled water to stay hydrated, sunscreen to prevent sunburn, and wear comfortable walking shoes. There is another trail or route with sand and gravel that will lead it to the Makapuu Tidepool. Halona Blowhole and Halona Beach Cove are about a 6-minute drive via HI-72 from the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail parking lot. There are a lot of great spots to take a picture or selfie. Pay attention to people that are walking near the parking lot area.

Let me know if you have any questions, comments or what you think about Makapu’u Lighthouse after your visit in the comments below. And kindly share our family travel blog site with your friends and family. Or even include our travel blog website address when you post your pictures on social media. Have fun and stay safe. Thank you.

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Point Pinos Lighthouse in (Monterey County)

Address: 80 Asilomar Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

The Point Pinos Lighthouse was built in 1855 and is located on the Northernmost tip of the peninsula in Monterey California. The lighthouse is 43 feet tall, cylindrical concrete tower with a lantern and balcony rising at the center of the keeper’s house. Point Pinos Lighthouse is the west coast’s oldest actively operating lighthouse with its original lens to guide ships on the Pacific Coast and was lit on Feb. 1, 1855. The Point Pinos lighthouse and its scenic 1.3 acres grounds are surrounded by beautiful native plants, deers, and amazing panoramic ocean views. The lighthouse is registered on the “National Register of Historic Places.” Also the small lighthouse is built into an actual house. Point Pinos Lighthouse is open to the public on Saturday-Sunday from 1-3 p.m. only.

It took us about 2 hours (116 miles) to drive from San Francisco to Point Pinios Lighthouse via I-280 South, US 101 South, and CA-156 West. We passed through several beautiful beaches situated along the coast, and small coastal towns. We arrived at the lighthouse at around 1 p.m. and parked on the streets not knowing that there is free parking made up of gravel in front of the main entrance. Point Pinos Lighthouse is surrounded by the Pacific Grove Municipal Golf links. We were greeted by a friendly volunteer docent when we entered the main entrance to the lighthouse. The fee for the lighthouse tour (inside) is $5 for adults, $2 for children ages (7-17) and it’s on a donation basis. Due to time constraints, we opted to just explore the lighthouse from the outside and the surrounding area for free. There were a few friendly and knowledgeable volunteer docents available onsite for any questions about the history of Point Pinos Lighthouse. My family and I enjoyed the beautiful, impeccable landscape surrounding the lighthouse, especially our close encounter with the deers grazing in the grassy area. And the panoramic view of the beautiful ocean from the lighthouse was very relaxing and peaceful on a warm, sunny day.

Since Point Pinos is a snall lighthouse built into an actual house, the docent informed us that the tour inside is comprised of a visit to the kitchen, living room, bathroom, meeting room and upstairs where the ligth is kept but is currently closed and off limits. The lighthouse tour will also educate the visitors about the life of the lighhouse keepers in the earlier days.

Overall, we enjoyed our self guided tour of the property of Point Pinos Lighthouse and learned a few things about the history of the historical Lighthouse. The knowledgeable and friendly volunteer docents answered our questions. It’s a great place to visit with family, friends, couples, history buff and people that love lighthouses. We will surely take the tour inside the lighthouse in our next visit. The lighthouse is a hidden gem in the Pacific Grove area. Have a great day.

Tips: No pets, drones or motorized vehicles allowed. Wear comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing for cold and windy weather. Close proximity to Monterey’s downtown and Lover’s Point Park. Ensure that you pay and take the short tour inside the lighthouse to see and learn more about the history of the lighthouse. Watch out for the deers that may be seen roaming around the property but don’t get too close for your safety. Enjoy the garden area where you can sit and enjoy the incredible view of the landscape and the ocean.

Let me know if you have any questions or what you think about the Point Pinos Lighthouse after your visit in the comments below. And kindly share our family travel blog site with your friends and family. Or even include our travel blog website address when you post your pictures on social media. Have fun and stay safe. Thank you.

Click here to find a hotel close to Point Pinos Lighthouse in Monterey.

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Point Sur Lighthouse (Monterey County)

Address: Monterey Ca. 93940

The Point Sur Lighthouse was built in 1889 and it is 40 feet tall and 360 feet above sea level. The lighthouse is part of the Point Sur Historic Park. It is situated atop a dramatic Volcanic Rock just offshore in Big Sur. The navigation beacon at Point Sur Lighthouse has warned the sailors away from the craggy shores of the foggy Pacific Ocean. The lighthouse’s lens is about 4,330 pounds of glass and brass that was activated in August 1889. The Point Sur lighthouse and its scenic grounds are surrounded by beautiful native plants, sealions, and relaxing panoramic ocean views. There is also a former Naval Facility situated near the lighthouse and within the Point Sur Historic Park. The famous Bixby Creek Bridge is about 6 miles away (14 minutes drive) from the Point Sur Lighthouse.

It took us about 3 hours (136 miles) to drive from San Francisco to Point Sur Lighthouse via US 101 South, CA-156 West, and CA-1 South. My family and I enjoyed the relaxing coastal scenic drive to Point Sur Lighthouse via Ca-1. We passed through several beautiful beaches situated along the coast, small coastal towns, and winding roads with switchbacks. The tour is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost of the tour is $15 for an adult, $5 for ages 6-17, and below 5 years old is free. As of now, they only allow 40 people per tour group due to Covid restrictions.

We arrived at the lighthouse at around 9:15 a.m. and parked in front of the main iron gate. There were already 4 cars parked ahead of us on the side of the road waiting to get in. The volunteer tour guides opened the main gate at around 9:50 a.m. and guided all the visitor’s cars inside. We were informed by the tour guide about the rules and regulations prior to driving our car inside. We then drove slowly for a few minutes on a long dirt road that led us to the parking area at the bottom of the hill. There were about 20 of us in our tour group and were greeted by friendly volunteer tour guides. We had to descent on an uphill paved pathway to the top of the lighthouse. The walk or hike to the top of the hill is about half a mile and slightly steep. The tour guides stopped for about 4 times on our way up the hill and educated us about the history of Point Sur lighthouse. Each stops gave us some time to rest, take pictures, enjoy the view and drink some water. The volunteer tour guides even showed us where all the sea lions hang out to bask in the sun.

Our first stop was the Point Sur Lighthouse which we had the opportunity to go inside and explore the lighthouse. We were excited especially my 12 years old daughter as it was our first time exploring the inside of a lighthouse. We had to climb all the way up to the top where the lighthouse lens is located using the original spiral staircase. The best part was when the tour guide opened a small door that led us to the outside of the lighthouse with a gorgeous view of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding beaches. After the lighthouse, we head into the Museum where we saw all the displays of historical facts and items. My daughter even tested the foghorn that was used in the lighthouse. We then proceeded and climbed a 61 steps stairway that led us to the Carpenter/Blacksmith shop that had all the antiqued and preserved carpenter’s tools displayed. The next building we visited is the head keeper’s and assistant keeper’s quarters. All the room’s old interior designs were preserved, even some of the furniture and household items. My favorite part was that every room in the house has a view of the Pacific Ocean through the windows especially in the bathroom. And lastly, we visited the gift shop where they sell all kinds of souvenirs and paid our admission fee.

At the end of the tour, we were given a few minutes to take pictures and use the public restrooms before our descent to the bottom of the hill. Overall, we enjoyed our 3 hours tour and learned a lot about the history of the Point Sur Lighthouse. The knowledgeable and friendly volunteer tour guides answered all our group’s questions. We will definitely visit the former Naval Facility on our next visit which is also located inside the Point Sur Historic Park. Have a great day.

Tips: There are ample free parking available on a dirt road at the bottom of the Lighthouse. Portable Public restrooms are available near the parking area on the bottom of the hill and near the Head/Assistant Keeper’s quarters. Wear comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing for cold and windy weather. Try to arrive at the gate at least 30-40 minutes earlier as it is on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Point Sur Lighthouse tour is only available on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. You may bring bottled water but there is no food allowed.

Let me know if you have any questions or what you think about the Point Sur Lighthouse after your visit in the comments below. And kindly share our family travel blog site with your friends and family. Or even include our travel blog website address when you post your pictures on social media. Have fun and stay safe. Thank you.

Click here to find a hotel close to Point Sur Lighthouse in Big Sur.

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Point Reyes Lighthouse (Marin County)

Address: 27000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd Ca. 94937

Point Reyes Lighthouse is also known as the Point Reyes Light is located at the westernmost end of the Point Reyes Headlands and Sir Francis Drake Blvd. The Point Reyes Lighthouse was built in 1870 to prevent ships from crashing into the rocky shores and reefs. The Point Reyes Lighthouse is 35 feet tall, shaped like a tapered cylindrical tower, and situated in the Gulf of Farallones. On December 1, 1870, was when the first time the Point Reyes Lighthouse shone its light. Dynamite was used to clearing an area and level a spot for the lighthouse to be situated. Visitors will need to walk through the 313 steps downhill towards the Lighthouse. In the early days, lighthouses reflect light out to the sea by using mirrors which could only be seen at 8-12 miles away. But the Point Reyes Lighthouse used a Fresnel lens from 1870-1975 that could be seen at about 24 miles away. The lighthouse’s lenses and mechanism were constructed in France in 1867. The light was only lit between sunset and sunrise. In 1975, The U.S. Coast Guard put in place an automated light, and Point Reyes Lighthouse was discontinued from service. The ownership of the Point Reyes Lighthouse was transferred to the National Park Service which maintains and preserves the historical lighthouse. The Point Reyes lighthouse also survived the April 18, 1906 earthquake and the lens slipped off its tracks was the only damage.

It took us about 2 hours and 20 minutes (80 miles) to drive from Daly City via US 101 and Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. My family and I enjoyed our fun scenic drive and some winding roads to Point Reyes Lighthouse via US-101. We passed through several beautiful beaches such as the North, South, and Drakes Beach situated along the coast, small local ranches, water reservoirs, small towns, local cheese stores, and many more interesting places to see.

We arrived at the main parking lot of the Lighthouse at around 9:30 a.m. on a weekend and parked at the main parking lot. It was limited parking especially in the afternoon as it gets crowded. We even saw a few cars parked on the side of the road a few yards away from the main parking lot. We walked for about 15 minutes (0.45 miles) from the parking lot to the Lighthouse Visitor Center on mostly an uphill paved road or walkway. We were lucky that it was a clear sunny day with a beautiful view of the ocean and saw a few deers, coyotes in the surrounding area. We passed through the Visitor Center, Lighthouse Vista Point, and finally reached the entrance to the stairs leading down to the lighthouse. There was a warning sign indicating that the ascend going up from the lighthouse is strenuous. The stairs that lead to the lighthouse below are composed of 313 steps equivalent to a three-story building. The inside of the lighthouse is currently not accessible at the moment. There were two viewing decks where you can rest or take pictures from the top of the lighthouse.

The ocean view in the lighthouse area was gorgeous and very relaxing but can be very windy. We also had an opportunity and walked around the outside walkway of the lighthouse. We explored the area and learned about how the lighthouse was built, saw the original 1867 clockworks, and the first-order fresnel lens. The tower has 16 sides and is 35 feet tall. We even saw a few species of birds such as the Pelicans and Falcons flying around the area. After our experience below at the lighthouse, we then went up the flight of stairs and proceeded on to the observation deck located near the stairs. My daughter enjoyed and learned history at the Ocean Exploration Center which is located inside the Visitor Center. Overall, it was a very unique and one-of-a-kind memorable historical experience for me and my family.

Tips: The only gas station in Point Reyes is located in the town of Point Reyes Station 11401 CA-1. The parking lot area is limited and can only accommodate 38 vehicles. We saw a few cars parked a few yards away from the main parking lot but be sure that you are not blocking any part of the road. Please respect and observe all “No Parking” signs. You can’t go inside the lighthouse but can walk around the outside of the Lighthouse. Two public restrooms are available in the main parking lot and near the Visitor Center by the green garages. Always bring a jacket or blanket as the weather is unpredictable and bottled water to hydrate as you go up and down the 313 steps of stairs. No cell phone reception but they have a payphone located near the green garages. No drones are permitted in the area. And lastly, be aware that the stairs are narrow and lots of people passed through them both ways especially during peak hours.

Let me know if you have any questions, comments or what you think about Point Reyes Lighthouse after your visit in the comments below. And kindly share our family travel blog site with your friends and family. Or even include our travel blog website address when you post your pictures on social media. Have fun and stay safe. Thank you.

Click here to find a hotel close to Point Reyes Lighthouse in Marin County.

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Pigeon Point Lighthouse

Address: 210 Pigeon Point Rd, Pescadero, CA 94060

The Pigeon Point Lighthouse was built in 1872 to prevent ships from crashing into the region. And in 1853, a carrier cargo vessel named “Pigeon” was wrecked after which the lighthouse was named. The Pigeon Point Lighthouse is 116 feet tall, shaped like a tapered cylindrical tower. The lighthouse and its scenic grounds are surrounded by beautiful native plants and relaxing panoramic ocean views. There is also a hostel available onsite situated at the foot of the lighthouse for overnight stays. Downtown Pescadero is about 8 miles away from the Pigeon Point Lighthouse with a few selections of cafes, restaurants, and shops.

It took us about 30-40 minutes (22 miles) to drive from Daly City via CA-1 South/Cabrillo Highway North. My family and I enjoyed our relaxing scenic drive to Pigeon Point Lighthouse via Ca-1. We passed through several beautiful beaches situated along the coast, small coastal towns, local hotels, organic farms, along the way. Pigeon Point lighthouse is after the Bean Hollow Beach in Pescadero which is about 3.5 miles away.

We arrived at the Lighthouse at around 10 a.m. and parked at the free parking area in front which is made up of sand and gravel. There was also a few extra parking outside by the dirt road. We only walked for about 5 minutes to get to the lighthouse from the parking lot. It was a beautiful sunny day and saw a few big waves that crashed loudly onto to the surrounding rocks that protect the Lighthouse. The inside of the lighthouse is not accessible at the moment and the entire lighthouse was surrounded by a fence. We took lots of pictures at the Vista Point and the surrounding area near the lighthouse. There were a few picnic tables near the Vista Point area within the vicinity of the Pigeon Point Lighthouse. There are warning signs for safety to watch out for the cliffs due to erosion. A few people were sitting on a bench and just enjoying the amazing and beautiful view of the ocean with the Lighthouse in the background.

Tips: There is ample free parking available in front of the Lighthouse or you can park outside on a dirt parking area. You can’t go inside the lighthouse but can walk around the outside of the Lighthouse. Public restrooms are available near the parking area. Always bring a jacket or blanket as the weather is unpredictable. There is a Hostel available onsite for rental that is good for stargazing at night or just for an overnight stay.

Let me know if you have any questions or what you think about the Pigeon Point Lighthouse after your visit in the comments below. And kindly share our family travel blog site with your friends and family. Or even include our travel blog website address when you post your pictures on social media. Have fun and stay safe. Thank you.

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Walton Lighthouse (Santa Cruz)

Address: 680 Atlantic Avenue Santa Cruz, Ca. 95062

The Walton Lighthouse was designed by Mark Mesiti-Miller and opened in 2001. The lighthouse is named in honor of Derek Walton who is the late brother of Charles Walton who made a donation on it’s construction. The Walton lighthouse is 41 feet tall, shaped as a tapered cylindrical tower with a lantern and balcony. It’s weighed 350,000 pounds to withstand a quarter million pounds of wave energy. It’s built to protect the entrance to the Santa Cruz harbor on a man made jetty and situated near the Seabright Beach

It took us about 1 hour and 30 minutes (70 miles) drive from San Francisco via CA-1 South/Cabrillo Highway North. My family and I enjoyed our scenic drive to Santa Cruz via Ca-1. We passed through several beautiful beaches situated along the coast, small coastal towns, organic farms, and a popular lighthouse called Pigeon Point along the way.

We arrived at the Lighthouse at around 2 p.m. and parked at the Harbor parking area for a fee since there was no street parking available. We walked for about 15 minutes to get to the lighthouse from the Harbor parking lot. We had to pass through the Marina and walked all the way to the lighthouse on a dirt pathway but later became cemented upon reaching the lighthouse area. The pathway is surrounded and protected by huge rocks to prevent or break the larger waves. There is a warning signage to watch out for sleeper waves. And there was an entrance or access to the Seabright Beach on our way to the lighthouse. Some people were just sitting on a bench and watching the sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals and birds fish.

There were strong and big waves that crushed loudly onto to the surrounding rocks that protects the Lighthouse. There is also a sign of “Walton Lighthouse” painted on top of the main entrance of the lighthouse. Since the inside of the lighthouse is not accessible, my daughter and wife took pictures outside of the 41 feet tall, white, cylindrical lighthouse. My wife and daughter enjoyed watching all the beautiful and colorful sailboats that passed through in and out from the Harbor/Marina. The Santa Cruz beach boardwalk was also visible from the Walton Lighthouse. It’s unfortunate that we couldn’t stay late until sunset as we have to head back home.

Tips: For safety, be careful of strong or sleeper waves when crossing or walking towards the lighthouse. Either you park on the street on Atlantic Avenue or park by the harbor area for a fee. You can’t go inside the lighthouse but can walk around the outside of the Lighthouse. Public restrooms are available in the Harbor parking area. There’s a popular restaurant in the Harbor parking area called Aldo’s Restaurant and the Crow’s Nest where we ate lunch which is a few minutes drive from the Walton Lighthouse. Some locals told us that the lighthouse is best viewed during sunset or sunrise. Always bring a jacket or blanket as the weather is unpredictable.

Let me know if you have any questions or what you think about the Walton Lighthouse after your visit in the comments below. And kindly share our family travel blog site with your friends and family. Or even include our travel blog website address when you post your pictures on social media. Have fun and stay safe. Thank you.

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Point Arena Lighthouse

Address: 45500 Lighthouse Road, Point Arena, Ca. 95468

Point Arena lighthouse is a 115-foot tall historic lighthouse constructed in 1870 located in Mendocino County and 2 miles north of Point Arena. There is also a small gift shop and a museum within the property. The lighthouse was struck by a strong earthquake and was badly damaged that it had to be destroyed. It was rapidly rebuilt in 1908 and became a place for fishermen, foresters, and ranch hands.

It took us about 3 hours and 30 minutes from San Francisco to Point Arena Lighthouse through US-101 North, CA-128, and CA-1. It took us approximately 2 hours on CA-128 which was a very winding road with sharp turns, a scenic route with beautiful wineries, and small shops along the way. We also passed through an area called Navarro which had a lot of redwood trees along the highway and was good for a photo opportunity.

We passed through a few meadows with farm animals and a gorgeous view of the ocean on our way to the lighthouse through CA-1. It was a very relaxing and scenic drive en route to the lighthouse. We stopped at the lighthouse Point Resort with smaller cabins for rent and the Rollerville Café to use the restroom and checked out the Café’s menu. From the café, we drove through the lighthouse Road which is a 2-way narrow road for about 15 minutes that led us to the entrance of the Point Arena Lighthouse. The lighthouse was closed to the public on the day we visited due to the Covid-19 restrictions but was only available for people who stayed and rented the cabins for the night inside the Point Arena Lighthouse. We parked our car at a small Vista Point parking area with a view of the Point Arena Lighthouse and the ocean. There were a lot of people taking pictures with the Lighthouse as their background. There was also a porta-potty available along the Lighthouse Road before the Point Arena Lighthouse entrance.

Overall, it was a great place to take pictures, have a picnic while enjoying the ocean with the view of the lighthouse in the background. Point Arena Lighthouse even has a cabin/house available for rentals.

Tip: There is a great beach near the Point Arena Lighthouse area called Bowling Ball Beach. The beach is part of the Schooners gulch and you have to park safely alongside highway 1. The beach is about a 15 minutes drive and 8 miles away from Point Arena.

Let me know if you have any questions or what you think about Point Arena Lighthouse after your visit in the comments below. And kindly share our family travel blog site with your friends and family. Or even include our travel blog website address when you post your pictures on social media. Have fun and stay safe. Thank you.