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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