Makapu'u Beach Park

Makapu'u Beach Park is a dramatic east Oahu beach with Rabbit Island views, lifeguards, powerful shorebreak, bodyboarding and rugged coastal scenery.

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Makapu'u Beach Park, Oahu

Backed by sea cliffs, Makapu'u Beach Park near Waimanalo is popular among bodyboarders and bodysurfers. Rip currents and a powerful shorebreak can make the ocean rough, so this is not a casual swimming beach. During the summer months, the ocean is usually calmer than in winter, but waves are common here almost every day. The width of the beach changes throughout the year. In winter, high surf can erode the sand and expose large boulders in the shorebreak.

Just around the corner from Makapu'u Beach, on the sea cliff, is Makapu'u Lighthouse. A paved trail leads toward the lighthouse area and can be accessed from a parking lot along Kalanianaole Highway. This coastal area is part of the Ka Iwi State Scenic Shoreline.

Just south of Makapu'u Beach is the Makapu'u Lookout, which also has a parking lot. From there, you can see Makapu'u Beach, the surrounding cliffs and two offshore islands: Rabbit Island, also known as Manana Island, and Black Rock, also known as Kaohikaipu Island.

Key Features

Dramatic east Oahu beach below Makapu'u Point
Rabbit Island views from the sand and nearby lookout areas
There are lifeguards on duty at Makapu'u Beach Park
Known for powerful shorebreak and experienced bodyboarding
Popular for bodysurfing, fishing, surf watching and coastal photos
Not a casual swimming beach when surf is active
Close to Sea Life Park, Kaupo Beach Park and Makapu'u Lookout
Winter whale sightings are possible from the wider Makapu'u area
Rugged cliffs and east Oahu coastal scenery nearby
Check with lifeguards and read warning signs before entering the water

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Makapu'u mean?

Makapu'u is often translated as “bulging eye.” The name is connected with stories of a supernatural figure whose eyes were set in the area near this eastern point of Oahu.

Why is Makapu'u popular with bodyboarders?

The beach is known for powerful shorebreak and steep waves close to shore. That energy draws experienced bodyboarders and bodysurfers, but it can be dangerous for casual swimmers.

What island do you see from Makapu'u Beach?

The island offshore is Rabbit Island, also known as Manana Island. It is a seabird sanctuary, so visitors enjoy the view from shore rather than landing there.

How is Makapu'u Beach different from Sandy Beach?

Both beaches are known for powerful water and bodyboarding, but Makapu'u has the dramatic Rabbit Island view and a smaller pocket of sand below the cliffs. Sandy Beach has a longer roadside beach setting farther toward Hawaii Kai.

Can you see whales from Makapu'u?

During winter, humpback whales are sometimes seen offshore from the Makapu'u area. The higher lookout above the beach is usually a better viewing spot than the sand.