Makapu'u Lookout

Oahu Attraction Guide

Makapu'u Lookout

Makapuu Lookout is a southeast Oahu roadside viewpoint with ocean cliffs, Rabbit Island views, Makapuu Beach scenery and nearby lighthouse trail access.

Azure Blue Water
Azure Blue Water

Makapu'u Lookout, Oahu

The Makapu'u Point Lookout is located just off Kalanianaole Highway on Oahu's southeastern tip. There is a parking lot and a paved walkway that leads to an area that overlooks Makapu'u Beach Park, the sea cliffs, as well as Rabbit Island (also known as Manana Island) and Kaohikaipu Island.

The lookout point is located within the 38-acre Makapu'u Point State Wayside Park, which also encompasses Makapu'u Head and the Makapu'u Point lighthouse. The lighthouse can't be seen from the lookout. To get there, one has to walk up the paved road that begins just below the entry to the lookout (on the Hawaii Kai side of the lookout). It's a 1.75-mile (2.8 km) trail.

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Quentin Brown

Sat Jan 03, 2015

The trail to the lighthouse is a fabulous way to start the day. As a bonus, humpback whales can sometimes be seen from late December through March.

Location, Parking and Directions

Makapuu Lookout is located along Kalanianaole Highway on Oahu's southeastern shore, near Makapuu Beach Park and the route between Hawaii Kai and Waimanalo. The map point is kept at the current page coordinates for the lookout area. Visitors usually arrive by car and use the roadside parking area when spaces are available.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Makapuu Lookout located?

Makapuu Lookout is located along Kalanianaole Highway on Oahu's southeastern shore, near Makapuu Beach Park.

What can you see from Makapuu Lookout?

Visitors can see Makapuu Beach, sea cliffs, Rabbit Island, Kaohikaipu Island and the bright blue water along Oahu's southeast coast.

Is Makapuu Lookout the same as the lighthouse trail?

No. Makapuu Lookout is a quick roadside viewpoint, while the nearby Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail is a separate paved 2-mile round-trip hike.

Can you see whales from Makapuu Lookout?

Yes. During humpback whale season, especially winter and spring, visitors may spot whales offshore when visibility and ocean conditions are good.

What is near Makapuu Lookout?

Nearby places include Makapuu Beach Park, Ka Iwi State Scenic Shoreline, Sandy Beach Park, Halona Blowhole and Hanauma Bay.