What none of the other Hawai’i hiking blogs tell you: How to get to the ACTUAL Makapu’u Lighthouse

If you have ever been on the Makapu’u lighthouse trail, you would know that there is a lighthouse off in the distance, however the trail DOES NOT lead to this light house. It only gives you a far away view. Did anyone ever show you how to actually get to the lighthouse…

Disclaimer: The lighthouse IS NOT open to the public, so proceed at your own discretion

This secret trail starts off at Makapu’u lighthouse trail which is one of the relatively “easier” hikes on O’ahu. It is completely paved and moderately inclined. Here is the address: Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail, Waimanalo, HI 96795. Be warned that this is a POPULAR hiking destination and there are limited parking stalls. The trail supposedly opens at 7:00 AM, but if you show up anywhere near 8:00-9:00 AM, you may be circling for parking amongst the 20 other cars waiting. Also important to note, there is NO SHADE. So here are some hiking essentials that I always bring:

• Yeti Water Bottle - It keeps water cold for 12-18 hours and is essential for hikes like these were this is practically NO SHADE. If you go hiking without water or with a regular water bottle, you might regret it.

• Hiking/Beach Hat for Men and Women- Frequently worn by MANY locals, these are very popular to wear to protect yourself from the sun.

• Sunscreen - If you have dry skin like me, this is the sunscreen for you! Not just for hiking, but every day use! Oh yeah, did I mention, it’s OCEAN/REEF FRIENDLY! As a local in Hawai’i I stand by this sunscreen

You will need to hike the entirety of the main trail, until you nearly reach the lookout point at the top. The entrance to the lighthouse trail veers to the right of the main paved pathway. You will see it right before you reach the lookout point. Once you start walking on the lighthouse trail, you will see that the pavement ends and becomes dirt. If you walk a little further and see this shack on the left, you’ll know you’re on the right path.

Keep walking along the path until you reach this fence that says “trail closed no trespassing” As I have mentioned before, proceed at your own discretion…

Now there’s two ways to go around this fence. I’ve done both but BE CAREFUL. The first way is to the right, which is a little scarier as you are on the edge of the mountain.The easier way (in my humble opinion) is to the left of the fence.

You can go up and around the fence by climbing on the rocks. It’s not that bad, but I would recommend using BOTH hands to grip on to the rocks for support. I’ve attached a picture below with a viewpoint from the top of the rocks climbing over the fence.

Since you’re using both your hands to climb, I would HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend wearing a fanny pack, hip pack, or some sort of bag that is not too heavy and not loose fitting. Something tight on your body that won’t accidentally snag on to something. That’s why I recommend this mini hip pack. It’s sleek and easy to wear. There’s also a bunch of different Hawai’i themed designs to suit your personal liking (as the brand was made by two Native Hawaiian women). Not to mention it’s very lightweight and water proof, with an inside zipper pocket to store smaller items. It saved me a lot of hassle on this particular hike.

Once you go around this fence, you continue along the pathway. There’s a white fence along the edge of the cliff. A lot of the wooden parts have broken off the fence and fell off the cliff, so stay close to the mountain side.

Continue along this path and you’ll reach a fence between the path and the lighthouse. You can either stop your journey here and admire the lighthouse from the opposite side of the fence (which is just as awesome). Or, you can elect to CAREFULLY go around the fence, via the side of the mountain. There are some rocks beyond the fence that you can step around, but I would again highly recommend holding on the pole on the fence for support and stability.

As you can see, there is a lot of barbed wire, which is why wearing a mini hip pack is so awesome. No fumbling with your phone or personal items, and no worrying about an extra strap getting snagged on the fence.

Once you go around the fence, you have COMPLETED the hardest part of the hike, and you are now in the promised land! Just walk down these long red stairs and you’re at the light house! This place boasts breathtaking views of the Mokulua Island off the windward coast.

Thanks for joining us for this adventure. We’ll catch you at the next one.