UPDATED FEB 2020. Makapuu Tide Pools are truly something out of a ‘world’s most beautiful places’ magazine! It’s such a dreamy spot to spend time in nature and you also get the added benefit of the lighthouse trail to do before or after so you can enjoy the spectacular views. With hiking, swimming, exploring, and beautiful views, it’s the perfect combination for an adventure.
How To Hike To The Epic MAKAPUU TIDE POOLS On Oahu
Disclaimer
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FAQ for visiting the Makapuu Tide Pools
Where is it located?
South-east corner of the island, about 30-minute drive from Waikiki.
Is there a cost?
No, it’s free.
What skill level is required?
There are two trails here. The Lighthouse trail – beginner and the tide pool trail – intermediate.
What should you bring with you?
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Lightweight towel
- Water bottle (I use a Hydro Flask
or this big one depending on the day) - Lunch, snacks, or energy gels
- Waterproof camera (I always use this one with this floaty selfie stick for water adventures, this selfie stick and tripod combo for land adventures)
- Good hiking shoes (I use the New Balance Minimus)
or 
depending on the day)
for water adventures, 
for land adventures)
)
How to get to the Makapuu Tide Pools using the bus
It will take about an hour and a half to get there by bus.
From Waikiki, you’ll get on the #22/23 bus towards Hawaii Kai. You can get off at the Sea Life Park stop and walk back the way you drove – you will have driven past the hike entrance – for about 25 minutes.
Alternatively, you could get off at the Hawaii Kai Golf Course stop and walk up to the entrance which is about the same distance walk.
Check with the bus driver and the staff at your hotel to make sure this is current.
Where to park
There is a parking lot at the base of the trail, though it can get full pretty early in the day.
There is spillover parking along the road into the entrance, Makapuu Lighthouse Road, and also up on the side of the highway.
How to find the tide pools trailhead
To get there you can use ‘Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trailhead’ in Google Maps. This will get you to the parking area of the main lighthouse trail and since it is so popular it’s hard to miss all the cars and people there to do the hike.
You will start hiking up the lighthouse trail which is very straightforward to follow. It’s more of a walk uphill than a hike as it’s all paved.
Follow the road up until you see a sign about whales.
Off to the ocean side, there is a small trail, which would be easy to walk past, and it’s this path that takes you down the side of the mountain to the tide pools.
What to expect
Full disclaimer, this trail is not for everyone.
It’s a loose, rocky trail that goes down the side of the cliff with only spraypainted arrows to follow. If you are an inexperienced hiker or are not confident with trails that have loose footing, you may want to skip this hike.
Additionally, the tide pools themselves while beautiful can be quite dangerous.
At times the water can be quite calm but often times it’s rough and crashes right up to the pools. The whole hike and tide pool area require a little skill and a lot of awareness of the surroundings.
For these reasons, it may not be the best to take kids to.
I just want to mention this to give a realistic look at the hike, but I recommend using your best judgment as far as whether it’s a good option for you and if the weather is reasonable on the day.
Safety tips
There are arrows spraypainted on rocks so look out for those to guide you on the trail.
The way down can be a little slippery because of the loose rock and on the way back up it is a steep climb back up the rocks.
Because there is no shade and it is strenuous, it’s so important to be protected against the elements by wearing sunscreen, bringing snacks or energy gels and lots of water, as well as avoiding the hottest parts of the day.
It’s important to keep an eye on the weather as well because the waves crash close to the pools and can be dangerous. If it’s a rough surf day, just be careful and stay further back from the edge.
My photos are from two different visits – one rough surf day where I stayed well back from the edge, and one calm morning when I could swim in the pools.
When is the best time to go
Because this hike is so popular and offers no shade, I recommend going early in the day.
The gates for parking open at 7am but if you park on the road outside you can walk in before the gates are open.
The top of the lighthouse trail is a beautiful place to watch the sunrise.
View this post on Instagram
Other things to do nearby
There are a lot of different things to see and do in this area.
One good adventure day option in this area would be sunrise at the top of the lighthouse, then a morning swim in the tide pools after that. Coffee break at Island Brew Coffee House before conquering the Koko Head stairs of doom.
You’ll need a cool-off swim at Sandys Beach afterward. Then drive around the coastline stopping at viewpoints then finish off the day at spitting caves for sunset.
But like I said there’s so much you can do so that’s just one idea. Aside from what I just mentioned, here are some other things to do.
Other hikes in the area that you might want to check out are the Koko Head Crater Arch, Hanauma Bay Ridge, Kuliouou Ridge, or Kamiloiki Ridge trails.
Other beaches worth visiting in the area are Halona Cova, Waimanalo Bay, Alan Davis (flat hike to get there), or Kaupo Bay.
I hope this has been able to help you plan your own adventure to hike to the Makapuu tide pools.
As always stay safe on the trails, use your best judgment, and check the weather forecast.
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Brilliant write-up, Katie!! I really enjoy reading your creative reviews and blog entries. I’m pretty sure my Katie and I are living vicariously through you and trying to copy-cat your excursions….so keep doing your thing so we can experience everything this super beautiful island has to offer!!!
This warmed my heart! Thank you so much for those words. By all means, copy-cat away for your own adventures and I look forward to seeing your pics. Thank you for the support.