Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Makapuʻu Point State Wayside is located on the southeastern tip of Oʻahu, Hawaii, offering visitors spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, offshore islets, and occasional sightings of humpback whales during the winter migration. The area features a paved trail leading to the summit of Makapuʻu Point, where the historic Makapuʻu Lighthouse stands. The lighthouse, built in 1909, is an iconic structure that protects one of the most treacherous stretches of shoreline in Hawaii. The wayside’s coastal landscape includes native shrublands and unique lava formations, along with important seabird nesting sites, especially on the nearby Rabbit Island (Manana). Visitors can experience the soggy windward climate with steady trade winds, which support a variety of plant and bird species. The trail to the point is moderately easy and popular for families and casual hikers, offering interpretive signs, opportunities to spot sea turtles, and views of the Koko Crater in the distance. Makapuʻu is also a prime location for watching whale breaches and spouts during the humpback whale season from December through April. The area promotes conservation efforts, especially to protect the fragile coastal environment and seabirds. Its proximity to Honolulu makes it a popular day trip destination for nature lovers and photographers seeking dramatic coastal landscapes and charismatic wildlife.
