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(4 stars from 1 rating)
Makapuu Point 0:4

Address

http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/par...
Furthest Southeast Point on Oahu
Hawaii Kai , HI

Hours

Every day 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Review

A paved, less than 1.5 mile trail, climbs to an overlook on Makapu’u Head, the farthest southeast point on the island of Oahu. A local favorite, this component of the Ka Iwi State Scenic Shoreline, is unaccountably not as well publicized as many others. Hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views (if it’s windy, it’s literally true). The pleasant easy path, though climbing, follows an old mountain top access road. Views abound the entire way. Even from the start your view to the southwest lets you peer into the very heart of Koko crater. This extinct volcano now forms a fascinating botanical garden.

Climbing higher, the ocean views begin to dominate. There’s always wildlife viewing: humpback whales in winter, flocks of birds sampling the wild seeds along the trail, near-shore turtles most times of the year if you have binoculars strong enough to see them. If you can tear yourself away from the distant views, lining the trail is a fascinating sampling of native and exotic Hawaiian plants. Miniature succulents, brilliantly flowering shrubs, and strange seed pods provide more than enough excuse to slow your pace and savor the ascent. As you near the top, be mindful of the cliffs beyond the trail and don’t be tempted to scramble down. The tides provide little chance of beach here and the off trail adventurer invites far more disaster than any better view.

The trail ends at an overlook that literally hangs out over the water. Windy days feed the thundering white waves contrasting against the blue ocean waters and black cliffs. You’ll enjoy the security of the guard rails as you peer down on this scene. Off to the side and surprisingly far below you is the nearly 100 year old light house in typically vivid white and red colors. To your north the furthest island is Manana Island, also known as Rabbit Island both for its shape and the former release of rabbits there, though it is now a seabird sanctuary. From beneath your toes, over 500 feet below, the coastline gracefully curves north and becomes Makapu’u Beach State Park.

Some of the more adventurous may scramble up the boot trail to the very top. The landscape both rocky and vegetated is a little more intimate here. The views from the top are panoramic but only slightly better than the paved and much safer trail. The crumbling (and dangerous) concrete structures were WWII lookouts. This is a good place to reflect on the history of that time and what it might have felt like to be stationed in this severe and remote location. On your way down, try not to hurry, but enjoy the same views in reverse. You’ll find lots more to see than you noticed on the way up and the views of the Ko’olau Range are even better.
Written By: Bud Hardwick
On: 5/8/2009

Directions

From Honolulu: H1 east becomes Kalaniana’ole Hwy 72; continue past Hawaii Kai and Hawaii Kai Golf Course, entrance and parking on right. From Waimanalo: Kalaniana’ole Hwy 72 south, past Makapu’u Beach, entrance and parking on left. Trailhead and parking entrance on the east side of the Highway.

Features

Walking Trails

Map

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