Makapuʻu Beach Park, located along Oʻahu’s southeastern coastline, sits just below the dramatic cliffs of the Makapuʻu Point and Lighthouse Trail. Known for its turquoise waters, consistent surf, and breathtaking coastal scenery, the park offers a raw, untamed beauty that contrasts sharply with the calm, tourist-heavy beaches of Waikīkī. It’s a local favorite for bodysurfing, photography, and sightseeing – and one of the best places to feel the power of the Pacific Ocean up close.
Overview of Makapuʻu Beach Park
Makapuʻu Beach Park lies within the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline, about 40 minutes east of Waikīkī. The beach faces the open ocean, framed by the Makapuʻu Point cliffs to the east and Koko Head to the west. Offshore, Rabbit Island (Mānana Island) and Kaohikaipu Islet create a postcard-perfect backdrop that has made this one of Oʻahu’s most photographed shorelines.
Unlike the calm lagoons of Ko Olina or the family-friendly sands of Kailua Beach, Makapuʻu is all about raw coastal energy. The waves here crash with intensity, particularly in the winter months. It’s a spectacular spot to watch local bodyboarders master the surf – but it’s not suitable for swimming when surf conditions are high. Lifeguards are on duty year-round, but caution is always advised.
Getting There and Parking
Makapuʻu Beach Park is located at 41-95 Kalanianaʻole Highway, Waimānalo, HI 96795, about a 45-minute drive from central Honolulu. The beach sits directly across from the Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail parking lot, making it an easy stop before or after a hike.
Driving Directions:
- From Waikīkī: Take H-1 East, continue onto Kalanianaʻole Highway (HI-72), passing Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach Park, and the Halona Blowhole Lookout.
- The beach parking lot will appear on your left shortly after passing the Makapuʻu Lookout.
Free parking is available in a small paved lot adjacent to the beach. Spaces can fill up quickly on weekends, especially when surf conditions are good or whale-watching season draws visitors to the nearby lookout. Overflow parking is available along the highway shoulders – just be cautious of traffic.
Facilities and Amenities
Makapuʻu Beach Park offers limited but essential amenities:
- Restrooms and showers are located near the parking lot.
- Lifeguards are on duty daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
- Picnic areas with grassy patches and shade from ironwood trees.
- No food concessions or rentals, so bring your own snacks and beach gear.
The beach is part of a protected coastal area managed by the City and County of Honolulu. Camping is not permitted, and visitors should respect posted signs and shoreline safety warnings.
Swimming and Surf Conditions
Makapuʻu Beach is famous for its strong shore break and powerful rip currents, which make it ideal for experienced bodysurfers and bodyboarders. Beginners or casual swimmers should stay in shallow water and never turn their back on the waves.
During summer, the ocean is calmer, and wading near the shore may be safe on mild days – always check conditions with the lifeguard before entering the water. In winter, swells can easily reach 6 to 8 feet, producing waves that are thrilling to watch but dangerous for swimming.
For families or those looking for calmer waters, Waimānalo Beach Park (5 minutes north) is a better choice.
Best Times to Visit
Makapuʻu Beach Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and there’s no entrance fee.
Morning:
The early hours offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds – ideal for photography, especially when the morning light hits Rabbit Island.
Afternoon:
The beach tends to fill with locals and visitors after 10 AM. Trade winds pick up around midday, creating more dramatic surf.
Winter (December–March):
Expect larger waves and a higher chance of spotting humpback whales offshore, especially from the Makapuʻu Point Lookout.
Summer (May–September):
Calmer seas and lighter winds make it easier for visitors to enjoy the scenery and watch experienced bodyboarders in action.
Safety Tips and What to Bring
Makapuʻu Beach is stunning but unpredictable. Always respect the ocean and follow posted safety warnings.
Safety Guidelines:
- Swim only when lifeguards are present.
- Never enter the water during high surf unless you are experienced.
- Keep an eye on children – waves can surge suddenly.
- Avoid standing too close to the shoreline rocks during heavy surf.
What to Bring:
- Reef-safe sunscreen (required by Hawaii law).
- Hat, sunglasses, and plenty of water – the area is hot and exposed.
- Towels and a sturdy mat (the sand is coarse and dark).
- Snacks and trash bags (no food vendors or trash service nearby).
- Binoculars for whale watching in winter.
Nearby Attractions
Makapuʻu Beach Park is perfectly positioned for a half-day adventure across Oʻahu’s eastern shore. Within minutes, you can explore several other top attractions:
- Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail – A paved, moderate 2-mile round-trip hike offering panoramic views of the coast and offshore islets.
- Halona Blowhole Lookout – Just a 3-minute drive away, where seawater shoots dramatically through lava rock formations.
- Sandy Beach Park – Another popular bodysurfing spot, known for its consistent waves and golden sand.
- Sea Life Park Hawaii – Located just across the highway from Makapuʻu Beach, offering marine life exhibits and dolphin encounters.
- Waimānalo Beach – A calmer, family-friendly alternative just down the road.
These nearby sites make it easy to combine your beach visit with hiking, sightseeing, or family activities.
Photography and Scenery
Few beaches on Oʻahu offer such dramatic scenery in such close proximity to the main road. Makapuʻu’s turquoise waters contrast beautifully with the dark volcanic cliffs and offshore islands, making it a favorite spot for landscape photographers and film crews. The beach is especially photogenic at sunrise, when the light breaks over the ocean and illuminates Rabbit Island.
Drones are not permitted without a permit, and visitors should avoid climbing cliffs or crossing restricted areas for better views – the terrain is steep and fragile.
Responsible Visitor Tips
Makapuʻu Beach Park is part of a protected shoreline ecosystem. Help preserve its natural beauty by following a few key principles:
- Take all trash with you – there are limited bins.
- Use only reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life.
- Avoid stepping on tide pool rocks or coral fragments.
- Respect wildlife such as seabirds nesting on nearby cliffs.
By practicing mindful tourism, you help ensure this stunning coastline remains pristine for generations to come.
Practical Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 41-95 Kalanianaʻole Hwy, Waimānalo, HI 96795 |
| Hours | Sunrise to sunset |
| Parking | Free, limited |
| Restrooms | Yes |
| Lifeguards | Yes (9:00 AM – 5:30 PM) |
| Entry Fee | None |
| Activities | Bodysurfing, bodyboarding, sightseeing, photography |
| Swimming | Dangerous in high surf conditions |
| Whale Watching | Best December–March |
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re watching the sunrise, photographing the cliffs, or simply soaking up the views, Makapuʻu Beach Park captures the rugged beauty of Oʻahu’s southeastern coast. Combine your visit with the nearby Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail or Sea Life Park for a memorable day trip.
Ready to explore more of Oʻahu’s scenic coastline? Check availability for guided tours that include Makapuʻu Beach Park, Halona Blowhole, and Sandy Beach Park – all in one itinerary.