Home › Hawaii › Waimanalo › Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail
Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 5,119 Google reviews · Running trail in Waimanalo, Hawaii · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Natural hiking area with paved trail & overlook, ocean views, lighthouse & whale-watching potential.
What runners say about Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail
“The scenery along the way is stunning, and the trail is very well maintained.”
“Overall, it is an easy, scenic hike that delivers postcard-worthy views without requiring you to be an elite athlete.”
“There is not much shade, so come prepared with a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and plenty of water unless you enjoy being aggressively sun-kissed.”
“The trail is fully paved, which makes it easy to navigate with strollers and provides a safe and comfortable walking experience.”
“5 miles round trip, and super doable for all levels (yes, even strollers).”
Go anytime, but sunrise and sun set must be especially spectacular. Open from 7:45 am to 7:45 the parking area can be crowded but there also is shoulder parking on the road. We took Uber and would recommend you book a return trip as you start your way down.
Super hot even in December, beautiful views at the top. Totally worth it. Strongly recommend wearing sunscreen or sun shirt. View of lighthouse was cool but the view of the beach down below was truly gorgeous, unexpected!
Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail is a fun, feel-good hike with big payoff and minimal drama. The paved path makes it great for all ages, strollers included, and the views are absolutely worth every step, sweeping ocean cliffs, endless blue water, and frequent whale-spotting opportunities in season.
Breathtaking views both going up and coming down—well worth the visit for the history, fun, and the chance to experience the island. If this is your first time, I recommend bringing water and wearing comfortable shoes based on your fitness level. The trail is steep but fully paved, leading up above the lighthouse.
Trail conditions & character
“Breathtaking views both going up and coming down—well worth the visit for the history, fun, and the chance to experience the island.”
“The trail is fully paved, which makes it easy to navigate with strollers and provides a safe and comfortable walking experience.”
“Parking is not great, and past reviews mention car break-ins, but that appears to have improved with portable police security cameras now in the lot.”
“This hike is not as easy as people saying this because I thought my parents would be able to do and that the climb up was for the first part of the trail.”
“The trail is fully paved, which makes it easy to navigate with strollers and provides a safe and comfortable walking experience.”
“There is not much shade, so come prepared with a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and plenty of water unless you enjoy being aggressively sun-kissed.”
“Parking is not great, and past reviews mention car break-ins, but that appears to have improved with portable police security cameras now in the lot.”
“If this is your first time, I recommend bringing water and wearing comfortable shoes based on your fitness level.”
Plan your run at Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitedlnr.hawaii.gov
- Phone+1 808-587-0300
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–6:45 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–6:45 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–6:45 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–6:45 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–6:45 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–6:45 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–6:45 pm |
Running trails near Waimanalo
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Kaʻiwi Shoreline Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 191 reviews
Hiking trail along the Kaiwi coastline offering scenic views and access to tide pools.
Koko Crater Stairs (Summit)
4.9 ★★★★★ 896 reviews
Steep but popular track of 1000+ steps up an old railway line to scenic summit vistas.
Koko Crater Railway Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 2,262 reviews
Steep hike up an abandoned railroad track on Koko Crater, with dramatic ocean & city views.
Koko Head District Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 8,062 reviews
Sprawling collection of sports fields, gardens, picnic areas & stairs climbing a volcanic crater.
Kuli‘ou‘ou Ridge Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 585 reviews
Hiking trail following a ridge through guava & koa forest leading to a panoramic view at the summit.
Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 606 reviews
Steep reserve trail along a ridge through koa and guava forest & lush native vegetation.