Oahu Beaches - Makapuu Beach - Hawaii's Natural Waterpark

Makapuu has a wonderful collection of tidepools which are located on the left side of the beach as you face the water.

Tucked away in the black lava rock are numerous pools that are really fun to explore. If you’re with kids, they will love climbing over the rocks and discovering little pockets of sea creatures like crabs and tiny fish. If you’re just with a partner, you’ll find this area to be both romantic and interesting to explore as the rocky formations provide numerous secluded areas where no one can see you (just don’t get too intimate, there are families here). Because some of the tide pools are close to the water’s edge, do exercise caution if the surf is large; don’t go too close where a “freak” wave (one that is significantly larger than the day’s average height) can come in and knock you over.

Fishing

While I personally don’t fish (though I can put down pounds of raw ahi in no time!) I notice that very often fisherman have their poles anchored in the rocky areas near the tide pools. The reefs that lie just offshore of the lava rocks provide lots of nutrients to attract fish and when you consider the parking lot is just a few feet away, this indeed is probably a very easy place to go fishing.