Oahu Hiking - Makapu`u Lighthouse Trail

If you like a perilous hike hugging rocks near crashing waves, this is the one.

Things to do on Oahu for free: the Makapuu Tide Pool Hike along the ocean

You can get to the tide pools in either of two ways: either take the trail to the whale watching point and go down a steep path with lots of crumbling rocks or you can stay low and go around via Pele's chair which stays close to the water.  Both ways are quite dangerous and must be approached with great caution. This page is about the hike that stays close to the ocean.

Makapuu catches tradewind swells so that means conditions will be best when the winds are light. Carefully survey the situation before you go out.

The ocean hike to the Makapuu Tide Pools and caves

This path is not well known and can only be traveled during low tide and calm seas. If you're not familiar with these conditions do not take this route.  Hike to Pele's Chair and then make your way down. You'll notice a faint path along the rocks that goes along the ocean.  Follow that path and you will see fabulous tide pools and caves.  This route is very dangerous. Make sure you tell others you are going and only go out during low tide and calm seas.