Makapuu Beach Park

Makapuu Beach Park, at 41-095 Kalanianaole Highway in Waimanalo, on Oahu, Hawaii, sits at the southeastern tip of the island about 15 miles east of Waikiki, beneath the cliffs of Makapuu Point and its lighthouse. The beach is a pocket of golden sand about a thousand feet long, backed by black lava cliffs, and the water is a rich blue with good clarity. It is exposed to the open Pacific and the trade winds, and waves are the defining feature. In summer, the water can be gentle enough for swimming, and the bay is a popular spot for bodyboarding and bodysurfing in moderate surf, but in winter big swells create a heavy shore break and strong currents that make entering the water hazardous. The offshore view includes Manana Island, known as Rabbit Island, and Kaohikaipu Island, which are seabird sanctuaries. The atmosphere is local and scenic, with families, bodyboarders and photographers, and the cliffs and islands make it one of the most photogenic beaches on the south-east coast. Amenities include lifeguards, restrooms and showers, picnic tables, and a free parking lot, and tide pools can be explored on the rocky edges at low tide in calm summer weather. Food is not sold on the beach, so visitors bring supplies. Access is by car along Kalanianaole Highway, and the nearby Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail starts across the road, offering a paved hike of about 2 miles round trip with sweeping views, whale watching in winter, and a view of the coast. TheBus services on the highway are limited, so driving is the practical option. The beach is a natural stop on the scenic loop of the island's southeast shore, near Sandy Beach, Halona Blowhole and Waimanalo.