Things to Do in Makapuʻu Beach

Photo by E Palen from flickr.com

Known as a Hawaiian gem, Makapu’u Beach sits below the Makapu’u Point located southeast of Oahu.

It is known as one of the most spectacular Oahu beaches with its white sand beach and stunning water color.

As you drive to the beach, Makapu'u Point Lookout is the place you should stop by to witness the most scenic views of Windward side of Oahu.

Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail is a fantastic spot for stopping by. This hiking trail offers the experience you’ve never felt before with its 360° view shown spectacularly.

Dance along with traditional Hawaiian dance at Ka Moana Luau with the company of comfort food and drink.

Don’t forget to enjoy your summer time with all the facilities this beach has for you. Get ready and be prepared to have the most fun with family and friends.

ONE DAY TRIP IDEA

Plan your trip early. This way you can visit as many places as you want. If you love snorkeling, Hanauma Bay is one of the best spots for it before heading off to Makapu’u Beach. As you drive around the Makapu'u Point Lookout, you want to make sure to pull over and stop by to take a moment to witness the most scenic views of Windward side of Oahu, including the gorgeous hillside that leads up to the Makapu’u Lighthouse. With just a 0.2-mile from the beach, Sea Life Park Hawaii is another great place to visit. It is a kid-friendly park that’s dedicated to sea life offers penguins, sea lion shows, and swimming with dolphins. Your little ones would love this place.

Makapu'u Point Lookout

This is a spectacular sightseeing adventure.

The view overlooking the lighthouse is breathtaking.

Absolutely a must do for anyone wanting to see whales at a distance and who loves to see beautiful blue water seascapes and lighthouses.

Address : Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail, Waimanalo, HI 96795, USA

Want to know more ?

Click here

Sea Life Park Hawaii

Very interactive park experience for the kids.

You can tell the staff care very much for the animals.

Clean, beautiful exhibits, many free shows throughout the day.

Incredible view being beside the ocean and mountains.

Address : 41-202 Kalanianaʻole Hwy, Waimanalo, HI 96795, USA

Want to know more ?

Click here

THINGS TO DO FOR FREE

The mornings are beautiful as the sun rises on the side of the island. There’s also a good chance that you’ll have this beach all to yourself from sunrise to mid-morning. A sunrise at Makapu’u Beach is a fantastic way to start your journey. And to enjoy one of the most popular spots, you shouldn’t be missing Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail. This hiking area is everything you want surround yourself with freely after a hectic daily basis. This trail offers you the experience you’ve never felt before. It allows you to see the whole blue ocean in 360° spectacularly. The kind of beauty it serves will totally blow your mind away. Just get ready to have the best experience ever. Other than that, there are so many exciting things you can freely do at this beach. Whether it’s swimming, surfing, sunbathing, picture taking, biking and hiking, or simply walking and enjoying the warm sunlight hitting your face.

Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail

This is an awesome hike all road all the way easy peasy lemon squeezy.

You can bring the whole family you can ride your bike up it.

Lots of cool places to take pictures.

Great camera scenery and good mild workout walk if you are bored.

Address : Waimanalo, HI 96795, USA

Want to know more ?

Click here

HEALTH ADVISORY

Though swimming is allowed and there is life guard on duty, please notice that it is highly not allowed to swim during turbulent days, the waves are crashing and the ocean current is very strong. If you are visiting Makapu’u Beach to bodysurf or bodyboard the waves, bring the right swim fins with you (rent is available). You’ll definitely need them to propel yourself through the waves. And just to let you know, it is very important and recommended to take all personal belongings with you to the beach and leave nothing visible in the car. There have been a lot of car break-ins over the years at Makapu’u Beach. Don’t forget to enjoy all the facilities this beach has for you. Enjoy your summer time and be prepared to have the most fun with family and friends.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to plan a visit to Makapu’u Beach is absolutely in summer season. The weather is pleasantly good and the water is calmer. Whereas winter is known for strong rip currents.

BEST WATER SPORTS

To take this experience the fullest, you must try the fun water sports. If you have your own equipment, you can bring them with you or you can simply rent it at the beach. Island Water Sports Hawaii is one of the best options for you. This rental service is known for submarine scooters and the 2-hour snorkeling tour. With its great service, this service has been a favorite place for renting water sports’ equipment. Scenic boat tours, fishing charters, and many other offers are also available to choose from. Don’t forget to capture the moment. You can also go to Hawaii Water Sports Center for another rental experience. This service has so many water sports to offers. Whether it’s banana boat ride, bumper tube ride, jet ski, parasailing, snorkel with turtles, wakeboarding, or waterski. Unforgettable experiences are absolutely guaranteed here.

Island Water Sports Hawaii

Really cool place to go down into the water with tons of different fish in your face.

It is so thrilling to see all kinds of fish up close and even turtles.

The staff are friendly, knowledgeable and make you feel safe.

Address : 377 Keahole St ste e-106, Honolulu, HI 96825, USA

Want to know more ?

Click here

Hawaii Water Sports Center

Definitely a must do whenever you are in Hawaii.

They are easy to book, easy to work with and both the office staff.

The boat crew is super friendly and fun to be around.

Address : 7192 Kalanianaʻole Hwy E110, Honolulu, HI 96825, USA

Want to know more ?

Click here

BEST HOTELS AND RESORTS

For a good living experience, be sure to stay at Waikiki Grand Hotel and enjoy the best facilities. This laid-back hotel has the perfect location as it’s just 30-minute drive from Makapu’u Beach. Other destinations like Waikiki Aquarium and Waikiki Beach are just under 15 minutes of walking. The hotel has facilities such as an outdoor pool, a casual restaurant, a lively night club and a business center. There is also Holiday Inn Express Waikiki as another great recommendation for your stay near Makapu’u Beach. This highly rated hotel has a convenient location. Its rooms are stunningly decorated overlooking the beautiful ocean. Facilities you can enjoy are fully equipped rooms, fitness classes and private cabana, an outdoor pool, and a hot tub. Get ready to live a tropical living.

Waikiki Grand Hotel

One of the most pleasant place for staying during vacation.

Location is perfect for walking to anything in Waikiki & catching the bus or trolleys.

Very nice spacious room and beautiful view from rooftop patio.

The front desk people are friendly and helpful.

Address : 134 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA

Want to know more ?

Click here

Holiday Inn Express Waikiki

Holiday Inn Express Waikiki is the most favorite hotel for family during their vacation.

The hotel is within walking distance of everything there is to see in Waikiki.

All rooms are spacious with comfy bed and plentiful.

The breakfast, always clean, tasty and enjoyable no matter what area you sit in.

The staff are awesome, very welcoming and friendly.

Address : 2058 Kūhiō Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815, USA

Want to know more ?

Click here

BEST RESTAURANTS

When you’re planning to go to Makapu’u Beach, the desire to try all kinds of things are absolutely increasing. As the beach and nearby places offers the most interesting things to do, you are most recommended to try the never-before-seen dining experience at Ka Moana Luau. Located in Sea Life Park Hawaii, this popular place is a unique oceanfront dinner theater with Polynesian dancers and a tropical-themed buffet. While the menus have its own uniqueness, the amazing culture and traditional activities are overwhelmingly beautiful. This is definitely the kind of place you need for your holiday. Located just 4.8 km from the beach, Ono Steaks and Shrimp Shack is another great option for you. This funky restaurant comes with bright colored building serving seafood, burgers, and Hawaiian specials like Loco Moco. The room is comfortably set.

Ono Steaks and Shrimp Shack

Funky, brightly colored counter serve for seafood, burgers & Hawaiian specialties like loco moco.

Address : 41-037 Wailea St, Waimānalo, HI 96795, USA

Want to know more ?

Click here

Ka Moana Luau

One of the most beautiful restaurants for the family or romance date.

Ocean front with two islands in the background as well as cliffs behind the venue.

They have outstanding food and cold drinks served by welcoming server.

The Host and entertainers are so hilarious and awesome.

Address : 41-202 Kalanianaʻole Hwy, Waimanalo, HI 96795, USA

Want to know more ?

Click here

TOP FOODS

Though there are no food facilities right on the beach, you can literally pack a small cooler with food and drinks before arrival. Bringing your own food and drink will help you a lot, you don’t have to go out from the beach. But if you need one recommendation, Lighthouse Restaurant is the nearest restaurant from the beach. With just 3-minute drive, this restaurant is located in Hawa’i Kai Golf Course. It offers Hawaiian special dishes with the company of authentic Hawaiian music. This experience will definitely be different than others.

Lighthouse Restaurant

A surprisingly great spot for having a brunch.

The quality of the food is exceptional and really best waitress.

The staff are very friendly and inviting.

Address : 8902 Kalanianaʻole Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96825, USA

Want to know more ?

Click here

BAR AND NIGHTLIFE

What’s vacation without turning it up at the club? Arnold's Beach Bar one of the best references for you. With its classic and rustic styling, this bar is a comfortable Hawaiian tiki bar with lots of tropical drinks available. To keep you busy, there are also games, snacks, and daily live music for you. And the other best option is Tommy Bahama Restaurant, Bar & Store. As the most popular bar in the area, this bar has the best setting space with comfortable facilities. The amount of food and drink served here are all you need after a tired day. The staff are popularly known for their best service. Definitely a must try.