Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline
Oahu, HI Hours and Location

Aloha and Welcome to Hawaii’s State Parks!

Hawaii is the most remote land mass on earth. Its reputation for unsurpassed natural beauty is reflected in its parks. Hawaii’s state park system is comprised of 51 state parks encompassing nearly 30,000 acres on the 5 major islands. The park environments range from landscaped grounds with developed facilities to wildland areas with trails and primitive facilities.

Outdoor recreation consists of a diversity of coastal and wildland recreational experiences, including picnicking, camping, lodging, ocean recreation, sightseeing, hiking, and pleasure walking. The park program protects, preserves, and interprets excellent examples of Hawaii’s natural and cultural history. The exceptional scenic areas are managed for their aesthetic values and developed for their superb views.

We invite you to experience Hawaii, learn about its unique resources and history, and participate in outdoor recreation by visiting our parks. As you visit, please help us protect Hawaii’s fragile and irreplaceable resources for future generations

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About this location:

State Park

Hours

April 1 to Labor Day:
7 am to 7:45 pm

After Labor Day to March 31:
7 am to 6:45 pm

Entrance Fee

• None

About

A 1-mile hike (one-way) along a paved roadway leads to a lookout atop a headland above the historic Makapuʻu lighthouse (the lighthouse itself is off-limits, but can be viewed from the trail). At various points along the route there are sweeping views of the southeastern O’ahu coastline, and migrating humpback whales may be visible during whale season. No drinking water or restrooms are available.

Whale Watching

The trail and lookout within Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline provide great whale watching opportunities in season. As many as 10,000 humpbacks come to Hawaii every year to mate, give birth and nurse their calves. Hawaii’s humpback whale season runs from November through May, with January through March being the peak whale-watching months.

Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail

The 2-mile round-trip trail involves an uphill climb to 500-foot elevation under hot, dry, and windy conditions. The surface is paved and is a former access road to the lighthouse.

Activities

• Beachgoing
• Dogs on Leash
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Sightseeing
• Wildlife Viewing

Facilities

• No Drinking Water
• Scenic Viewpoint

Hazards

• Falling Rocks
• Hazardous Cliff
• Strong Current
• Waves Break on Ledge

Prohibited

• No Motorized Vehicles/ATV’s
• No Alcoholic Beverages
• No Rock Climbing
• No Smoking