Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline
Photo Credit: Sean Newsome

Covid-19 Protocols: Please wear a mask when indoors and in groups, maintain social distancing, and be respectful of others. Aloha, Hawaii State Parks

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PARK UPDATES: 1/4/22 - [KAUAI] - The Kalalau Trail is OPEN. Stay safe.  Aloha.

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01/18/22 - [OAHU] - The vehicular access gate for the Mokuleia Section of Kaena Point State Park is CLOSED due to heavy ponding and poor road conditions. We will continue to assess the conditions and update accordingly.

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12/21/21 - [MAUI] - Kaumahina State Wayside on the road to Hana is temporarily CLOSED until further notice due to staff shortage.

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11/5/21 - [OAHU] - The gate at the Keawaula Section of Kaena Point State Park is now OPEN on weekends from 7am to 7pm.

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4/19/21 - [ALL ISLANDS] - Entrance AND parking fees are now required for non-residents at several parks across the islands including: [KAUAI] Haena, Kokee, Waimea Canyon, [OAHU] Diamond Head, Nuuanu Pali, [MAUI] Iao Valley, Makena, Waianapanapa, and [HAWAII] Akaka Falls, Hapuna Beach.  Non-resident visitors will be required to pay for both entry and parking.

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3/1/21 - [MAUI] - Waianapanapa State Park - Entry and Parking Reservations are now required for all non-residents. For reservations go to www.gowaianapanapa.com

Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline

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    Hours Daily 7:00am – 6:45pm
    Entrance Fee None
    Trail Name

    Description

    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 Makapuu Lighthouse trail and the lookouts 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. For more information on the Lighthouse Trail click here.

    Makapuu Tide Pools

    The tide pools located at Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline commonly referred to as the Makapu’u tide pools are in a CLOSED AREA and considered very dangerous. The area is known to have unpredictable wave surges that have swept people out to sea resulting in a loss of life. Furthermore, the steep and loose trail leading to the tide pools is hazardous to those on it and those below it. Please do not attempt to access the tide pools as you are putting yourself and potentially our rescue workers in jeopardy.