Makapuu Beach

As you drive from Sandy Beach to Makapuu Beach, it looks like nothing special- just dry hills. But once you reach the top of the hill, the view will take your breath away. Wow! What a steep drop to a gorgeous beach! There is a loop to pull into at the top of the hill where you can park and get a great view from the lookout. If you are lucky you may see someone take off from the cliff there to paraglide.

The swimming here is rough, though nice for a confident swimmer. This is a famous bodyboarding beach. At sunset, it is wonderful to frolick in the white foam near to shore. This is also a beautiful place to watch the sunrise, from the road beside the beach. If you walk to the right-hand side of the beach (furthest from the parking lot) it often suddenly becomes quite flat and you can have a blissful swim there! It is wonderful to look up at the high, high mountains as you swim. Perfection!
There is a little shade if you crouch under bushes, but mostly it's an exposed beach of white sand that slopes steeply to shore. Come at sunset for the best time and a lovely view of the purple sky behind the lighthouse.
A popular hike just around the corner from this beach is the Makapuu Lighthouse Hike, a steep, paved path where you can get good views of whales playing below and a stunning view at the top.
North of here check out two wonderful spots, Baby Makapuu Beach and Waimanalo Beach.

Directions

On Kalanianaole Hwy north of Sandy Beach. If northbound, parking is past the beach on your right.
There are restrooms and outdoor showers.

Click on map for interactive view