Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail & Waikiki Shuttle with Whale Watching

Hike Makapu'u Lighthouse & Spot Humpback Whales from Oahu's Windward Edge

You get round-trip shuttle service from Waikiki, a self-guided 2.5-mile hike to Makapu'u Lighthouse with panoramic ocean views, a stop at Halona Blowhole, and the chance to spot humpback whales and seabirds on clear days. Park entry and bottled water are included, and the fixed schedule means you don't arrange transport or timing yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail and Sightseeing

• Board round-trip shuttle from Waikiki
• Enjoy scenic views along coastline
• Stop at Halona Blowhole for photos
• Hike Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail
• Spot islands and whales if visible
• Pause at lookout points for photos
• View historic lighthouse and coastline
• Stay refreshed with provided bottled water

The experience

Your shuttle picks you up in Waikiki and heads southeast along the coast, the ocean appearing and disappearing as the road curves. The driver knows the rhythm of the route. He points out where the light hits the water differently depending on the time of day, and mentions the Halona Blowhole before you get there. When the spray hits, it's sudden and loud, and people lean out with their phones. You stop long enough to feel the salt air and watch the waves compress into the rocks, then climb back in.

The Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail itself is a 2.5-mile walk on paved paths with a steady but manageable climb. It's not technical (no scrambling, no chains), but the elevation adds up, and the wind picks up as you gain height. The views open gradually: Koko Head appears first, then Rabbit Island, then the whole Pacific stretches out in front of you. On clear days you can see Moloka'i and Lana'i sitting on the horizon. If you're there between November and April, this is one of Hawaii's best spots to watch humpback whales breach and spout in their natural habitat. The guide shares tips for spotting them and knows the lookout points where the light is best for photography.

Seabirds wheel overhead (mostly tropicbirds and boobies), and the lighthouse itself sits at the end, smaller than you'd expect but historic and photogenic. Bottled water is provided, which matters because the sun exposure is real and there's no shade on the trail. You move at your own pace. The shuttle waits, and the driver doesn't rush you. The return trip follows the same coastal road, and by then you've earned the quiet.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip shuttle service from Waikiki with scenic stops along Oahu's southeastern coast, entry to the National Park, a self-guided 2.5-mile hike to Makapu'u Lighthouse on paved paths, a stop at Halona Blowhole, bottled water throughout, and access to lookout points for whale watching (November through April), seabird spotting, and photography.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday and TuesdayDepartures at 07:00 and 09:00

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 17 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Kaimana Tours

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want the main lighthouse hike and whale-watching views without arranging your own transport or park entry: the shuttle timing and included fees remove the logistics, leaving you free to move at your own pace on the trail.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the hike to Makapu'u Lighthouse?

The trail is 2.5 miles on paved paths with moderate elevation gain. Most hikers take 1.5 to 2 hours round-trip, depending on pace and photo stops.

When can you see humpback whales on this tour?

Humpback whales are present from November through April. They breach, spout, and play in the waters visible from the trail, making it one of Oahu's best whale-watching spots during those months.

What's included in the tour price?

Round-trip shuttle from Waikiki, National Park entry fees, and bottled water are included. The hike itself is self-guided.

Do you stop anywhere besides the lighthouse trail?

Yes. The shuttle stops at Halona Blowhole on the way, where you can watch waves spray against the rocks and take photos before continuing to the trailhead.

Is this hike suitable for beginners?

The trail is paved and self-guided with no technical sections, but it does have steady elevation gain. Moderate physical fitness is recommended.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable hiking shoes. Water is provided, but you can bring extra. The trail has no shade, so plan for sun exposure.

Can you see Moloka'i and Lana'i islands from the trail?

On clear days, yes. Both islands are visible on the horizon from the higher lookout points along the Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail.