Looking for a unique and natural experience in Oahu? Gaze into the mesmerizing Oahu tide pools, or known as the Makapuu Tide Pools. Nestled in lava rocks, these pools are perfect havens for marine life such as sea urchins, small crabs, and colorful fish. Explore them at low tide when it’s safe to dip your toes in crystal clear water! But remember to be respectful of the environment by not touching any living organisms or throwing trash. Visit these serene pools to witness nature’s beauty and tranquility that will leave you awestruck.
Makapuu Tide Pools is a bit more of a challenging hike on Oahu, but the challenge leads you to beautiful secluded tide pools. The hike takes approximately an hour and a half to reach, and involves some climbing along rocks – but the end state of relaxing in colorful ocean pools makes the hike worth the effort.
Makapuu Tide Pools Hike Overview
- Location: Makapuu Tide Pools
- Overall Rating: Intermediate
- Total Trail Distance: 2 miles roundtrip
- Incline: 30 degrees – if not more as you will be climbing on portions
- Time: 2 hours
- Cost: Free
- Navigation: Google maps will be able to locate “Makapuu Lighthouse” and take you to the trail entrance/parking area.
About Makapuu Tide Pools
Looking for a hidden gem to explore on Oahu’s windward coast? Look no further than the stunning Makapuu tide pools. These protected pools provide a unique and refreshing swimming experience. Discover the natural beauty of the Makapuu Tide Pools, located on the southeastern corner of Oahu’s coast. These unique pools formed by volcanic activity offer an array of sea creatures and crystal-clear waters to explore. The hike to get there is well worth it as you witness breathtaking coastal views along the way.
The Makapuu Tide Pools are a rocky formation located just off of the Makapuu Light House trail. These tide pools are a great area to relax in some ocean water away from large crowds – and see some ocean critters at the same time!
Are the Makapuu tide pools safe?
Overall, the Makapuu tide pools are safe, if you follow these safety tips.
Here are some safety tips for visiting the Makapuu Tide Pools, while they are a special place to visit the Makapuu tide pools can also be dangerous due to the ocean waves and the terrain to get to the tide pools.
Safety tips for for the climb to Makapuu Tide Pools:
- Wear appropriate footwear for the climb down/up. I recommend some sturdy running shoes or hiking boots as there will be portions where you are scrambling over rocks. I do not recommend wearing sandals.
- Do it during daylight – while I am normally an advocate for visiting places for sunrise or sunset, this is one of the locations that I recommend making sure there is ample lighting for the descend or ascend as the rocks are difficult to navigate.
- Maintain three points of contact – this is just a general safety rule. While climbing down or up, I recommend making sure that you always have sturdy footing and one hand on a rock just in case you lose your footing.
Safety tips for swimming at the Makapuu Tide Pools:
- Be careful walking around the rocks of the tidepools, there are a couple of vents where the water will come rushing up during a wave. You do not want to fall in.
- Check the depth – two of the pools are about neck-deep, so I wouldn’t dive into any of the pools.
- Don’t venture too close to the tide pool/ocean edge. The waves may look harmless but can be quite dangerous and pull people out to the ocean – which will be very difficult to get back up onto the tide pool area if such occurs.
- Never turn your back to the ocean. This is the most important one, while you are down at the Makapuu tide pools always keep an eye on the ocean waves. The waves will be constantly coming over the tide pools. While you keep a distance from the ocean edge, it is still best to keep an eye on any changes in the tide of the ocean and any incoming waves. While I was there a girl was taking a photo with her back to the waves and got knocked over by an overreaching wave. So while a spot may seem well out of the distance – it is best to always side with caution.
The trail for Makapuu Tide Pools
Lace up your hiking shoes and hit the trail for one of Oahu Tide Pools! This moderate 2.5 mile trek on Oahu’s southeastern coast offers stunning views of the ocean, cliffs, and lighthouse. Along the way you’ll pass by native plants and wildlife, so keep an eye out for island birds and mongoose. Be sure to wear sunscreen and bring plenty of water – there’s no shade on this exposed ridge. At the end of the hike you’ll be rewarded with a dip in refreshing tide pools where you can take a swim or snorkel among colorful fish.
About half of the trail will be on a paved road as you will be starting your hike on the path to the Makapuu Light House.
About halfway through the hike, you will come across a sign for “Whale Blow Hole” which is to observe one of the vents down by the tide pool. From here is where you will turn off of the paved path to go towards the Makapuu Tide Pools.
This is where the challenging aspect of the hike begins, and as you may have read in the safety tips for Makapuu tide pools, this is where you will begin a mixture of a climb and a hike.
Ensure you turn at the sign, there will be a sign that warns about the dangers of the ocean pulling people in, and this is where the main trail begins. I started my descent a little early in the first section of the viewing area – and I do not recommend it as there was no “path” there and I was scrambling more than necessary. So make sure you are turning in where the warning sign is.
The descent is just weaving your way around rocks, there is a bit of a “path” as you can see where a majority of people have gone, but use your common sense and find the easiest way down. You will be able to see the tidepools the entire time so there is no question on which direction to head other than down.
On the way up there are some white-painted arrows that are meant to show the ascent path. However, they are pretty hard to spot in my opinion. I tried to follow them on the way up, and I think I did for a majority of the trail, but they are pretty tiny and starting to fade.
Views at Makapuu Tide Pools
Indulge in the captivating beauty of nature with splendid scenic views from this Oahu Tide Pools, a hidden gem located on the eastern point of Oahu. Explore the pristine waters and coral formations here, offering insight into Mother Nature’s unique creations. This off-the-beaten-path destination will leave you awestruck by its unblemished charm and surreal sunsets. Don’t forget to carry your camera to capture memories that will last a lifetime.
Tide pools are incredibly unique and fascinating ecosystems that can be found along rocky coastlines around the world. Formed by tidal activity, these shallow depressions fill up with seawater during high tide and then drain out during low tide, creating a small world of its own. In these miniature ecosystems, you can discover an abundance of marine life such as starfishes, crabs, sea anemones and even tiny fish. Each one perfectly adapted to life in the intertidal zone where they must endure constantly changing conditions such as temperature variations, salinity levels and wave action.
Exploring tide pools can provide an educational and awe-inspiring experience as we witness firsthand the diverse marine life that thrives in these precious habitats. Let’s all work to protect and preserve these important coastal wonders for future generations to enjoy.
The Makapuu Tide Pools are beautiful and full of color. There is little sea life swimming about in the pools – most likely washed in from the ocean. So be prepared for fish to be passing by you. Additionally, there will be many crabs crawling about on the rocks.
Be careful of the side of the rocks as they are covered in shells and ocean vegetation. Try to minimize your impact on the tide pools!
There are two primary pools, which are the two larger ones. One is located in the middle of the Makapuu tide pool and does not receive as much incoming ocean water. The farther one is about the same size, however more waves crash into it. A majority of people will stay in the middle one away from the waves.
The time it Takes to Hike Makapuu Tide Pools
How long does it take to hike Makapuu tide pools? 1.5 hours
How long is the hike to Makapuu tide pools? 2.20 miles.
If you are moving at the average stroll pace, then to reach the sign will only take approximately 30 minutes to 45 minutes. The portion that will take the longest is the descent down to the pools. If you are like me and overly cautious, that can take as little as 30 minutes, to longer. I recommend just taking your time for safety purposes. Learn more about what to expect hiking to the Makapuu Tide Pools at Alltrails.
What time should I go to Oahu tide pools?
Go to Makapuu tide pools first thing in the morning. You will beat the crowds to the pools and enjoy some solitude. By the time the afternoon sun starts scorching, you will have enjoyed your time there and can depart while the rest of the visitors start arriving.
Hike Makpuu Tide Pools for Sunrise or Sunset
There is always the option to reach the Makapuu Tide Pools for sunrise or for sunset.
Makapuu Tide Pools is a hidden gem on Oahu’s southeastern coast, offering stunning views of the sunrise against the backdrop of clear turquoise waters. The tide pools provide a unique natural oasis where visitors can explore and observe diverse marine life in its natural habitat. With an early morning hike along the coastal cliffs to reach the pools, you’ll witness one of nature’s most colorful displays as the sun rises over the horizon.
Witnessing a breathtaking sunset at the Oahu Tide Pools at Makapuu is an experience unlike any other. Located on the eastern shore of Oahu, Hawaii, these tidal pools are known for their crystal-clear waters and incredible rock formations that make for stunning photo opportunities. As the sun begins to set over the horizon, its vibrant shades of oranges and pinks reflect beautifully off of the still waters.
As mentioned previously though, I would ensure that the portion of the hike that involves climbing over rocks is done in the light for safety purposes, it will also make navigating up or down easier. If you are looking for a hike that light is not too much of a factor, look into the Koko Head hike for sunrise or sunset.
The parking lot for the Makapuu Lighthouse trail, however, does not open until 7 am, so if you are interested in arriving prior to the lot opening then you will have to walk about a quarter-mile more.
I do recommend arriving first thing in the morning though, as with most cases there are far fewer people at the pools. The majority of people will start arriving around 9 am.
Hiking Attire for Oahu Tide Pools
- Swimsuit – worn under
- Athletic shirt and shorts
- Running shoes/hiking boots (carry flip flops for at the bottom at the tide pools)
Packing List for Makapuu Tide Pools
- Plenty of water – the incline on the road up to the lighthouse can be a bit tiresome in the humidity, but the hike up from the tidepools can be pretty exhausting. Bring plenty of water.
- Sun Screen – There is no shade on this trail, so you will be exposed to the sun. Also if you plan on spending on the day down at the tide pools then it is best to protect yourself from the sun!
- Snacks – Always great to refresh after climbing – and is great to spend a lengthy period at the Makapuu tide pools.
- Flip flops/water shoes – Climbing down in appropriate footwear (running shoes/hiking boots) but have some sandals or water shoes for down at the pools as the rocks can be pointed / hot. While not necessary, can just make it a bit more comfortable
- Towel – for drying off after splashing around in the pool – or if you want to be like me then just use the climb up to dry off as you’ll be getting pretty warm anyway!
Facilities at Makapuu Tide Pools
There are no facilities at the Makapuu Tide Pools. There is a trashcan at the parking lot – but it will most likely already be overflowing. Be prepared to pack out anything that you bring in.
Parking at Makapuu Tide Pools
As stated with the directions, you will be driving to the “Makapuu Lighthouse” if the lot is open (which is at 7 am) then there is a parking lot that can be used. The parking lot can fit approximately 30 cars and is filled pretty quick. After that cars start to parallel park up the road to the exit of the lot. Ultimately, I would not be concerned about parking as there is always an option – some may just require a bit more walking than others!
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