A small, dramatic beach at Oʻahu’s eastern tip, framed by sea cliffs and facing Mānana (Rabbit) and Kāohikaipu islets. It’s known for powerful shorebreak, which draws expert bodysurfers and bodyboarders.
Why we love it
The setting is wild and gorgeous, especially at sunrise, and it pairs naturally with the Makapuʻu Point lighthouse trail nearby.
Current conditions: As of Oct. 21, 2026, the Makapuʻu Lookout upper viewing area above the beach is closed for repairs through Nov. 4, 2026 (fully closed weekends and holidays).
What to expect
Treat Makapuʻu as a place to look, not to swim, unless you are an experienced bodysurfer and the lifeguards say it’s OK. There’s no reef protection: waves dump hard onto a steep beach, currents are strong, and submerged rocks hide in the impact zone. On calm summer mornings the water can look inviting, but conditions change quickly. The beach is small and exposed to the trade winds with little shade. Most people combine it with the lighthouse trail or the highway lookouts above, then drive on to Waimānalo for a swim.
Know before you go
- Lifeguards
- Makapuʻu Beach is a state-listed tower, staffed daily 8 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Talk to them before going in.
- Shorebreak
- No reef protection, heavy shorebreak and real currents. Not for beginners or kids.
- Lookout closure
- DLNR closed the Makapuʻu Lookout upper viewing area for repairs Oct. 21–Nov. 4, 2026, all day on weekends and holidays.
- Facilities
- Restrooms, showers and picnic tables; shade is limited.
Photo: Robert Linsdell via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0
