Makapu'u
Waimanalo, Hawaii
Swim
Makapu'u Lighthouse is one of Hawaii's most familiar landmarks commanding a spectacular view of the Windward side of O'ahu. The lighthouse was built in 1909 and automated in 1974. A 2-mile paved trail leads to the lighthouse and a fantastic view of the entire coastline and the island of Molokai in the distance.
Directions
From Waimanalo, Hawaii
- Head northwest on Poalima Pl (194 ft)
- Turn right onto Poalima St (0.1 mi)
- Turn right onto HI-72 (5.2 mi)
- Turn left (387 ft)
From Waikiki take Kalakaua Avenue past the Honolulu Zoo and Kapiolani Park. Turn right onto Diamond Head Road. Follow the signs going East (to your left) to Kalanianaole Highway (Route 72). Go past Hanauma Bay and Sandy Beach Park to Hawaii Kai Golf Course. About mile past the golf course on the right is a gate blocking the trail entrance.
Other Swimming Holes Nearby
Waimanalo Beach
Waimanalo, Hawaii
0.6 miles NWWaimÄnalo Beach is a census-designated place located in the City & County of Honolulu, in the District of KoÊ»olaupoko, on the island of OÊ»ahu in the U.S. state of HawaiÊ»i.
Swim
Robins Nest
Waimanalo, Hawaii
1.9 miles NWThis legendary oceanfront Hawaiian estate on Oahu's southeast coast — the "Pahonu" Anderson Estate — gained fame as a filming location for Magnum P.I.
Canoe, Swim
Sandy Beach
Honolulu, Hawaii
2.1 miles SWPowerful shorebreak and strong currents make Sandy Beach a dramatic spectacle — experienced bodyboarders love it, but red warning flags fly most days for good reason.
Camp, Swim
Blowhole
Honolulu, Hawaii
2.4 miles SWA dramatic rock formation on Oahu's coast that shoots sea spray high into the air like a geyser on windy, high-tide days — a spectacular roadside view above Hanauma Bay.
Swim
Cockroach Cove
Honolulu, Hawaii
2.4 miles SWA rocky ocean cove on Oahu's southeastern shore — deep enough to swim in and lively with waves, it feels more like a wave pool than a beach, tucked between the Halona Blowhole and the Japanese Fishing Shrine.
Swim
Waikiki Beach
Honolulu, Hawaii
2.5 miles SLegendary surf breaks and calm, beginner-friendly water where Duke Kahanamoku once taught visitors to ride waves — Waikiki's beach culture runs deep.
Swim
Oahu Area 3 Places
Honolulu, Hawaii
3.7 miles SWSwim near Honolulu, Hawaii
Swim
Hanauma Bay
Honolulu, Hawaii
3.8 miles SWOne of Hawaii's most beloved snorkeling spots, with calm clear water, white sand, and up to 3,000 visitors daily in a protected nature preserve on Oahu's southeast coast.
Swim
Golden Sands
Waimanalo, Hawaii
5.3 miles NWOne of only two private residences at Ka'anapali Beach, this premier Maui home features 40-foot retractable doors, heated pools, and a beachfront pagoda.
Canoe, Swim
Lanikai Beach
Kailua, Hawaii
6.8 miles NWRanked among the best beaches in the world, with endless calm aqua-blue water on Oahu's windward coast — it's nearly impossible to look without jumping in.
Swim
Kailua Beach
Kailua, Hawaii
7.5 miles NWHalf a mile of soft white sand and turquoise water on the Windward Coast, with gentle breezes and a hub for windsurfing, bodyboarding, kayaking, and parasailing — with rentals and shops nearby.
Swim
Kahala Beach
Honolulu, Hawaii
8.2 miles WA quieter, more secluded alternative to Waikiki — Kahala Beach has calm, shallow water perfect for swimming or kayaking, though some areas have a rocky shoreline so water shoes help.
Kayak, Swim
Ilikai
Honolulu, Hawaii
11.9 miles WA landmark oceanfront high-rise at the western end of Waikiki, the Ilikai was Hawaii's first luxury hotel when it opened in 1964.
Swim
Sand Island
Honolulu, Hawaii
15.0 miles WAn arid coastal park in Honolulu fronting a small sand beach with picnicking, camping, shore fishing, surfing, and good views of Honolulu Harbor and ocean sunsets.
Kayak, Swim
Kualoa Beach Park
Kaneohe, Hawaii
18.4 miles NWA calm, peaceful beach park in Kaneohe with a large grassy area buffering you from nearby road noise — just the break Oahu's busy vibe sometimes calls for.
Camp, Swim
Nimitz Beach
Kapolei, Hawaii
27.0 miles WLocated at Barber's Point, offering good swimming amenities despite to the coral reefs. The offshore area is excellent for surfing.
Swim
Kepuhi Beach
Maunaloa, Hawaii
27.6 miles EA long, wide sandy beach on Molokai's west shore with a historic Kaiaka Rock heiau at its southern end — scenic for photography, but swimming is only safe on very calm days due to strong currents and dangerous shorebreak.
Swim
Popohaku Beach
Kaunakakai, Hawaii
27.6 miles EOne of Hawaii's longest and widest white-sand beaches stretches 2 miles along Molokai's west shore — perfect for a long shoreline stroll, but strong rip currents make swimming unsafe here.
Swim
La'ie Point
Laie, Hawaii
28.7 miles NWA quick scenic stop on Oahu's Windward/North Shore with sweeping views of the coastline and a clear look at Goat Island just offshore.
Swim
Ko'olina Beach
Kapolei, Hawaii
30.3 miles WA public beach park within the Ko Olina Resort Community on Oahu's west side, tucked between upscale vacation resorts, a man-made lagoon, and the Ko Olina Marina.
SwimNearby Campsites
Sandy Beach
Honolulu, Hawaii
2.1 miles SWPowerful shorebreak and strong currents make Sandy Beach a dramatic spectacle — experienced bodyboarders love it, but red warning flags fly most days for good reason.
Camp, Swim
Kualoa Beach Park
Kaneohe, Hawaii
18.4 miles NWA calm, peaceful beach park in Kaneohe with a large grassy area buffering you from nearby road noise — just the break Oahu's busy vibe sometimes calls for.
Camp, Swim
Hale'iwa Beach Park
Haleiwa, Hawaii
35.0 miles NWA 19-acre North Shore beach park with a large grassy picnic area, the Kalili Surf Center, offshore surf at the Hale'iwa break for all levels, winter surf contests, and dive sites including the Hale'iwa Trench.
Camp, Swim