Makapu'u Beach Reviews

This is the beach where my wife and I got married. The views of Rabbit Island, Makapuu Point Lighthouse, and the deep blue water were absolutely stunning.

Beautiful lava tidal pools but you have to be careful with the waves knocking you off your feet and then major lava rash!

This is an amazing beach for boogie boarding and body surfing but be careful. The waves can get really strong and you should bring your fins

On the way to the Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail we passed this little beach. It looked nice so we pulled over. There are about 15 parking lots....and a cop car was also there the whole time.

It is indeed a nice little beach, mostly local families with their kids were here. The waves at the beach were pretty strong....brave kids!

We walked along the beach a bit to the rock/lava formations. It's a really nice area. Sand, rocks, lots of green....a feast for your eyes.

If you dare, go a bit closer to the shore to really get a feel for the strong waves breaking on the rocks here (check the pics).

It might not be a beach to spend a whole day. But if you are in the area, it's surely worth spending an hour or two. Pretty and quiet.

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This is a great local hang-out. Mostly guys who body surf or ride boogie boards. Cool chicks in little bikini's. Be careful, however! The waves are BIG here, not safe for most inexperienced tourist folks!

This is seriously one of the best beaches on Oahu. It is not crowded, mostly locals use this beach. I have been several times - perfect for body surfing. Waves can get as large as Waimea. If you are looking for a fantastic beach away from tourists - head to Makapu'u!

Steep hike down to the most amazing tide pools and Dragon's Nostrils! Caution! Wear Teva's if you are not used to steep hikes, "flip-flops" won't do.

The beach itself isnt super big but you can get on the road and travel very short distances to multiple other beach locations as well as the tidepools which are really cool. Also super close to the lookout and the lighthouse trail. What I would suggest is take a couple of hours and walk up the trail to the view of the lighthouse, the lookout, pick one of the beaches, and then visit the tidepools. Kid friendly as well.

An evening walk on the beach with loved ones is a great stress reliever. Choose from pleasant evening to early morning walks. Rabbit island at the background is a picturesque place with hang gliders roaming over head.

Don't miss the opportunity to watch the sun rise form behind the lighthouse ridge. This is a beautiful beach with great views.

A good place for a early morning stroll on the beach to see what the tide brought in over night . Listening to the birds waking up to greet the day.

We were just exploring some beaches and we decided to stop at Makapuu. It is a not so big (but not so small either) beach, full of locals, with pretty clear waters and funny waves. No shade locations, so most of the people gathered below some dunes and bushes looking for some break. The beach is comprised by very soft sand and some rocks, though inside the water no major rocks are visible in the main area (of course if you go to the ends, you will find). Many people go here to play with the waves or do some body surfing.

You have also nice views of the Rabbit Island and the Kaohikaipu Island. You have also nearby the Sea Life Park and the trails to Makapuu point. There are toilets in the upper part, nearby the parking lot. No food stands.

It was raining most of the time, but the colors in the water were
beautiful, and we loved the views.

Gorgeous deep blue water crashing onto black rocks. Where the water is thinner on the shore it is crystal clear. The view is an amazing contrast with mountains, water, rocks and green shrubs. Watching the waves crash on the rocks is relaxing and breathtaking. Be sure to stop off and go on the Makapu'u lookout hike and the Kiawi Shoreline hike as well. All offer beautiful views! This stretch of shoreline from the Makapu'u lookout to the beach was our favorite on Oahu.

Always love going to Makapu'u beach. Never crowded, always beautiful and serene. Can be dangerous for the novice, but always fun for those who know the currents.

Despite being quite close to Sandy Beach, the sea in Makapu'u Beach is not so powerful so it's a good spot for swimming and a better one for snorkeling.
The sand is white, coralline and clean.
Some rocks in the water but not a big deal.
The beach is quite long, though not wide, so it's not crowded.
Free parking at the back of the beach.
Restrooms and showers but no food spots in the nearby.
No life guard.

Basically nothing has changed in the past 35 years! Still one of the best beaches for bodysurfing 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 never crowded, just a fun beach to be at. Even the bathrooms are the same, well they could need a hand... other than that: a must for me!

If you are driving through the area, you can't miss this beach. There is a lookout just beyond with a spectacular view of it from above as well. I recommend taking in it's beauty from every vantage. Even the ladies room offered a postcard view.

My son had a blast body boarding here and it seems to be the main thing to do here. Waves can be rough and intimidating. There are better beaches along the windward coast for swimming, but bring your boogie board and soak in the beauty all around.

We stayed in Waikiki but found the beach WAY to crowded for us. We hopped an easy bus to Makapu'u and it was so worth it! It is honestly breathtaking. The bathrooms /change area is really bad but other than that....I highly recommend it if you love to boogie board!

Had to get away from congested Waikiki and drove East. Makapu'u did not disappoint. Quiet, picturesque and serene. You won't be disappointed.

a nice beach, and a quiet change compared to Waikiki beach! we had a hire car and drove past so we stopped for a swim! visit here if you can!

All 3 generations of our family loved our stop at this beach - playing in these big waves and watching the body surfers was something we'll remember forever. Our favourite stop on the island. It was exhilarating! And a bit dangerous: the grandparents did not come in the water here, and our 12-year-old (who is a competitive swimmer) required constant arms-length supervision and reminders to never turn her back to a wave. We had some good tips from the lifeguard as to where the submerged rocks are located, but even so, I did get a small bleeding nose from the ocean here. There were a couple of folks set up next to the large tidal pools enjoying this beach with wave-free water, but this isn't a beach for small children or those with mobility challenges. There are bathrooms and beach rinse station.

This park has a nice beach some fun, easily accessible tide pools and if you have a zoom lens, nice views or Makapu'u Lighthouse. If you can hold it all or just can walk into the ocean, I would avoid the public bathrooms here... they were absolutely disgusting... I'm a guy, and I still didn't want to be in there. If there wasn't a cop stationed outside, I would have tucked around back and taken care of business.

In the beginning, I have to say I have not visited the North Shore, because I could not
find a parking space around some places I wanted to visit. Instead, I found that Makapuu Beach is a very interesting place to visit. The view is extraordinary. There are some local people do body boarding or body surfing but not too many. I think it must be fun to do body boarding there but better with a pair of fins. I swam about 30 minutes further out of beach, the experience was so good that I cannot forget.

Terrific beach if you are a good swimmer, body surfer or just like to see the surf! Be Careful! You can get your a.. kicked by the surf if you aren't a water person

Each stop more beautiful than the last! Easy access and no crowds on this day in January. Highly recommend.

Makapu'u Beach is a wonderful sandy cove on O'ahu's southeast coast. Body boarders and body surfers have enjoyed this area for years parking. The area in question is on dirt surface. Be aware the the police are ticketing cars aggressively since these new signs have gone up. Look for the signs!

The beach itself is a great place for families. No food concessions so bring your own refreshments and REMEMBER...pack your trash out or place it in the trash cans. There is a bathroom at the park.

For me, the most beautiful beach on the Windward Coast! The views are amazing and the waves are really powerful, so beautiful to see them hitting the rocks. It is not a beach to swim because it has strong current and big waves (even in the summer, we visited in June). I did not entered in the water. But it is amazing to watch the surfers and relax after doing the Makapuù lighthouse trail. Another perfect aspect: just a few people on the beach! The locals go to surf and tourists usually go just to the lookout.

Beautiful location, lots to watch - surfers, hang gliders, tourists, and the occasional mountain goat.

This is an absolutely beautiful beach. I absolutely recommend coming here but please be aware of the unpredictable currents here. I am a strong swimmer and seasoned paddler, however I went through the same experience of another reveiwer. I got caught in one of the unpredictable currents here back in 2010 which took me by surprise. The current pulled me out farther and farther and closer to be pulled into the rock/reef. I was finally able to catch a wave that brought me far enough in to be able to finally swim back to shore. Like I said, highly recommended, but the surfing/body surfing area is not a beach for novice swimmers or surfers.

It is really pretty!! I love love the waves and tide pools on the other side. It is not safe for boogie boarding unless you really know what you are doing but the views from the beach are awesome!!!

Makapu'u is an excellent beach park to enjoy the beautiful scenery. (Not for a fun swim.) Makapu'u is a great place to watch experienced body boarders and body surfers challenge the waves. Don't forget to take some spectacular photos while you are there! With that said, I would encourage everyone visiting Makapu'u to enjoy the scenery from a safe distance and whilst paying attention. Enjoy the beach park, capture some memories, and leave in the same condition as you arrived.

Fantastic weather, very beautiful beach and scenery. Hawaii has the best beaches in the entire world,

Makapuu Beach Park, Oahu
Great beach for surfing and patrolled with lifeguards , lots of parking. Each beach along the Windward coastline (East Shore) are a little different and worth a look.
#MakapuuBeachPark

This walk was truly one the seminole moments of our trips to Oahu. Truly stunning views and whale watching. You'll come away wishing you had some way other than a camera to capture your experience.

This is one of my favorite beaches here, small yet secluded, but perfect for a quiet little paradise. This is definitely, in my opinion, one of the top beautiful beaches of O'ahu. Very easy to get to by car or bus. You can take the 22 Bus from Waikiki towards Hanauma Bay. If you rent a car, there is parking on the side of the highway, if you can find a spot. Once here, and the weather is right, you get nothing but sunshine, palm trees, and beautiful crystal blue water. Whenever I come here, I also always see hang gliders in the sky flying around the Makapu'u light house. Being there is like being in a post card that represents the beauty of Hawai'i. Be careful of strong current, great for body boarding and body surfing. Parents definitely be cautious for children swimming in the ocean during strong swell. Some days swimmers are not allowed in the water, only body boarders. This place is perfect for a peaceful beach day in paradise which is exactly what I get from this beautiful beach. You can check out photos on my Instagram @brubunce

It is an incredible place to fly and snorkel. We loved it so much and everyone there was so nice. Thank you guys!

I love it here! This is by far my favorite beach. I am drawn by the colors. I love the black lava rocks, bright green plants, mountain, ocean, tide pools, waves crashing, and seclusion. I love it here! I sit on the lava rocks staring out into the ocean and praying to my dad! The surrounding beauty always brings me to tears.

My daughter chose this location to get married at. It was a great choice. We finally accomplished the wedding after 6 months of covid delays. What a treat to give her away here.

It was a great place to see beautiful place to see the blues in the water. It was a great place to sit and do the beach scene. Nice place where there is not a lot of people

My fiance and I selected Makapuu beach / every other beach on the island to have our wedding with our parents! It was the perfect choice wonderful views of lava rocks greenery beautiful blue mixtures of color comfortable sand to walk on. It was everything we wanted and more and we couldn't have been happier with our day our families loved it our pictures came out great our only complaint was it was a little bit windy but nothing we would trade for the world!

Beautiful beach but be aware of powerfull under tows even close to the shorelines..lots of accidents here..not a safe place to swim for beginners..

There are many great spots to stop when driving along the southeast coast of Oahu and this is one of the best places. Beautiful spot with terrific surrounding scenery. This is a surfing beach. Surf was up when we visited in March, and it was pretty cool to see the locals out doing their thing. There is also a nice vista point along the road just east of here offering a great photo opportunity called the Makapu'u Lookout with plenty of parking.

This is one of the most stunning beaches on the island of Oahu. The sand is perfect, the Makapu'u Lighthouse and Point makes a great view, the water is free of rocks and ice blue.

This is one of the best beaches for bodysurfing and bodyboarding on the island of Oahu. But beware the rough surf, currents and undertow if you are a novice. As with all beaches in Hawai'i, if you are unfamiliar with the waters, make sure to consult the lifeguards before going into the water. It could save your life.

The beach was breathtakingly beautiful with bright blue water against dark volcanic rocks. We didn’t see anyone in the water because the surf was strong that day. Not a very busy place, we only saw a handful of other people wandering around. A must stop if you’re in the area just to take in the beautiful scenery. Restroom facility was decent.

I would DEFINITELY recommend the hike to the lighthouse. It is short and easy. Although you cant get down to the actual lighthouse (maybe you can with some careful fence hopping) the scenery is amazing. From the top you have a great view to the beach, surrounding water, and other islands. We also saw a few whales.
If you are of able body, I would highly recommend tromping down the cliff to the blowholes. If you follow the well worn trail behind the whale information board, it winds you down to the water in about 5 minutes (10 to get back). It was amazing down there. Great tide pools with fish and crabs, fun to play by the blowholes, and amazing waves crashing into the rocks (just check out the pictures). Getting back up might get you a bit sweaty, but its well worth it.

We went to this beach as part of a photo tour of the Island. It had some great picturesque rock formations and a varied tide/surf hitting the shore and rocks, also for great photos. We were there early in the day so the light was still rich and warm. Some great trees nearby for some fun traditional tropical shots also.

There were some people there, not very many though as it was still early in the day.

Beautiful, pristine and great waves. Don't forget to stop and get a shave ice and a teriyaki burger on the way!

We were trying to get away from Honolulu, driving along the coast, when we were surprised to find this beautiful, quiet beach. Amazing photo opportunities in every direction. Be sure to check out the lighthouse, just over the hill.

This is my favorite beach! It's on a beautiful point of the island, and although there isn't much else to do in this area, it's well worth the trip if you're a Beach junkie. I've been here many many times, and each time the waves have been completely different. Sometimes they roll in slowly, this time they rolled in about 5 seconds apart. It was intense but the adrenaline rush was awesome. Check the wave height before you go, we saw it was 1-2 feet one day, so we decided to go when it was 3-5 feet.

The great thing about this beach is that the waves break far enough out that if you get flipped in the waves you won't hit the sand. We body surf, but there are tons of boogie boarders out there.

Advice: Don't bring kids. Don't go here just to tan. Don't go here if you're not ocean-swimming savy. These waves can be brutal, so be careful!

Beauty often comes with a price and this beach certainly does. the waves look quite benign, but they are not. I saw several people being taken off guard, and the lifeguards were always calling out to be careful.
Great if you are experienced at surfing, steer clear if not.

One of the prettiest beaches on Oahu. My 2nd fave after Lanikai. It's got a great view of the Lighthouse, there're way less tourists and it's in a little cove

Wow. This place is beautiful in every direction and has a real local feel. The water in various shades of blue and turquoise, the mountains, the lighthouse in the distance, the surf-all so pretty.

Lots of boarders despite the "danger, no swimming" sign. There was a lifeguard on duty.

Restrooms, a place to rinse off after being in the water and a water fountain to recharge your water bottle. No snack bars or food option of any kind so bring something. After the sun starts to go down, bugs can be a problem, so bring mosquito spray or time your exit.

I wouldn't let little kids in the water here. Too much strong current/surge for little ones.

The views from this beach are breathtaking, from the mountains, the small islands just off shore, and the waves crashing over volcanic rocks. Great place to catch a wave or some sun.

Not for weak swimmers or for those inexperienced in heavy surf conditions. Conditions change daily. Never turn your back to the ocean, you never know when a "sneaker set" will come. Most beautiful beach location on Oahu and awesome for body surfing.

Beautiful. Stunning. Gorgeous.

How does one compare the beaches on Oahu? One really can't. Each is separate and unique like a string of pearls. One must experience each unique beauty.

The day we visited there was a wedding taking place near the shore. What a backdrop!

The negatives: waves are VERY dangerous because they break HARD on the sand, or in very shallow water. Beautiful to look at them curl though. Locals call it "Break neck beach". These beaches are plagued with locals and expats with pitt bulls and a penchant for breaking into tourist vehicles . . . do NOT leave anything at all in view. My brother and his family had the misfortune of having a ton of stuff stolen, but fortunately the local police knew who it was, went to his house and recovered nearly everything.
The positives: When you come around the corner from Honolulu and see it, you will lose your breath, literally, from the astounding tranquility and beauty before your eyes. Being from a very large city, we especially soaked in the absolute quiet and unheard of wonder of having our own beach. And . . . we left nothing in our vehicle, so we enjoyed it without worries.

As you are coming around the high cliff bend over looking Makapu'u beach you will be amazed at the beauty. On a clear and sunny day, the crystal clear ocean is sparkling and the white sand beach is glowing. Absolutely love this place. It's a must see.

Makapuu Beach is popular mostly with body surfers and it might be unsafe for unexperienced swimmers due to the strong currents and powerful waves. However, the beach is surrounded by a black mountain, giving this beach one of the most picturesque scenery. We learned that most people on the beach were quite young. Parking is a short walk from the beach, however, scarce, therefore, be prepared to leave your car on the shoulder, by the highway, and hike down the slope to the beach. These side spots may not have closely available showers and restrooms, on the other hand they are less crowded.

It is a favorite and an escape from the hot overcrowded of Waikiki. Drive there, walk down and enjoy the surf.

I don’t know if it’s actually that hidden but it was a fairly quiet beach when we went. Water can be a little rough at times but we were there during the summer so it was nice to swim at a beach with some waves as a change from Lanikai Beach and Waikiki which were super calm. Water is beautiful especially against the black rocks. Added bonus for life guards and showers.

This is a great beach right off the highway. We had our snorkeling stuff in the trunk and found a wonderful place to snorkel in some tide pool/reef area. It was also right up the road from where we were staying, Kailua, so we were able to visit again, and will do so whenever we make it back to Oahu.

Lots of body surfers here. The pictures I take here really turn out great too. It's one of those beaches where your pictures look like you are below the water level if you zoom out far enough. Always very windy here. There are also facilities at this beach.

We went to this beach to take pictures at sunrise. It was so beautiful and had mountains & the lighthouse in the background.

Didn't get in the water so can't give you any info on that but worth a stop if you like photography & beautiful sunrises!

Just a beautiful place with whales in winter, great surf but can be dangerous and the lifeguards are very mindful of those who may be too inexperienced for the surf.

In the traditional sense of a beach, Makapu’u is not the best – particularly as there’s almost zero sand, with the entire ‘beach’ being formed from volcanic rock. However between the uneven, rocky surface and the rapidly changing tides, this does mean that it’s full of rock pools to investigate and explore.

Located on one of Oahu’s most easterly points, it’s also a perfect place to watch the sun rise, especially as most of the other Easterly facing options either require a lengthy hike in the dark or aren’t open for visiting until way past the sun’s already risen. It’s a fun drive along the coast to a small, free car park, with the beach right there in front of you, the horizon almost completely free other than Makapu’u Lighthouse on the right.

Hawaii being Hawaii though, make sure you check the weather forecast in advance if you’re looking to watch the sun rise, as there’s always a very strong chance that clouds might scupper your plans!

Visit this place if you like white sand and amazing waves.. a family friendly quieter beach.. A must visit place in Oahu...

We spent about 2.5 hours here one morning as we were driving up the coast and enjoyed our time here. We enjoyed Lanikai beach better, but this beach had much larger surf for boarding. There was also less people here than at other beaches. It was easy to get a parking spot and just a short walk to the beach. We saw the lighthouse on the cliff and heard the hike was good, but didn't try that ourselves.

Waiting for dinner we came along here for a walk. The black rocks can create a challenge to traverse, but are worth the risk for the amazing views of the surfers and locals working the waves!

I was driving the road and stopped here just because the location is so amazing. Lots of people were swimming and the waves were moderately rough. Off to the left of the beach there is a former lava flow which has turned into tidal pools. This part is amazing. There are all sorts of fish and creatures. It's like being in an aquarium. Loved it.

This is one of my favorite beaches on O'ahu. It is tucked beneath the mountains, and has a beautiful wide sandy beach between reef and rocks. The water was a stunningly beautiful aqua teal color. We were here on a calm day, with small shore break waves. Several people were enjoying a swim in the relatively calm ocean, a few others were jumping from rocks on the edge, and others were relaxing on the beach. The beach has showers and a bathroom. It is across the street from Sea Life Park.

This beach is truly amazing and offers some fantastic views of rock formations with a light house, some small islands off the coast and steep, lush mountains that run along the coastline. The waves here can be a bit dangerous if you're not paying attention or don't know what you're doing, but can be a lot of fun if you want some decent size waves. Regardless of whether you're up for the waves or not, the scenery is absolutely something that should not be missed! This beach is also rarely crowded.

Very beautiful sandy beach but with no shadow and big waves and currents. I recommend bringing an umbrella to hide from the burning sun. Also, when we came, there were big waves and it was literally impossible to go in the water. It wasn't even recommended because the currents were very strong.

We had family photos done here. The water is perfect and the mountains add something extra to the experience. If you can't stay, at least drive by.

A beautiful little beach just along the highway. Bring along a lunch and settle in for some sun and then cool off by body surfing some waves.

The beach starts to get a bit busy after lunch so consider coming late morning.

Pretty as heck...nice beach if you can swim well. Good picnic spot.

this is nice place love ho tje beach nice there like go to theboat go to walk go to nice resturant go to ear music

After hiking Diamond Head, we realized it was a bit windy to hang at the beach, so we drove the Windward beach towns to check them out. From Hawaii Koa to Koko Crater to Hanamau Bay (Lot was full REALLY early!) to the "From Here To Eternity" beach to Sandy Beach and then Makapu'u. Needless to say, next day, we came armed with towels and swimsuits, but skipped them all and went straight to Makapu'u!

Fantastic few hours of bodysurfing, wave jumping and just hanging out as a family in what seemed like our own little slice of paradise. Arrived just before 10 and left just before noon on Friday 27th. Red flags were out, but lifeguards (added bonus!) just advised us not to get too far off the sandbars into the blue-blue open water as there was a strong rip that seemed to be pulling towards the rocks on the east side of the beach under the lighthouse.

We heeded their warnings, and the sandbar was a perfect wave break for 6+ footers that lifted me off my feet a fair few times!! I'm 6'1" as is my son, and we got pounded a few times, but generally it was just strong, powerful 6-8' waves breaking onshore. The key was not letting them take you back out with them, of course!

The color of the ocean (bluest blues and whitest whites in a sparkling Pacific, against a rocky, lava outcrops and a lighthouse up on the point....RIDICULOUS postcard views!

We will never forget that day and will measure every other beach against that experience from now on. Yes, Waikiki has the name and the famous locations, but anyone who does not head east to the windward beaches is missing what Hawaii beaches are really about.....oh, and there are 99% less people on them than Waikiki! Bonus!

Beautiful area. Not the best for swimming. Watch for strong currents. A lot of rocks too. You can body surf in a small area. Nice place for a gathering or picnic. Park in the lot or on the street.

We came here after we hiked the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail. Awesome fine sandy beach! We visited in February so the waves were wild…good for body surfing! Lots of parking spots, the grounds were well maintained, clean bathrooms/change rooms and there are also outdoor showers. Bring your supplies as there are no stores, restaurants or food carts here. It’s a beautiful beach to dip your toes in after your hike. Makapu’u Beach Park is divided into two by a rugged stretch of coastline. We went to the one right next to the Makapu’u Lookout. There’s also Sea Life Park across the highway.

The beach here is gorgeous, with glowing bright blue water, however the surf is quite big and can be dangerous if you're not experienced. I would say if you're bringing kids, this is probably not the best spot.

Makapu'u Beach Park is known for outstanding body boarding and dangerous shore break. This beach is not for people who do not know Hawaii's waves. There are many days when it is relatively safe. Ask the lifeguards about conditions and be honest about your abilities. If you want to wade, there are plenty of good nearby beaches. If you Paipo or Sponge, watch the currents and lineup before you go out. If you just want to watch, great beach. Beautiful views of two offshore islands Kaohikaipu and Manana (Rabbit).

We stopped because many cars has stopped along the way to get a sense of the coastline. Once we stopped and looked across the ocean we saw multiple spouse and whales along with some breaching.

stopped i to sit on the lava beds and look in the tide pools.. not a good swimming area, too rough, but great to explore

Makapu'u Beach is a very beautiful! This is a good place for people to go who want to relax and try out surfing! Located in a cove, with easy waves. Take goggles, the salt water is kinda gross, but I loved visiting Makapu'u Beach during my trip! It is a must see, if you go to Honolulu!

That was one of the nicest beaches I saw on my Oahu private tour, I enjoyed the sightseeing from the beach, white sands and a great place to stay doing nothing but relaxing.

What a beautiful place! First of all, the scenery here is gorgeous. The hills behind you, the rock features at either side, and the beautiful turquoise water. (It is Hawaii, after all!) The waves at this beach are really large, yet the beach is swimmable, though not always. If you're looking for a place away from the crowds with a surf that you can have a lot of fun in, this is your spot! I would think twice if you have very small children. The surf can be quite rough, and you might want to stick to calmer waters.

There are very few places in the World like the beaches of Hawaii. I had a visit and swim at Makapu'u Beach and loved it. Such a beautiful looking beach. This is the ocean side of the island so watch out for unpredictable currents. I am a strong swimmer, and got caught in one. Tried to stay calm until I felt the release, and slowly made it back to shore. I think a lot of tourists don't really know true danger until they are caught in it. Be especially careful if a beach is not patrolled by lifeguards, and if you see green flags posted, swim between them. If the red flag is up for danger, do not go in, even if it looks lovely.

when i went it was winter, the waves were huge and i couldnt swim because the sea was dangerous!; there were only surfers, but anyway it was beautiful!!; the color of the water is amazing and the views too!; you can go to makapu look out wich is near the beach and hike , you wont regret!, in my opionion, its one of the best places of oahu!

We didn't go to the body surfing part of the beach but to the side where the waves are less and is protected by the reef more than the body surfing part as we had a child along to experience the tide pool swimming. The tide pool is located a few hundred feet towards Waimanalo from the last bathroom and shower facilities at the beach park towards Waimanalo. There is another small sandy beach a little further towards Waimanalo from the tide pool, which is only there when the tide is lower.
The day we went was a Portuguese Man-O-War warning up for Waimanalo Beach Park so we decided to continue toward Makapu'u to see what we could find.
Everyone enjoyed their swim and tide pool experience until the child started to get cold. This is considered the windward side of O'ahu.
It is apparent that the public restroom upkeep is a problem at their beaches as we saw this at another beach, Makaha Beach Park. Don't expect pristine public restrooms to match the beaches.

Beautiful just breath taking. Been here several times, the view just gets better and better. Just unbelievable.love this place

It's funny because when people ask me that and I answer with Makapu'u, they have no clue. It's not Waikiki, and it's that very reason that I love this place. Little too far of a drive for most travelers there, and most people driving to that region aren't doing so to go to the beach; so it's locals and travelers/transplants who are "in the know".

This beach has great surf for riding or boarding. I wouldn't say it's an appropriate place for beginners as the surf is usually on the high side, and it doesn't take much of a fall to experience what the reef feels like.

Some people have said that they had problems with local boys, but I never have. I'm haole (howlie) as well....hahaha. All attitude and respect. Treat people right and they'll probably even teach you something new.....or at least what you're doing wrong!

Can't wait to get back....

I have two boys (9)(14) that absolutely loved this beach to boogie board. There are many locals here, but it is not crowded at all. The waves are rough, but perfect for the right ride. The drive getting there was breath taking. It sits across for Rabbit Island so your view from the beach is very picturesque.

I would recommond the drive to this beach if you have older children. (We went in the afternoon after spending half a day at Hanauma Bay). It's probably not a good place for younger kids. Oh...yes, there is a lifeguard and restroom facilities, but nothing to eat or drink so be prepared to pack up your own.

It is a little tricky to park, because there isn't much. We had to park next to the highway. We didn't have any issue with theft, but we also didn't leave anything out.

This is a beautiful beach (with restroom facilities) very popular with visitors from all nations. Easily accesible, just off the main road, it is popular with locals and tourists. We loved the colors - the greenery, the stark black lava rocks, the blue waves crashing white against the rocks - it is a feast for the eyes. We only left when the pungent fragrance of marijuana from a nearby car overwhelmed us.

This beach was recommended by Pilialoha Photography as a great place to take pics and Kelsi was right. Beautiful scenery and beach. Waves were pretty strong so don’t think it would be too great to swim unless a SOLID swimmer. One guy was trying to body board and was only able to make two runs in the 90 minutes we were there before he gave up. Was not busy as a result of the strong waves, but was a perfect location for her pics!

This beach is more for locals, so it is quieter and nice. The scenic views are impressive that includes the hillside, the view of the park and the dark lava mountains. The contrasting colors of the blue water, the white sand and the mountains are really a nice beautiful.

Bodyboarding. The view. The water. This is a phenomenal body boarding spot, not for beginners. Make sure you check the surf report. Locals can be territorial, so learn to get along. Not a layout beach. The barrels can be super tubey and you can get threaded!

I was extremely excited about this beach after reading about it and was thrilled to finally visit. It is beautiful and pictures do not do it justice. The water is not as clear as Waikiki or Waimanalo beach just down the road but the bay is gorgeous! There are lots of rocks to climb around on and plenty of sand to sunbath on. I wish I had had more time to do the hike out to the lighthouse! This beach is definitely worth a stop (at least for pictures)!

We had our wedding on Makapu'u beach and it was absolutely amazing. If you are looking for the perfect combination of sea, sand and black volcanic rock? This is the place.

Enjoyed body surfing the big waves and exploring the area surrounding the beach, water shoes are a must.

if you like beautiful seas, sand and very few people. This is the place to spend a day - you'll need to take the lunch with you!

If you are visiting Hawaii, don't miss Makapu'u Beach. Sometimes the surf can get high, but one of the most picturesque beaches on Oahu. Crystal clear water and beautiful scenery surround this famous beach. Views of Rabbit Island, the light house and mountains can be seen while relaxing and playing in the surf. Don't forget sunscreen, as there is no shade other than what you bring! There is a short walk from the small parking lot (which can be crowded). Bathrooms are located near the parking. Enjoy!

There's some great pictures here, and you can walk down and maybe catch a peek at some sea life, I saw a crab while there, but this may now be the place for kids. When we went, there was no swimming/surfing allowed due to the waves. It also seemed a rocky, so this may not be the place to go if you like something more sandy.

If you can get here by car or bus, it's worth the effort. This beach is just plain gorgeous and a good place for body surfing or just sunning. Lovely.

This beach is absolutely beautiful. I went on a Sunday in December and it was semi crowded but the crowd was mostly locals (a local showed me this beach). The waves are very strong and break really close to shore, I wouldn't even think about bringing kids here to swim. Even if you're an adult, if you're looking for a beach to swim in, and don't have much experience with the ocean or strong waves, this is not the beach for you. There is even a sign that says "no swimming" (not that that stopped me). Due to the nature of the waves, this is a popular beach for both boogie boarders and body surfers. My friends car did get broken into while here though :( we only stayed for about half an hour after sunset (we where the last ones on the beach) so that may have had something to do with it. Overall, I loooove this beach, it's stunning.

Gorgeous. Lovely beach. Great views. Nice waves for surfing. Lifeguard on duty. Changing room and bathrooms are rough.

Another gorgeous spot to just watch the ocean and on right day watch guys hitting the waves. Pay attention to lifeguards and flags, seriously. All kinds of stuff going on here like gliders and paragliders etc.

This beach is picturesque and great for body surfing but I wouldn't recommend it to those looking to swim. You must stay to the far right because on the left there's a strong current ready to push you into the rocks and the lifeguard asks everyone inexperienced to leave that side.

Take the drive around Diamond Head, past Hanauma Bay, and go to Makapuu Beach. Hike the trail if you want, but even if you don't leave the car, it's worth the drive. It's simply beautiful! Stop at the Holana Blow Hole, stop at Makapuu, drive to Sandy Beach, just cruise anywhere along the highway, because it's breath-taking!

What can I say? It's Hawaii...it's Makapu'u Beach...it's memories we have for a lifetime! From our Reverend to the ceremony (intimate, quick and awesome)...cannot wait to go back in a few weeks to visit the very spot we were married on!!

The beach itself is just gorgeous...then again, where in Hawaii isn't?

Beautiful uncrowded beach with a lifeguard and restrooms. The current is very strong. The sand is pretty. There is some shade available. You can see a glimpse of the lighthouse. I would not take children here.

in the vicinity of Bellows Field Beach Park. Bellows has a more awesome and peaceful vista, but this is a lovely place to hang out too.

Loved the small beach, never gets crowded, very local vibe!1

Nice easy waves for all ages and nice sand.

Great place to surf/boogie board/body-surf when the waves get big - I've experienced days where the first break was off Rabbit Island and the lighthouse...third break was about 100 yards off the parking lot...15-20 footers...and when the big ones roll...the riptide is strong! Be sire when snorkeling on a calm day to stick to the sides...venturing out into the middle of the bay will find you in a strong current headed out to sea based on the shape of the bay. Parking can be tough, but it's worth the effort ;-)

We went snorkeling just west of the Makai Research Pier, just beyond Makapu'u Beach, across from the oceanic institute. It's a nice little spot with zero crowds, a nice little sandy beach, plenty of parking, and quite a bit of fish to see here. It's not the most amazing snorkeling I've done in Hawaii, but for Oahu, it was pretty good, and very low key.

Beautiful views in Makapu’u! Breathtaking views and beach was an absolute joy to visit. Off the hustle and bustle of Waikiki and definitely worth the drive. Drive was spectacular with scenic views as well and stops along the way to take it all in.

just breathtaking beautiful scenery with the 2 islands in front and the lighthouse on the right hand side of the beach. the contrast of white beach and black lava rocks it amazing. there is free parking but warnings about thefts. the sea was too wild for us for swimming and we found some other spots further north where the sea was calmer.

This beach is so beautiful that you will not want to leave! The water is pretty rough and there is no lifeguard here... So be careful getting in water here...
Picture does not make it a justice! You just have to be there!

This is my all-time favorite beach on the island, don't miss it! The Kalanianaole Highway runs right along the length of the dreamy scenery, a hotspot for tour buses and photographers. After parking and walking past the showers/restrooms, the black rocks will lead you to the most incredible view of turquoise water fading into sugar-white sand, nestled in a cove of rocks and green mountains. It's always full of sea-turtles, paragliders, local kids boogie-boarding and body surfing, and you'll always see a handful of Haoles (Caucasians) getting owned by the ferocious waves.
That's another thing...the WAVES. Be very careful, sometimes it's hard to even wade beyond the breaking point because the strength will bulldoze you back to your towel. The current is so powerful, I've been tossed around with barely any time to wipe my eyes and catch my breath before satan sends another one my way. Gorgeous incredible, and beautiful, but don't underestimate mother-nature.

Waves on this beach as treacherous and they are spectacular.
Do not use this beach for surfing or boarding unless you have a lot of experience dealing with fast and often very high waves.
In fact, I would not recommend this as a swimming beach either since the strong undertow (rip current) can catch one off guard.
But watching the local surfers disappear in a wave's pipeline then shoot out of it gloriously moments before the wave collapses is an awesome sight.

This beach is another beautiful beach on Oahu. The strong current /waves on the island, kept us from going and indulging in this beauty. This beach does offer bathrooms.

Traveled all over the island top bottom. If you like the body surf and they get into some really nice refreshing water with a lot of waves the nurse is the place to go to do some body surfing. Or some just plain old good surfing. One heck of a beach if I lived here this would be my go to beach.

The drive from Waikiki is worth it to get to this breathtaking beach. There's places to fish, nice white sand and stunning views! Parking is scarce but patience allows you to enjoy this natural playground. Please be respectful around sacred sites.

I hoped this place hadn't changed since my days as a student at Univ of Hawaii years ago...and it didn't disappoint. The Hawaii I remember is still here in the waves! I promise to visit here every time I return to Oahu, just to make sure it's still here.

Beautiful view. But the actual beach was quite dirty. There was garbage all over the beach. There is a lifeguard on duty. If you just look off into the water and cliffs, the view is incredible. The there was trash all over the sand. A lot of teenagers. I suppose they don't care.

Paid this beach for a quick look at the ocean and scenery. It's been over 20 years since my last visit. Sad since I live a short distance away in Kalama Valley. While vacationing on Oahu this is a must see spot. Watch the water and waves if you're not experienced swimming in Hawaiian water or walking on the rocks. This is a beautiful example of God's creation and splendor.

This was an amazing and quiet cove. When we arrived about 8am only 2 people were surfing in the water. We generally had the beach to ourselves for the whole morning. The water and the view was amazing. Like most beaches in Hawaii the waves and the current were a bit rough. Life guard was on duty starting around 9. Public flush toilet available up in the parking lot.

Really beautiful beach but can be dangerous. The life guards will usally tell tourists not to swim there, mostly locals.

Definitely one of my favorite beaches on Oahu!! The drive to Makapu'u is beautiful as well! Not a lot of parking in the parking lot but you can park on the main road. Not too crowded but there definitely are some people, but nothing like Waikiki. You can see the Lighthouse from the beach too which is pretty. The waves are strong here and a there are a lot of people are in the water body surfing.

My fiance and I picked this place for our engagement photoshoot and this place is perfect. The setting was great with a nice view, lava rocks and soft sands. This would be a great place to for a quick dip after a hike to the lighthouse or from Koko head. The waves are perfect for surfers, so but may be too strong for weak swimmers. If you want some nice photos, don't pass this beach up.

It is an amazing beach, with strong waves but if go walk pass the lifeguard tower and it is a little bit more calm (but still be careful). Great views and and easily accessible by bus and has restrooms.

The views along this beach are truly fantastic. It is not as crowded as some of the more popular beaches in the area. The color of the water is stunning. As others have noted, use caution if the weather or surf is rough.

This is a great beach setting with great water to be able to totally enjoy yourself and have a lazy day at the beach. The water is beautiful, the waves are fun yet not overly strong.
Was a joy to walk along the sand and feel the water upon my feet, watch the swimmers and Surfers. Fantastic time well spent.

I first came to O'ahu over 40 years ago. I loved driving from downtown to Makapu'u Beach. The best body surfing spot on the island. Don't need to bring fins to cruise for a good distance on these waves like you do at Sandy Beach back toward town. Although Sandy is great too!!!

I still body surf a lot at Makapu'u. If you walk down to the far end of the beach the waves are a little easier to play in. It can get bigger by the rocks and toward the middle of the beach on a big swell day. Great lifeguard coverage. Remember to drop to the bottom and tuck under the wave and pop up on the ocean side.......... so much fun.

Thank you TripAdvisor! This was a great suggestion! I had a great morning at this beach. It was so beautiful and not very crowded. I really appreciated the life guard station because of the swift current and higher surf.

Perfect place to body surf
Just make sure you know how to swim
Not for children under 13
Waves can be large
Go down to
Last marker
Have spotters on shore watching always better to bthan safe then sorry
Showers available after beach
You can park on road if no irking down in parking area
Recommend parking in ocean side so you don’t have to cross street

This beach is accessible from the public washroom across the Sea Life Park. Bus #57 from Ala Moana Mall is the only bus going . This is a very nice quiet beach which a walk away from the lighthouse and Sea Life park.

The best Beach for body surfing or just getting tumbled in the waves. Best time is to go just after 1 as the sun will start disappearing behind the mountains providing plenty of shade. After 3 the beach can get quite crowded with the local teenagers finishing school to hit the surf. The waves are quite big there so it's great if you want to body surf them. Definitely not for kids or weak swimmers.

We love this beach. It's a short drive from Waikiki, around 25 minutes. Beautiful sandy beach. Usually a pretty quiet spot. Surrounded by mountains and ocean. We have frequented this beach on both visits to Honolulu. It's definitely a favorite for us!

One of my favorite beaches in Hawaii,some days very large waves for body surfing and boogie boarding most of the time moderate and friendly.

This is a beautiful beach especially for those who surfs, body and boogie boards. The view of the Makapuu POint is spectacular and picturesque. Good place to take photos as well and the washroom is clean. There is no lifeguards though.

Swimming is great here too for stroing swimmers and surfers but because of the powerful shorebredaks, it's a bit scary for us as we are not swimmers and we have 2 children.

Not a good beach. Good waves for body boarding but the undertow is not safe. The parking fills very quickly and then there is a rocky walk to the beach. We got kicked out for not having flippers to swim against the undertow.

Hawaii is the most beautiful place I've ever been! There are breathtaking views and awe inspiring sunrises and sunsets on every island. I cannot wait to return and when I do , the hardest decision will be which island to choose.

Makapu'u Beach is amazing and is about 15-20 minutes from Hawaii Kai. The beach has some spectacular waves- must be a local, professional or a great swimmer. The currents/tides are very strong. There is a life guard on duty and warning signs placed in the sand (about the tides, swimming, etc). The beach water is blue, the beach is not crowded and there is ample parking. Sea life park is across the way (cross the road). There are bathroom facilities for both men and women. An outdoor shower for rinsing off beach sand. I would recommend this beach to others.

Awesome beach! Excellent for families. Quiet and relaxing. Great place for a picnic. Don't forget to stop by the local shacks. Great food.

Makapu'u isn't just fun to say, it's fun to see. Be very aware of the potentially powerful waves. If there are signs posted pay attention to them. We went one day and the kids were able to boogie board no problem, other days the surf was too much and they would've been hurt, or worse. This is true for many beaches in Hawaii though, you just have to be aware.

Don't miss the tidal pools in the lava rocks on the other end of the "beach". We explored for a long time. Flip flops aren't advised, buy water shoes at Wal-Mart before you go.

Body boarder's beach. Unless you are a strong swimmer, don't go in the water, harsh undertow. Cool for checking out muscular body boarders and if you are one yourself. Nice place to tan in the morning hours, clear water and white sand!

This beach is beautiful and has amazing views. My beware comment relates to the current and waves. The waves are really strong even very close to the shore. I am 40 and it took me for a ride. It was a great time but be prepared to get a workout and be COVER in sand. Be careful with kids. They were being blasted even steps in the water. Keep your eyes open for whale sightings.

This is a great place to visit. The water was beautiful. This was definitely a place that I loved visiting while in Honolulu.

Our family had a photo shoot here, and it was a beautiful backdrop. The water is very rough for swimming, so beware! Great place to sit and appreciate God's handiwork:)

Our private tour guide brought us to this area and told us some detailed info about Makapu'u Beach and this area. Makapu'u Beach has been a famous bodyboarding and bodysurfing spot since 1933 when the coastal road around the east end of the island was completed, and people were able to drive there. On a high surf day, the waves at Makapu'u Beach break in the middle of the bay, off the center of the beach, providing a very long ride. Makapu'u Beach Park is located on the southeast tip of the island of Oahu, just north of Makapu'u Point and the Makapu'u Lighthouse.

Note:
The beauty of this area sometimes masks the danger that lies beyond the shoreline. Over the years, many people have lost their lives at this iconic spot. There is a strong shore break and undertow that many are unaware of.

Makapu'u Beach is a perfect beach spot not too far from Waikiki. It was far less crowded than Waikiki's beaches, with soft white sand, clear water, and waves. There was a parking lot and bathrooms too!
There was a strong current, and the walk to get down to the beach was slightly rocky.
The drive up to Makapu'u must not go unnoticed, as it was breathtaking!

Lots of younger people body boarding here, makes for a louder, more rowdy bunch. Crashing waves for the more experienced body boarder. Nice facilities for shower and bathrooms. Limited parking in high season.

One of the better beaches we went to while we were in Oahu. Decent snorkeling towards the south end of the beach. My son tried spear fishing there for the first time and caught a couple! Water was amazing and the sand soft. More importantly it was much less crowded than anywhere on Waikiki. The waves started to pick up later in the afternoon so it is probably best to go early. Also there’s no shade and no beach gear rentals so bring your own. Parking can be a challenge.

You will love this beautiful get away. It is a true beauty spot away from the hustle-bustle of the crowds. Enjoy!

Go when there is an early full moon and watch the moon rise over Makapuu point! Go with some friends and talk story and share some pupus. Free! A great memory

Beautiful local beach. Excellent for body boarding. The waves are really strong. Unless you are a very strong swimmer its better to avoid the water.

This is a great beach for a quick stop. Just be careful since some days the waves might be a little stronger so watch the little ones. This beach does have a lifeguard and bathroom facilities.

The thing I love the most about Makapu is that it was not as crowded as several other top attractions on the island. There is a guard on site if you are worried about your little ones. Beautiful beach which often has Para gliders floating around. Great for boogie boards and body surfing- not so great for snorkeling. Totally loved it. It was free. The access is tough. If you are disabled or have trouble getting around you might want to find a beach with better access. Support areas (bathrooms, showers, parking) were a little rough but I have found that all over the island. I’ll be back (With a Terminator voice)

This place is used by neighbors to come and relax, has benches, clean white sands, restroom facilities nearby, showers, parking and it is very clean. It also gets windy in case you want to do some kite sports.

We stopped here after stopping at the overlook and walked around the rocks (carefully of course) instead of going down to the beach. The combination of the cliffs, the color of the water, the islands just past the shore, and the waves crashing in left me awestruck.

Has incredible views . Water is a little rough great for body boarding not great for swimming . Changing area is a bit dirty but the views are incredible .

Yet another beautiful Hawaii beach. You do need to be aware of your surroundings because the waves can be dangerous. So, use caution and be safe if you go in the water.

Super stunning beach. Waves and currents too strong to swim but a gorgeous place to hangout for the afternoon. Would definitely recommend

Just across the street from the Sea Life Park entrance, turn right instead...into the Makapu'u parking lot. The beach is tucked right in by the road. But the park has bathrooms and plenty of parking. The beach is small and I've never seen more than 4 people there at a time. Waves were fantastic and fun! Colors, amazing!

Beautiful beach away from the crowds of waikiki. It is a long walk to the beach and the surf was a little stronger but worth it all. Can't wait to go again

We didn’t swim here because of the warning signs about strong currents but just watched the surfers making acrobatic curves. Really nice to watch them and enjoying themselves.

This side of the island has so many awesome beaches. Wish I had time to explore them all. This one was nice. Parking area. Picnic areas. Restroom/shower house with changing area. Definitely recommend.

The beach is nice and not crowded, but you'll be wading, not swimming, due to the rocks and current. For swimming, continue about 3 miles south on 72 to Sandy Beach Park.

this beach is definitely worth the time. Very scenic and fun to swim at as with any ocean swimming make sure you are aware of what your up against. Usually there is a life guard on duty and there are beach facilities available to freshen up after the fun in the sun sand and sea.

If you love to surf, this is the beach to do so -- as the waves are huge and the shore-break are huge too. It's only for the advance level surfers -- as the currents are strong here (not for novice/beginner level surfers -- unless you have a lot of experience dealing with fast and often very high waves. In fact, I would not recommend this as a swimming beach either since the strong undertow (rip current) can catch one off guard.. But if you don't surf, it's still worth to walk along the shorelines of it as the view is breathtaking & the water is clearer here.

Somewhat secluded and less traveled. The drive to this side of the island is also some of the most scenic of the island.. Waves were just right for boogie boards. On some visits to this beach over the years ...there can be seaweed in the surf ...which sort of ruins the experience. However, if not present....very enjoyable and picturesque.

Bussed in to Sea Life Park and then walked down to the sparkling white sandy beach with an awesome lush surrounding. The waves are 10-14 feet high for the surfer's delight and as you get closer to shore, the waves are fantastic for body surfing and boogie boarding. There is a local life guard who warned us to stay in closer to shore because of the dangerous rip currents. We saw helicopters a couple of times circle over head, so I'm sure if they saw any sharks they would have alerted us.

Makapu'u lived up to its rating on "Frank's Surf Map," as one of the top body- and boogie-board surfing spots on Oahu. I was only on the island for two and a half weeks and I went to Makapu'u four times to get my body-surfing fix. I also went further north to Waimanalo Beach (a bit calmer, and closer to Ono, my "go to" dinner spot) and southwest to Sandy Beach (nasty surf, and not for the faint-of-heart or neophytes). I opted for Makapu'u because the waves are constant and challenging, without the added Sandy Beach danger-quotient, and a bit more fierce than Waimanalo.

For the most part, the boogie boarders (I did not see short or long-boarders at Makapu'u) do their thing off to the left side of the beach and that opens the right side for the body-surfers and neophyte boogie boarders.

Before hitting Makapu'u Beach you could also do the "Lighthouse Hike" at nearby Makapu'u Point. We did that, descending down the side of the point toward Makapu'u Beach instead of taking the path back, and away, from the beach. If you're lucky, you might catch some hang-gliders wafting on by. There were three the day we did the hike down to the beach.

There aren't any places to eat at Makapu'u Beach, though there is a bath house where you can shower the sand off and hit the restrooms. TheBus has a drop-off across the street where you could stick around and attend a luau or sea life show at Sea Life Park Hawaii (TheBus bus stop).

Makapu'u Beach is a small beach and but so if it's a particularly epic surf day, I could see it getting a bit crowded. Naturally, there is a lifeguard station on the shoreline. There is a small parking lot, and I did notice that cars were parked along the side of the road.

I suppose one could snorkel in the area to the right (south) where there is a reef. However, tumbling waves could make that less than an ideal snorkeling scene, and the area isn't particularly noted for that type of activity.

Great place to stop and cool off. The water is pristine. Waves are fantastic. View is spectacular. Will return soon.

This is a nice sandy beach in a cove. Beautiful scenery!! Strong waves on the beach made it a workout! Lots of bodyboarders! Not a ton of people. Bring your own food and drinks... Nowhere to buy things. Not good for snorkeling!

I highly recommend spending some time here the photos can barely do it justice in my opinion. I am very happy to have found this location. To me It is a great location to bike to from the hotels. A good bike ride through the area and then hang out here all day. A very nice day trip for me. Do your self a favor and visit here.

Waves meant to be among the best for boogie boarding and although better than other places, they did not seem to last before another wave, not very strong either, beach ok, nice sand, definitely not as nice a beach as others on the island or elsewhere in Hawaii. Restrooms were dire, really dire and the rubbish around the showers just showed how poor the facilities are maintained. Wish we had known about bellows that day.

We didn't make it onto the beach, but stored at the scenic point above to take some pics. Absolutely overwhelming in beauty! The beach was not crowded at all and the waves looked so tempting, but we were just taking a scenic drive on our last day in Oahu... Please go!!!

Loved this beach, about a half hour drive along the scenic coast, to arrive at this hidden destination. Beach was within the coves and had huge waves which were a lot of fun and a shake up from the flat Waikiki beaches. If you go at around 4:00PM, the beach is completely shaded as the sun is behind mountains, which makes it a great place to sit and not be overheated!! Nice day trip, although not many shops nearby to eat!

This is a challenging beach for young swimmers. But my boys are advanced swimmers and enjoyed the challenge of the huge waves and body boarding... they followed the lead of the locals.
The parking is good amazing views

When we got there the surf was up. We went into the water and it was exhilarating but also scary. Didn't stay long.

Our absolute favorite beach. Gorgeous and not too crowded. We found a mountain of sea glass. Apparently a but of a party spot nights and weekends.

Everyone have to see this if you are in Oahu, this area is so beautiful, and serene it is almost like looking at a photo on a magazine, just perfect!!

Beautiful soft sand, strong waves, perfect for experienced bodysurfers. With an open Lifeguard station too. Definitely strong surf with advisory. Great visit, showers available. Limited parking, be patient.

Great fun to watch the experienced body boarders and surfers at this amazingly beautiful spot. This is what postcards are made of... treat yourself to a relaxing morning and just chill on the sand. If you get antsy, explore the lava rocks along the shoreline just beyond the sandy beach. Later in the afternoon the sun gets eclipsed by the steep mountains directly behind so earlier is better if you're looking for some Vitamin D.

While Makapu'u Beach is known as a great body-surfing and boogie board beach, this review is is for Baby Makapu'u where locals take their keikis to play safely in the tide pools.

To get to Baby Makapu'u coming from the Honolulu direction on the Kalanianiole Hwy, pass the main Makkapu'u beach parking lot entrance (across from the Sea Life Park entrance) and continue to the second parking lot on the ocean (makai) side which is just past the entrance to the Oceanic Institute on the mountain (mauka) side. Turn right into the second parking lot, then left to parking area near the end of the black lava tidepools.

This will get you to several very calm, protected tidepools with sandy bottoms that the little ones will love to splash in. Older kids can explore the rockier tidepools that are filled with little fish and crabs. The beach is close to the parking lot, making carrying the stuff you have to take to the beach with kids a lot easier. No shade, so bring a beach umbrella or a canopy and sunscreen if you are fair skinned. There are no bathrooms or showers at this end of the beach but there is a water spigot for cleaning the sand off your feet before getting in the car.

As a bonus, there are often paragliders that jump off the cliffs behind Sea Life Park that are exciting to watch.

Beautiful! Go for a swim, surfing, or check out the tidal pools. Steps away from SeaLife Park. Bring a picnic and enjoy the moment.

We just walked along this area, no swimming. Ocean was rough. Tide pools are beautiful. Views from this beach area are fantastic.

I am a photography enthusiast + knew that I wanted a sunrise picture from my trip. With the lighthouse in the backdrop reflecting in the sunlight, the images captured was exactly what I hoped for! Just being there and experiencing the sunrise itself was amazing - it was beautiful and majestic and overwhelmingly breathtaking. It's worth the 5:30am wake-up!

An incredibly beautiful vista! You can't help yourself but stop and stare. It is just stunning. If you are in the area, it is really worth driving by. Don't forget your camera!

We noticed this beach was mainly for locals. There is a sign saying strong current no swimming yet the locals still go in the water.

There were people rocking in the water with the wave but not very far in due to the strong current.

The water line was only to about my upper legs and several times due to a huge wave come in, I was pulled down on my arms and legs fighting to get back up. I was pulled in about 5 or 6 ft father than I had wanted to go. After that I decided to just lay on the beach.

If you want beach time with a dip in the ocean, I would strongly recommend you are a strong swimmer before going in the water here.

The views are incredible though. You can see the lighthouse and the rocks along the side of the mountain

Ususally the Hawaiian trade winds blow onshore bringing a really nice DANGEROUS swell to this local beach. Meaning, if you get in the water, you better know how to deal with the strong currents and pounding waves. It is in the top tier forspinal injuries in Hawaii. Sometimes though, the winds switch and come from the other direction. When that occurs, this is a great, beautiful bay to swim and snorkel, explore the ledges, or just soak up some of those beautiful Hawaiian vibes.

There is something wrong with you if you don't like the beaches in Hawaii and this one is no exception, absolutely beautiful.

Beautiful spot but not a good place for families with young children. The water & shore break can be very rough & dangerous. On a good day, hang gliders can be seen soaring overhead. Showers & restrooms available

Great local bodysurfing and bodyboarding beach. Surfing not allowed while the lifeguards are there from about 9:30am to 5pm. Less crowded than Sandy Beach, though parking is harder to find here. When it's flat to 2 feet, great place for swimming. When it's 3 to 5 feet, perfect for bodysurfing. Beyond that, if you don't know what you are doing, stay out. The bigger the waves, the stronger the rip current will be. Just respect the water and you'll have a good time. And respect the aina (land) by not littering. Mahalo!

We visited the tidepools, and had a great time. We came at about 3 hours before high tide, yet still found several nice tidal pools to explore, with lots of sea life to be found. The surrounding mountains were amazing. The sand was rather rough but not terribly so. The tide pools are in lava rocks, which are very rough. We wend barefoot, but surf shoes would have been nice.

The kids had fun playing in the surf, and finding sea glass. The surf was too high for swimming though, so we didn't go in more than ankle deep. I could have sat and listened to the surf pound all day.

The drive to the beach is amazing, with towering mountains and cliffs. Parking is limited, and the lot rough with lots of big potholes, so drive slowly.

It's out of the way, but well worth a stop on your way around the island, It's one of the most memorable points of our trip to Oahu.

Really loved this spot. There is a nice beach, although the waves looked a little rough, but my favorite spot was to the left of the beach where there were all these little tide pools, filled with cool fish. It was lots of fun to walk around and check all of them out. Watch out for the quick moving crabs, too!

We live on Oahu and love to bring family and friends to Makapu'u for the beach and views of the Koolau mountains and waves washing over the rocks . The parking lot is crowded on the weekend but on the weekdays it's great. Do not leave valuables in the car (we've never had a problem) signs are posted at all beaches .

My wife and I were deciding what beach to get married and ready selected this one. We couldn’t have had a better choice! We had a very small private beach wedding, but nevertheless it was beautiful.

i'm from oz, nice beach but i'm used to quiet open spaces. busy and lots of people.

Beautiful cove beachbreak, can get TREACHEROUS when breaking above 4 feet.

TIP: stay away from the seaweed that accumulates to the far right!

We took the road down to this beach off the main highway. It ended in a parking lot that had lots of room. A few people were on the beach having a picnic and the kids were playing in the water. The surf was down and so was the tide so we got to wander around some tide pools at the beach. Fun for just goofing off.

Love Makapu'u Beach, but it's very dangerous if you're not a strong swimmer. The waves come fast and hit hard, so swim with a friend. Never put you back to the ocean at this particular beach, as it can be very painful and unexpected when it does hit. It's clean, has a bathroom and shower for clean offs afterwards and there's a small parking lot across from Sea Life Park.

We went to this beach around 5:45am with a 6:11am sunrise. The sky and colors were picture perfect, even with a slightly cloudy sky. We did not go to the sandy part of the beach or do the hike, so the area we watched from was the hard lava rock area. It was awesome for photos to see the water wash up on the rocks and walk along the rocks and see the crabs and birds in the morning. There was also a family of chickens(?) led by a rooster who let us all know it was morning after the sunrise.

Well worth getting up early and taking the short drive from Waikiki.

Consisting of small coves and being a Monday not many people. Clean and has bathroom block.
Here we had the wedding and it was a perfect spot. If you can get out of town the this should be on your list.

Beautiful beach with parking and also showers and toilets.
We parked just above in a recess on the left side of the road but be careful to cross the road.
Fine sand , very clear water color and waves at the edge big enough to have fun but safe that day.
Beware of rocks underwater are reported and not necessarily clearly visible.
The beach must be watched at certain times because there was a lifeguard hut.
Perfect place to finish our Hawaiian stay.

This was by far our most favorite place to hang out. Body surfing was so much fun here. Lifeguard on duty is always a plus. The view from the beach is unreal. The water is SO clear and turquoise. When we went it was hardly busy and parking wasn't so bad. Possibly because the light house trail was closed for the duration of our trip. Only thing that made us really sad was the jelly fish closure but apparently that was a real fluke and closed down most of the beaches on the East.

Some tips,

If you're terrified of spiders like me, don't walk the bushy trails down or up near the bathrooms.. Trust me.. Just don't, and if you do, do not look beside you.

The bathroom was disgusting. I didn't go in, I took word from my bf who usually doesn't care if I'm away and our garbage overflows and wet clothes line the floor. So it must of been pretty grungy.

The reason people have their things way back on the beach or up on the rocks is either because they already underestimated how far the waves can come up and their things are soaked or they were smart and followed lead.

With views of one of Oahu's three lighthouses, this hidden hideaway near Sea Life park is great for bodysurfing. Well worth the drive to get out of Waikiki.

You can relax on the beach or sit and chill on the rocks. It is right across the street from the sea life park and has a great view of the light house. If you are coming from the Waikiki area it is a great scenic drive.

One of the most beautiful beaches on Oahu! Our tour guide on Roberts Hawaii made an un scheduled stop to view this beautiful beach! The waves looked rough, but the sand and water looked very Nice! Post card perfect. We booked our tour from Fun-Hawaii.com saved a lot of money. I would love to come back and kick back on the sand, and enjoy the great view!!!!

Great place to body surf but be prepared for some rough waves. This is one of my all time favorite places to body surf. If you have body surfing fins I would use them!!

This beach is certainly well worth visiting, beautiful surroundings not crowded like Waikiki, if you don't have a car you can get there by bus and it only takes about 30 mins, just 2 stops after Hanauma Bay, you get off at Sea Life Park and its across the road.

Stunning views from the lookout point and beautiful water. This was probably the most beautiful spot we stopped at on the whole island!

Gorgeous! Hubby and I got married there, very secluded place, way more beautiful than what pics show! It was 4.30pm and very quiet, surrounded by mountains and lava rocks, very romantic

Great chance for amazing photos was very nice to get out of the hustle and bustle for a day gorgeous scenery well worthies hiring a driver for a day worth every cent able to show us places off the beaten track

We liked it that is was a bit secluded, on the windward coast, beach was excellent, you could canoe all the way to Rabbit island. Hike to Makapuu lighthouse was excellent.

Hike to the top there is a great look out! It is very easy hike on a paved trail. The view at the top is great! You look down on the light house and can see for miles. There is plenty of parking and it will take about an hour up and down.

My favorite drive on Oahu is going from Kaimuki (where Aunty lives) to Waimanalo via Hawaii Kai.

It is hard to keep your eyes on the road as you wind in and out after Hanauma Bay along the coastline with black rock cliffs and blue blue waters. Then, you come to a dry and barren stretch of brush and rocks, approaching the lighthouse.

My favorite view that always makes me say "WoW" is just at the top of the rise, veering left and then having all of Makapuu and beyond in sight.

Gorgeous. Time to drive slow and savor the beauty.

The access to the beach is convenient and below the lookout. There are also areas to walk along the rocks and enjoy the swells that come in. A great experience

Such a beautiful beach and far enough around the east coast not to get too crowded.

No surfers allowed but body boarding is, and it's a famous shore break for Oahu.

If the surf is up it's best not to head in for a swim unless you are very experienced as it truly is a heavy shore break.

We just stumbled across this lovely little cove when driving about. An atmospheric quiet beach away from the crowds with toilet and shower facilities.

We first saw Makapu'u Beach at the top of the Lighthouse trail and we knew we had to go there. Everything is so beautiful. You're surrounded by moutains and you can see the lighthouse. Swimming there is a little rough because of the powerful waves so you have to be careful. Still, I would definitely recommand going there to at least enjoy the scenary.
Definitely the best beach we had the chance to see on Oahu.

Bathrooms are decent, Gets good sun mostly in the mornings, a little windy at times but still really fun to get tossed around in the waves.

Nice beach, great views, but always be aware of the waves. Can be very rough at times. Good beach for bodyboarding.

We were staying at the Aulani Resort in Ko'Olina and our concierge recommended this beach because the lagoon at the resort, while very nice, didn't have the waves and beach we wanted. Boy, we are so glad he told us about this beach. It was everything we wanted!

Although it was about a 45 minute drive from Ko'Olina, it was well worth it. Not the easiest place to find since there were no signs letting us know this was the beach we were looking for (or at least we did not see any). The beach is much closer to Honolulu and if you are staying there and want some waves - make the trip -probably only 20 minutes or so to get there.

The beach is a crescent beach with nice soft sand. It has bathroom facilities and a shower but I wouldn't expect much - not so clean or nice but will suffice. We were there on 8/23 and there was no lifeguard and because the local schools were back in session - not crowded at all.

When you get there, the beach is to the right of the parking lot and the facilities are up the hill. Walk down the path to the sand and then down the hill to the beach (be careful - its a bit rocky).

The shorebreak is very strong. In fact, when we were there, there was a section which was "closed off" to swimmers by red flags, warning that there are strong waves and currents. But after that section, there was a nice stretch of beach to sit and play. The waves were fantastic - good for boogie boarding or body surfing (I was told that the surf is much rougher other times of the year). The water is clear and clean although it started to get a bit cluttered with kelp (seaweed?). Amazingly, a palm tree trunk washed up on shore - where that came from - I have no idea!!

Nice setting with the mountains and cliffs behind you and a glimpse of the top of the lighthouse around the bend of the mountains. Off the beach there are two small rock islands which are cool to look at (too far to swim and the currents are strong - so don't) There is also a section all the way to the right on the beach where the rocks are where we saw people snorkeling in the coves - but again very strong waves and should only be done if you are a strong swimmer (to be honest, i don't really know if it is allowed)

There are some food places, gas stations and a 7-11 along the way to get something to eat if desired.

Great beach, great waves - go there!!!

Mainlanders who want to try some exciting wave-riding will love Makapu'u. Take a boogie board and fins.

we took a tour with bike Hawaii! they were great! this tour is soooooooooo pretty! great ocean views an during the whale season we can see whales!!! get exersice as you walk up hill but not long at all so even lazy people like me can do it!!! :-)

Me and wife were staying in Waikiki and wanted to head to a more remote beach, but weren't feeling up to a long drive to the North Shore that day. We headed up to Makapu'u based on a recommendation from our concierge. It was great. Not too far of a drive either. The beach isn't huge, as it is somewhat surrounded by cliffs on one side and a rocky point on the other. It was fine though because it wasn't very crowded at all. It was so scenic and there is even a lighthouse on the point that you can hike to. It was an amazing view. Our concierge also recommended using www.hawaiibeachtime.com beach gear rental service. It made our day even better. They have all kinds of gear. We got two adirondack chairs, and umbrella, and a boogie board. They deliver everything to the beach and pick it up when you're done. Very easy and affordable. The waves there were nice, but not too big so I was able to have some fun on the boogie board. There was a lifeguard there bathrooms and a parking lot (not tons of stalls though) Overall this was a great beach not to far from Honolulu and we had a great time!

If you like waves, body/boogie boarding, and/or surfing, this is the beach for you. The waves and shore-break are huge, so this beach might not be for everyone. The current is strong, so fins are recommended. This is not recommended for adults who want to relax in the water, but it is great for kids.

Southern part has a nice sandy beach but the water may be a litter rough to swim. Walk a little farther north and you'll find one of few areas you can look for shells among the cracks and holes of the lava rock. Standing on the rocks you can catch a view of the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse if you look to the south. Great place for pictures!

Beach is beautiful. True paradise. That is why there are so so many people which of course spoils the fun and bit. Never the less that is always like that in fantastic places. Snorkeling equipment is good gravity and we did see a lot of different fish. Mission completed.

Gorgeous beach with nice mountain and rock views but waves are high and probably not a good spot for young families.

We stopped at this beach to relax after doing the Makapu'u lighthouse and tide pools. Parking was busy, but we found a spot in good time. The beach was VERY busy, which was a downside, and it was also quite windy. However, I love this beach because of the beautiful scenery. There is a rocky area closer to the parking lot that we enjoyed exploring and taking photos.

We found this beach by accident. We were planning to go to Hanama bay to snorkel but they won't let anyone in at 9pm due to there was no more parking left. We just drove around the island and found this beach from the highway, it is so beautiful and inviting. It wasn't crowded and parking was easy. There was a place to shower after. Water was clear, we truly enjoyed our time in this paradise.

Beautiful beach with very few people if you venture future away from the beach park area. The turquoise water looked so inviting.....

This is an awesome place to watch the sunrise. Beautiful view. Enjoyed watching the water break along the shore line. Must go see.

We went to the overlook of the beach. This was one of the most beautiful places we visited on Oahu. The southeast coast of Oahu is very beautiful.

This is a beautiful beach and to get there from Waikiki you will have to take the most scenic drive on Oahu. Definitely worth visiting! However, the waves can get bigger there so it is not the best place for swimming. Even the locals use fins because the current is so strong. Still worth visiting as it is so beautiful.

This beach has a beautiful view of the lighthouse and the ocean on the east side. The waves were very big though, too big for my 2 year old and almost for my 8 year old. It is a bit of a hike down to the beach from the parking lot which isn't much good if you are lugging 2 kids and a cooler and the bathrooms are pretty gross. It does have showers though by the restrooms to wash off all of the sand. I gave this place 3 stars because of the view because the atmosphere is definately worth it.

I grew up 3 miles from here and Makapu'u Beach was my 'backyard' growing up bodysurfing and board surfing before and after the lifeguards hours. This is a boogie boarding, bodysurfing beach ONLY when lifeguards are on duty--no surfing. SWIMMING is to be discouraged as well due to strong currents and wave action unless you have on bodysurfing fins and know what you are doing. Some VERY FAMOUS PEOPLE HAVE BEEN RESCUED HERE. One was a 7 gold medal swimmer who new NOTHING of ocean currents and had to be instructed/coached back to shore when he got caught up in the rips and was being pulled into the rocks and panicked. AREEM ABDUL JABAR GOT RESCUED HERE and it took all THREE lifeguards to pull him in. So BE CAREFUL. I had a bodysurfin friend from California that had trouble getting out here due to the strength of the surf--Hawaiian surf is STRONG. So, if you are not an avid bodysurfer or good swimmer boogieboarder--stay on the beach or just get wet and don't go out any further!

There are a few picnic tables at the top of the beach. It's a long walk from the parking to down the sandy hill so if elderly or unstable on your feet, please be extremely careful.

This is an EAST shore beach so when the north shore is HUGE, sometimes it wraps around to Makapu'u. East swells, SE, NE all affect the surf here and it can get HUGE. so check the surf report before you go. The windward side is rainier and windier than town--so check weather too. Makapu'u is on the drier side than the rest of the windward side but does rain in winter months. The lookout and hike to the lighthouse are great side trips too. Maybe hike forst and cool off later! The showers at Makapu'u are some of the best water on the island too:) USED to be artesian well water--dunno now.

Enjoy yourself. And please be mindful of your personal belongings as things DO disappear on the beach left unattended here. Usually an HPD car sits in the parking area because baaack in the 80's this place was rip-off-city. But even so--things left in cars do get banged. so be smart, enjoy, and don't be stupid:)

You can't always swim here. Keep that in mind. It is stunning. Went here three times during our stay. The water was just stunning. Perfect to just sit and relax and enjoy the views.

We got off the bus at sea life park and tried to walk back to Makapu’u lighthouse hiking trail. We spotted this beach along the way and decided to take a look. The beach was beautiful and not crowded. I was so glad to catch bodyboarders in action.

My family and I enjoyed watching the waves on the windward side of the island. It was very pretty and we even saw a paraglider above us.