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The tide pools were so pretty and nice for a swim, but to be honest I'd much rather go to a beach. There's only two real large pools you can swim in. Otherwise, the hike down is extremely difficult. I am in my early twenties and able bodied but I still struggled with this. If you are not up for a HIKE then maybe pick somewhere else. It was cool but I don't know if it was totally worth the way down/up. If you take the bus, the path there is quite longer than the paved path. Anyways, cool but the Rocky Mountain you have to climb down is crazy
Starting from the parking lot for Makapu'u Lighthouse, you hike up a paved road and will have to diverge off the side of the cliff. This is the shortest path but probably the hardest and I wouldn't recommend doing this if you're not prepared. I managed to do it in flip flops but it was tough. It probably took a solid half hour slowly going down the cliff, just trying to figure out the path since there isn't really one established. Someone did make markings with white paint you can follow but it's not always clear. But once you're at the bottom, the tide pools are beautiful! There's a ton of fish and the pools are actually deep enough to swim in. Some people had brought floaties and were just chilling in the pools. There's also some blowholes further away from the pools. Be careful because they caught us off guard and some of us got soaked! The hike back up was tough because it's essentially stairs but faster because it was easier to see the path. My only regret was starting this hike later and not as prepared. I wish we had more time to spend down at the tide pools and we had brought like snacks or swim trunks to go into the water.
I wore shoes since climbing up and down sharp rocks didn't seem like the best idea in slippers. There's white paint on rocks that guide you in the general direction, but go the way you find easiest. Also be very careful not to go towards the edge because the waves will crash and draw you into the water (someone actually died a week before).
Underrated spot! When we went, it seemed like a vast majority (more than 90%) were heading up toward the lighthouse, when the arguably more interesting tide pools are down the rocky path. Right at the start, you just follow the rocky road downward. It's not much of a hike as there is a very defined path that gently slopes, but would recommend sturdy shoes. I wore sneakers and some of the rocks in the path ended up being a bit uncomfortable for my feet. Once you get down the rock path, you'll see the tide pools. These are home to a vast array of different creatures. We saw crabs, small fish, coral, as well as very photo-worthy waves! There are also places where it's safe to swim. Will definitely recommend as a must see in O'ahu!!
Word of warning, the hike down to the Makapu'u Tidepools is no joke. Maybe everyone else just happens to be in amazing shape while I have the endurance of a potato, but the steep and rocky climb down and up was dare I say, challenging. While this wouldn't be the most difficult hike on the island, it sure wasn't an easy walk in the park. However, the experience of it was well worth it. First, the paved trail up towards the hike is a relatively easy walk. After walking along the trail for about 20 minutes, you'll see a sign on whale watching and that's where your journey will begin. From there, it's a steep, nearly straight climb down a bunch of rocks to the tidepools, which you'll see in plain sight once you reach this sign. Head down towards the left side of the sign, not the right side. We went down the wrong side at first and almost tapped out when we couldn't figure out how to get down to the tidepools. Although you're pretty high up, it should take you around 30 to 40 minutes to reach your destination. Take your time and be cautious. You'll be using your hands to hold on and maneuver yourself through loose rocks, some of which become quite hot as the day goes by. This hike has no shade so make sure you've doused yourself with plenty of sunscreen. Also, wear comfortable, closed toe shoes you can hike in. Once you reach the tidepools, it really is quite a breathtaking sight to see. The tidepools are incredibly refreshing to swim in, especially after a hike like that. There's even fish and sea urchins inside. Don't venture out too far or go swimming in the tidepools closest to the ocean as the incoming tide and waves can be dangerous. Also, I'd advise to wear flip flops or swim shoes when you go in, as some of the rocks can be sharp and slippery. Definitely worth the adventure if you're up for it. Just make sure you stay hydrated and remember, safety comes first!
You've GOT TO do this and see the true beauty of Hawai'i!! Wear your good hiking shoes and bring lots of water and snacks so you can enjoy the day down there. Though rocks weren't that sharp, I still recommend bringing your water shoes. I had goggles snd wow it was amazing how many fish were just swimming by and not even freaked out by humans. I think I took more good underwater photos here today than at Hanauma Bay. Hike path is marked in most spots coming up so it was fairly easy to see where to go. Going down not so much. Just look for path which tends to be lighter color thank the rest of the rocks. The water gets rough during high tide. Please be extremely careful if you're there during high tide and anytime you are hanging out in the outer edge pools. Do NOT stand at the very edge trying for that perfect shot. You will get swept away in the surge. You should look for the Makapu'u Tide Chart and try to get there right before low tide for the best fun. Bonus: there's a few small blow holes.
Reading other people reviews made it seem as if the trail was nearby from the parking lot, unless I parked in a different one. It was a crowded parking area that you walk through then there's a fork, a paved road going up and a dirt path going down. You want to take the paved road to the top as the dirt path will lead you to the beach. You walk on this paved road for about 15-20 minutes. You will pass by two rest sections that give info about birds and what not. On the third rest section, there is a sign that says "stay on trail, do not go off trail" or something like that, and that's where you start your descent down to the tide pools. Heading down the rocks to the tide pools can be very tricky and it is HIGHLY suggested to wear CLOSED toe shoes. It took us about 25 minutes to climb down the rocks. There are multiple ways to go down the hills and you'll start noticing someone has marked a path (more visible on your way up). Once you get to the bottom, there are a few tide pools for you to swim in. It is breathtaking and very salty. I recommend bringing water shoes so you won't cut your toes against the rocks or anything. There are a bunch of fishes and live sea creatures in the tide pools. Be careful of the waves that crash into the rocks and over flow the tide pools. It doesn't happen often but it does happen every so often that there is a big one. There was one that almost knocked a guy who happen to stand near the edge. Luckily he was not hurt. Going back up, look for the arrows that a kind person marked out. Definitely a place to check out. Exhausting (especially if you did Diamond Head or any other hike hours before).
Prepare to be wowed on this hike of a lifetime. Similar to other reviews, this hike isn't for the faint of heart of heart or a novice hiker. the first half to the tide pools you walk up lighthouse trail, fairly easy going and a nice uninterrupted view, enjoy the easy part while you can. At the 3rd lookout point, you're going to cut down to the tide pool trail; it's semi marked with some white spray paint and some arrows, but really just use your best judgement on what is the best choice for you. It's pretty rocky and has some loose scramble, so wear some real sneakers and take it slow. Once you get down the tide pools are incredible, there are some really awesome waves and blowholes as well, but be warned, do NOT get too close to the blow hole or open ocean, as this is a spot known to pull people out and get really badly hurt. But while exploring the tide pools, you'll see a lot of awesome little waterfalls, tropical fish and crabs, and maybe even an eel or two. Really something out of a postcard. Going back up is easier than going down, as you have a better view of the trail and the arrows are a bit more clear to help guide you up. You are gonna be on all fours at some points, so if you're bringing a pack, make sure it's a backpack. Parking is the same as lighthouse so pretty simple, make sure you don't leave any valuables in the car and I would recommend bringing a good amount of water and sunscreen up, but otherwise have fun and enjoy these epic views!
I really liked this place. Parking can be a bit challenging during peak times, but it is well worth the wait. Once you park, you have about a 5 to 10 minute walk down a rocky path. The path is pretty rough so you should wear some comfortable shoes. There are two things you need to be aware of before you get in the pool. First, the tide coming in and going out of the pool is very strong, hence the name Tidepool. I can see how someone can get swept out to the ocean when the tide is going out. The second thing you need to know is that the pool floor is lined with some rough rocks in certain places. My feet had small cuts and were sore for a few days. I highly recommend some aqua socks while in the pool. a little further out, just inside the mouth of the pool, people were cliff diving. It was cool so I had to give it a try, but I understood how dangerous that was. You should also bring some type of cover or shelter like an umbrella if you are going to spend any amount of time here so you can hang out on the beach and not burn. The place is very peaceful and calming. The views from here are breathtaking. I highly recommend visiting this spot. I could have easily spent a half a day here.
Let me break it down for you. 1. Wear shoes. Good shoes. There's a ton of loose rocks/gravel the whole way down, and my dinky water shoes were NOT enough. I felt all the rocks stabbing the bottoms of my feet the entire time. It was also bit slippery. Don't be foolish and wear slippers. Seriously. Just pack them with you. 2. Go slowly. The way down was harder than back up. In hindsight, good shoes would have made a big difference. My hands also go a little bit tore up from gripping the rocks to let myself down and pull myself up. 3. Go early. We went around 7 am and by the time we were finished, it started getting crowded. And HOT. If you want good photos at the bottom at the tidepools, it's best to not go into lunch time. 4. Bring water. Be prepared for the hike to take some time. For us, I think it took about 40 minutes going down (slowly) and 25 coming back up. Not too bad. It could've been faster with more grip but bottom line is--you don't want to run out. And obviously, there is no shade during the hike. You're going up/down a cliff. 5. Watch out for sea urchins in the tidepools. Also, watch out for high tide. Be smart. Check for high tide times and be careful. Overall, this is a hike I would definitely recommend. It's gorgeous and not too terribly long. The views along Makapu'u trail are incredible and it's also pretty breezy, being the East side.
This was an unforgetable experience. We came here on a Tuesday morning around 7am. This was a perfect time to go, not busy and not too hot yet. We were the only ones here at this time until we were on our way back up! One if the best things we did during our trip to Oahu! Once you reach the whale lookout point, you will see a small path to begin following to the tidepools. It took us at least 30 minutes to reach the bottom. I pushed myself to do this hike since I have slight fear of heights. It took us a shorter amount of time to get back up which got a bit challenging for me with the heights and sun beaming down. Look for the arrows on your way down and follow them in the opposite direction and then follow them correctly on your way back up! Wear shoes for this hike! Once at the tidepools, spend time enjoying the beauty. Be careful of slippery rock, bring water shoes in a bag and switch into them. Keep an eye out so you don't step on any sea urchins (I saw some in the water). Stay away from the front tidepools close to the ocean for safety. Take photos!! They turn out great here, instagram worthy! Don't forget to look up to left when facing the ocean and spot the lighthouse. A must do! Just be careful.
Wasn't hard to find the path down to the tide pools. Park at Makapuu lighthouse hiking trail. Walk up and around the first bend if I can recall and you'll see a way to cut through and down. From there, the path going down the mountain isn't well maintained like the hiking path. So travel down at your own pace. Even though the path is dry, you can still slip. Once down there, never go near the ledge by the ocean. Put all your stuff 100-150feet away. I put my phone near me by the tide pools on a sunny not rough day. It took one random big wave and bye bye phone, or 911 I need a rice bag stat!
I went here for the first time last year for my 'land whale' themed college graduation photo shoot and we were goofing off too much here lol. My shots came out pretty decent but my friend couldn't stop taking pictures of my ugly angles and there was maybe a few decent shots haha. Getting down to the tide pools was kinda hard and your legs will feel like jelly when you reach the bottom but its cool to relax your leg muscles when you take a nice dip. I'd say getting down probably took my squad 25-35 minutes since were beginner hikers. Going up is more tiring so it probably took us 35-40 minutes so please make sure your knees are in good shape! **Story time** There was this bigger couple who took maybe 1 hour+ to get down and the guy's knees were very shaky and took frequent 5 minute breaks but they eventually got down. But when they were going back up it took even longer and they were only 1/4 to the top. So they eventually had to call 911 and the guy may of been air lifted out of there. *** Anyway, I recommend bringing swimming flippers or sports shoes because the rocks here are pretty sharp and I got cut a couple of times when I was swimming around the tide pools. The waves are strong here so please be careful to not turn your back on the ocean because a lot of the tourist here got their arms, back, and feet sliced.... Fun hike but please be cautious :) -Janel Tagalicud
1 year ago
To get here map out Makapu'u light house. There is a lot of parking. You can do the regular hike in flip flops since it is paved- but for your safety you should wear sneakers for the tide-pools. Head up the paved hike. 2/3rds of the way up and the 3rd look out is the entrance to the tide-pools. Veer left once you enter and follow the directions markers. Some nice person has spray painted the way look for these to ensure you're going the correct way. There are some loose rocks so be careful. The view of the ocean is beautiful and the tide-pools get closer as you creep down. This is one of those hikes that stay with you and you will never forget. You will be swimming with the fish in the tide-pools as the ocean is splashing as you are safely tucked in the tide pool. This hike is truly magical. read more
pls be cautious !! i've heard lots of incidents occur here especially during high tide seasons and the climb ascending down is really dangerous... which is why i had to do it before i'm old hahaha albeit it was so fun and an unforgettable experience for me. read more
An amazing experience. Make sure you go at low tide! It can be dangerous if not. The fish were giant and colorful. Water shoes would have been helpful, there were a lot of spiny urchins. Took an hour or so to get down since we weren't wearing proper footwear. Once you are there you forget about how long it took to get down. Much faster making it back up! read more
1 year ago
The tide pools were so pretty and nice for a swim, but to be honest I'd much rather go to a beach. There's only two real large pools you can swim in. Otherwise, the hike down is extremely difficult. I am in my early twenties and able bodied but I still struggled with this. If you are not up for a HIKE then maybe pick somewhere else. It was cool but I don't know if it was totally worth the way down/up. If you take the bus, the path there is quite longer than the paved path. Anyways, cool but the Rocky Mountain you have to climb down is crazy read more
1 year ago
Starting from the parking lot for Makapu'u Lighthouse, you hike up a paved road and will have to diverge off the side of the cliff. This is the shortest path but probably the hardest and I wouldn't recommend doing this if you're not prepared. I managed to do it in flip flops but it was tough. It probably took a solid half hour slowly going down the cliff, just trying to figure out the path since there isn't really one established. Someone did make markings with white paint you can follow but it's not always clear. But once you're at the bottom, the tide pools are beautiful! There's a ton of fish and the pools are actually deep enough to swim in. Some people had brought floaties and were just chilling in the pools. There's also some blowholes further away from the pools. Be careful because they caught us off guard and some of us got soaked! The hike back up was tough because it's essentially stairs but faster because it was easier to see the path. My only regret was starting this hike later and not as prepared. I wish we had more time to spend down at the tide pools and we had brought like snacks or swim trunks to go into the water. read more
I wore shoes since climbing up and down sharp rocks didn't seem like the best idea in slippers. There's white paint on rocks that guide you in the general direction, but go the way you find easiest. Also be very careful not to go towards the edge because the waves will crash and draw you into the water (someone actually died a week before). read more
1 year ago
6 years ago
Underrated spot! When we went, it seemed like a vast majority (more than 90%) were heading up toward the lighthouse, when the arguably more interesting tide pools are down the rocky path. Right at the start, you just follow the rocky road downward. It's not much of a hike as there is a very defined path that gently slopes, but would recommend sturdy shoes. I wore sneakers and some of the rocks in the path ended up being a bit uncomfortable for my feet. Once you get down the rock path, you'll see the tide pools. These are home to a vast array of different creatures. We saw crabs, small fish, coral, as well as very photo-worthy waves! There are also places where it's safe to swim. Will definitely recommend as a must see in O'ahu!! read more
7 years ago
Word of warning, the hike down to the Makapu'u Tidepools is no joke. Maybe everyone else just happens to be in amazing shape while I have the endurance of a potato, but the steep and rocky climb down and up was dare I say, challenging. While this wouldn't be the most difficult hike on the island, it sure wasn't an easy walk in the park. However, the experience of it was well worth it. First, the paved trail up towards the hike is a relatively easy walk. After walking along the trail for about 20 minutes, you'll see a sign on whale watching and that's where your journey will begin. From there, it's a steep, nearly straight climb down a bunch of rocks to the tidepools, which you'll see in plain sight once you reach this sign. Head down towards the left side of the sign, not the right side. We went down the wrong side at first and almost tapped out when we couldn't figure out how to get down to the tidepools. Although you're pretty high up, it should take you around 30 to 40 minutes to reach your destination. Take your time and be cautious. You'll be using your hands to hold on and maneuver yourself through loose rocks, some of which become quite hot as the day goes by. This hike has no shade so make sure you've doused yourself with plenty of sunscreen. Also, wear comfortable, closed toe shoes you can hike in. Once you reach the tidepools, it really is quite a breathtaking sight to see. The tidepools are incredibly refreshing to swim in, especially after a hike like that. There's even fish and sea urchins inside. Don't venture out too far or go swimming in the tidepools closest to the ocean as the incoming tide and waves can be dangerous. Also, I'd advise to wear flip flops or swim shoes when you go in, as some of the rocks can be sharp and slippery. Definitely worth the adventure if you're up for it. Just make sure you stay hydrated and remember, safety comes first! read more
You've GOT TO do this and see the true beauty of Hawai'i!! Wear your good hiking shoes and bring lots of water and snacks so you can enjoy the day down there. Though rocks weren't that sharp, I still recommend bringing your water shoes. I had goggles snd wow it was amazing how many fish were just swimming by and not even freaked out by humans. I think I took more good underwater photos here today than at Hanauma Bay. Hike path is marked in most spots coming up so it was fairly easy to see where to go. Going down not so much. Just look for path which tends to be lighter color thank the rest of the rocks. The water gets rough during high tide. Please be extremely careful if you're there during high tide and anytime you are hanging out in the outer edge pools. Do NOT stand at the very edge trying for that perfect shot. You will get swept away in the surge. You should look for the Makapu'u Tide Chart and try to get there right before low tide for the best fun. Bonus: there's a few small blow holes. read more
Reading other people reviews made it seem as if the trail was nearby from the parking lot, unless I parked in a different one. It was a crowded parking area that you walk through then there's a fork, a paved road going up and a dirt path going down. You want to take the paved road to the top as the dirt path will lead you to the beach. You walk on this paved road for about 15-20 minutes. You will pass by two rest sections that give info about birds and what not. On the third rest section, there is a sign that says "stay on trail, do not go off trail" or something like that, and that's where you start your descent down to the tide pools. Heading down the rocks to the tide pools can be very tricky and it is HIGHLY suggested to wear CLOSED toe shoes. It took us about 25 minutes to climb down the rocks. There are multiple ways to go down the hills and you'll start noticing someone has marked a path (more visible on your way up). Once you get to the bottom, there are a few tide pools for you to swim in. It is breathtaking and very salty. I recommend bringing water shoes so you won't cut your toes against the rocks or anything. There are a bunch of fishes and live sea creatures in the tide pools. Be careful of the waves that crash into the rocks and over flow the tide pools. It doesn't happen often but it does happen every so often that there is a big one. There was one that almost knocked a guy who happen to stand near the edge. Luckily he was not hurt. Going back up, look for the arrows that a kind person marked out. Definitely a place to check out. Exhausting (especially if you did Diamond Head or any other hike hours before). read more
6 years ago
Prepare to be wowed on this hike of a lifetime. Similar to other reviews, this hike isn't for the faint of heart of heart or a novice hiker. the first half to the tide pools you walk up lighthouse trail, fairly easy going and a nice uninterrupted view, enjoy the easy part while you can. At the 3rd lookout point, you're going to cut down to the tide pool trail; it's semi marked with some white spray paint and some arrows, but really just use your best judgement on what is the best choice for you. It's pretty rocky and has some loose scramble, so wear some real sneakers and take it slow. Once you get down the tide pools are incredible, there are some really awesome waves and blowholes as well, but be warned, do NOT get too close to the blow hole or open ocean, as this is a spot known to pull people out and get really badly hurt. But while exploring the tide pools, you'll see a lot of awesome little waterfalls, tropical fish and crabs, and maybe even an eel or two. Really something out of a postcard. Going back up is easier than going down, as you have a better view of the trail and the arrows are a bit more clear to help guide you up. You are gonna be on all fours at some points, so if you're bringing a pack, make sure it's a backpack. Parking is the same as lighthouse so pretty simple, make sure you don't leave any valuables in the car and I would recommend bringing a good amount of water and sunscreen up, but otherwise have fun and enjoy these epic views! read more
I really liked this place. Parking can be a bit challenging during peak times, but it is well worth the wait. Once you park, you have about a 5 to 10 minute walk down a rocky path. The path is pretty rough so you should wear some comfortable shoes. There are two things you need to be aware of before you get in the pool. First, the tide coming in and going out of the pool is very strong, hence the name Tidepool. I can see how someone can get swept out to the ocean when the tide is going out. The second thing you need to know is that the pool floor is lined with some rough rocks in certain places. My feet had small cuts and were sore for a few days. I highly recommend some aqua socks while in the pool. a little further out, just inside the mouth of the pool, people were cliff diving. It was cool so I had to give it a try, but I understood how dangerous that was. You should also bring some type of cover or shelter like an umbrella if you are going to spend any amount of time here so you can hang out on the beach and not burn. The place is very peaceful and calming. The views from here are breathtaking. I highly recommend visiting this spot. I could have easily spent a half a day here. read more
Let me break it down for you. 1. Wear shoes. Good shoes. There's a ton of loose rocks/gravel the whole way down, and my dinky water shoes were NOT enough. I felt all the rocks stabbing the bottoms of my feet the entire time. It was also bit slippery. Don't be foolish and wear slippers. Seriously. Just pack them with you. 2. Go slowly. The way down was harder than back up. In hindsight, good shoes would have made a big difference. My hands also go a little bit tore up from gripping the rocks to let myself down and pull myself up. 3. Go early. We went around 7 am and by the time we were finished, it started getting crowded. And HOT. If you want good photos at the bottom at the tidepools, it's best to not go into lunch time. 4. Bring water. Be prepared for the hike to take some time. For us, I think it took about 40 minutes going down (slowly) and 25 coming back up. Not too bad. It could've been faster with more grip but bottom line is--you don't want to run out. And obviously, there is no shade during the hike. You're going up/down a cliff. 5. Watch out for sea urchins in the tidepools. Also, watch out for high tide. Be smart. Check for high tide times and be careful. Overall, this is a hike I would definitely recommend. It's gorgeous and not too terribly long. The views along Makapu'u trail are incredible and it's also pretty breezy, being the East side. read more
This was an unforgetable experience. We came here on a Tuesday morning around 7am. This was a perfect time to go, not busy and not too hot yet. We were the only ones here at this time until we were on our way back up! One if the best things we did during our trip to Oahu! Once you reach the whale lookout point, you will see a small path to begin following to the tidepools. It took us at least 30 minutes to reach the bottom. I pushed myself to do this hike since I have slight fear of heights. It took us a shorter amount of time to get back up which got a bit challenging for me with the heights and sun beaming down. Look for the arrows on your way down and follow them in the opposite direction and then follow them correctly on your way back up! Wear shoes for this hike! Once at the tidepools, spend time enjoying the beauty. Be careful of slippery rock, bring water shoes in a bag and switch into them. Keep an eye out so you don't step on any sea urchins (I saw some in the water). Stay away from the front tidepools close to the ocean for safety. Take photos!! They turn out great here, instagram worthy! Don't forget to look up to left when facing the ocean and spot the lighthouse. A must do! Just be careful. read more
Wasn't hard to find the path down to the tide pools. Park at Makapuu lighthouse hiking trail. Walk up and around the first bend if I can recall and you'll see a way to cut through and down. From there, the path going down the mountain isn't well maintained like the hiking path. So travel down at your own pace. Even though the path is dry, you can still slip. Once down there, never go near the ledge by the ocean. Put all your stuff 100-150feet away. I put my phone near me by the tide pools on a sunny not rough day. It took one random big wave and bye bye phone, or 911 I need a rice bag stat! read more
I went here for the first time last year for my 'land whale' themed college graduation photo shoot and we were goofing off too much here lol. My shots came out pretty decent but my friend couldn't stop taking pictures of my ugly angles and there was maybe a few decent shots haha. Getting down to the tide pools was kinda hard and your legs will feel like jelly when you reach the bottom but its cool to relax your leg muscles when you take a nice dip. I'd say getting down probably took my squad 25-35 minutes since were beginner hikers. Going up is more tiring so it probably took us 35-40 minutes so please make sure your knees are in good shape! **Story time** There was this bigger couple who took maybe 1 hour+ to get down and the guy's knees were very shaky and took frequent 5 minute breaks but they eventually got down. But when they were going back up it took even longer and they were only 1/4 to the top. So they eventually had to call 911 and the guy may of been air lifted out of there. *** Anyway, I recommend bringing swimming flippers or sports shoes because the rocks here are pretty sharp and I got cut a couple of times when I was swimming around the tide pools. The waves are strong here so please be careful to not turn your back on the ocean because a lot of the tourist here got their arms, back, and feet sliced.... Fun hike but please be cautious :) -Janel Tagalicud read more
This review is only referring to the offshoot, unpaved trail to the tidepools. Pros: beautiful tidepools, fun, hike/climb/swim Cons: very hot in the afternoon, no shades, can get slippery, trail unmarked - The Hike: This was my second hike in the day after Koko Head and I enjoyed the hike itself (not the view) more than Koko. Lots of climbing which makes the hike fun and interesting. The route is not always clear because it's pretty much a big open space with multiple ways to reach the tidepools, but someome was nice enough to mark it with arrows to guide you on the way back to the top (not sure if or when it'll fade). It's not too difficult but you need to have some physical endurance for it and be prepared to climb. Also, wear good shoes because when you get closer to the tidepools it can be slippery. Also you might get wet from the splashed water if you go too close to the tidepools. There were also strong winds in certain areas. - The weather: The weather makes a huge difference because there are virtually no shades anywhere. I went in the afternoon when it was really, really hot. It's very important to bring WATER and if possible bring more than you think you'd need. - The crowd: Not super crowded. I think most people or families with kids focus on the main trail. I did not see any kids on the trail unlike at other touristy hikes. - The view: Spectacular. Worth the efforts. Water was super clear. Watching splashing water against the rock was super satisfying. - Parking: Pretty easy to find and I went during the holidays. Will I do this hike again? Absolutely, but probably in the morning and bring more water. read more
WHO HIKES IN SLIPPERS?!?! I did. Was it the smartest choice? NOPE. But the reward was worth it. Not alot of people have the balls to go down to the tide pools or don't know how to get to the tide pools. Hike up the paved trail and then veer off when you see the whale sign. You think to yourself... are you sure we are allowed to do this? where's the path? there is no path, make your own way down the rocks. I'll say, don't wear slippers. It was fine going down but climbing the rocks and no back foot support really sucked. We reached the tide pools and picked the prettiest one. The prettiest one has alot of sealife on the rocks so be careful not to get stung by any of the sea creatures. You can go to the other smaller tide pools that aren't as pretty and be safe and not get stung by anything. 1. Cannon Ball into the tide pool 2. Swim in the tide pool 3. Find sea cucumbers and throw it at your friends (HAHAHA) Good times. read more
6 years ago
Have you ever watched a discovery documentary and went "wow" how far in the world do I have to travel to see that ? This place is it, right in your own backyard. I'll start off by saying the view and sound of the water is definitely breath taking. The hike is half way through the lighthouse hike. Maybe takes total 45 minutes total from the start to get to the actual tide pools. There are few pools that you can actually relax in at a safe distance. But over all it is a must see view and experience! - As always, keep the adventure going and I'll see you next time ! read more
7 years ago
The somewhat dangerous hike down the rocky mountainside was 100% worth it!! Even though it was a holiday weekend there was still plenty of parking available. To get to the Tidepools it's about a 20-30 minute leisurely hike on a paved road/trail. The paved trail is immediately followed by a somewhat treacherous climb down the rocky mountainside. The trail is right next to the whale watching spot with the binocular stations. On the way back up look out for the white or blue spray painted guides. I recommend hiking with your hands fully free. Put everything you need in a bag or backpack so you can safely navigate up and down. read more
Beautiful!!! Can't believe it took us two years before we finally went down to the tide pools. They're not the type of tide pools I am used to that are 12 inches deep. These pools are deep (2-8 feet deep) with fish that appear to live there year round. I swam and snorkeled in three of the pools. The best is on the right (as you're looking down on the pools from the trail) and actually has waves coming in and out all the time so it's not really a pool. That one had crystal clear water and lots of fishies. The others are clear too and have fish; just not as crystal clear. We loved it here so much that we went twice this holiday weekend. Both times we were on the lighthouse trail by 0815 to avoid the heat/sun and huge crowds of people. And both times we got to the pools there were only two others there already! Quite easy to go down but the lesson learned is head down from the left side of the scenic overlook -- not the right side that we did our first time. Yes, we made it down, but it took longer and the trail wasn't as direct. Just head down from the left and kinda keep veering left. The trail is well worn and as others mentioned, there are white arrows painted to guide you UP. Keep your eyes open for these as you're going down and you'll know you're on the right path. Should take 15-20 minutes up/down if you're following the trail and just keep going. And don't forget the Dragon's Nostrils. You have to be patient to catch 'em squirting, but it's pretty neat to see. And they're loud as the air is pushed through the vents. Love, love, love this place. read more
This place is awesome!! Be sure to wear shoes and bring a backpack if you're bringing things. I had a hard time carrying things down in flip flops but otherwise it's a very easy way down and up IF you are used to off trail hikings and somewhat rock climbings. If you're not used to off trail hikings I highly recommend you come mentally and physically prepared to get down and dirty and bring lots of water. It was a very easy hike for me, but saw my friends (that don't hike much, or at all) struggle so much to realize that this is not for everyone. But if you're willing to work hard for it, there is a very rewarding experience waiting for you at the bottom! read more
A fellow Elite invited me to join her small group to hike here. Because it was a new trail I jumped at the opportunity. Going hiking and you know where you're going? I'm in!!!!!!! This trail breaks away from Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail. You park at the same place and go up the trail until you reach lookout with the Whale information/display. You hike down the path all the way and you'll reach to the tidepools. Going down this hill is very challenging. It is very rocky and you need to take precaution on your journey down. On slip and falling on sharp, jagged rocks could lead to major injury. I REPEAT - - please be careful if you decide to hike down this trail to the tidepools!!! It's great to have fun but SAFETY comes first peeps!!! It is advisable to check when it's low tide so you get to enjoy the tidepools. The scenery here is breathtaking and it's cool to check out the marine life in the tidepools. You will also encounter "The Dragon's Nostrils" as a pair of blowholes will burst out streams of water into the air! You may want to bring along your bathing suit and beach towel as this is a great place to go into the water. However, keep in mind that when the waters are rough with strong currents you can be swept into the ocean so you need to take precaution. Going back up is also a challenge. Please be careful with your steps and footing because a fall and/or slip can lead to major injury. During our hike up and down, a few of us got minor scrapes and scratches from the jagged rocks. We did bleed but it wasn't that serious. Overall, a very rewarding hike on a nice day with great and dry weather. NOTES: 1) Don't come down here when it's raining or the trail is wet. 2) Wear a hat or cap and apply sunscreen. You're fully exposed and can get sunburned very easily. 3) Don't hike alone. This trail is not heavily traveled going down. 4) There are NO trash bins at the tidepools. Please be responsible citizens and clean up after your mess. It was sad to see garbage here and there. read more
7 years ago
Just a few minutes away from Koko Head, the Makapu'u Tidepools are one of the nicest natural environments Oahu has to offer! It starts with an easy climb towards the lighthouse on a paved road. Once you get to a the mid section, there is a rocky climb down the cliff. The cliff is marked with orange dots and arrows to follow so it's easier to climb up and down. The tide pool itself isn't as deep as I thought it would be and the water isn't as cold. But be aware, the rocks inside the water are very slippery. I had a great time overall and would love to come again! read more
Do not underestimate this hike like I did my first time, lol! My friend & I hiked this for the very first time a few years back & we should have turned back immediately with our slippers hahaha! We decided one day after hiking koko head that we'd check out Makapu'u Tidepools. We were like "ahhhh! It'll be easy! Just wear our cute little dresses & our slippers should get us there." Long story short, I ended up with one less slipper than I arrived with! Good times. But seriously, don't underestimate this hike. Super steep ways down & the heat can get unbearable if you aren't prepared. This is definitely not a hike for children under the age of 6-7 unless you really trust them. I wouldn't advise going on this hike if you're afraid of heights either. If none of that freaks you out, then continue on because the end result is AMAZING. The Tidepools are absolutely breathtaking. Make sure to bring sun screen, lots of water, and a good pair of shoes to get you up & down that treacherous mountain! I assure you that the view is more than worth it. Be very careful on this hike & have fun!! read more
12 years ago
This hike may not be for everyone. For the experienced hiker this may bore you a bit and perhaps for the novice hiker, this would be an adventure in itself to hike down the face of a mountain to wonderful, cool tidepools. It is not advisable (IMHO) to bring school aged or toddler children on this hike. To get there: -Park as if you are going up to the Makapu'u Lighthouse -Hike up towards Makapu'u Lighthouse but as soon as you get to the info signage about whales (hike up to this point is completely paved). - Hike begins beyond the sign. The actual hike down consists of carefully navigating your way down jagged rocks and ledges all awhile staying balanced and eyeing what you are holding onto. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone squeamish of heights and anyone with coordination or balancing issues. Always be sure that what you are going to step on is solid and not going to crumble under your weight. There are WHITE ARROWS that will direct you which direction to go. There is absolutely no shade so be sure to lather up on skin protection and perhaps wear a hat to keep the sun out of your eyes on the way back up. Trust the arrows and don't venture on your own if you've never done this trail before. I cannot stress enough that one bad misstep could lead to some serious injuries! I tend to err of the side of safety first and will always be overcautious and responsible in reviewing hikes I've done. The tidepools are absolutely refreshing and cold!! But then again, scaling down the mountainside is pure heat and having that fresh seawater hit your skin is shocking at first but then your body acclimates to it and you'll wish you'd stayed longer once you begin your trek back up. As usual, never turn your back on the ocean and always be aware of the waves. The water is unbelievably crystal clear and the tidepools vary in depth and sizes. Hiking down I was able to pack a pair of water shoes so those came in really handy when it came to getting into the water. The rocks are extremely sharp and I can't imagine scaling the mountain back up with a bleeding foot or toe. Words do not suffice to describe the feeling of pure joy of being in complete natural beauty. Truly, I am blessed to call Hawaii home. Hiking up the mountain was easier (IMHO). Again, follow the arrows and make sure your footholds are solid and that what you are holding onto is equally solid and not crumbly. Again, stressing to trust the arrows and follow that route versus creating your own (you just might end up at a "dead end" with no safe footings or holds). Overall a fun trail if you like a tinge of danger mixed with adventure. This isn't for children or anyone carrying a baby. I wouldn't recommend this to novice hikers either - it takes a bit of stamina to complete the hike down and up. read more
I hiked the Makapu'u Lighthouse trail many times as a kid. Even more times the past year or so. Every time I wanted to check out the Tidepools but the water looked rough. This visit the weather and water was ideal to make it down. The hike: The start of the trail is at the strong current sign next to the two binoculars. You can see the tide pools from that spot. Takes about 5-7 mins to the bottom. Follow the chalk arrows to the tide pools. No climbing to do. Just take your time. Loose rocks all over the place. The pools: Avoid the first one. Stagnant, murky water. Make your way to the two besides it. Very clear water and a nice cooling effect after hiking down. No snorkel needed. Enjoy a relaxing bath and enjoy the mist of the sea. Fish and sealife all over the place. Not many people make it down there so most times you're there by yourself or with a few people. Warnings: Place your keys and belongings in a place safe from rogue random waves. The pools can fill up and overflow without warning. Don't hang out near the tide pool edge closest to the open ocean. You risk being hit by random waves or being swept away. Rocks around he pools may be slippery at times. If the conditions are right make your way down there and cool off for a bit. read more
Another short easy hike (30 minutes round trip) off the Makapuu Light house trail brings you to the tide pools. It's flat dusty walking all the way and once you reach the tide pools, the slippery lava rocks can be tricky to navigate. We saw crabs, tiny fish and itty bitty seashells ... And a bunch of folks fishing off the rocks though how they got out that far I can only imagine, ouch! Sand seems coarser here but it's a nice beach to walk the dogs (saw a lot of dogs enjoying a salty dip in the ocean) and enjoy the sight of frothy waves rolling in. read more
Honestly the Tidepools are absolutely worth coming to see! If you want to have a safe and good time you need to respect the ocean and respect nature a.k.a Hawaii! To get to the Tidepools you must take a short bit steep walk up towards the lighthouse and once you reach the humpback whale sign, slowly start climbing down on the loose lava rocks to get to the Tidepools. Dress as if you are actually going on a hike, I saw too many people worrying about looking good compared to being safe and comfortable, wear tennis shoes with strong grip, bring workout gloves to protect your palms on the sharp rocks, pack a backpack with plenty of water, bring water shoes so not to cut your feet in the water, and last watch the waves and be cautious, I saw a lot of people worrying more about having a nice picture and posing to the edge of the tide pools almost being swept away by waves. We read up on what items to bring and we had an amazing time swimming and relaxing in the beautiful Tidepools, take your time climbing down the rocks and don't rush, if you need a break take one, after being in the heat and getting jello legs it's worth getting pictures and being in a secluded like pool. I'm so glad I got a chance to visit this beautiful spot. We also got lucky and found plenty of parking. Be safe, be prepared and have fun! read more
7 years ago
To get to the beginning part of this trail you need to hike a little up the makapuu light house trail. Once you reach the whale watch information board, that's where the trail begins. From there, you need to go down the mountain to get to the tidepools. Going down, was not so bad. I recommend you have good hiking/reef shoes and possibly some gloves because you seriously need to hold onto some rocks to keep you from tumbling down the mountain. If you have no gloves, your hands will probably feel like it's sunburned afterwards. (Mines did.) The tidepools though is amazing! Clear waters, which makes it a great place to snorkel and see the pretty fishies below. My friends and I ventured a little past the tidepools to this one spot where there was a huge tidepool but not recommendable for swimming because there were a lot of Wana(sea urchins) between the rocks. Although, it was a great place to capture some nice photos on the reefs :) I really loved this hiking adventure down to the tidepools. A nice place to dip into the water and their is even a blow hole where you can capture a nice photo of. So much photo opps that you can take of the fishies, adventure, and selfies! Lol you'll love it. I must say though, the hike back up the mountain was rough. It was the hardest part for me after spending so many hours down there in the hot sun. So be prepared. read more
It's a hella of hike down and well worth it. Once you're down there, Dragon's nostrils are on your left. The tide pools are on the right. Absolutely gorgeous scenic photo opportunities. Going back up is kinda tough if you're out of shape, so take your time and be careful. Follow the white faded arrows to lead you back up to the main road. read more
10 years ago
This place is amazing!! The pools are beautiful and clear and give you an extremely close up look to sea creatures. I saw people swimming in the pools but I couldn't bring myself to do it; felt like a giant destroying little creatures home. Despite not getting into the water, it was an awesome place to explore. Directions: - Park at the light house trail parking lot - Walk the paved path until you reach the fist set of binoculars (approximately 0.8 miles) - Take the downhill trail towards the tide pools; make sure you have two free hands for balance and safety - Enjoy tide pools!!! - On the way up, look for white arrows and follow them; it definitely makes going back up much less painful than it could be I do not recommend this trail for small children... it's a doozy getting down the hill and I hike A LOT; but everyone else enjoy!! read more
Wear slippers they said, it'll be easy they said.... I definitely do not recommend slippers. Wear shoes and bring slippers to change into. This journey starts at the beginning of the Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail. Go up the paved road until you reach a rock wall with some standing binoculars you can look through. From there you will start your trek down to the tide pools. Again, I recommend shoes going down to the tide pools. Be careful as there are a lot of loose rocks. I wore slippers and going back up my slipper broke. When you get to the tide pools, it's absolutely breathtaking. The water is so clear and beautiful. Please do be careful when you go into the tide pools, don't go to the edges as the crashing waves are strong and will pull you in easily. There are also wana that are hidden in the rocks. Overall, I give the hike 4 stars and the tide pools a definite 5 stars. I would definitely come back again! read more
"Life is either a great adventure or nothing." - Helen Keller It was my first time to take on that exploration. Walked up the path toward Makapuu Lighthouse and midway there, there will be a sign and some binocular stands. There will be a trail to travel down to the tide pools. The trail down is rocky and slippery. Be careful and hold on. It takes about 30 minutes or less to travel down. Always make sure to check if it's low tide or high tide. It can be dangerous when the water splashes. Taking pictures at the tide pool is so beautiful! There are little fishes swimming in there. Amazing! Go really early and you get the pools all to yourself! Just how we like it! When hiking back up, there are arrows directing you to the right way. A little bit more tough but you'll make it. I went there a few months ago so I don't know how the trail is like now or how the water level is. When I recently walked Makapuu lighthouse trail, there was a warning sign. So just be aware. read more
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More info about Makapu'u Tidepools
Makapuu Lighthouse Rd
Waimanalo, HI 96795
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Ask the Community - Makapu'u Tidepools
Are the trails open?
Is this good for kids? Planning to have my 2 y/o in my back! Note: not talking about Makapu'u…
I personally wouldn't as there's a lot of loose rocks and it can be easy to lose your footing. I slipped and almost fell a couple times on my way down, albeit I wasn't wearing hiking shoes/sandals..
How high up is it? I am somewhat scared of heights, just concerned if I can do this.
It's a fairly steep climb but it's got lots of switchbacks.
Review Highlights - Makapu'u Tidepools
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