It's not uncommon for hikers to take the Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail and not realize that they've stumbled upon a veritable marine life gold mine. And by this, we mean a true haven for shallow water and beach-dwelling creatures, particularly those which enjoy tide pools. Another thing many people don't realize is that this trail leads to one of the prettiest places in Oahu - at least, according to those who have been there.
The tide pools one can find on the Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail are unique to the Pacific, as well as unique to Hawaii. The rocky, craggy cliffside that line the beach also makes the perfect setting for shallow and deep tide pools.
How To Find The Makapu'u Lighthouse Tide Pools
There are multiple ways to reach the tide pools at the Makapu'u Lighthouse but both involve a trek down to the beach. The first way is the simplest and the more common route, and it's also the one suggested for newcomers.
Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail
Hikers can follow this (paved) trail from the trailhead near the parking lot. After parking, it will take hikers about 30 minutes to make it from their cars down to the bottom of the trail; though it's paved, it's still rated as 'intermediate' according to Oahu Hike.
The trail starts out fairly easy and will lead hikers past multiple rest stops. At the third rest stop, they'll notice signs with details about whale-watching, which is also a popular wildlife-centered activity at the lighthouse. From this third sign, hikers will begin the downward hike that leads to the bottom of the beach and its tide pools. This is the part of the trail that hikers should be cautious of, as it gets noticeably rougher.
- Caution: Hikers should be wary of loose rocks that can move underfoot on the final descent of the trail.
At the bottom, hikers will be greeted by lava rock formations and tide pools teeming with life.
- Tip: Hikers should arrive at the trailhead early because the parking lot is known to fill up quickly, especially since it's a heavily trafficked trail.
What You'll See At The Makapu'u Tide Pools
The unique thing about the Makapu'u Lighthouse Tide Pools is that they can be found with water reaching a depth of several inches, or water that's deep enough to wade or even swim in. Visitors to the tide pools should be cautious about getting too close to those on the side of the ocean, though, as ocean swells can overwhelm a beach-goer and cause them to lose their footing.
It's recommended that good shoes are worn when visiting the tide pools, as well (beach shoes are great here!) due to the rocky nature of the lava rocks. Within the tide pools, hikers will be rewarded with creatures such as sea stars, various crab species, and even small fish that have gotten caught between the tide change.
- Be Aware: Visitors to the tide pools should avoid touching any marine life they find swimming inside. The ecosystem in the Pacific is fragile, and even more so when it comes to small areas such as tide pools. Look, but don't touch!
Can You Snorkel At The Makapu'u Lighthouse Tide Pools?
Yes! Many of the tide pools are deep enough for people to wade into and snorkel, if they choose. It's not uncommon for visitors to bring snorkel gear such as goggles so they have a clear view of the pool straight down to the bottom. This is a great way to see bottom-dwelling creatures such as hermit crabs and other shellfish, as well as smaller fish that might hover toward the bottom for camouflage.
Keep An Eye Out For Blowholes
Visitors walking among the tide pools might be surprised to see that it's also home to several blowholes. Depending on the tide, these can shoot out geyser-like streams of water when the current brings the tide in due to pressure beneath the surface. This makes for a unique and dynamic landscape in which to explore - and certainly makes for a good surprise when it comes to anyone who might not be expecting it! If the tide is high and these geysers seem to be forcing out quite a lot of water, that's also a pretty good indication of how strong the currents are just past the tide pools - wade with caution.
Visiting Oahu's Makapu'u Lighthouse Tide Pools is an experience that's perfect for nature lovers, hikers, and anyone with an appreciation for the wildlife along the Pacific Coast. Hawaii's marine life is colorful, vibrant, and one-of-a-kind and visitors can observe much of it in Oahu's tide pools.