The Makapu'u Tidepools

I've done this hike about four times and each time it takes around 2-3 hours depending on how long we've chosen to stay at the pools.

The trail starts at the Makapu'u Lighthouse Trailhead. There is parking all along the trailhead. Usually there are plenty of people hiking the Lighthouse trail that aren't headed to the pools that you will see along the way. The trail itself is a newly paved road that goes all the way to the Lighthouse lookout. It's a nice uphill walk with great views of the southeast side of the island. There are some great scenic spots along the trail where you can see the ocean 180+ degrees on your horizon.

The way up is a steady uphill incline but isn't too bad. If you like a challenge you can always run it. It doesn't take long to hike up to your decent point which starts past the bend where the "Warning" signs are on the right. There is a stone barrier and you can see a trail leading down the mountain side on the left of the stone barrier. You know you're in the right spot because to the right there is a small peak on the mountain and if you look closely there is a cement bunker up there.

Hiking up to these signs is pretty short, what makes the hike a little long is the maneuvering down the mountain that now takes place.

The trail on the way down isn't set in stone and a lot of people end up taking different ways down the mountain. You'll see a lot of white arrows spray painted on the rocks which are a huge help when you're climbing back up. I highly recommend bringing snacks, they help with giving you energy for the way back up.

On the weekends this place is very crowded - especially if it's sunny (as seen from one of the pictures). But if you go during the week you can catch it less crowded and maybe even get the pools to yourself! Always the best.

When it hits high tide the waves crash in the pools (both of them) but if you hit it at low tide you're sure to get calm waters. Great spot and you can even see the light house from there!

Also you're already so close that after you hit the pools you might as well climb to the summit and check out the view because it is gorgeous.