I recently took my son on his first hike. For him, I chose the Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail for the magnificent views of Oahu’s windward coast. It’s also paved, which made it easy for me, him, and his stroller (when he needed it).
Lighthouse
Kauai’s Historic Kilauea Point Lighthouse and National Wildlife Refuge
After you pay the meager $5 entrance fee, begin the short, quarter-mile walk to Kilauea Lighthouse. It’s been closed for restoration for some time now, but it’s back open for the public to enjoy. This would be my first time back in ten years.
Bird’s-Eye View From The Makapuu Bunkers
Lazy Saturday, means lazy hiking day. And in Hawaii, it doesn’t get any lazier than the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail. It’s paved all the way up to the lookout. However, there are a couple of exciting variations to Makapuu. The last time that Exploration: Hawaii was up there, we had the very unique and rare opportunity to visit the inside of the lighthouse, and then took a backside route to Pele’s Chair. It was spectacular, and we even unleashed the Animal Heads Super Team to the world.
Exploring The Inside of The Makapuu Lighthouse
The closest that most people get to the Makapuu Lighthouse is a distant view from the nearby Makapuu Lighthouse Lookout at the end of the paved trail. A few risk takers find ways to bypass the locked gates to get a close-up view of the old lighthouse. Only a handful of people have access to the inside of Makapuu Lighthouse. The lighthouse keeper and the maintenance crew are a part of that handful. Exploration: Hawaii was granted an opportunity to visit the lighthouse, go inside of it, and get up-close-and-personal with the bulbs that light it.
A Sunrise Hike to the Makapu’u Lighthouse Lookout
The Makapu’u Lighthouse trail offers some of the most breathtaking views that the island of Oahu has to offer. Located on the southern most part of the island, Makapu’u is home to the Makapu’u Lighthouse which was established in 1909. The paved trail is perfect for those looking for a quick not-to-strenuous hike and is especially well-suited for those with children. Having hiked Makapu’u multiple times in the past, I was looked to experience it in a different way. And what better way to enjoy Makapu’u than at sunrise?
Welakahao Outrigger Catamaran: An Excellent Sunset Cruise in Waikiki
Watching the sunset on a beach in Hawaii is great. Watching the sunset in the middle of the Pacific Ocean with Israel Kamakawiwaole playing in the background and a drink in hand is even better. The Welakahao Outrigger Catamaran [Update 12/1/2011: the catamaran was recently renamed the Waikiki Rigger]. offers just that and I got to experience this sunset cruise this past Sunday with Michelle.