How Do You Get To the Makapu’u Tide Pools In Oahu?
Disclaimer: Hiking is not for everyone and can get a bit risky as well. There are certain hikes that require certain skill sets, and not every hike is safe. You should do proper research before choosing a hike, keeping in mind the difficulty level and your personal fitness, and take precautions accordingly. There are many hikes in Hawaii that are not even legal and can prove to be dangerous for your health. And lastly, check the weather forecast and also the tide chart if you can.
Planning a trip to Oahu? Have you added the tidepools? Well, I will stop beating around the bush and bluntly ask now, “Have you planned your hike to the Makapuu tide pools or Makapu’u tidepools?” When in Oahu, you simply cannot miss this one. There are various different tidepools in Oahu, each with a different and unique ecosystem. But Makapuu tide pools can be the highlight of your trip as it will as to your memory book as well as be a great addition to your album.
The stunning sunsets, the scenic beauty, the calmness of the water, everything adds to the list that makes this so special. The early mornings will be the perfect time to start with the hike, and being on the shores of Southern California will make it a lot less difficult than you think it will be. We have got you covered if you are worried about how to get there or what difficulties you might face. Let’s start with the facts first.
Stats
Distance: 2.19 miles round trip
Difficulty level: First half – Easy to moderate
Second half – Intermediate
Hike type: Out and back
Elevation: 2585 ft
Best time to visit: Sunrise
How to reach the Makapu’u tide pools?
There are two routes that will take you to Makapu’s tide pools. One is from the Makapu’u lighthouse trail, and one is all the way from Pele’s Chair to Aan Davis Beach. Both have their pros and cons, which we will discuss here.
Option 1: The Makapu’u lighthouse trail
This is the simple and easy way to reach the tide poll. You have to scramble down the rocks after parking your vehicle at the Lighthouse trail parking lot and commence your journey up the walkway. This is not a difficult hike, but it can get you breathing heavily and sweating for almost thirty minutes. After going ⅔ of the total distance, there will be a bit of cove along the trail on the right-hand side to look down from the edge.
Watch out for the whale watching signboard, and scramble down the rocks from there. This is not risky, and if you are not used to island life, then bring proper hiking shoes. While getting down from that point, the first glimpse of the tide pool is seen, and it is the same path that you have to follow while coming down.
Option 2: Alan Davis Beach route(the adventurous route)
The second way is the adventurous one, and again you have to park your vehicle in the Lighthouse parking lot, but dont take the lighthouse trail this time. Take the track, which is on the right of the lighthouse trail, and take the path that leads to the bushes.
After a fifteen-minute walk, you will reach Alan Davis Beach, and you can catch your breath here for a while before you start for the ultimate destination. There are also a few cliff-jumping spots, and you can pursue those if you have that on your bucket list, and it is a perfect beach for chilling as well.
Once you are ready to take the hike forward, take the road back to the parking lot but the left one this time. Proper shoes are required. because this is an almost 45 minutes trek, but make sure it is not high tides, as the waves can get pretty rough. But overall, you just have to walk along the coast to the lighthouse until you reach the tide pool.
Sunrise at Makapu’u tide pool
The best time to visit the Makau’u tide pools is during sunrise. If you are taking the Tom Tom Trail, it will also give you an amazing view overlooking the whole coast. This is just behind Makapu’u Beach. Here you will witness the sun coming out just over the ocean and on the east of the island.
It is not just a peaceful view, but the backdrop of the sunrise will give you an amazing chance to click some amazing pictures. The enticing colors get intense when the reflection of the tide pools.
Blowholes at Makapu’u tide pool
You will get to witness several blowholes that shoot up water as the pressure builds below the surface into the air. It depends on the conditions and the tides, how high the water can get, and with what force it shoots up.
This tide pool is a great place for swimming, and there are other tide pools that are several meters deep and shallow. It is better to be careful if you go skinny dipping or swimming at one of the pools, which is at the edge of the coast.
Some other Oahu tide pools
There are several tide pools in Oahu, and it is one of the main attractions of the place. There are plenty to choose from apart from the Makapu’u tide pool. Let’s check a few of them.
- Shark’s Cove (Pupukea Beach) – This is on the north shore of the island. If you are visiting with your family, then this is the one for you. This tide pool has a lot to offer; rich in marine life and home to a lot of tropical fish; this is a great place for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing under the trees.
- Paradise Cove – This is a hidden gem and is covered by luxurious resorts. This is a perfect package for families. It will provide you with everything you want, like the calm shallow water, white sand beach, marine life, freshwater stream, as well as mountains that shelter the cove from the wind.
- Hunauma Bay – Surrounded by beautiful coral reefs, this is a very popular destination among tourists in Oahu. there are many creatures who have their home in the Hunauma tide pool, like turtles, sea urchins, and many tropical fish. If you decide to go swimming, it’s better to take swimming shoes as the rocks can be pretty slippery.
Cautionary tale
- You should never go to any tide pool barefoot.
- It is best to make kids wear rash guards to keep them from hiring themselves.
- Always carry your mobile phones with you.
- Never go swimming alone in a tide pool.
- Be careful and keep an eye on where you are stepping, or you can hurt yourself as well as some other creatures.
- Keep an eye on the tides, waves, and currents.
- Do not get too close to the water while taking pictures.
- If you are in trouble or find someone in trouble, call 911.
Wrapping Up!
It is best to check all the details before you go to the Makapu’u tide pool, the weather, makapuu tide pools tide chart that you will find on the internet itself. It is an amazing experience that you will cherish throughout. The scenic beauty of the place will have your heart. If you are in Oahu and are up for a hike, then Makapuu tide pool is a must-visit.
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