DISCLAIMER: Aloha From 808 is solely created for recreational purposes and NOT intended for use as a guide. Please be responsible and respectful if choosing to visit locations I photograph, as you do so at your own risk and the risk of endangering others. This website and owner will not be liable for injury, medical/legal fees, fines or property damage as a result of viewing. Do not use content on this website without permission (see more).

All photos © 2011-2014 Cory Yap, unless noted.

Makapuu Tidepools and Waimanalo Beach – May 30, 2011



Since we did a longer hike the previous day, the Lost Trailblazers decided to go on an easy adventure for the Memorial Day holiday. Not a difficult trail, if even considered one, the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail and Makapuu Tidepools are an easily accessible outdoor activity for people of all ages. Located East of Honolulu, the pools are large enough to snorkel in. Please exercise caution in summer months as large Northeast swells/waves frequently crash on the rocks, in and over the pools. The water exits at the east end of the pools, and you should therefore avoid those areas to wade in as you do not want to exit as well. If you are planning to go here, you should bring shoes (for hiking up/down trail), fins or tabis (felt bottomed reef-walking shoes), and a snorkel. The hike to the pools is short enough, so that you can pack food and drinks for lounging for a couple hours. Parking at the trailhead may be a problem on the weekend as it is a popular tourist spot as well as for many locals.


There is also a blowhole present near the tidepools which can spout > 30 feet high if the waves are surging, i.e. in summer months or during swells. Please be careful if you are go near it.


Lost Trailblazers heading down a well-worn footpath to the pools. Mind there are several paths that lead down to the pools, but please try to use the most defined path as there are many loose rocks, and lines that are more difficult than the one pictured.


One of the large waves mentioned above. The people in the picture are in a precarious spot if a larger surge came in.


Having a Boddingtons upon arriving at the tidepools. Please exercise caution while consuming alcohol on trails. Alcohol can dehydrate you and affect your balance, as well as exhibit poor decision making.


We planned to go to “Pele’s Chair” and Alan Davis Beach via the rim trail around the eastern coast of Makapuu, however the waves were crashing over many parts of the trail to be considered “safe.” We saw many people who attempted it and came back as predicted. Alan Davis was way too crowded on Memorial Day anyway. We decided to go to a more secluded spot in Waimanalo which was far more relaxing. Maybe on a weekday next time.

To view this location on a Google Map also known as my “Adventure Map“, Click Here. For more adventures of the Lost Trailblazers, either look at my other blogposts and “Adventures with the Lost Trailblazers” photo gallery, or check out David’s website“UnrealHawaii.com“.


4 Comments for Makapuu Tidepools and Waimanalo Beach – May 30, 2011


Joe

Wow, that pic with the wave surge looks like a dragon about to take the rest of the peaceful scene out. Amazing pic!

Reply

    admin

    Thanks again man! I’ll do my best to take more pics like this one!

    Aloha,

    Cory

    Reply

ALy

So how do you actually hike down to the tide pool? is it fairly easy? I’ve been reading mixed reviews.

Reply

    Cory

    Aloha ALy,

    The hike down to the pools is easy if you know where the trail is to go down. This may be easier said then done if you haven’t been… as several people make their own path and cause others to follow less distinct, less optimal lines. If you decide to go, just try to find the best route down or better yet, watch for others going down. You can always ask people on the paved road, where the spot is to go down too. Good luck!

    Reply



Wanna say something?









  Cancel Reply



  • Follow Aloha From 808 on Facebook or Instagram for new photos and weekly adventures!!!

  • Adventures

    • Backpacking (29)
    • Beach / Coastal (46)
    • Climbing / Canyoning (15)
    • Conservation / Restor… (11)
    • Fishing / Diving (22)
    • Hiking (149)
    • International (3)
    • Kayaking (11)
    • Mainland US (17)
    • Streams / Waterfalls (61)
    • Uncategorized (12)
  • Recent Posts

    • Canyoneering: Communication Breakdown
      Recently learning how to rappel from my friend Kitt, I was invited to tag along...
    • East Maui Waterfall Marathon Pt 2
      As a reconnaissance for future adventures with a larger group, Baron and I decided...
    • Twin Falls, North Kauai
      One of my colleagues who lives / works up in North Kauai strongly recommended that...
    • Honolulu 27, Waterfall Loop
      The heavy rains from a recent, mild tropical storm made for perfect conditions...
    • Koolau Summit Trail: Manana to Waiahole Uka
      With high clouds and an open summit, traversing the section of the Koolau Summit...
    • Aotearoa - New Zealand, South Island Pt 3
      STAY TUNED for more photos and full description of our New Zealand Adventures!!! Queenstown...
  • See Older Posts

    • November 2014 (1)
    • October 2014 (4)
    • March 2014 (3)
    • January 2014 (1)
    • December 2013 (3)
    • November 2013 (3)
    • October 2013 (3)
    • September 2013 (3)
    • August 2013 (4)
    • July 2013 (3)
    • June 2013 (6)
    • May 2013 (2)
    • April 2013 (5)
    • March 2013 (4)
    • February 2013 (4)
    • January 2013 (5)
    • December 2012 (5)
    • November 2012 (4)
    • October 2012 (6)
    • September 2012 (2)
    • August 2012 (5)
    • July 2012 (5)
    • June 2012 (6)
    • May 2012 (8)
    • April 2012 (4)
    • March 2012 (7)
    • February 2012 (6)
    • January 2012 (9)
    • December 2011 (6)
    • November 2011 (11)
    • October 2011 (8)
    • September 2011 (9)
    • August 2011 (10)
    • July 2011 (12)
    • June 2011 (9)
    • May 2011 (1)