Makapu'u Point

Lonely Planet review

Makapu'u Point has a precipitous view of the ocean from its 647ft pedestal. The coastal lighthouse at its tip marks the easternmost point of O'ahu. The gate to the mile-long service road is locked to keep out private vehicles, but hikers can park off the highway just beyond and walk in. Although not difficult, it's an uphill walk, and conditions can be hot and windy. The path and the lighthouse lookout give fine coastal views and, during winter, whales are sometimes visible offshore.

About a third of a mile further along the highway, a scenic roadside lookout spies across the coastline at aqua-blue waters outlined by white sand and black lava beds - an even more spectacular sight when hang-gliders take off from the cliffs, O'ahu's top hang-gliding spot. Offshore is Manana Island, also known as Rabbit Island. This aging volcanic crater is populated by feral rabbits and wedge-tailed shearwaters, coexisting so closely that birds and rabbits sometimes share the same burrows. The island looks vaguely like the head of a rabbit, ears folded back. You could also try to imagine it as a whale. In front of it is the smaller, flat Kaohikaipu Island. There's a coral reef between the two islands that divers sometimes explore, but to do so requires a boat.

Below the lookout is Makapu'u Beach Park, one of the island's top winter bodysurfing spots, with waves reaching 12ft and higher. It also has the island's best shorebreak. As with Sandy Beach, Makapu'u is strictly the domain of experienced bodysurfers who can handle rough water and dangerous currents. Surfboards are prohibited. In summer the waters can be calm and good for swimming. Two native Hawaiian plants are plentiful - naupaka by the beach and yellow-orange ilima by the parking lot.

Makapu'u Point is about 1.3 miles north of Sandy Beach.