The incredibly popular Makapuu Lighthouse trail closes for 3 days this week for deep maintenance. And while the hiking trail is closed, the entire area isn’t off-limits. Here’s what you need to know.
As you all know, the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail is my favorite “hike” on Oahu. Sure, it’s easy, but it’s gorgeous. Hikers enjoy great views most of the way up, which is more than I can say about most other hikes. The payoff, of course, is great too. And, if you’re lucky, you can even see whales from the hike too.
Makapuu Lighthouse Trail Closes for 3 Days
The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources announced that they’ll be closing the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail for maintenance beginning on February 1. Work will take place daily from 7 am to 11 am through February 3. During this time, barricades and signs will be posted warning visitors, while both the trail and the parking lot will be off limits.
That said, visitors may continue to access the Kaiwi Shoreline areas. To do so, though, you’ll need to park at the nearby Wawamalu/Sandy Beach Park.
Final Thoughts
The entire Makapuu Lighthouse Trail was redone not long ago. Still, trails need mainenance to remain in good condition, and I’m happy the state is being proactive here. Or, at least I hope. The DLNR’s notice doesn’t say what kind of work they’ll be conducting on the trail. The only detail they give us is that the closure is necessary to protect users from flying rocks. Perhaps they’re doing rockfall mitigation work?
At any rate, if you were planning on heading to the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail Tuesday thu Thursday of this week, you may want to plan on going in the afternoon, going on a different day, or going elsewhere. Other hikes to consider are Leahi/Diamond Head, Lanikai Pillbox, or Koko Head.