Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline
๐๐๐๐๐ Hawaii โ Dramatic volcanic coastline on Oahu’s southeast shore โ the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail winds along 700-foot sea cliffs with whale watching (Dec-April: 10,000+ humpback whales!). The ancient Hawaiians used this coast as a navigational landmark, and the lighthouse (1909) has the largest lens in the Pacific!
Visitor Information
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Hawaii |
About Kaiwi
Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline on Oahu’s southeastern coast preserves dramatic volcanic sea cliffs, tide pools, and the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail โ one of Oahu’s most popular hikes. “Kaiwi” means “the bone” in Hawaiian, referring to the channel between Oahu and Molokai. During winter, the Makapu’u lookout is one of Hawaii’s best spots for watching humpback whales migrating through the channel.
Things to Do
Hiking the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail, whale watching (winter), tide pool exploring, photographing the dramatic coastline, viewing Rabbit Island, and experiencing Oahu’s windward volcanic shore.
Plan Your Visit
The Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail (2 miles round-trip, paved) is one of Oahu’s easiest and most rewarding hikes โ no permit needed. Whale season runs December through April; bring binoculars. The trailhead parking lot fills early on weekends โ arrive before 8 AM. Sea Life Park is adjacent. The blowhole at Halona Beach Cove (from the film “From Here to Eternity”) is a 5-minute drive west. Free admission; open sunrise to sunset.
Nature & Wildlife
The shoreline’s tide pools support sea urchins, hermit crabs, and colorful nudibranchs. Humpback whales migrate through the Kaiwi Channel (December-April) โ mothers and calves are frequently spotted from the Makapu’u lookout. Wedge-tailed shearwaters (ua’u kani) nest in burrows along the trail. The volcanic rock formations include tuff cones, sea arches, and blowholes carved by 3-million years of Pacific wave action.
Insider Tips
Oahu’s wild coast: Kaiwi preserves one of the last undeveloped shorelines on Oahu โ between Hawaii Kai and Makapuu. Pro tip: The Makapuu Lighthouse Trail nearby offers views of humpback whales (December-April). Volcanic geology: Hawaii is built entirely from volcanic eruptions โ the islands are the tops of massive underwater volcanoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Hawaii’s islands different ages?
The Hawaiian Islands formed as the Pacific Plate moves northwest over a volcanic “hotspot” โ each island was born over the hotspot, then carried away. The Big Island (youngest) sits over the hotspot now. Kauai (oldest major island, 5 million years) has eroded into dramatic canyons. A new island, Loihi, is forming underwater southeast of the Big Island and will surface in 10,000-100,000 years.
