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Makapu’u is Hawaiian for “bulging eyes.” The beach is located near Makapu’u point which is the easternmost point on O’ahu and on very clear days you are supposed to be able to see all the way to Molokai.
The beach itself is very popular for bodysurfing but can experience large waves especially in the winter. The two small islands (Manana and Kaohikaipu) just offshore also help to make the area more appealing.
Another tourist activity in the area is Sea Life Park. I did not visit the park but it looks interesting.
Updated Sep 18, 2008
Address: 41-200 Kalanianaole Hwy, Waimanalo, HI 96795
Website: http://www.hawaiiweb.com/oahu/beaches/makapuu_beach_park.htm
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As a geology enthusiast I was very interested to see the blowhole. It is a lava tube that terminates at just the right height for incoming waves to shoot themselves through the hollow tube. The water can be shot up to 30 feet (9 m) in the air on good days but I found this to be quite disappointing.
During my trip I attempted to view the blowhole 2 times. I thought that the reason it was not firing was because i needed to catch it at a higher tide. The second time I looked up tide tables and returned at high tide to find that it still wasn't active. I think that high tide would be the best time to go but maybe the tides just weren't that high on my visit. If you are curious how the blowhole looks when it is actually firing you can easily youtube Halona Blowhole.
Updated Mar 18, 2008
Website: http://www.hawaiiweb.com/oahu/sites_to_see/halona_blow_hole.htm
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Hawaii Kai seems to be a golfers community which caters to that crowd. It does have some easily accessible shopping and many restaurants. If you happen to be looking for a more low key place to catch dinner Hawaii Kai is only 10-15 minutes from Waikiki.
Written Mar 18, 2008
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Depending on who you talk to a loco moco of one of the authentic Hawaiian things to experience. It is an amalgamation of rice, topped with a hamburger patty, smothered with gravy, then capped off with sunny side up eggs. Sounds like a bunch of mush, but it's actually quite tasty. The textures of the dish are somewhat confusing but once you get past that it is to say the least 'memorable'. You just have to try it.
Favorite Dish: Loco Moco. Try the namesake of the restaurant with an open mind and enjoy.
Written Mar 18, 2008
Address: 7192 Kalanianaole Hwy Ste C1117 Honolulu, HI 96825
Phone: 808-396-7878
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U Have to do it. If you rent a car, while at the Outrigger Waikkiki, you have to park and store your car $15 a day, plus tip the guy, who's goofing off out there, while you wait for your car.
Unique Suggestions: Don't lose your ticket EVER $30 Pull over to load and unload your bags for yourself, you could use the exercise right?
Fun Alternatives: WALK Everywhere. or Take the bus while touring and mind your manners.
Written Aug 30, 2005
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The Koko Crater Botanical gardens are located on the floor of the crater. There is an easy two mile loop trail that takes you around the gardens, which feature Hawaiian, African, north and south American trees and shrubs. Our favorite areas included the cactus garden in the 'Americas' section and the Plumeria trees in the Hawaiian section. Most items are labeled with common name, genus, and area of origin.
Get there early in the summer and always carry a water bottle -- it can get very warm during the day.
The crater is about 30 minutes outside of Honolulu near the town of Hawaii Kai. Drive out the Kalanianaole Hwy (route #72) and turn onto Kealahou Street. Take the fourth left-hand turn, drive to the end, and then turn right onto a dirt road. The parking for the botanical gardens trail head is a short distance on the left.
Written Jul 20, 2011
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The trail to Makapu’u Point is 2.8 miles (4.5 km) roundtrip, paved most of the way, and ascends to a height of 560 feet (170 meters). From the summit you will be able to look down at the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse and north to windward Oahu. There are also some old WWII bunkers near the summit.
Along the trail desert plants and adorn the path. You will have great views of the coast and the potential for viewing humpback whales. From December through April humpback whales can be seen in the near-shore waters just off Makapu’u point.
A mounted binocular scope is located along the trail but I really believe that bringing a pair of your own would be much better. Also it would be a great idea to bring drinking water since the hike is very exposed and the sun can really drain you.
Address: 41-01 kalanianaole hwy honolulu, Hi
Directions:
From Honolulu Take H-1 East and continue on Kalanianaole Hwy (72) until you see the turnout denoted by a brown sign that reads “Ka’Iwi”.
Updated Mar 29, 2008
Website: http://www.backyardoahu.com/index.html?khct1.htm
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In Hawaiian legend, Makapu’u is a supernatural being that came from Tahiti. It found a home here at Makapu’u point and was significant for its set of 8 bright eyes. Makapu’u in the Hawaiian language means “bulging eye” and it seems appropriate that now this lighthouse bears the name of this bright bulging eye.
Like most lighthouses in Hawaii, Makapu’u was constructed after a series of ships ran aground off its coast. It was built in 1909 and is one of Oahu’s most familiar landmarks. From Makapu’u Point it is just 25 miles (40 km) to the coast of Molokai and on a clear day it can be seen.
The Makapu’u Lighthouse sits 395 feet (120 meters) above sea level but the tower itself is only 35 feet (10 meters) tall. It seems to be in fairly good condition but the Lighthouse has restricted access since the 1980’s after a series of vandalism incidents.
Address: 41-01 kalanianaole hwy honolulu, Hi
Directions:
From Honolulu Take H-1 East and continue on Kalanianaole Hwy (72) until you see the turnout denoted by a brown sign that reads “Ka’Iwi”.
Updated Mar 29, 2008
Website: http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=141
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The Koko Crater is an old Volcanic crater that has been used to create a desert botanical garden. The other recreational activity at Koko Head is to hike to the summit.
The summit is at 1,207 feet (368 m) which makes it a pretty serious hike. Their are 4 common routes. The most common is following a rail-type track from Hawaii Kai to the summit. This website explains that route. Other routes cross over a rock arch and the knob.
I did not have time to make this hike but I did get great views of it from the. Makapu'u Wayside Hike (See next tip).
Directions:
The Koko Crater is located on the Southeast coast of Oahu. It can be seen from Hawaii Kai. For hike directions, look at the linked pages.
Updated Mar 29, 2008
Website: http://www.aroundhawaii.com/sports/outdoor/2006-02_new_years_koko_crater_climb.html
Hawaii Kai appears to be a luxurious golf retreat. It does provide a great stopping point to viewing the East Shore of Oahu and also seems to have a good variety of restaurants and shops to keep...
i thought i woul dmake a hawaii kai page since hawaii kai has 3 must see things when traveling to oahu. one being the makapuu light house hike, and the second being sandy beach, and the 3rd being the...
Build your own Hawaii Kai page
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