Makapuu Beach Park

Makapu’u Beach Park is semi-circled by sheer black cliffs and can barely be seen from the highway that hugs the cliff edge. The whole area surrounding Makapu’u Point is picturesque and powerful, and there is a lot to see in a small locality. Makapu’u Point is the stunning headland that towers over the azure blue bay and is a remnant of a volcanic ridge that rises 647 feet from the sea. The name Makapu’u is said to mean ‘bulging eye’ in the Hawaiian language. According to Hawaiian legend, Makapu’u was a Tahitian god that had eight bright eyes and lived in a cave in the area. Interestingly, there exists a modern kind ‘bright eye’ at Makapu’u now - the cliff here forms the eastern tip of the island and is the site of a prominent lighthouse.

Makapu’u Beach Park is a popular place for bodyboarders and surfers alike, with rip currents and a powerful shore break. The jagged black lava rock tide pools closer to the Heiau can be calmer in summer, but winter surf can erode the beach and expose large boulders in the shore break. Dozens of surfers brave the huge, sapphire blue waves daily. Swimming at Makapu’u Beach is not recommended unless you are a seriously strong swimmer or surfer and are prepared to fight some strong waves to get outside of the break.