Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline stretches along Oahu's rugged southeastern coast from Hanauma Bay to Makapuu Point, protecting five miles of dramatic volcanic cliffs, coastal overlooks, and culturally significant sites including the iconic Makapuu Lighthouse Trail, Halona Blowhole, and Sandy Beach. The name Kaiwi means bone in Hawaiian, referring to the treacherous Kaiwi Channel separating Oahu from Moloka'i where strong currents and rough seas claimed many lives in ancient times when Hawaiians navigated between islands in outrigger canoes. This windswept shoreline represents one of Oahu's most photographed landscapes where crashing surf, blowholes sending geysers 30 feet high, tide pools teeming with marine life, and panoramic views across the Pacific create spectacular scenery accessible via the paved 2-mile Makapuu Lighthouse Trail. The red-roofed Makapuu Lighthouse, built in 1909 and perched 420 feet above the ocean, guided ships around Oahu's eastern point for over a century and remains an active navigational aid though automated since 1974. From November through April, humpback whales breach and spout in the channel below making this one of Oahu's premier whale-watching locations where patient observers can witness these magnificent mammals from clifftop vantage points. The shoreline's exposure to powerful trade winds, crashing surf, and pristine coastal views make it popular among hikers, photographers, and sightseers seeking Oahu's wild beauty just 30 minutes from urban Waikiki.
The Kaiwi Shoreline is not suitable for swimming due to dangerous currents, sharp lava rocks, powerful surge, and lack of sandy beach access along most sections. Halona Beach Cove, the small sandy pocket beach visible below the Halona Blowhole Lookout famous as a filming location for From Here to Eternity, attracts some swimmers during calm summer days though strong currents and sharp rocks create hazards even when seas appear calm. Sandy Beach at the southern end of the scenic shoreline draws experienced bodyboarders and bodysurfers who challenge the powerful shore break, though this beach has among Oahu's highest injury rates from neck and back injuries caused by the intense waves slamming swimmers into the shallow sand bottom. Makapuu Beach at the northern end offers bodyboarding during appropriate conditions. The Makapuu Tide Pools accessible via a steep, unmaintained trail provide opportunities for cautious exploration during low tide, though slippery rocks and surge create serious fall hazards. The Halona Blowhole demonstrates the ocean's power when winter swells send water rushing through lava tubes creating geysers visible from the roadside lookout. No lifeguards patrol most of the scenic shoreline. The area serves primarily for hiking, sightseeing, and photography rather than water activities. The paved Makapuu Lighthouse Trail offers family-friendly hiking with moderate elevation gain of 500 feet over one mile, rewarding hikers with sweeping views of the windward coast, offshore islands, and whale sightings during winter months. Sunrise draws crowds of photographers and early risers seeking golden light on the eastern cliffs.
Access Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline via Kalanianaole Highway, also known as Highway 72, from Waikiki heading east through Hawaii Kai. The scenic drive passes Hanauma Bay, the Halona Blowhole Lookout with roadside parking and viewing platforms, Sandy Beach with large parking lots and facilities, and terminates at the Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trailhead approximately 30 minutes from Waikiki. The trailhead parking lot opens daily with no entrance fees though spaces fill rapidly, often by 9am on weekends, holidays, and during whale season from December through April. Overflow parking along the highway shoulder is prohibited. The fully paved trail accommodates strollers and wheelchairs for the first half-mile before steeper grades challenge mobility-impaired visitors. Restrooms exist at the trailhead. No water, food vendors, or services operate along the trail, requiring hikers to bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and sun protection as the exposed route offers minimal shade. The 2-mile round trip hike takes 1 to 1.5 hours at a moderate pace with multiple scenic overlooks for rest stops and photography. Pull over at designated lookouts along Kalanianaole Highway including Lanai Lookout and Halona Blowhole for roadside viewing without hiking. Sandy Beach provides restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic areas, and lifeguard services for those seeking beach facilities along the shoreline. The area's exposure to constant trade winds creates cool, breezy conditions even on hot days though wind can be intense at exposed overlooks.
Dining options concentrate in nearby Hawaii Kai and Waimanalo. Kona Brewing Company Hawaii Kai serves island-inspired pub food, fresh fish, pizza, and craft beers in a casual atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. Kokohead Cafe in Kaimuki offers creative island-style breakfast and brunch including kimchi bacon cheddar scones and cornflake French toast, worth the detour for food enthusiasts. Teddy's Bigger Burgers in Hawaii Kai provides classic American burgers, fries, and shakes. In Waimanalo, 10 minutes north, Keneke's serves Hawaiian plate lunches and Kalapawai Cafe offers sandwiches, coffee, and market items. Roy's Hawaii Kai, Chef Roy Yamaguchi's original restaurant, presents Hawaiian fusion cuisine featuring fresh island seafood and innovative preparations. The Shack Hawaii Kai serves breakfast and brunch in a beachy atmosphere. Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline represents where Oahu's most dramatic coastal landscapes remain accessible to all via paved trails and roadside lookouts, where humpback whales breach in winter waters below ancient volcanic cliffs, where the Makapuu Lighthouse has guided mariners for over a century, and where the power and beauty of the Pacific Ocean create one of Hawaii's most spectacular and photographed coastlines just minutes from Honolulu's urban development, offering residents and visitors daily opportunities to witness nature's grandeur along five protected miles of southeastern Oahu shore.
