Makapuu Beach Park is considered by many bodysurfing experts to be the best and most challenging bodysurfing beach in Hawaii, featuring powerful waves that break with intense force over a sandy bottom in relatively shallow water. The beach sits at the base of Makapuu Point, Oahu's easternmost tip, offering stunning views of the offshore islands Manana Island (Rabbit Island) and Kaohikaipu Island, with Sea Life Park located just north of the beach. The adjacent Makapuu Lighthouse Trail, a paved 1.1-mile roundtrip hike to Oahu's easternmost point, leads to the historic 1909 Makapuu Lighthouse perched 420 feet above the ocean and provides some of the island's best whale watching from November through May, with peak sightings occurring from January through March.
The beach's powerful shore break attracts expert bodysurfers and bodyboarders who thrive on the intense wave action, while the same conditions make it extremely dangerous for casual swimmers and inexperienced ocean users. Winter months from October to April bring the largest and most powerful swells, with waves frequently reaching 8 to 12 feet or higher, creating spectacular conditions for experienced riders but hazardous situations for everyone else. Summer months offer somewhat smaller waves, though the shore break remains powerful year-round and requires bodysurfing expertise to navigate safely. Lifeguards are on duty daily and make frequent rescues, as strong currents, powerful waves, and the steep beach profile create dangerous conditions that catch unsuspecting swimmers off guard. The beach park provides restroom facilities, outdoor showers, and a large paved parking lot that fills quickly on weekends and during whale watching season.
The best time to visit Makapuu Beach Park is early morning before crowds arrive, especially during whale watching season when the lighthouse trail parking lot fills by mid-morning. Only experienced bodysurfers should enter the water, as the powerful shore break and strong currents make swimming extremely dangerous for casual beachgoers. Winter months offer the most dramatic wave action and the best whale watching opportunities from both the beach and the lighthouse trail above, where visitors can spot humpback whales breaching, tail slapping, and nursing calves in the warm Hawaiian waters. For dining after a beach visit or lighthouse hike, Sea Life Park's cafe offers quick options, while nearby Hawaii Kai features restaurants including Kona Brewing Company, Roy's Hawaii Kai for upscale Pacific Rim cuisine, and Koko Marina Center with multiple casual dining choices—all located 15 to 20 minutes west along Kalanianaole Highway toward Honolulu.
