Makapu'u Lookout

The Makapu'u Lookout is a great place to stop and enjoy the cool ocean breeze coming in off of the Pacific. Located on a cliff above the beach by the same name, the lookout gives you a king's view of the eastern stretch of O'ahu that might be the prettiest on the island. The large and iconic Rabbit Island sits just off the coast with its smaller companion, Kāohi-ka-ipu, just nearby. You can see the Mokulua Islands in the distance looking toward Kailua as well as Pyramid Rock beyond that. Sea Life Park sits just below the southern start of the Ko'olau Mountains, while the massive Waimanalo Beach hugs the inside of the bay. With palm trees, crashing waves on the sea cliffs, and bodyboarders shredding the Makapu'u surf below, this place is a must see on your windward journey.

The nearby hike to the lighthouse and Makapu'u Beach Park are only a few hundred yards away. Cockroach Bay (Kaupo Cove) is another nearby beach that usually doesn't have too many people, and Sandy's is only a five-minute drive west. There is a lot to do nearby. This area is a premier paragliding spot, and you will almost always see aerial acrobatics here.