I met up again with the Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club at the Makapu’u Point or Ka Iwi State Scenic Shoreline parking lot. The lot fills up real fast, as late comers ended up parking on the outside road. After a quick introduction, we started on the the paved trail that goes up to Makapu’u Point and shortly after the entrance, we struck off onto a dirt trail that lead us to the rocky coast.
Pele's Chair
We stopped at this natural lava rock formation known as Pele’s Chair, for obvious reasons. Legend has it that this was the last place Pele, a Hawaiian goddess of fire, lighting, dance and volcanoes, was on Oahu before she left to find her home on the Big Island. Climbing down towards the coastline, we spotted a monk seal sunbathing on the rocks, perfectly camouflaged unless you looked and squinted real hard.
Tide pools
The Makapu’u coastline is dotted with numerous tide pools teeming with marine life. Expect to get your feet wet. Or you can be like these hikers and contour these rocks to get around the tide pools. Just don’t slip, otherwise you may get more than your feet wet.
Splish Splash
Besides getting wet, we had to watch and time the ocean waves that were crashing onto the shoreline, when crossing parts of the Makapu’u coast. Some of these waves looked like they could wash you out to sea, if you’re not careful.
Cave
We all took a break at this cave and ventured inside to take a look see. One hiker took a photograph with his digital camera and claimed to have captured a spirt or orb. There was also a small opening at the end of the cave that seemd to go somewhere. Nobody volunteered to find out.
The Moon?
After the cave, we made our way down this particularly rocky and hilly part, that if you didn’t watch your step, you could take a tumble.
Dragon's Nostrils
Most of us took our lunch next to these spectacular twin blowholes known as the “Dragon’s Nostrils.” It put on a much better show than the Halona Blowhole.
Uphill
After enjoying our lunch and nature’s show, we hiked up the mountain to the top of Makapu’u Point. I mistakenly contoured more to the right and ended up taking the steeper trail up, while the smarter ones took the less steep trail to the left.
Makapu'u Lighthouse
This is the view from the top of the mountain where you can see the Makapu’u Lighthouse which was first illuminated in 1909 and completely automated in 1974. The lighthouse boasts the largest hyperradiant lens at 12′ high in the country. I heard some hikers have actually made it to the lighthouse, but the trail is blocked by a locked gate. I’m sure where there is a will, there is a way.
Manana Island
We made our way down from the top back towards the parking lot. Here we had a better view of Manana Island or Rabbit Island, which was once home to rabbits, but now is a seabird sanctuary.
Makapu'u Crag
Hiking down, we passed the Makapu’u crag, where folks come to practice rock climbing and rapelling.
Makapu'u Beach
Coming down we had a nice view of Makapu’u Beach and Waimanalo. The entire hike took about four hours and was a nice scenic stroll along the coastline.
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