Makapu'u Tom Tom Trail

3 Mi/ 4.8km (2-4HRS)

Difficulty: Intermediate 

Elevation Gain: 1100ft+

Time: Sunrise-Sunset

Parking: Makapuu Lookout Parking Lot; Makapuu Lighthouse Trail Parking Lot. 

What to expect: An incredibly scenic hike along the Ko'olau Mountain Range above the town of Waimanalo. This hike gives you amazing views of the ocean and the islands off Makapu'u (Rabbit Island) as you continue along the ridge line. You can see Makapuu beach, Koko Crater and many other spectacular views. There's even a natural puka (The Makapuu Puka) that frames the beautiful coastline when looking through it (People love taking photos here). If you continue on the trail, you can find the secret Kamehame Stairs, an old stairway that leads nowhere, but makes for a pretty cool adventure.

The trailhead is located directly across the street from the Makapu'u Lookout parking lot. You can park in the parking lot, or a little further back at the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail (There is more parking there usually). Please be cautious while crossing the road, cars occasionally fly down Kalanianaole Highway. You will be hiking directly up this ridge (It's a fairly short way up), hugging the fence to your right, there will be serval gates to pass through the fence, which you want to do. Again, you want the fence to be on your lefthand side on your way up. There are many signs saying this area is off limits, so proceed at your own risk! 

Once at the top of the ridge-line, the remainder of the Hike is pretty mellow, with short but steep inclines every so often. Overall this is a fairly easy hike with some of the most rewarding views on O'ahu. 

The Full hike (From Makapuu to Waimanalo is about 6.6 miles) However, this requires two cars parked on either side, unless you plan on looping back. Hiking to the Puka and back is roughly around 4 miles. 

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