Lighthouse Trail – Diamond Head Monument

Distance: 0.5 miles Elevation Gain: 0 ft Difficulty: Easy Type: Out-and-Back Surface: paved Activity: Hiking Best Season: year-round Typical Time: 30 minutes Fee: Free Dogs: True Permit: False

The Lighthouse Trail at the eastern tip of Oahu provides a short and accessible coastal walk to a viewpoint overlooking the historic Makapu'u Lighthouse, a red-roofed beacon perched dramatically on black lava cliffs above the Pacific. The paved path winds along the shoreline and offers excellent whale-watching opportunities from December through May, when humpback whales migrate through the channel between Oahu and Molokai. The coastal scenery is stunning year-round, with crashing surf, sea arches, and clear blue water below. The adjacent tide pools teem with marine life including sea urchins, fish, and the occasional Hawaiian monk seal resting on the rocks. This flat and stroller-friendly trail is a favorite for families and visitors seeking an easy outing with dramatic ocean scenery without the crowds of more popular Honolulu trails. Sunrise visits are particularly rewarding as the lighthouse catches the first light of day over the Pacific horizon.