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Views of Makapuu
Posted: June 10, 2008
I climbed the mountains surrounding Makapuu Bay to acquire a spectacular vantage point to photograph the Koolaupoko coast of windward Oahu.
This semi-panoramic shot of Makapuu Bay was taken from Makapuu Head after climbing from the Makapuu Lookout right off Kamehameha Highway to the highest point on Makapuu Head. It never ceases to amaze me how the deep blue waters of Makapuu Bay turn to stunning shades of azure and aquamarine in the shallows. On the left side of the photo above, the Makapuu-TomTom Trail climbs up to and follows the spine of the Koolau Mountains overlooking Makapuu and Waimanalo.
The Makapuu-TomTom Trail provides an ideal vantage point to see Manana Island and its low-lying companion Kaohikaipu Island, known as “Rabbit Island” and “Turtle Island” respectively. A fishing village was once located on the shores of Makapuu just opposite Manana and Kaihikaipu to exploit the rich fishing grounds along the Koolaupoko Coast.
One of the more charming sights along the trail are the yellow-orange flowers of ilima (Sida fallax). The beach form of ilima — known as ilima papa– is native to the Hawaiian Islands and grows prostrate no more than 6-inches off the ground.
Another native plant that thrives along the Makapuu-TomTom Trail is uhaloa (Waltheria indica) which thrives in dry coastal areas of the Hawaiian Islands.
The Makapuu-TomTom Trail provides a bird’s eye view of Sea Life Park and Oceanic Institute.
One of the more interesting sights along the trail are huge boulders the size of large trucks which stand like sentinels along the edge of the cliffs. In the photo above you can see the Makai Pier and a sandy curve in the coastline between two imposing monoliths.
One of the large boulders along the edge has a hole in it that allows you to see the offshore island of Kaohikaipu. Known as “Kaulana-aka-iole” in Hawaiian, tradition says this hole was created by a warrior who threw a spear with such force when he skewered a rat that he created a hole in the rocks.
I love to climb to the top of Makapuu Head and hike along the Makapuu-TomTom Trail for the magnificent views they provide of the Koolaupoko Coast of windward Oahu.
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REFERENCES
Elizabeth Sterling and Catherine Summers – Sites of Oahu, p. 254-256, Bishop Museum Press, Honolulu, Hawaii, 1978
Hi, Nate!
This trail has a terrible reputation, but if you can do it, I can! Where’s the “trailhead”?
Hi Charley,
While I know of 1 person falling to his death on this trail (I was actualy there to witness it), its not neary as bad as some other trails on Oahu. Don’t pull on any rocks to climb up — the rock is not solid, may break-off in your hands, and could cause you to fall backwards.
The start of the Makapuu-TomTom trailhead is located right along the Kamehameha Highway. Park at the Makapuu lookout, cross Kamehameha Highway, and follow the fenceline up the ridge.
Regards,
Nate