Five Sunrise Hikes on Oʻahu Worth the Early Alarm
From the paved Makapuʻu lighthouse path to the Koko Crater stairs — five sunrise-facing hikes compared, with honest notes on difficulty and access.
Region guide
East Oʻahu
Hanauma Bay, Koko Head and the wild Makapuʻu coastline.
East Oʻahu: Hanauma Bay, Koko Head, the Makapuʻu lighthouse and one of the most scenic coastal drives in Hawaiʻi.
Getting thereAbout 25–35 minutes from Waikīkī
Good for
Don’t miss
- Hanauma Bay Nature PreserveClosed Mondays and Tuesdays. Non-resident reservations open two days ahead at 7 a.m. HST.
- Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse TrailPaved, exposed and hot — go early. Winter is whale-watching season.
- Hālona Blowhole lookoutQuick roadside stop on the drive between Hanauma Bay and Sandy Beach.
- Koko Crater TrailRoughly a thousand old railway ties straight up the crater — a serious workout.
Hours, fees and reservation rules change. Confirm with the official site before you go.
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