Makapuu Beach is a beach situated on the southeastern region of Oahu Island. The Makapuu Point and Makapuu Lighthouse is located north to the Makapuu Beach. The shoreline has a length of about 1000 feet and a width of about 200 feet. Normally, the beach has a rough wave so it is not suitable for swimming. During the winter months, the waves can become very violent so it is advised that you stay away from the beach. Many people call Makapuu Beach as a paradise for carrying out recreational activities such as body surfing, body boarding and etc. Since 1933, Makapuu Beach has become a famous bodysurfing spot. Before 1933, there was no road that leads to the beach so it is difficult for people to go there. After 1933, a road to the eastern region of Oahu was constructed.
From the Makapuu Beach, you can get a view of the Sea Life Park and Waimanalo Bay. Makapuu Beach has 2 offshore islands including Kaohikaipu and Manana islands. Kaohikaipu Island is also known as Black Rock Island. Manana Island has another name called Rabbit Island. It was called Rabbit Island because of the huge rabbit colony. Nowadays, you won’t find any rabbit on Rabbit Island as their population has been eliminated. Both islands are home to the Hawaiian seabirds. If you visit these two offshore islands, you will be able to view all kinds of sea birds. During the summer, the ocean will have a gentle slope and the water will be calmer. In the winter, the beach will be eroded so that half of its width is disappeared. The high surf at the Makapuu Beach during winter season is often accompanied with powerful rip current. Everyday, lifeguards will be on duty at the Makapuu Beach. If you want to swim at the Makapuu Beach, be sure to ask advice from the lifeguards who are on duty.
The northeast trade wind will blow against the Makapuu Beach every year. The tradewinds will bring Portuguese man of war jellyfishes to the beach. You must be careful and stay away from the water for up to 12 weeks after the full moon. This is the time when the water will be infested with the Portuguese man of war jellyfish. The Portuguese man of war jellyfish is also known as blue jellyfish. The lifeguards will post signs if the jellyfishes are swarming in the water. You should lookout for these signs so that the jellyfish won’t sting you.