If you go as far East as you can on the island of Oahu - you will find yourself at Makapu’u Point - a stunning place where the desert meets the rainforest and is bathed in azure waters and dramatic rocky cliffs. The name comes from the Hawaiian word which means “Bulging Eye” most likely in reference to a carved totem which once was kept here by the Hawaiian people - but if you say it to locals - they usually just think about East side body surfing and Makapu’u Beach.
Above the beach the Makapu’u Lighthouse warns ships away from the dangerous shoreline while looking out to sea you will see Manana Island - locally known as Rabbit Island due to the shape resembling a rabbit’s head and the fact that a local rancher once released rabbits there. The rabbit population is now gone and Manana Island is now a bird sanctuary. From the point you can look to the South and see the arid conditions of the South Shore and rising from the lava, the dramatic site of Pele’s Chair - said in legend to be the point where the Goddess rested while deciding where to move next from Oahu. On a clear day, you can see where she chose - the islands of Maui, Lanai, and Molokai. Looking North you will see the grounds of Sea Life Park, the Makai Pier and the lush rainforest which covers the East side of the island.
For the ancient Hawaiians, Makapu’u was a powerful place of healing and contemplation. At the base of the cliff’s deep blue water tide pools were renowned for their ability to cure the ill. Makapu’u is a must see on the island of Oahu.