Makapuu Beach Park

Makapuu Beach, at the furthest eastern point of Oahu Island, is a semi-circular beach surrounded by steep black lava cliffs. Parts of it are rocky, with exposed boulders, but there's pawlenty of sand to walk on, lay about with your fur buddy or dip your toes in the water. Dogs are allowed below the high-tide line on this beach, which is from the seaweed debris line in the sand to the ocean itself.

This beach is primarily used as home base by many surfers, boogie-boarders and bodysurfers who find the shore break challenging and exciting. Leisurely swimming is tough because of the powerful waves and rip current, along with a rocky sea bottom and coral reef. It's a grrreat idea to wear water sandals or shoes if walking in the water, and it would be harder still for Fido to try to navigate among the submerged boulders.

While there are definitely hazards, don't let them stop you from visiting Makapuu. This beach is less windy than some of the others in the area because of its "wrap-around" cliffs, and features several amenities. Besides restrooms and fresh water showers, Makapuu comes equipped with picnic areas with tables and benches, grills, telephones and free parking along the road just above the beach. Add to that a lifeguard watching over the adventurous folks in the water, and what could be better? 

Attractions near the beach include Makapuu Lookout which offers magnifurcent views of Manana (Rabbit) Island and Black Rock Island. Makapuu Lighthouse is located at the end of a short trail leading from the beach parking lot and is known for its huge rotating light, the largest in the United States. Tidepools left by receding ocean tides are furvorite spots for folks to watch crabs and other small sea creatures, and they're big enough to actually get in and join them! The caution about water shoes applies here as well. In the winter, humpback whales can be spied offshore during their spawning season - what will Spot make of that?!

Perhaps because this beach isn't very amenable to swimming, especially for children, it's typically not crowded, so peace and solitude are more amenities you and your fur-baby can expect to find here. The waves are calmer in the summer, but sometimes 3 to 5-foot breakers roll in and anyone in the shallow water will feel the ocean's power, often painfully. Bring your own amenities, such as fresh drinking water, clean up bags, and snacks!

This beach is a must-see for locals and visitors alike who want to watch from safety as true daredevils ride the swells and try not to get dashed on the shore. Bon voyage!