The Windward Coast: Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail, Kailua Beach Park & Lanikai Beach

Follow the coastal highway (Route 72) around the southeastern corner of O'ahu past Hanauma Bay and the scenery transforms: black volcanic cliffs plunge into baby-blue water, seabird islands dot the horizon, and the emerald wall of the Ko'olau Mountains rises inland. On O'ahu's Windward Coast, you can combine its finest coastal walk with two world-celebrated white-sand beaches in a single morning.

1. The Paved Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail (3.2 km Round-Trip, Free)

Ten minutes past Halona Blowhole, turn into the free Makapu'u Point State Wayside Parking Lot, arriving early in the morning before the car park fills and before the sun heats the asphalt:

• A Fully Paved Trail with Non-Stop Ocean Views: this smooth path climbs gently around O'ahu's easternmost headland to viewing decks above the 1909 red-roofed Makapu'u Point Lighthouse and north across turquoise Makapu'u Beach, Manana (Rabbit) Island and Kaohikaipu Island. Between December and April, bring binoculars to spot migrating humpback whales below the cliffs.

2. Kailua Beach Park & Lanikai Beach (Plus Parking Rules)

Drive 15 minutes north past ironwood-shaded Waimanalo Beach into the beach town of Kailua, home to two side-by-side beaches:

1. Kailua Beach Park (526 Kawailoa Rd): a curving 4-kilometre bay of powder-fine sand and gentle turquoise waves with three free public car parks, lifeguards, showers, toilets and kayak rentals. Grab lunch across the street at Kalapawai Market or shave ice at Island Snow before continuing north toward Byodo-In Temple and Kualoa Ranch.
2. Lanikai Beach (1 Mile South, Facing the Twin Mokulua Islands): accessed via 11 pedestrian beach alleyways between Mokulua Drive houses, Lanikai ('Heavenly Sea') offers half a mile of silky white sand and calm water facing the twin volcanic cones of the Mokulua Islands ('The Mokes').
   • Crucial Parking Rule: Lanikai has no car park, and street parking is strictly restricted with heavy fines. Park for free at the southern lot of Kailua Beach Park next to the boat ramp and walk 10 minutes along the pavement over the low hill onto Lanikai Beach. For a panoramic viewpoint, climb the Lanikai Pillbox (Kaiwa Ridge) Trail.