Ed L.
Yelp
My last stop to the Makapu'u area of Oahu on the east side of Oahu is here at the Makapu'u Beach Park. It was spur of the moment decision on a March 2020 afternoon (Saturday). I had brought lunch at Ala Moana shopping center and decided to head out east to eat it.
I hardly am on this side of the island when I am not traveling, but when I do, I enjoy coming to this side of the island. It's quite secluded, but far enough away to enjoy yourself from Waikiki. I decided to do some social distancing on the east side of the island while exploring a new part of the island. Makapu'u Beach Park is a small beach that can be called a hidden gem, much like Kailua Beach Park. You can see two islands off shore while relaxing ad wasting the day and de-stressing yourself from the world's problems. All beaches are scenic, serene, and beautiful. Makapu'u Beach park is no different, other than its location. It was nice to be out here, although there was a few people out here along with a highway full of parked cars along the shoulder. I spent about 1 1/2 hours here having my (late lunch) here, relaxing, and having the ocean help me with life and it's meaning of it. Having the ocean and nature sort out your problems is pretty nice and it helps your mental health in the long run - much like physical exercise too. The fresh air and the change of scenery did me a lot of good. Sometimes, it's like that. Experiencing the nature all around us helps us spiritually and keeps our minds and soul healthy. My time here at Makapu'u Beach park was enjoyable and hope to be back here sometime soon.
The overall experience here at Makapu'u Beach Park was very nice and theraputic in many ways. The beach park is quite small, but there are restroom facilities here, as well as picnic tables for anyone and everyone to sit down and enjoy. You can even have parties here, but try not go overboard with it and you must pick up after yourself.. It was cool that they had picnic tables here, so I can enjoy my late lunch here. The rumbling of the ocean waves was enjoyable and the whistling wind helped me focus on what was important of the day. The calm helped me see what was bothering me. Nature proves that it can help what's bothering you at any given time of the day. During my time here at Makapu'u Beach park, I found myself walking around for a bit near the water's edge after finishing lunch, reflecting on my life and how this pandemic has affected me and the world in 2020. The beach park itself is quite clean and maintained. Not sure how often they empty those trash bins, but it was plenty full when I was there in the late afternoon. Makapu'u is a great area that's away from urban Honolulu. I had a nice quiet time here, enjoying Mother Nature's creation. If you're in the area, consider coming here for a change of pace. Slowly wind down and enjoy the waves. It's a hidden gem that's not far from Haunama Bay, which also enlightened my mood and outlook on life.
Makapu'u Beach Park, like all community parks, is absolutely free. No money needed to enter and enjoy this scenic oasis. Best bet would be to come here early enough to beat the morning sun. I hope that viewing the sunrise would be spectacular, although fa return trip would be warranted at some point or another, if I am near the area. There's a generous, but limited helping of parking here, but you'd want to come here before it gets wicked crowded. If you are like me, only 2 routes that come to mind that pass through the area, namely route 22 and 23 from Kahala Mall area. You can also ride route 67 and 69 from Kailua / Kaneohe area and stop at Sea Life Park, but you'd have to get to the area. For the most part though, it is nice to be here, even if it was for 2 hours or so. Make the best of a challenging situation. You'll be happy you came here. It's one of Oahu's best kept secrets. I should come out here more often. It's about 2 hours from Ala Moana and about 45 minutes from Kahala Mall - if you're riding the bus.
5.0 stars for the overall experience.
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