Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail vs Waikiki Beach: which should you do first?

If you only have time for one, do Waikiki Beach first. Its top ten experiences average an Outty Ranking of 86 against 67 for Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail, and it has 72 ranked ways to see it versus 8. Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail is the cheaper entry at $39, so it is the better pick on a tight budget. With a full day in Honolulu, pair them: plan Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail in the morning, as it is the shorter visit on average.

Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail in Honolulu, United States

Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail

Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, United States

Waikiki Beach

Side by side

Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail compared with Waikiki Beach in Honolulu
Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse TrailWaikiki Beach
Ranked experiences872
Top Outty Ranking8293
Average ranking (top 10)6786
Cheapest experience$39$72
Average time needed6.9h7h
Free cancellation88% of options100% of options
Free to visitNoNo

Best ways to see Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail

  1. 1. Scenic Full Day Circle Island Tour-Snorkeling/Breakfast/Byodo-in

    Outty Ranking 82 · from $100 · 7h

  2. 2. Best of Oahu Full-Day Small-Group Island Tour

    Outty Ranking 71 · from $109 · 6h

  3. 3. Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail and Shuttle Service

    Outty Ranking 70 · from $39 · 4h

  4. 4. Full Day Private Customized Sightseeing Tour in Oahu Hawaii

    Outty Ranking 68 · from $1,299 · 7h

  5. 5. Oahu: All Day Circle Island Tour with Snorkeling

    Outty Ranking 64 · from $72 · 9h

All 8 Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail experiences

Best ways to see Waikiki Beach

  1. 1. Oahu Small-Group Circle Island Tour with Turtle Snorkeling

    Outty Ranking 93 · from $149 · 8h

  2. 2. Pearl Harbor City Tour

    Outty Ranking 91 · from $72 · 5h

  3. 3. Oahu in a Day: Small Group Waterfall, Food Trucks, and Lookouts

    Outty Ranking 91 · from $185 · 10h

  4. 4. Oahu: The Magical Mystery Show! at Hilton Waikiki Beach Hotel

    Outty Ranking 86 · from $99 · 2h

  5. 5. Oahu Circle Island Snorkeling Tour: Dole, Pali Lookout & More

    Outty Ranking 85 · from $118 · 10h

All 72 Waikiki Beach experiences

Frequently asked questions

Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail or Waikiki Beach: which is better?

If you only have time for one, do Waikiki Beach first. Its top ten experiences average an Outty Ranking of 86 against 67 for Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail, and it has 72 ranked ways to see it versus 8. Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail is the cheaper entry at $39, so it is the better pick on a tight budget. With a full day in Honolulu, pair them: plan Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail in the morning, as it is the shorter visit on average.

Which is cheaper, Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail or Waikiki Beach?

Ranked experiences at Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail start from $39 and at Waikiki Beach from $72 per person.

How long do you need at Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail and Waikiki Beach?

Experiences at Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail run 6.9 hours on average and at Waikiki Beach 7 hours, so both fit in one day in Honolulu with a break in between.

Can you do Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail and Waikiki Beach on the same day?

Yes. Book the longer visit for the morning when crowds are lighter, and keep the afternoon for the other. 88% of Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail options and 100% of Waikiki Beach options offer free cancellation, which makes it easy to adjust.

What is the best tour of each?

For Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail: Scenic Full Day Circle Island Tour-Snorkeling/Breakfast/Byodo-in (Outty Ranking 82, from $100). For Waikiki Beach: Oahu Small-Group Circle Island Tour with Turtle Snorkeling (Outty Ranking 93, from $149).

More Honolulu matchups

Best things to do in HonoluluHonolulu city guideHonolulu tours comparedHow the Outty Ranking works