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Makapu'u is the extreme eastern end of the Island of O'ahu in the Hawaiian Islands. The cliff at Makapu'u Point forms the eastern tip and is the site of a prominent lighthouse. The name of the area, meaning "bulging eye" in Hawaiian, is thought to derive from the name of an image said to have been located in a cave here called Keanaokeakuapololi. The entire area is quite scenic and a panoramic view is presented at the lookout on Kalanianaole Highway (State Rte. 72) where the roadway surmounts the cliff just before turning south towards leeward O'ahu and Honolulu.Features of interest in this area are:
- Makapu'u Beach – The most popular body-surfing beach on O'ahu; conditions are generally too rough for casual beach goers, although the beach itself is spectacular.
- Sea Life Park – A large commercial park and aquarium featuring displays and shows of Hawaiian marine life.
- Makapu'u Light – U.S. Coast Guard lighthouse, now automated. A popular day hike along the access road to the lighthouse begins at a parking lot located south of the Makapu'u lookout on Kalanianaole Highway.
- Manana Island – An offshore tuff cone known as Rabbit Island because of its resemblance to a large rabbit's head rising out of the sea and because it was once inhabited by introduced rabbits. A State bird refuge.
- Kaohikaipu – A low volcanic islet off Makapu'u Beach Park; also a bird refuge.
- Makapu'u Beach Park and Kaupo Beach Park – All of the rocky shoreline and pocket beaches between the sea cliffs at Makapu'u Point and the State Research Pier are beach parks open to the public. Wave conditions at Kaupo (western end) are more suited to young beach goers. Makapu'u Beach is a popular body-surfing beach, but the shore break can be dangerous.
- Makai Pier – A long, concrete pier built by the State of Hawaii to support marine research efforts in the Hawaiian Islands. Houses severaly commercial marine engineering firms and HURL (Hawaii Underwater Research Laboratory).
The Makapu'u area is reached approximately 2 km (1.2 mi) east of Waimnalo Beach on Kalanianaole Highway or from the Honolulu side (south shore; Hawaii Kai) travelling east along the same highway.
Hawaiian geography
Oahu volcanoes
Tuff cones
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