3 Must-See Lighthouses on Oahu

“I can think of no other edifice constructed by man as altruistic as a lighthouse. They were built only to serve.” (George Bernard Shaw)

With the inception of digital navigational systems, lighthouses may not be as altruistic as they were during George Bernard Shaw’s time. That said, they do continue to serve, even if in a purely aesthetic and historical sense.

As an island in the remote Hawaiian Kingdom, Oahu is home to lighthouses that once stood-in as both beacon and warning for passing ships. To date they attract nautical enthusiasts and photo-hungry visitors alike. While there are technically a half-dozen on the island, only three fit the bill for what you envision when you picture a lighthouse. The one at Pyramid Rock Beach in the Kaneohe Marine Corps Base is nothing more than a steel box at the peak of a small peninsula. The other at Kaena Point State Park Trail is a metal pole with what’s basically a lightbulb on the top. Then there’s Aloha Tower – which is more of a clocktower than the type of lighthouse you’re looking for. With those TripAdvisor recommendations excluded we can now get to three that fans of lighthouses really want to see.

Three Lighthouses on Oahu that You Must See, Photograph, and Experience


Barber’s Point Beach Park Lighthouse

Lighthouses on Oahu Hawaii - Barber's Point Lighthouse
image: property of @yahglobal

Barber’s Point Beach Park is hidden beyond a Kapolei industrial park on the leeward side of Oahu. There are no amenities aside from a concrete restroom, which is the fault of the reef which extends up to the sand at the beach park. The topography prevents people from swimming or even wading in the water, and is ultimately what keeps it uncrowded if not entirely devoid of humans. This allows you an unfettered opportunity to view, photograph, and bask in the glory of what is the most beautiful lighthouse setting on Oahu.

The Barber’s Point Beach Park lighthouse is everything your want a lighthouse to be. It’s tall, bright, and set against a remarkable backdrop of blue sky and palm trees. The leeward side gets more sunshine than all parts of the island so there is nary ever a bad day to take photographs here. The only time you may be bothered at Barber’s Point Beach Park is during a Germaine’s Luau (which is located beside the lighthouse) event. Steer clear on the early evenings of Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday if you want to soak up the scene without distraction. View exact location of Barber’s Point Lighthouse.

Makapu’u Point Lookout Lighthouse

Lighthouses on Oahu Hawaii
image: @Little_Plant

The peak of the Makapu’u Point Lookout Trail unveils one of the most breathtaking scenes in all of Hawaii. But on the way up is another view that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. On the eastern edge of the paved pathway is the Makapu’u lighthouse, which stands in stark contrast to the deep and dark blue sea below. To keep onlookers from falling into the drink, there is a chainlink barrier to block direct access to the lighthouse. With a little creative positioning the barrier doesn’t hamper your ability to shoot some amazing photos. You can also view the lighthouse from further up, and from a different perspective when down at Makapu’u Beach Park. View location and more for the Makapu’u Point Lookout lighthouse.

Diamond Head Beach Park Lighthouse

Lighthouses on Oahu Hawaii
image: @LookUpLookDownPhotography

Diamond Head Beach Park is on the top of our list of quiet beaches near Waikiki. The coastal patch is paradise for anyone who wants to enjoy the surf, sand, and sun without crowds. To add to its idyllic appeal is a lighthouse which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The landmark was also featured on a U.S. postage stamp back in June of 2007. Interesting (or not) anecdotes aside, the lighthouse is a visual treat for all who make the trek from town to check it out. We’d be remiss to not tell you that there is a clothing-optional stretch of sand just before you reach the beachside base of the lighthouse. As long as you’re prepared for more of a spectacle than you initially planned for you’ll be just fine. View location and more.


Do you have any additional questions about how to get to these three lighthouses on Oahu? Leave them in the comment box below and we’ll get right back to you.

~ ALOHA ~

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