Makapuu

Around Makapuu

Just before Makapuu you’ll find Pele’s Chair.  Pele, the goddess of fire, having completed her creation of O’ahu, turned her efforts to the creation of Molokaiand Lāna’i.  It is said that Pele viewed the forming of the new islands while resting on her chair.

Makapuu (hill beginning or bulging eye) is the name of an image said to have been in a cave named Keanaokeakuapōli.  One of the best known legends about Makapuu tells about a many-eyed female kupua (shapeshifting spirit) who Pele’s sister, Hi’iaka, came to visit.  In one legend, Makapuu was said to have had eight eyes, in another legend was said to have been a sister of Mo’ikeha, and in a third, was said to have come to O’ahu with the chief, Pā’ao.

It is from the Makapuu shoreline that Pele is said to have told the fish goddess Mālei to watch over the eastern waters of O’ahu and keep plentiful the fish of the area.  The shape of her face is seen above the lighthouse.

Makapuu Beach is also a popular body and boogie-board surfing area.  And, as at Sandy Beach, the inexperienced swimmer and surfer should be cautious.

Two small islands offshore of Makapuu.

The smaller is Kāohikaipu (hold back the container) Island. The larger island, Mānana (meaning unknown), is a protected seabird sanctuary. It is popularly known as Rabbit Island, because a plantation manager raised rabbits there in the 1800s.

Just down the road from Makapuu you will find Sea Life Park.