The Lighthouse Road Trip On The Oahu Coast That's Dreamily Beautiful

With more than 750 miles of coastline, one might assume that Hawaii is home to more lighthouses than any other state, but it’s not. And while that specific title is awarded to Michigan, the Hawaiian Islands are, in fact, home to some absolutely enchanting lighthouses. These six lighthouses found on Oahu’s coast are as dreamy as their surroundings.

These six lighthouses found on Oahu’s coast are as dreamy as their surroundings and make for the perfect road trip. You’ll start your morning on Oahu’s windward coast for sunrise viewing Pyramid Rock Beach before heading around the southern coast of the island, visiting four breathtaking lighthouses, and ending your day at the Kaena Point Lighthouse for a stunning Hawaiian sunset. The entire road trip clocks in at approximately 88 miles and three hours of drive time, the perfect length for a relaxing Saturday spent checking out the island’s prettiest lighthouses.

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Located on the Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Pyramid Rock Beach is home to epic sunrise-watching, surfing, boogie boarding, snorkeling when it’s calm - and a unique lighthouse. The lighthouse was created in 1941 atop the naturally-occurring rock at the northwestern point of the Mokapu Peninsula.

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Within the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline is the Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail, where hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views of Oahu's south and eastern shores, as well as vistas of the picturesque Makap'u Lighthouse. The historic red-roof lighthouse was built in 1909, but is off-limits to actually visit.

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This active lighthouse, which was built in 1899, houses the coast guard admiral in charge of the region. The lighthouse is also used as the endpoint for the Transpac Yacht Race, which starts more than 2,200 miles away in Long Beach, California.

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Did you know that the Aloha Tower was once the tallest building on Oahu, as well as its use as a lighthouse? The lighthouse, found at the entrance to Honolulu Harbor, was constructed in 1869 and was visible from a distance of nine miles.

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The 71-foot tall lighthouse is located on the southwestern tip of the island, as was named after Captain Henry Barber, whose ship wrecked on a coral shoal near the shore in the late 1700s. The lighthouse was automated in 1964, and while you can't go inside the lighthouse, it is certainly a pretty spot for sunset photographs.

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Located on the northwesternmost tip of Oahu and accessible only on foot, the Kaena Point lighthouse was once fixed atop a concrete tower but fell victim to erosion in 1990. According to ancient Hawaiian lore, this dramatic shoreline is the place from which the souls of ancient Hawaiians would jump off into the spirit world to meet the souls of their ancestors.

Want more incredible Oahu road trip ideas? Why not check out this Oahu waterfalls road trip, this abandoned place itinerary, this haunted sites day trip, or even The Ultimate Oahu Road Trip.