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Kalanianaʻole Highway: Makapuʻu, East Oʻahu, Hawaii
Photo: Cristo Vlahos · CC BY-SA 3.0

Drives Hawaii Oʻahu

Kalanianaʻole Highway: Makapuʻu

HI 72 · Hawaiʻi Kai → Waimānalo

Sweeping9.5 mi20 min600 ft climbHigh point ≈ 200 ftOne way
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The drive

Kalanianaʻole Highway, Route 72, is the main highway serving southeast Oʻahu, and it is named for Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole. It crosses the Kui Channel near Hawaiʻi Kai, climbs part of Koko Crater, and turns northwest at Makapuʻu to run through Waimānalo.

Makapuʻu Point is the easternmost point on Oʻahu, with views of Makapuʻu and Waimanalo Bay on one side and the Kaʻiwi Channel on the other. Makapuʻu Point Light was established in 1909. Winter whale watching and views of Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi are among the draws.

Along the way

  1. Hawaiʻi Kai (Lunalilo Home Road)
  2. Hālona Blowhole
  3. Makapuʻu
  4. Waimānalo
Elevation
600 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 200 ft
Hawaiʻi KaiWaimānalo
Curves
Mostly gentle, with one twisty stretch
Hawaiʻi KaiWaimānalo
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Makapuʻu Beach Park is near the point, with a picnic area.
  • Check HDOT's roadwork page for closures on Highway 72 before you go.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Hawaiʻi DOT Highways: roadwork.

Questions about this drive

How long does the Makapuʻu drive on Kalanianaʻole Highway take?

Kalanianaʻole Highway from Hawaiʻi Kai to Waimānalo is 9.5 miles and takes about 20 min.

What is Makapuʻu Point?

Makapuʻu Point is the easternmost point on Oʻahu, with a lighthouse established in 1909 and views of Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi.

Who is Kalanianaʻole Highway named for?

It is named for Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole, a Hawaiian prince and later congressman.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Kalanianaʻole Highway: Makapuʻu, from Hawaiʻi Kai to Waimānalo