As one of the best attended First Day Hike events in the country, the trek to the Makapu‘u Overlook for the first sunrise of the year is popular with many. The Hawai‘i First Day Hike …a walk really… is along the paved pathway to the lighthouse at the summit of Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline. The self-guided, self-paced walk provides incredible views mauka to makai and has attracted as many as 700 people on New Year’s Day. Sunrise is followed with a rousing taiko performance. The DLNR Division of State Parks (DSP) is very grateful for this community partnership for an event that adds cultural elements to the striking natural landscape. The summit viewing platform will be closed before and during sunrise to provide space for the pu, oli, and taiko drummers. It reopens after the performance. More info: Division of State Parks | Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline (hawaii.gov)
FIRST DAY HIKE AT KAIWI STATE SCENIC SHORLINE
- Gates to the park open at 5:30 a.m. to give provide ample time to get to the top and in position along the route for the 7:10 a.m. sunrise.
- Staff will arrive in advance to drive up to the summit with drums and performers before hikers start to ascend.
- The paved footpath is one mile each way.
- Flashlights, blanket and warm clothes are encouraged – in addition to darkness Kaiwi can be windy along the route and especially at the summit.
- Parking is limited at the trailhead so overflow vehicles must park along the highway. Carpooling is encouraged.
- Exercise extreme caution when crossing the highway.
- There are no restroom facilities at Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline, but for this event State Parks will provide portable toilets at the trailhead.
- Poop bags and leashes are required for dogs.
- Please carry out all rubbish.
- More info: News Release – FIRST DAY HIKE AT KAIWI STATE SCENIC SHORELINE SET FOR JANUARY 1, Dec. 29, 2023 (hawaii.gov)
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- 17 iconic hikes & trails on O’ahu (hawaiionthecheap.com)
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