Pele’s Chair is a natural lava rock formation that can be clearly seen from the road when you are in the Makapu’u Point area. To get there, just park in the parking lot for the Makapu’u Point Trail. There was even security there – a police car was parked there. I don’t know if he was taking his break or just watching to discourage break ins, but at least our cars were safe, I think. As you start up on the road towards Makapu’u Point, you will see two wooden posts to the right that will lead you to Pele’s Chair.
Swimming Pole
It will take about 10-15 minutes to get to the end of the trail, where you will find a beach along with this log used for jumping into the ocean. It’s also a great place to snorkel, as the pool is protected by the waves. There are also two tidepools that are great for the kids to frolic in and get up close with the marine life.
Pele's Chair and Makapu'u Point
A lot of hikers climb down from Makapu’u Point to Pele’s Chair, from this angle, it looks less of a chair and more of a rock formation.
Waves rolling in
In stark contrast, to the calm pool on the other side, is this cove with the waves rolling in and pounding the rocks. Definitely, not a good place to snorkel or swim.
Pele's Chair
Climbing and getting up close to Pele’s Chair. This was the last place on Oahu in Hawaiian mythology, before Pele, the goddess of fire, departed for the Big Island. You can see that some idiots left their grafitti marks, like wild dogs. Others left leis, a much more respectful gesture.
Sunset
Sun setting over Koko Crater, silhouetting Pele’s Chair. Walking back to the parking lot, the police car was still there. So was my car, completely intact. This place has had a reputation in the past for punks breaking into the cars. Tax dollars at work and common sense have minimized such break ins.
Pele’s Chair
Ka Iwi State Scenic Shoreline
Honolulu, HI 96825
Open: Daily, 7am to 745pm
Cost: Free
