The annual First Day Hike at Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail in East O‘ahu is set for January 1, 2025. This event marks the 13th year that all 50 states have participated in promoting America's state parks through First Day hikes.
Curt Cottrell, administrator of the DLNR Division of State Parks (DSP), advises participants to arrive early to witness the sunrise at 7:09 a.m. "Most years the crowd, often times exceeding 800 people, sees a spectacular sunrise. However, of course everything is weather dependent, and a few years’ cloud cover obscured the view of the sun slowly rising out of the Pacific," he noted.
Even if weather conditions are not ideal for viewing the sunrise, attendees can experience unique cultural performances. The host culture is honored by Kumu Sam Gon and Halau Mele with traditional pū and oli before dawn. Asian culture is represented by Japanese taiko drumming from students at the nonprofit Taiko Center of the Pacific. “The sound of the drums echoes far and wide,” Cottrell stated, adding that sensei Chizuko Endo leads her drummers in this vibrant celebration.
Scottish bagpiper Charles “Scott” Walker will conclude the morning by serenading hikers as they descend from their vantage point.
To accommodate these performances, access to the summit viewing platform will be restricted before and during sunrise but will reopen afterward. Officers from DLNR's Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) will be on-site to ensure safety throughout the event.
Cottrell expressed gratitude for community involvement: “DSP is very grateful for the community partnership for an event that adds cultural elements to the striking natural landscape.”