Home / Oahu Hiking Trails / Lanikai Pillbox Hike
Lanikai Pillbox Hike - to heavenly views
The
Lanikai
Pillbox Hike, also popularly known as the Kaiwa Ridge Trail,
is one of the most picturesque and pleasant Oahu hiking
trails. This intermediate hike rises just above
beautiful
Lanikai Beach, rewarding
hikers with some of
the best vistas of
Oahu’s windward side.
Hike Details
Elevation 625 Feet
Length 1.5 Miles Round Trip
Duration 60 to 90 Minutes
Terrain Hills, Ridge, Loose Dirt
Difficulty Medium
Disclaimer – all Oahu hikes have different challenges and hazards that can be dangerous and may cause injury. Know your fitness and skill level before embarking on any hike. Stay on trails and obey posted signs. The information on this site is for your reading pleasure only. Hike at your own risk.
Lanikai Pillbox
Hike is ranked
intermediate because of the steady
steep grade
of the uphill climb right from the start of the trail head.
Throughout the climb, hikers are rewarded
with views of the
Mokulua Islands, Kailua
Beach, Lanikai Beach, and its
surrounding residential neighborhoods.
In the distance, you
can also see Kaneohe
Bay, Chinaman’s Hat, Waimanalo
Bay, and
the
Makapu’u Lighthouse.
Hikers are rewarded with mesmerizing views the entire way up to the pillboxes.
The Hike to the Pillboxes
The Lanikai Pillbox Hike is a moderate
1 hour to 90 minute hike (roundtrip), depending how far you decide to go.
You can easily reach the first old military pillbox bunker in about 20
to 30 minutes.
From here, another 10 minute walk along the ridge will take you to the second pillbox. Most hikers
turn around at this point, and travel back down the Kaiwa Ridge Trail
from where they originally started.
You also have the option of trekking another hour farther along the Kaiwa Ridge Trail and it will take you around the coast a bit farther, and finally lead you down to the residential houses located on A’alapapa Street.
From there you will need to walk approximately mile back to Ka’elepupu Drive, where you first started.
You will want to wear appropriate hiking shoes and take caution climbing up and back down the Lanikai Pillbox Hike. It’s a long steep climb up the initial part of the ridge, with lots of loose rocks and gravel that you could slip on.
There used to be a climbing rope on the side of the trail to help you along your way. But since the rope is gone now, I like to walk through the tall grass on the side of the hill, which seems to give me a little more grip.
The initial 10-yard (approx) vertical climb through thick brush might seem a little intimidating at first, but the steep part is short and you will be fine once you get started and the trail opens up to the fabulous ocean views to the left.
Although this Oahu hiking trail is rated moderate because of its initial steep climb, you often find kids and families along the ridge top, enjoying the adventure and views!
Pillbox Sunrise
If you wake up early enough you just might be rewarded with one of the best sunrises of your life. The morning hours also happen to be the best time to hike while it's typically less crowded and usually less windy. Note that if you're not ready for the climb, there is a gratifying experience watching it from the beach below.
Some hikers climb up on top of the bunker when they reach the 1st pillbox. Maybe as a sign of victory...or to get a memorable selfie. Make sure to be extra careful as it gets quit windy along the ridge and up top.
Panoramic View Map
3 Similar Oahu Hiking Trails
Here are 3 additional Oahu Hiking Trails that are similar to hike, which you might want to consider climbing after this one...
Getting To Lanikai Pillbox Hike
Your best option is to drive to Lanikai for this hike. It will take you about 40
minutes by car from Waikiki,
or 1 hour plus by bus.
The starting point of the Lanikai Pillbox Hike is located on a
small no name street that branches off
of Ka’elepupu Drive --- trust me…its easy to find!
You will see it directly across
from the Mid-Pacific Country Club. There should
also be a small sign further up this “street” indicating the Pillbox
Hike.
Next to the sign, you will need to step through some brush and
immediately climb up about 10 feet to reach the Kaiwa Ridge Trail.
By Car
There are about
7 parking spots
located on the right hand side
by the entrance gate to the Mid-Pacific Country Club.
Park
and walk up the side street on the left hand side and look for the
small “Pillbox Hike” sign.
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By Oahu Bus
- From Kuhio St in Waikiki, take the number 8 or 20 Oahu bus to the Ala Moana Center.
- Transfer onto bus number 67 that will take you over the Pali to the downtown Kailua area.
- Once in downtown Kailua area, transfer to the shuttle bus number 671. Ka’elepupu Drive will be the 2nd street once you enter the Lanikai residential area.
- Let your bus driver know that you would like to be dropped off at the A’alapapa Drive stop. Ka’elepupu Drive is one block up the street, where you will need to walk up to the hiking entrance.
Oahu map of the Lanikai area
Hiking Tips
While some consider this to be an easy hike, be mindful and careful as medical rescues take place here. Some hikers have fallen and hurt themselves, sprain ankles or have just hike beyond their means. There has even been some helicopter recues on occasion in the area, assisting folks off the hillside.
Closest public restroom is located at Kailua Beach Park if you need to use one.
Come prepared to all Oahu hikes with the proper gear and aid including the following:
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In the Lanikai Pillbox Hike Area
Windward Oahu Beaches!
The 2 most
beautiful beaches
on
Oahu just happen to lie below
the Kaiwa Hills. It would be a shame to not
spend a little
R&R time on at least one of them!
Lanikai Beach
Lanikai
Beach backs
up to the
luckiest residents on the
island! This Oahu beach has pristine powder sand and tranquil
aqua blue waters. I could easily camp out on this beach all
year long and call it home!
Kayak to Mokulua Islands
It’s
amazing enough to just step onto Kailua beach, but paddling out gives
you a whole new perspective. Not to mention observing the crystal clear
waters below as you journey out.
This is a special 2 hour adventure that you must plan ahead and sign up before arriving at the beach. It includes transportation, lunch, snorkel gear, life jacket, dry bag, and caters to beginners to more advanced kayakers.
Kailua Beach
Kailua
Beach Park offers more pristine beaches, aqua blue waters, and the definition of the word paradise! It
also has park facilities available if you need them.
Town of Kailua
On your way to Lanikai, you will pass through the charming
downtown area of Kailua Town. There are many fun shops and
restaurants you can duck into. Take a stroll if your legs are still
up for it!
Kailua Restaurants
Among the slew of Kailua Restaurants, I would
recommend heading over to Boots
&
Kimo’s for good breakfast
eats, and L&L Barbecue or Zippy’s
for an inexpensive, fast, and
satisfying plate lunch.
Sister Hike in the North Shore
Looking for another hike similar to Lanikai?
Head to the North
Shore and turn your attention
to a ridge above the Banzai Pipeline. The Ehukai Pillbox Hike is
another great Oahu hike that is a 30 minute climb
up to two old military bunkers
overlooking the North Shore coastline. The views are
breathtaking!
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Aloha & Enjoy!
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