Lanikai Pillbox Hike Adventure Guide
Combining Breathtaking views and a Touch of History
The Lanikai Pillbox Hike (also known as the Kaiwa Ridge Trail) is one of the best hikes on Oahu! The climb to the top rewards you with stunning panoramic views of the coast off of Lanikai Beach, the Mokulua Islands, and the surrounding mountain ranges. This hike is perfect for adventurers who are looking to add a hike to their itinerary. This hike is suitable for families and beginners, but be prepared – the trail gets moderately challenging near the summit, with steep inclines and occasional loose footing. Once you reach the top, you’ll find the historic World War II-era pillboxes that are perfect for exploring and taking photos. The combination of an adventurous hike, excellent views, and history makes the Lanikai Pillbox Hike one you won’t want to miss.
Getting to the Trailhead
The trailhead begins in a quiet residential neighborhood with no public parking spaces available. As a result, you’ll need to park outside the neighborhood or at Kailua beach park and walk to the start of the trail. Want a more scenic and convenient way of getting to the trailhead? You can also rent e-bikes from our storefront in Kailua and cruise your way through town and along the coast to the trailhead. It takes about 10-15 minutes to ride to the trailhead from our shop. Near the trailhead there is a designated spot to lock up your gear before you begin. Please be respectful of the residents and keep volume low, especially in the morning and evening. This hike has no shade so if you want to beat the heat, we recommend going early in the morning or in the evening. The views at the top are one of the best places to catch the sunrise. We recommend you bring lots of water, snacks, and sunscreen to make sure you are prepared for the adventure.
What to Expect on the Trail
The hike is about a 600-foot elevation gain and takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the summit. The trail is composed of dirt and rocky terrain, so good athletic shoes are highly recommended. This hike can be done by families with children, however, we advise caution and constant supervision of younger children. There are several points where you can stop and enjoy the views along the way. At the top you’ll find yourself at the first pillbox, providing some of the most amazing panoramic views the island has to offer. If you are up for more, it’s just a little further to the second pillbox where you can actually climb inside the pillbox and explore. This is a great stopping point to enjoy the view and take a rest before heading back down. After carefully making your descent, you can return to your vehicle or bike and head off on your next adventure!
What to Do Next
After hiking to the pillbox we recommend making your way over to Lanikai Beach and jump into the refreshing crystal-clear water you saw from the top of the hike. Reward your efforts with time lounging on the beach with a cooler full of drinks and snacks as you take in the views all around you. At Active Oahu we provide snorkel gear, ice chests with ice, and everything else you need for your unforgettable beach adventure. We offer rentals of beach chairs, umbrellas, snorkel gear, coolers, and more! Click this link to make your booking today. https://activeoahutours.com/oahu-equipment-rentals/