The Lanikai Pillbox hike on Oahu is an iconic sunrise destination and a must see for anyone visiting the island. Located in Kailua, this relatively short and easy trail boasts incredible panoramic views. It showcases not only Lanikai beach and the infamous Mokulua islands but also Kailua town and parts of Waimanalo valley.
It’s important to note that this is one of the most popular hikes on the island so it will be very crowded no matter when you go. In fact, it’s estimated that this trail sees over 1,000 patrons a day, so remember to be respectful to the residents living near the trail. Keep your voices down and leave no trace.
Elevation: 625 feet
Length: 1.5 miles round trip
Duration: 60-90 minutes
Terrain: Dirt, loose gravel
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs: Allowed
The two “pillboxes” you’ll be hiking to on this ridge (Ka’iwa ridge) were originally built in 1943. They were used by the military as observation stations to look out for incoming enemy ships.
The Lanikai Pillbox hike is located in the town of Kailua, about 30 minutes northeast of Waikiki, without traffic.
Set your Google Maps destination to Lanikai Park (where you will attempt to find street parking) as there is no parking at the trail head.
Parking in Lanikai is a nightmare, no matter the time or day. Since there is no designated lot at the trailhead you will need to find street parking in the neighborhood. Know that police are constantly patrolling this area and giving out tickets. Make sure you’re not facing the wrong way, too close to driveways/corners, or parked in bike lanes.
If you cannot find street parking near the trailhead, your best bet is to park at the Kailua Beach Park Boat Ramp and walk the half mile to the trailhead. This parking lot fills up during the day, so it’d be best to go at either sunrise or sunset. The half mile walk from here will add an additional 20 minutes each way to your hike.
This trail is open to the public year round, and is equally beautiful in every season. For the best conditions, look to go on a clear day to have unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains and ocean.
Although it will be crowded, I’d also recommend doing this hike at sunrise for the best experience. Since the pillboxes face the East (where the sun rises), you’ll be able to see the sun slowly creep up over the horizon to illuminate the turquoise water below.
If you plan to be up at the summit for sunrise please remember you will have to start hiking in the dark. Be sure to check what time the sunrise is on the day you’re going as it changes throughout the year.
As a local Kailua resident, I actually like to do this hike at sunset. The parking is easier and the trail is much more empty making it more enjoyable. Especially when I bring my dog!
As it nears 5:30 p.m. on a Tuesday, my rescue dog and I quickly hop in the car for a quick end of day workout. It’s exactly what we need after a day cooped up indoors. I find a parking spot near Lanikai park and take a mental note that parking is much easier at this time of day versus the usual morning summits.
We walk up Ka’elepupu Drive to the trailhead. The wide dirt path is easy to navigate even as the sun is falling behind the Ko’olau mountains.
As we proceed, multiple pathways branch off and weave back together as they lead us up the steep but quick incline.
It hasn’t rained in weeks. The trail is dry with loose dirt and gravel that I find slightly slippery. My dog on the other hand has no problem, urging me to go faster to keep his pace.
Before we know it, we are treated to views of the neighborhoods below, softly glowing as the sky turns to dusk. Even at this time, we are not alone. There are groups of people gathered on both the pillboxes as well as on the trail itself, waiting for the sky to be painted in sunset colors.
As we traverse the ridgeline the blues around us start to melt to pastel pinks. We snap a couple photos overlooking Lanikai beach, happily enjoying my dog’s first Lanikai Pillbox summit.
Although we could continue on past the two pillboxes we decide to turn around knowing we have experienced the best views the hike has to offer. Guided by headlamps and my dog’s glow collar, we head back the way we came for a quick 20 minutes.
Photos were taken in collaboration with: Matthew Tonokawa
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