Explore the Lanikai Pillboxes!

The Lanikai Pillbox hike is a great way to start your day on the Windward side of Oahu. A lot of people hike this to view the sunrise. However, me and my girl gang are on island time so we opted for a late morning hike!

The hike is very clearly marked across from Mid Pacific Country Club with a sign that says The Pillbox. This hike can also be referred to as Kaiwa Ridge Trail. Please remember this is a residential area so respect the neighborhood, the community, and all its surroundings.

Parking can be difficult as this is a desired location for tourists and locals, so please use patience and don’t park on anyone’s property! It’s a privilege to get to hike Pillbox, since it is located in a residential area and we don’t want to lose that privilege!

This is a relatively easy hike, I would just recommend wearing good hiking shoes since it does ran a lot in this area and the trail may be slippery at times. I do believe it is rated as intermediate because there is a steep climb at the beginning but everything after that is pretty easy! It’s about 1.5 miles, out to the 2nd pillbox and then heading back. Takes about an hour round trip.

It’s also an amazing way to view Kailua, Lanikia, and the popular Na Mokulua islands. Best known as The Moks!

Here are more beautiful views from the hike.

This hike in Lanikai is becoming more and more popular, but you can still find some space to enjoy a moment to yourself or with your friends atop the two military observation stations!

The observation stations were constructed sometime between WWI and WWII.

They were used during WWII to help alert of enemy ships approaching Oahu. The land is now open to the public and owned by the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Here is more information on the history of the land.

Here are some views of the Lanikai pillboxes from afar!

Aaaa what a hike..Enjoy Lanikai Pillboxes! Adventure awaits!