Pillbox Hike
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About Pillbox Hike
Get the inside scoop on Pillbox Hike from local experts, travel creators, and tastemakers. Browse genuine trip notes, Pillbox Hike reviews, photos, travel guides, and itineraries from real travelers and plan your trip with confidence.
What people say
kristen pennison
Available for hire
"Explore this 1.7-mile out-and-back trail near Kailua for some of the best views! This is a very popular area for hiking, running, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. It can take about 30-45 minutes to hike from the trailhead to the top (second) pillbox (elev. 565-ft). Its another 10 minutes to reach the ridge's highest point (elev. 603-ft) marked by a geodetic marker (the small concrete platform with broken surveyor's pole).
There are some steep sections that require scrambling, can sometimes be slippery, and there are no guardrails along the steep cliff sections.
Parking:
You can’t park at the start of the trail. Depending on what side you start on, parking can be tricky as you’ll likely have to park in the beach parking areas that can fill up pretty quick. I parked at Kailua Beach and walked for about 20 minutes. Another option is 0.6 miles away at Lanikai Beach Parking!
Trailhead:
The trailhead is on Kaelepulu and is opposite of the Mid Pacific Country Club & Golf Course just before you reach a private, gated community. You’ll see a sign that says "start here" with a dirt path."
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Alexandria Ugarte
"1 mile out-and-back but with an elevation gain of 406 feet.
This iconic hike is great for those without mobility issues. Make no mistake you will need good knees and ankles to make it up to the pillboxes. Parking can be difficult around the trailhead and Bluestone, a residence, will tow your car if you park in front of them. I recommend not parking at all on Kaelepulu Dr and instead finding a spot on a side street. If there is no parking in the Lanikai neighborhood then you can try for parking at Kailua beach and consider the walk to the trail head just an extension of your hike.
If you are up to turning your adventure up a notch and have head lamps then I really recommend hiking up for the sunrise. Just be sure to be respectful of residents and move quietly through the neighborhood during those early hours.
Also the pillboxes have been recently reinforced so they are much safer to climb on and get that bucket list photo."
Jordan Wohlwend
"Next on the list is the Lanikai Pillbox hike. It’s about 20 minutes from the Makapu’u Point trail.
After arriving, you’ll quickly realize there is not a parking lot, so you do need to find parking along the residential streets. Just be sure to pay attention to signs and not block any driveways.
After snatching a parking spot, head to the trailhead (google maps will lead you there if you are lost) and start the climb. After less than a half mile, you’ll first see the first Pillbox, but if you keep going a bit further you’ll reach the second. It’s a great place to relax, have a snack, and enjoy the view. "
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