Lanikai Pillbox Hike - Fun things to do on O’ahu island
This hike has many names: The Lanikai Pillbox Hikes, Kaiwa Ridge and also informally known as "The Pillbox". The Lanikai Pillbox is one of Oahu's most gorgeous hikes. The trail continues to outline what makes this island so special - its incredible natural beauty - as it rises just above beautiful Lakefront Beach, rewarding you with some of HI's best vistas as it continues to outline what makes this island so special - its incredible natural beauty!
The hike to the Pillboxes
The Lanikai Pillbox Hike is a great way to escape the hustle and bustles of city life. You will enjoy hiking through the natural scenery here. Walking to the Lanikai Pillbox Walk is a moderately difficult 1 hour to 90-minute hike (roundtrip), depending on how far you want to go. You may easily get to the first ancient military pillbox bunker in approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
From here, another 10-minute walk along the ridge will take you to a second pillbox. This is where most hikers turn around and go back down from their starting point on Kaiwa Ridge Trail if they're doing this as an out-and-back trip - but don't forget that it's possible for them to continue northbound into Earnags Gully instead! After taking you a little farther along the shore, it will eventually bring you down to the residential homes situated on A'alapapa Street. From there, you'll have to travel about a mile back to Ka'elepupu Drive, where you began your adventure.
You'll want to wear proper hiking shoes and use care while ascending and descending the Lanikai Pillbox Hike's rocky terrain. On the first section of the ridge, it's a lengthy, steep climb up with a lot of loose pebbles and gravel that you might easily slide and fall on. There used to be a climbing rope on the side of this trail, but since it’s gone now visitors tend to take advantage and walk through tall grass which seems to give them a little more grip.
The hike up to the top of Oahu offers some amazing views, and it is rated moderate because there's an initial steep climb. You often find families in this area enjoying themselves! Last but not least if you wake up early enough, the sky will reward your efforts with one of its best sunrises. It should be noted that if you are not up to the challenge of the climb, you may enjoy the view from the beach below.
