Lanikai Pillboxes (Kaiwa Ridge) Trail
Kailua, Hawaii
Details
Distance
1.76 miles
Elevation Gain
686 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Brooke Willson
Hiking to the Lanikai Pillboxes (Kaiwa Ridge) Trail is a relatively short, but steep trail that offers amazing views of Mokulua Islands and Lanikai Beach. This dog-friendly hike is located near Kailua, Hawaii.
The Lanikai Pillbox Trail, also known as the Kaiwa Ridge Trail, is a dog-friendly hike . The beginning of the trail is steep with loose gravel, but gets more manageable as you climb the trail. The hike is ~1.4 miles one-way and is an out-and-back trail with a 500ft elevation gain. If you’re an early-riser, this is a great hike to do just before the sun rises. The pillboxes offer panoramic views as well as of the Mokulua Islands.
This trail allows dogs on a leash if you’re hiking with your four-legged friend(s).
Post Hike
After the hike, you can hang out at Lanikai Beach and rent paddleboards, kayaks, or just go for a swim. If you’re like us and are famished after hiking and have some time, head to Cinnamon’s Restaurant for a bite.
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Reviews
Steep but short! Amazing views on a clear day just breathtakingly gorgeous. There are some rope section on the way up but most of them you can make it without.
5.0
Probably my favorite hike I did on Oahu! Woke up early and did it for sunrise; bring a headlamp/light if you do this. Insane views. Parking was a bit of a pain, go early and on a week day if you can! Lots of people, but so worth it!
5.0
Best View of the Beaches Below
5.0
Thanks for posting this hike. This was my “backyard” as a 10 yr old in the late 50s. Hiked here frequently with playmates or alone. We sometimes encountered Marines from the nearby base who would share their canned rations with us when taking a lunch break at the pillboxes. Love of outdoors spawned here on these humble hills.
5.0
Great hike with an amazing view for sunrise. Bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes, as the elevation is steep and the path can get muddy.
5.0
This is an awesome sunrise hike in the Kailua area. If you search Google Maps for "Pillbox Hike," it takes you to the trailhead on The Outbound. There is no parking lot at the trailhead, so you have to park in one of the surrounding neighborhoods. Once you've parked, the trailhead is pretty well marked and is past the entrance to the Mid Pacific Country Club. The hike to the first pillbox is moderate as you gain elevation and need to make your way up an incline filled with rocks and tree roots. Once you make it to the first pillbox, the hike is much easier and very much like a leisurely stroll to the second pillbox and beyond. If you want to do this hike for sunrise, be sure to leave a little early so you can get a seat on one of the pillboxes. Otherwise, you will need to watch the sunrise from somewhere on the trail. Either way, the sunrise is amazing and you should have a great view of the Mokulua Islands and beyond. I did not do it, but the chatter on the trail seemed to indicate that you could make this hike a loop by continuing on the trail and walking along the road it drop you on to back to the trailhead.
5.0
I hiked this place alone, and as I climbed up, I took off my shirt and only went up in a sports bra, as humidity increases with the elevation. Then again, I did go in a hot August. The views are gorgeous, and you get a 360 view of the mountains and town. There were a lot of gnats when I was there, so I didn't get to stay too long, as I was overwhelmed by bugs no matter where I moved. But I would go back again on another visit. I have no input on where to park, as I took an Uber there. There are a ton of private roads there and a park across the street, so I'm not sure where one would park.
5.0
This is a great hike if you have time and are in the Kailua area. There are two trailheads you can park at. The directions for the trailhead on The Outbound put you in a little less crowded neighborhood with more parking, but the hike to the pillboxes is longer. This hike is moderate (it can be a little tough if you're bringing the whole family and/or don't have great shoes for the trail). You'll be walking on roots, rocks, and tackling a decent incline on the way up. Once you make it to the ridgeline, the hike becomes much easier. If you want a shorter hike to the pillboxes, the trailhead is at 21.38847,-157.7222644.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Lanikai Beach
Paddle to Moku Nui
Kayak to Flat (Popoia) Island
Kick Back at Bellows Field Beach Park
Stand Up Paddle in Kaneohe Bay
Likeke Falls Trail
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