Lanikai Pillbox Hike Map – I went from the quiet southern end to the crowded northern.
One of Oʻahuʻs most popular hikes on the islands east shore is the Lanikai Pillbox along the Kaʻiwa ridge. The hike is on every to do list when searched by every tourist that comes here. With that being said, just about everyone parks in the neighborhood adjacent to the imfamous beach, walks up the ridge to the pillboxes, and back. But what people miss is the full extent of the hike on the ridge which is why I chose to do it in reverse.
First of all…
Is this an easy hike?
Answering that is always interesting from a local standpoint. With millions of visitors visiting these islands from all kinds of places, itʻs easy to say most people arenʻt prepared for most of Oʻahuʻs hikes. Iʻve heard people grunt and grobble at Diamond Head as a tough hike. While Oʻahu has an infrastructure for hiking with designated trails, Oʻahu is definitely not Disneyland. Hikes are as rugged as it gets and you will not find rails built on steep walks. With that being said, come prepared with proper walking shoes on Lanikai, as the walk up is fairly steep, with loose rocks enough to fall and get injured. On my hike alone, I saw one Japanese man covered in brown apparently from a slide in rocks. (He wore white pants & shirt, go figure.)
The trail heads are on two opposite ends ending in two different neighborhoods which is why the hike will depend on the parking situation. But either way, the hike can be completed as an “in and out” one.
Take DaBus
I took the bus straight from my home in Diamond Head all the way to a stop near the trailhead. Take the Bus 67 to “Keolu Dr + Akumu St”. Then walk all the way down Kamahele street until the gate and walk up the stairs that will eventually take you up to the first hill.
The Multiple Peaks
In my opinion, some of the peaks further from the pillboxes deliver the best views of everything. You have Panoramic views of the Koʻolau mountains, Olomana Peaks & ridge, views all the way down from Manana Island and Makapuʻu point, to MCBH and even clear views of the mountains at the Kualoa ranch including the Mokulua island, the two infamous island off the coast of Lanikai Beach. The highest peak is the second one which has the best views I just mentioned.
No Crowds
I anticipated that this was going to be my the best parts of the hike for one reason, it isnʻt crowded and I was not wrong. Everyone does just only visit the two pillboxes for their instagrams and leave, which is cool…i guess. BUT for me, I feel like a good hike is one that allows for a bit of outdoor getaway. Listen to the trees, bird, creatures, breeze. For Lanikai, there are no insects or birds per se, but enjoying the open air and sound of the bush with the wind & the views without the noise of other people really makes the difference in a hike. And finally, if you want an unobstructed photo of the Mokulua Islands and Lanikai beach, these are the best places.
Finally, the Pillboxes
The pillboxes are indeed a unique experience for a hike, getting a good view while standing on a bit of military history for the islands. Built in the 40s post Pearl Harbor times, itʻs easy to understand how important it was to keep watch for further attacks. Iʻve read that they were not equipped with weaponry, but for a means to keep watch for another attack. There are pill boxes scattered all over Oʻahu with these two being the easiest to access other than Diamond Head Crater. The highest pillbox actually has metal ladders allowing you to climb in and out for a unique experience.
Once you get in your Instagram photos amongst others taking Instagram photos, youʻll find yourself taking the descent back to the street. I actually found the descent to be far more complex than the opposite end I started in not to forget that it was far more shaded. It took me about nearly two hours from trailhead to trailhead but on a straight walk through with some breaks and photos, it could possibly be done in over an hour. All in all, a hell of a busy beaten path kind of hike. However, 75 percent of the actual full length is really incredible and often missed by many. Something I highly recommend to those who love a good hike, is to keep going to the last hill.
Aloha
