ʻEhukai Pillbox Trail

Hiking area · Pupukea

ʻEhukai Pillbox Trail

Hiking area · Pupukea

MX72+Q7, Haleiwa, HI 96712

Highlights

Hike past WWII bunkers to summit views of North Shore

MX72+Q7, Haleiwa, HI 96712 Get directions

noahlangphotography.com

@travelleisure

Seclusion, Surf, and Shrimp on Oahu's North Shore

"Forego the much more crowded Lanakai pillbox trail on O‘ahu’s Windward Coast in favor of a hike on this less trodden North Shore path. Named for their resemblance to the square medicine boxes of the 1940s, two historic World War II bunkers, each decorated with a kaleidoscope of pacifistic graffiti, perch on the mountainside high above Ehukai Beach. The trail begins at Sunset Elementary School — parking for the Pupukea-Paumalu Forest Reserve trails is clearly marked — and climbs ever upward to the top. A portion of the path is rutted with roots and rocks, so good shoes are a must, while a rope “bannister” tied to the trees helps hikers navigate the steepest sections." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/island-vacations/oahu-north-shore-kamehameha-highway

View Postcard for ʻEhukai Pillbox Trail

Kendrick

Google

Easy, short hike with absolutely beautiful views! The trail is well-marked and not too steep—perfect for a quick out-and-back adventure. Great for beginners or anyone looking to enjoy nature without a long trek. Ideal spot to relax, take in the scenery, and snap some photos.

Brandon Kain

Google

A cool little hike. It was a little muddy and slippery not good for sandals but they do have ropes to hold on to for most of those parts. The nature is very nice along the trail and the view of the ocean is great. Maybe 25m hike up a little steep at parts but not very hard.

Alessandra Camargo

Google

Great hike. Pretty steep until the last little bit. Mostly shaded hike. If it’s rained recently it will be muddy and your shoes will be really dirty. And it will be very slippery. Would recommend going in tennis shoes, bring bug spray. We (fit 60 year old and semi fit 27 year old) got up in 25 minutes not going that fast. It was about .6 miles up. Apple Watch imagine is of the climb up. Going down takes longer. Took my mom and aunt (50-60 years old) almost an hour to come down. Parking right at the trailhead, water fountains close by.

Danielle H

Google

Good hike. Quite steep for the first 0.5 miles with a lot of roots and rocks to navigate. Definitely wear shoes with grip and I would probably avoid if rainy. I think the first part of the trail would be very difficult if wet and muddy. The view from the pillbox is beautiful and the loop trail after you reach the pillbox is very flat and peaceful. It is shaded almost the whole way. The trail is hard to follow at times. I would highly recommend using AllTrails app to guide you. Overall we enjoyed it!

Keven Jeffery

Google

There's a homemade sign warning that this trail is difficult and to make sure you're prepared. Pay heed. It's definitely not a hike to do in sandals. Lots of elevation gain and unstable surfaces. The view is worth it though.

Ron E.

Google

Trail head starts from the Elementary school parking lot directly across from Pipeline beach. If it’s been raining, prepare for muddy and slippery trail. There are some ropes someone place to help with stability. Amazing views from the top. Found some goats 🐐 along the way

Google

Beautiful view from the top. Went at noon on a weekday and it was pretty quiet. Lots of trail options after the Pillbox but plan your route and download the map prior to coming because it can be confusing at times. Well worth it though. Didn't see a soul after the Pillbox. Free and easy parking at the Elementary School at the trailhead.

Christina and Jeff Marsh

Google

Beautiful views at the top! No parking or trailhead fees. Was quite muddy and slippery, don’t recommend this hike for anyone that is not sure footed or worried about getting a bit dirty, especially if you slip and fall, which we saw numerous people do! It is a moderate hike w a heavy climb up using the ropes and vines in place along the hike. Get there early to get parking next to the school. We got there around 9 AM and it was not too crowded on a weekday. Not a lot of tourists on this hike, which made it very nice with a more secluded feeling. I was thankful I brought my hiking poles in a few areas. Lots of covering from the sun the entire way!