Lanikai Pillbox Trail

The warning sign at the start acts like a helicopter is already warming up and your next of kin is about to get status updates. It’s giving “this trail has a body count.” The hike itself is beautiful. You are not battling nature you are doing a short workout with a scenic payoff. The gap between the sign and reality is impressive. Parking just adds to the bit. You park at the Kailua beach park and get an extra 15 minute walk to the trail head, which is easy but it really completes the illusion that this is some extreme expedition. Great views and a quick hike but the over the top warning sign keeps it at four stars. Mahalo for the cardio and the imaginary helicopter rescue.

Great hike that is not real long, but you go up in elevation the whole time. I went up for a sunrise. There was a lot of people with the same idea because it is gorgeous up there for that. I highly recommend the hike.

This was a fun hike, we went for sunrise and you definitely need torches at that time as there is no visibility otherwise. We went on a windy day and didn’t really see a sunrise but still enjoyed it and it was much cooler (temp wise) to do it then. Lots of people at the top so you won’t be alone. One key reason I’m writing this review is because we had read somewhere that it’s baby friendly - it is certainly not baby friendly! We did it with our 4 month old but would not recommend to others as there are steep scrambly parts. We saw another baby on the hike to they must have read the same. I know there is a back way - perhaps this could be easier for young kids and babies. Enjoy it!

The hike is doable for children, there's a challenging vertical climb but it's only about 20 minutes long, and there are ropes to help you along. (Helpful for those of us a bit older). The vertical then plateaus, and once you reach the pillbox (an old WW2 bunker), you can see the entire coastline and watch the surfers. You'll be at around 500 feet in elevation. If you're lucky, you can also see whales.

The view along the trail is definitely nice, but the constant burning sun and the slippy soil makes the route inconvenient with the cactus around. There are no blockers on either side of the trail, so it's nice to view all directions. The beginning section is a bit steep, but there are supporting ropes to help lift/ get down. It would be nice to have more support ropes or steps to make the climb easier

I have no idea why no one mentions the way going up is really hard. This hike is not easy and definitely needs appropriate shoes and pants. There is part the road going up is good but there’s some point you have to use your hands and foot together. But view from the top is definitely worth it Still, the view from the point right before the hardest part of hiking to pill box is same with the view from the top. So if the view is your goal, you don’t have to go to the top.

My husband and I read reviews for this hike and were assured by our Uber driver, Tommy, that it was “easy as shit!” Well, Tommy… I’ve got some news. I consider myself semi-active, but I still managed to walk away with a bloody knee and the self-esteem of a turnip after a three-legged dog passed us—not once, but twice. That said, this hike is an absolute MUST-DO! Go early, take your time, and prepare to be blown away by the views. Everyone on the trail was so supportive and encouraging—it felt like we were all in it together. If you spot the three-legged dog, don’t let his smug little trot get in your head. Rumor has it he does the trail a few times a week. 😅 All jokes aside, the views are phenomenal, the vibe is awesome, and it’s worth every slippery step. Just wear shoes with good grip—my old tennis shoes didn’t quite cut it on the way down. Add it to your list when visiting Hawai’i! 🌺🏝️

Not sure what we were getting into, got there early and found street parking available. It is limited, so make sure you follow the parking guidelines. It was dark when we arrived, had to use our phones to see (recommend bring head lamps). If you’re not a true hiker, trail is challenging. My wife made it about 1/2 way up and said that was it, I made it to the top and it is a spectacular view and sunrise was beautiful. Regardless if you make it to the top, my wife said the views were also as wonderful. Make sure you have good shoes if you decide to adventure up.

Hiked the Lanikai Pillbox #2 Trail that starts from the back end on the Mauka side. It is longer and steeper than the Makai side. First takes you to #2 pillbox and #1 pillbox and if you continue on to the start of the other trail. Most hikers start at the trailhead by golf course on Makai side and only go up as far as the pillboxes. Found it to be a more interesting than the one most hikers take. Although they both shared the amazing views from the pillboxes. The beginning of hike is steep and rocky following a dry creek bed. Probably not the best route after heavier rain, can become slippery. There a variety of views of both valleys from the ridge, mountains and ocean. The trail has some scrambling, however not very difficult. Four of us that hiked it are all over 65 but seasoned hikers (well seasoned). It's best to hike this one early, not much shade. Wear proper shoes and bring plenty of water.

Did this trail again for the sunrise! Loved it. So worth it. Again, watch your steps, take your time, bring water and wear good shoes with a good grip. This trail is short but steep with rocks and slippery. The sunrise was amazing and we will do it again!!

We found this trail on the All Trails App and it's the backside of the Lanikai Pillbox hike. You park on the street across from the houses. You'll know when to pull over because there's a gated community at the end of the street that you can't go forward. Once you park, you'll see walk towards the gated community and see the stairs to the trail on the right side. There's only a couple flights of stairs then you get to the rocky path that will lead you through trees and brush. The way up is pretty shaded however once you are walking along the ridge to the pillboxes, there's no shade so bring a hat, long sleeve, and water. Once you get to the top of the first mountain, you'll go down a bit, walk across the ridge and see a dirt path that splits. If you look to the right you'll see a concrete structure - veer right and that's the 3rd pillbox. It's small but the views of the mountains are unbelievable. Go back and continue along the ridge. There's a combination of rock climbs and dirt paths. A few areas along the ridge that have pretty steep drop offs. I'd say it's a moderate intensity hike and could be done by kiddos that have some hiking experience - maybe 4+ I'd do this baby wearing but it's really a personal preference.

My son took me to this trail and told me it would be the same or maybe easier than Diamond Head. LIES!! ALL LIES!!! I should have known this was harder when I saw the caution sign about dogs. I myself was dying I fell twice and was covered in sweat. But I will say this, the view was so worth it. I would do it all over again if I had to. Bring water.