Lanikai Pillbox Trail

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.

Amazing views and trail but just a warning there is no shade at all during this hike and some parts are not very safe and there is alot of loose rocks and dirt. Be very careful walking. There are places you will basically have to climb so wear good shoes and make sure quite fit! Parking is limited to nearby roads but it sup super quick

Strongly recommend; wonderful short hike with phenomenal views! One of the best for the amount of effort to get to the top for the views you get. Both pillboxes are great, and you could follow the ridge further but the best view is from the pillboxes. Personally I find the hike easy but if you don’t exercise or hike regularly consider it moderate because some folks may find the steep ascent, loose rocks (or mud if it rained), and no shade challenging. For gear it’ll depend on fitness levels; but I usually wear hiking shoes and carry a bottle of water and I’m good. Others might need more water, sun screen, a hat, or poles for mobility. You’ll also see people do the hike in slippers or running shoes, which is fine unless it rains. Then it’s a muddy mess.

Did this hike with our 4 year old and it was a great experience, though a bit more technical than some others since there are no railings. It was still manageable, just take your time especially on the way down. A lovely local even helped us along the way which made it easier. Easy to reach by bus and afterwards we went to the nearby beach to relax for the rest of the day. Super fun overall!

This is a challenging uphill. Parts of the trail are washed out and on the way down, you may have to use your hands or I saw some people sliding on their butts. Towards the end of our hike it started to rain. Rock became a slip and slide. Anything that was dirt became mud. Really good idea to have correct shoes and not try this in your flip-flops.

Nice hike. Beautiful views. We got unlucky and got rained on pretty heavily at the top. The track is dangerously slippery from mud when it's wet so take that into consideration if the conditions are wet!

The trail itself is great! No parking at the trail head so we parked at Lanikai Beach and walked 0.6 miles to the trail head. The trail was dusty so a little slippery but the rock, roots, and ropes made the initial incline doable. Some flat open spaces with fantastic breezes were much appreciated after the rock scrambles. Take sunscreen, water and some snacks and enjoy a little break at the top of the pillboxes.

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.