Lanikai Pillbox Hike

Located in Kahului, this is another pillbox favorite! Here you can hike to two incredible pillboxes that are fun to explore while giving you a view of the Mokulua Islands, Kailua Beach, Lanikai Beach, and everything in between!

Lanikai Pillbox Hike is ranked intermediate because of the steady steep grade of the uphill climb right from the start of the trail head. Incredible hike to see 180 degree views! 

This hike is a moderate 1 hour to 90 minute hike (roundtrip), depending how far you decide to go.  You can easily reach the first old military pillbox bunker in about 20 to 30 minutes. From here, another 10 minute walk along the ridge will take you to the second pillbox. 

You also have the option of trekking another hour farther along the Kaiwa Ridge Trail and it will take you around the coast a bit farther, and finally lead you down to the residential houses located on A’alapapa Street. From there you will need to walk approximately mile back to Ka’elepupu Drive, where you first started.

It’s a long steep climb up the initial part of the ridge, with lots of loose rocks and gravel that you could slip on. There used to be a climbing rope on the side of the trail to help you along your way.  But since the rope is gone now, I like to walk through the tall grass on the side of the hill, which seems to give me a little more grip.

The starting point of the Lanikai Pillbox Hike is located on a small no name street that branches off of Ka’elepupu Drive. You will see it directly across from the Mid-Pacific Country Club.  There should also be a small sign further up this “street” indicating the Pillbox Hike. Next to the sign, you will need to step through some brush and immediately climb up about 10 feet to reach the Kaiwa Ridge Trail.