Lanikai Pillbox Hike on Oahu, Hawaii

Content originally posted from my blog SUP Pacific written by me, Austin King. See the original Lanikai Pillbox Hike.

The iconic Lanikai Pillbox Hike is a relatively short, but steeply inclined hike on the windward side of Oahu.

The trail leads hikers along Ka’iwa ridge up to historic WWII pillboxes on a ridge that overlooks the white sand beaches of Lanikai, bright teal waters of Kailua Bay, & the Mokulua Islands.

The trail is a coastal, intermediate difficulty hike that can get muddy after heavy rains.

This trail is ideal for people looking for a quick sunrise hike. Afterwards, the location offers a beautiful beach to cool off at for snorkeling with sea turtles & lots of fish.

Distance: .9 miles
Time: 45min-1hr
Difficulty: Intermediate
Best time: Sunrise 🙂
Parking: Free

Video

Getting There

This trail hike is located about 40-45 minutes from Waikiki and downtown Honolulu. It is located off the Lanikai loop on the windward side of Oahu.

Coming from town, take the Pali Hwy (if it’s open!), the Likelike, or the H3 into Kailua town via Kailua Rd. Follow Kailua Rd. As it takes a right and then a left towards the ocean. Follow this until it goes over the hill turning first into Mokulua Dr. and then once you are into the Lanikai loop it turns into Aalapapa Dr.

The hike is located on the first right on Kaelepulu Dr. right across the street from Mid-Pacific Country Club at the top of the hill.

However:

You probably just want to find parking on Aalapapa or Mokulua Dr. or one of the side streets since there is nearly zero parking right in front of the hike.

Address: 265 Kaelepulu Dr, Kailua, HI 96734

Parking

Parking in Lanikai is tricky.

First, there is no parking ever on the right side of the loop where there is the bike lane. This is heavily enforced so I would not even try.

Second, there is no parking in Lanikai on holiday weekends.

Third, there is no parking between 9pm and 6am on almost all of the streets. Additionally, please make sure that you are not blocking any driveway.

Parking is always tight in Lanikai so arrive early. This is especially try during the summertime and even more true on weekends.

Facilities

There are no restrooms on the hike and no public restrooms anywhere in Lanikai.

There are a few trash cans by the beach, but that’s about it.

There aren’t any places to eat in Lanikai itself, you’ll have to go to Kailua for any facilities or markets.

Required Gear

• Sunscreen
• Phone (For Pictures)
• Slippers (Flip-flops)
• Lots of Water
• Boardies/Bikinis (For Swimming After)
• Plastic Bag (For muddy sneakers or slippers after the hike)
• Insulated dry bag backpack

Cautions & Hazards

• Wind
• Rain/Mud
• Kiawe (Thorny Plants)