Want to do a pillbox hike on Oahu? Here are some of the best pillbox hikes on the island, with incredible views that make the climb worth it.
Oahu is full of history, including old WWII military bunkers, known as pillboxes. These concrete bunkers were used in WWII for coastal defense.
While the pillboxes were originally designed to blend into the landscape, many are now painted with colorful designs on both the exterior and interior. They are found along the coastline of Hawaii, hidden amongst the rolling hills and nature.
Since many of the pillboxes are in the mountains overlooking the ocean, there are quite a few great pillbox hikes with scenic vistas.
When you reach the pillboxes, you can go inside for some shade or crawl on top of them.
If you want to do a pillbox hike on Oahu, here are my top picks!
I was a traveling therapist who had taken assignments on Oahu for over 7 years. Hiking was a massive passion of mine while living and working in Hawaii. I’ve done all of the hikes listed in this post multiple times. They are some of my all-time favorite hikes on Oahu.
Learn More About Hawaii Travel Here: The Ultimate Hawaii Travel Guide
Lanikai Pillbox aka Kaiwa Ridge aka “The Pillbox Hike”
This hike has multiple names: Lanikai Pillbox hikes, Kaiwa Ridge, and is also informally known as The Pillbox hike.
This hike is arguably one of the most popular on Oahu for its beautiful ocean views and relatively easy trail.
The views of Lanikai beach and the islands, known as mokes, are absolutely breathtaking. If you do 1 pillbox hike on Oahu, make it this one.
There are two pillboxes on the trail, both fairly easy to access.
While the whole ridge trail to both pillboxes is about a 1.6-mile hike, you can reach the first pillbox in under a mile.
However, the trail is rated hard. It has some more difficult parts to climb. When you ascend to the first pillbox, there is a steep incline that can be challenging.
If you want to complete this trail, I highly recommend reading my full Lanikai pillbox trail review here.
There is no shade, so on hot days, it can be particularly brutal. While dogs are allowed on a leash on this trail, I recommend bringing your dog only if you’re hiking at dawn or dusk, not when it’s sunny.
Sunrise is a great time to do this hike and catch a glimpse of the rising sun.
You can reach the first pillbox in 20-30 minutes, and the second pillbox is only a small distance away on the ridge.
Parking is street parking in the Lanikai neighborhood.
Puu o Hulu or Pink Pillbox
On the west side of Oahu, Puu o Hulu, also known as the Pink Pillbox, offers some incredibly beautiful views.
This is my favorite of the pillbox hikes because of the clear ocean views and the multiple pillboxes along the trail.
The summit of this trail overlooks the stunning blue ocean of Waianae and Electric Beach.
While there are three pillboxes on this hike, it is most known for (you guessed it) the hot pink pillbox.
The pink pillbox trail is less trafficked than the hike in Lanikai, although the trail itself is a bit narrower, and you have to be careful of your footing.
This 1.6-mile hike is rated moderate in intensity. The trek to the top could take around 30 minutes to climb.
At the top of the hike, there are three pillboxes and a thin ridgeline at the top that connects all of the pillboxes.
The trail is fully exposed to the sun and on the island’s hotter, drier side.
Definitely prepare with adequate water and sun protection. Sunset would be the perfect time to do this hike and watch the sunset over the ocean.
Also, ensure your car is empty of anything visible while you are hiking this trail. Street parking along this trail is notorious for car break-ins.
Ehukai Pillboxes
Located on the North Shore of Oahu, this pillbox hike is famous for the painted peace signs on top of the pillboxes.
There are two pillboxes on this 2.1-mile trail.
Like the other trails, this one is rated moderate and fairly easy to hike. There are a few harder sections that require steady footing.
The ground can get very muddy if it rains, so be mindful of the weather.
Unlike other pillbox hikes, this trail has shade.
The top of the trail overlooks the Banzai Pipeline on the North Shore. The breathtaking blue ocean views are photo-worthy. And the pillbox is the perfect place to rest and enjoy that view.
Diamond Head
Diamond Head is the iconic mountain that sits next to Waikiki. Getting to the top of the mountain and back down is a fairly brief 1.5-mile round-trip hike.
At the summit of Diamond Head, there are pillboxes and amazing views of Honolulu and the Pacific.
This is the easiest pillbox hike to access if you are staying in Waikiki. It’s also one of the most crowded. Be prepared to slow down with the crowds on this hike.As of the writing of this post, you need reservations to hike Diamond Head, and there’s an entry fee to get into the park/parking lot. You can learn more here.
Koko Head Crater Stairs
Koko Crater Tramway, also known as Koko Head, Koko Head Stairs, or just The Stairs, is a 1,048-step climb to the top of Koko Head Lookout.
This is a challenging hike where you ascend over 1,000 railroad-tie stairs to the top of a mountain. By far, this is the most physically challenging hike on this list.
At the top, you’ll find multiple pillboxes with utterly breathtaking views of the Pacific and Hawaii Kai.
This trail will test your cardiac endurance and put your legs to the test. While it is a challenge, it is a must-do if you’re into fitness and hiking.
Read More: Koko Head Hike Hawaii: Hiking the Crater Stairs
Recap: Best Pillbox Hikes on Oahu
If you want to experience a beautiful and fun hike, check out these amazing pillbox hikes. The trails are all relatively easy, compared to other hikes on Oahu, and the views are worth the hike!