A short & steep 1.5 mile round-trip hike along a rocky ridge...no shade along the way. Absolutely stunning views up top that are totally worth your efforts! Bring water, good shoes & sunscreen! read more

A short, steep, intense hike. We wanted to catch the sunrise so got here early around 5 am and it was super dark, so the first portion of the hike was already a bit of a challenge with us having to use our hands to navigate the steep muddy trail. You will get muddy / dirty especially if it's been wet or dewy so wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty. The views on the eastern side of the island and the sun rising as you're hiking is an experience worth doing! We made it to the second pillbox, sat atop it awhile to admire the views, before turning back around. read more

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A short, intensive but gratifying hike! Maybe it was because it was 11:30am and I was wearing not the best shoes but this very short hike humbled me. It only took about 25 minutes to get up (and about 20 down) but everyone else is right, it is very steep on about 70% of it. If it has rained at any point in the previous 24 hours I would say climb at your own risk. Most people should relatively be fine but don't be afraid to take breaks and watch your step esp if you have little tread on your shoes. Also if you suffer from any sort of vertigo I'd say don't do this. The beast thing about this hike is not that the view is the final destination but there the entire time! You don't have to reach the top if you don't want too. I can assure you that you can stop on the side and see the coastline at any point. I would say there was a fair amount of people on the trail but not crowded. Parking is available on the side of the road in the residential which wasn't too difficult. Totally worth the trek! read more

Lanikai Pillbox Hike - Hiking Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

The Lanikai Pillbox hike is right around the corner from our place in Lanikai so we really don't have an excuse not to hike it. We didn't have to worry about parking so that made things a lot easier. The cars circle around our road looking for beach and hiking parking but if you start around 6-7am on a weekday you will probably be ok. You can also park at the Kailua beach parking lot and walk to the start of the hike. It's not a relaxing hike but it's definitely beautiful and unique once you get to the pillboxes. The views are so stunning! Definitely would recommend it for an early weekday hike. read more

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If you are ready for a workout go for it! The hike is very steep but it was a great one! Took us about 31 minutes to get to the very top and about 6 minutes to come back down. Love that it wasn't crowded and we had a beautiful sunset view read more

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Lanikai Pillbox Trail is a hiking trail near Lanikai Beach in Kailua offering views of the ocean, coastline, and nearby islands. You can park in the residential neighborhood and walk a short way to the trailhead. Pillboxes are small fortified concrete structures used in warfare and the ones here are from World War II. The hike was only 1.6 miles round trip but some points were a little narrow, steep, and slippery. The beginning was the toughest with a rocky incline. It was only about 15 minutes to the first pillbox already with good views but if you walk another 5 minutes you'll reach the second pillbox. The views of the ocean were beautiful and you can see the coastline far and wide. You can continue going past the pillboxes but most people get to the stop and go back down. Going down was a little slippery so watch your step, be careful, and ensure you're staying on the trail going down. This was a short and slightly strenuous hike but fulfilling. read more

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We have hiked this trail a number of times, always short and sweet, with amazing views. Really enjoy hiking it for sunrise with headlamps. Which should be done carefully. The morning glow as the sun rises is stunning over the mountains and ocean. This trail can be an Ankle twister, so be prepared with proper shoes. I see a lot of visitors to the island hiking this trail with shoes that do not provide good traction. Bring water and snacks to hang out on top of second pillbox to enjoy the amazing views. You can continue past this point on the trail which ends up in a neighbor further from coast. If you add this additional hike bring plenty of water and do early, it has no shade. You can walk back on road or turn around and take trail back. read more

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Woke up at 4:45am and drove all the way from the West Side to Kailua to catch the sunrise. Bring flashlights! Preferably head flashlights so you can use the rope while having your hands free. Made it in time with to sit down and relax and watch the sun rise. One of the best ways to enjoy this hike, lots of people so choose your time to do this trail wisely. Incline all the way up, feel your legs burn! Every view is a great one! You don't need to climb all the way to the pillbox unless if for a cool photo. We found a little spot just for ourselves to enjoy and it was nice and peaceful without a lot of people. read more

Lanikai Pillbox Hike - Hiking Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

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Amazing and fairly easy hike! Though make sure to wear hiking shoes that have grip as the first stretch of the hike and some parts of the latter half is very inclined and can be slippery. Parking can be tricky if you don't get there early so plan ahead and go in the morning (you can catch the sunrise and won't have to deal with the afternoon heat). Your best bet is you park on one of the local streets (I parked on Kaelepulu Dr and was fine). The view to the top is worth it! Once up there You can see the whole stretch of Lanikai and Kailua beach, the Mokes as well as the windward side of Oahu with all the beautiful mountains. You can sit and rest on the pillboxes while you savor the view, or even explore the inside of the pillboxes and check out the graffiti! Highly recommend this hike if you're having trouble deciding where to hike, since there are many options on the island. Perfect for beginner-intermediate hikers! read more

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Beautiful, fun, and a little challenging... We hiked Pillbox after a morning rain. Not our smartest idea, but still super fun. There were a few areas that are a little dicey even without the rain. There's really nothing to hold on to at the steep areas, and some of the sections are quite narrow and steep. The view from the top is so pretty and worth the trek. read more

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Just missed the sunrise. This is not an easy hike gradual hike or maybe I'm not in the best of shape. It is beautiful and lots of wind the day we went. Almost to the point I felt like my phone would fly out of my hand. read more

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This hike is located above Lanikai Beach in Kailua. You can access the trailhead near MidPac Country Club. There is no parking along that section of road but if you go further down below on the next block you can park along the street. I loved the views from the trail. You can see the ocean on one side of the ridge and the mountains on the other. On a clear day you can also see all the way to the Mokes. Remember to wear good close toe hiking shoes and bring water. The trail is not very long but it can be extremely hot on a sunny day since there's no shade. Also, it is steep and rocky so I don't recommend it for everyone. read more

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I hadn't done the Lanikai Pillbox Hike in quite a few years. Parking in Lanikai has changed quite a bit and so you can't really park anywhere in the neighborhoods anymore. For this reason, my husband dropped off my son and I, and we went up by ourselves. I would say that if you have a rambunctious 7 year old, like I do, be prepared that they will run around like crazy and you might need help wrangling them as I did with mine. I think he was giving other hikers heart attacks because he was close to the edge and there's nowhere but down in most spots since you're going up and down. The view is always spectacular, but it can get quite windy up there. Be prepared to get your shoes dirty if it's rained. The path does kind of deviate, but follow the most treaded path and keep going up and you should see other people along the way. A beautiful hike that probably takes less than an hour if you take your time enjoying the view and taking pictures. Just remember to respect the parking rules! read more

Great hike! It's short but steep! It did rain on us making the ground very slippery! Definitely wear appropriate shoes! No flat bottoms! Or you will end up flat on your bottom;) Great views! The second building isn't much further past the first one and I recommend hitting that one too! I noticed so many turn around after the first one? I didn't understand why? You can literally see it. Maybe bring a rain poncho? We got caught in the rain with no pina coladas!? We were soaked! Didn't ruin the experience but maybe this review will help someone plan ahead. read more

Lanikai Pillbox Hike - Hiking Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

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Very god beginner hike. Theres a section of rocks that are kind of hard to navigate because there's no clear path to take but besides that great hike, nice view, not too overcrowded. Parking is pretty difficult though due to it being right next to the beach that also has no parking. read more

Lanikai Pillbox Hike - Hiking Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

This hike was such a fun and beautiful experience! Parking is tough, but we parked on the street (just be careful and make sure to read signs for ticketing/tow away areas). The beginning of the hike is a little rocky and uphill so just make sure to wear the right shoes and to be careful since it can be a little slippery. The hike is relatively short and manageable. It was awesome seeing the pill boxes and the graffiti makes everything so colorful and lively. To top it off, you have an AMAZING view of the islands nearby. It is such a beautiful sight, you won't want to miss this hike! read more

This was the 2nd hardest hike I've done in Hawaii. This one was tricky due to the loose dirt and clay, which can be scary when you're by the ledge. After you conquer several steep inclines, you'll be blessed with great views from two different pillboxes. We got to meet other fellow friendly hikers. Expect a lot of video and photos taken. The 2nd pillbox is better if everyone is crowding around the 1st for less people. Recommended that you come in the morning so you don't get overheated or dehydrated quickly with the sun overhead. That was our mistake. Also parking is a bit hard to find. We got lucky and found someone pulling out of the parking lot by the nearby beach and walked up a little to the trail. read more

It's a beautiful hike I've done it a handful of times when I was in shape lol I plan on going back again soon beautiful view bring comfy shoes and breathable clothing a water bottle not a long hike at all read more

breathtaking views honestly prolly the best imo i was lichrally on all fours because it gets that steep but i like the challenge hahah do at your own risk but sometimes the trail is difficult to locate so you gotta go with your gut or follow others. high elevation for sure -- intermediate hike :D read more

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We did the Pillbox Hike in Oahu with our 4 and 7 year-old, and they crushed it! On this particular day we saw -zero children-throughout our hike, so I was wondering how they would do. Honestly, I was ready to call it a day after the first pillbox, but they were all in and wanted to keep going. It's definitely a challenging hike, steep in parts and can be a bit slippery but totally doable if you take your time and know your limits. The bunker was cool to climb down and it was probably the kids' favorite part. The views at the top are absolutely worth it. They are stunning. Highly recommend it if you're up for a bit of a climb and want those classic Oahu views. read more

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nice short hike with a beautiful view, however it can get very hot, best for sunrise hike or early morning or late afternoon read more

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Lanikai Pillbox hike is located in Kailua. The best time to go is probably for sunrise, but if not then early morning time is great - you beat the heat and it isn't too bad finding parking. You can park at Lanikai Park after 6AM on most days, but they are very strict with parking in the area so read all signs carefully! You may have to park closer to Kailua beach park too, just depending on where you can find legal parking. When walking to the start of the trail head, you will have to walk through a private road that usually has security telling you where you can and can't walk. This is a high-foot traffic trail with mostly tourists and some locals. This hike is kid friendly, but I would not recommend doing after rainy weather because of how muddy it can get. When weather conditions are good, even then some parts of the trail are dusty so it's easy to slip. At the beginning of the trail, there is a little bit of a steep incline but there is a rope to hold onto and many sturdy tree trunks to grab. Throughout the rest of the hike, it is a steady incline with mostly rocks and dirt for terrain. The hike itself is about a mile, and the time can vary anywhere from an hour or two (round trip). Once you're at the top (first pillbox) you can climb on top or explore inside for some pics. The walk to the second pillbox is just a couple of minutes away and the view just gets better! Overall, it's a beautiful hike and great for families and just cruising for a nice sunrise view. It's definitely a spot to visit for everyone. Don't forget to wear good footwear, bring water and don't leave any trash around! read more

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Lanikai Pillbox Hike is an absolute gem! The trail itself offers the perfect mix of challenge and breathtaking views. The steep climb in the beginning is definitely worth it once you reach the top, where you're rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the ocean and the Mokulua Islands. What made this hike even more enjoyable was the welcoming and friendly vibe from the other hikers along the way. Everyone was in high spirits, which added to the overall experience. One tip: go early to beat the heat and the crowds, but either way, the hike is worth every step. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this hike is a must-do for anyone looking to soak in some of Hawaii's most beautiful scenery. Definitely adding this to my list of favorites! Lanikai Pillbox Hike is an absolute gem! The trail itself offers the perfect mix of challenge and breathtaking views. The steep climb in the beginning is definitely worth it once you reach the top, where you're rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the ocean and the Mokulua Islands. What made this hike even more enjoyable was the welcoming and friendly vibe from the other hikers along the way. Everyone was in high spirits, which added to the overall experience. One tip: go early to beat the heat and the crowds, but either way, the hike is worth every step. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this hike is a must-do for anyone looking to soak in some of Hawaii's most beautiful scenery. Definitely adding this to my list of favorites! read more

Lanikai Pillbox Hike - Views - Hiking Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

For real know your limits! This trail may be short but it is not easy! It is all in the SUN and straight up! It is slippery, rocky. Be sure to wear good shoes, Make sure to bring water, and a hat. This trail gets crowded so be patient and take your time as you have to take turns walking around each other. The views are amazing , I wish I could have gone early in the day, and I may do it again just for the sunrise . read more

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Great hike with amazing views. There is a moderately steep incline. Views of the mountains one direction and ocean the other. The hike is relatively quick to see the first two pillboxes. Recommend going in AM since there is no cover. read more

Lanikai Pillbox Hike - Amazing views - Hiking Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

Dreamy views are the rich rewards of this moderately treacherous hike. We are not avid hikers, and didn't quite make it up to the top, but our views from halfway up were so spectacular! We heard parking was difficult in this area so we took an Uber (taxi) from our hotel. Location is so close to two beautiful beaches, so bring a bathing suit. There are no nearby restrooms so do your business before heading and bring plenty of sunscreen and water with you. The hiking trails are steep and muddy, so I'd recommend shoes with good grip and to avoid going after recent rains. This trail is not accessible to those with mobility challenges. read more

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Lanikai Pillbox is not quite the easy stroll some reviews make it out to be. It's more like a "sweat-and-scramble" kind of hike. It's short but steep, with a few spots that'll have you wondering if you're hiking or auditioning for American Ninja Warrior. So watch your step on the way down! Totally worth it. The views at the top are absolutely beautiful, and the breeze is so refreshing. You're also just a short walk to Lanikai Beach, so pack a towel and reward yourself with a post-hike dip in some of the clearest water on the island. read more

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This hike is a complete view of Kailua, Lanikai side of the island. It is a steep hike and you are hiking on the mountain ridge. If I have to compare to Diamond head hike, the trail is a lot narrower and windier. We spotted two Pillboxes and turned back. I am not sure how far you can hike into the mountain. Roughly after one mile in, the path splits into two different trails. You can enjoy the beautiful Lanikai view from the either of the Pillbox. I must say the cons of this hike is there is absolutely no public restroom and no parking. We parked nearby residential area but there were tons of sign that said you could only park until 10am. I am not sure if this a regular restriction or during holiday weekend. read more

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Pillbox Hike is one of the more challenging hikes I've done. Park at the residential areas but make sure they're actual spots. If you're not sure ask a resident. Some paths have steep inclines or loose rocks so be sure to have the right shoes with decent grip. Going down, be sure to take your time. I slid twice..Be sure to bring water, hat, and sunscreen since there's no shade. The heat plus high incline will tire you quickly even though the hike itself is short. The view is great. Take a million photos. read more

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One of my favorite hikes to do when I visit Oahu. I take my friends who are visiting here and they always love it. It's not too strenuous and you get a great view at the top. Don't skip on this hike if you're in the area! read more

Lanikai Pillbox Hike - Hiking Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

This was a total fail. First of all there's no parking. You have to park in a residential area. Good luck finding parking because it's super crowded since the beach is also down the street. Once you park, you still have to walk all the way to the start of the hike, which is a little far from where you'd park. When we went, we didn't see anyone going toward the pillbox hike. We were the only ones walking that way, and once we made it to the start of the trail, we didn't see anyone either. I thought it was strange. As we started the hike, we noticed it was getting steeper and steeper. It was also very slippery. We didn't even get that far when we decided to turn around and go to the beach instead. The whole time we were there, we didn't see anyone. If you're an avid hiker and are okay with steep hikes/hills, then this is for you. If not, then I recommend you look for another one. The only good thing about this is that the beach is literally down the street on the other side. read more

This was an adventurous hike. It was a bit scary for me because it was steep, rocky and not an easy climb for beginners. I dont normally hike so this was fun. If you are in Hawaii this is a visit you can do. It is a trail and you have to park down the road and walk up to it. WARNING it is a workout and you mildly dangerous. Need to go when there is plenty of daylight. Nightfall caught us. Not recommended for children(under 16) and elderly(not over 55) Don't drink and do this trail. There have have been a couple reported accidental deaths. read more

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You never regret when you get to the top of a hike with that said, you won't regret this one. Located in Lanikai you're guaranteed a beautiful view. Getting to the entrance: before getting to the entrance, you have to find parking. Be mindful this is located in a residential area. So you will be parking in the neighborhood, be kind & respectful. The entrance is located on a residential street. It can be easy to mess at first. But once you're there, let the uphill begin. The hike is not hard though it has a few challenging steps involved. It didn't take us long to get to the top. I guess it's because we were really excited to get to the view and feel a breeze from working up a sweat. The day we went the weather and skies were clear. We were able to see the view as far as our eyes would let us. It's super peaceful and wish I stayed longer. read more

Lanikai Pillbox Hike - Hiking Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

**REVIEW #1000** GOOSEBUMPS! My entire body shivered with goosebumps after I completed the hike! The next day, my quads were shaking like thunder! I was sore, sore, sore and could barely sit on the toilet without feeling pain. I was like Indiana Jones climbing up the mountain, using sketchy looking ropes that can break in a moment and walking through paths where you can see cliffs on both sides. ACK! EEK! AHH! That's how I felt through this 1 mile hike. I was freaked out scared! It took about an hour to do the hike. Due to FEAR, I took my sweet ass time. My petrified look shown through because hikers were cheering me on that I can do it (I think I can, I think I can). My hiking shoes gripped into every rock to ensure I don't slip n' roll down the hill. I gunned my quads down and squatted onto every single rock. I even sat on hot jagged rocks, which bruised n' scratched my bum up and crawled down with my hands and knees. Who is that holy hot mess holding people up? ME! Just go around me, go AROUND! I can't go any faster than a snail. And alas, I made it to the finish line! Thank Holy Mother of God and Jesus Christ that I made it down alive. Hallelujah! I was thankful that I accomplished this hike! I was thankful that I actually did this hike! I was thankful that the views were AHMAAZZING! Epic 1000th review! Epic hike! Will I do it again? I say hells to the no... for now... NOTES: The hike doesn't have a hint of shade, so, wear a hat, bring water. I saw people in flipflops and heels. I saw moms with a fresh baby in a backpack. This is an intermediate hike. Parking is a pain, so, come early. If your out of shape, be prepared to be sore the next day! read more

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Pillbox is absolutely beautiful and not as rigorous as I thought but definitely some incline. I was worried about parking because of all of the reviews. Because it was a rainy day and cloudy, parking was moderately easy to find around 9 AM. There were plenty of spots in the residential areas that were allowed and only a 3 min walk to the trailhead uphill. It's around a 30 minute drive from Waikiki. There were two attendants at the trailhead that gave us more info about the trail. The rain had stopped but the first 1/4 of the hike was completely muddy and slippery. There are ropes and tree roots you can hold onto. The attendant actually said she didn't think the view would be worth it on the cloudy day but the hike didn't take too long and I still found it beautiful. Tip: It does help to have shoes with good grip though. It was night and day between my husband and me. He slipped a lot even though he's the better hiker down the muddy paths but it was easier for me especially on the rockier parts up. And it was nice that it wasn't crowded. Would definitely recommend coming here! It's worth the spectacular view. read more

Views for DAYS!!! This hike has some of the most amazing views of the city and coastline. The hike out to the Lanakai pillboxes is less than a mile round trip, but it can be extended and shortened to your desired liking. I'd rate this hike as moderate since it does include some light rock scrambling and a few steepish inclines in certain areas. There is no parking available in the city of Lanakai (parking is only for the residents who live there). Your best bet is to either walk from the next city over (Kailua) or to get dropped off in front of the trailhead. Since the hike itself is so short, I parked near Kailua Beach Park and walked from the park to the trailhead which added about 2 miles to the hike. The trail is kind of undisclosed, but it's popular and you'll probably see other people walking up the road to the trail start. It's randomly located in a residential neighborhood, and there are two signs hanging on a fence that read "Pillbox" and "Start here". The beginning of trail was super muddy when I hiked it in mid-January, and there were two ropes there to help people get up the first little hill. It's really not that intimidating, but make sure that you wear sturdy shoes that you don't care about (they'll be dirty after the hike). Preferably hiking shoes, but some sturdy tennis shoes will actually do. The trail inclines 400 feet in about a half mile. It's mainly a dirt path with some rocky sections. There's one small section where you will basically be scaling up some rocks. It's not so bad going up, but a bit scary trying to maneuver your way back down. Don't be afraid to get on your butt and slide your way back down if you have to. Other than that, this hike is a great quick little sweat with some killer views! Once you reach the first pillbox, the second one isn't too far ahead. You can actually walk inside of the pillbox and stand/sit right on top of it too. The views are great from both, but I'd recommend taking pictures at the second pillbox since it's way less crowded. And BAM, 360-degree views of the beautiful coastline and rolling green hillsides! I came in the late morning, but a sunrise or sunset hike would be absolutely epic here. Although there's not much shade, the breeze from the ocean will keep you cool. I also went before it got really warm, so I'd recommend starting early or later to beat that Hawaii heat. All in all, the Lanakai Pillbox Hike is an excellent place to grab some stunning coastal views. Make sure you leave yourself enough time to stop at the gorgeous Lanakai Beach since it's close by. read more

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It's only 0.09 mile out and back. AllTrails rated this location as a moderately challenging route. Very famous and was suggested by very close friends who lived close by for years. The trail is very used. Therefore, very slippery with loose rocks and soil. As you go along you'll see three "Pillboxes" . There's places that you can stop and admire the "Pillboxes" which were military bunkers a long time ago. Now it's a beautiful space to admire the spellbinding ocean and the amazing beach front homes below. The stretch of green waters so serene and peaceful. Makes you want to move to this location. On the way up you can use a make-shift rope to help you navigate the treacherous slippery trail. A few hikes ended up on their behind. It's probably the best way and sager. Lol! It's best to use the rope to guide you down than up! read more

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This is my absolute fave hike while I'm in Oahu. The views once you reach the first pillbox, is spectacular. I would recommend this hike over Diamondhead any day. Much less people, shorter, better views, and an absolute hidden gem. Tip- walk over to Lanikai Beach after the hike and enjoy the most beautiful beach in Oahu! read more

Lanikai Pillbox Hike - Hiking Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

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One of my favorite easier hikes I like to do solo or with my kiddos (ages 6 and 8). If you're not used to hiking, you'll definitely catch your breath a few times but overall a pretty easy incline to a breathtaking view of the Mokulua Islands. Be respectful of your parking and the surrounding neighbors, tires fully off the road, and enjoy the view. read more

Lanikai Pillbox Hike - Hiking Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

I am not a hiker nor do I work out so with that said this hike was killer, but in reality it is moderate as I have done worse. Definitely want to wear the appropriate shoes, sun glasses, a hat and plenty of water. There is no parking on the street the hike starts. I mention this as there are reviews and blogs that say you can park across, but that is not the case. You have to park further down in the residential area and walk up to the hiking trail head. The trail start point is highlighted by some signs that tell you where to turn. From the start the hike is all upwards. Intense if you don't work out. Some reviews say there is a rope to help you climb up. This is partially true as the rope is SOMETIMES there, but for the most part it is no longer there. You can use the trees along the start of the hike if need be, but after a point there are no trees to help you up. The hike feels like forever bc it is all uphill, but when you turn around you can see the stunning Lanikai Beach that motivates you to keep going. Once you reach the first pillbox you have to hoist yourself up to sit on it. The second pillbox is not that far up and is an easier hike from the rest of the trail. The view is not so much different. I did the second pillbox since I was already there, but on the second one you can go down and check out the graffiti inside. Highly recommend this hike, but be mentally and proper attire ready. You will sweat a lot so I recommend to bring something to wipe the sweat off. read more

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