The hike up Ka’iwa Ridge, more commonly known as the Lanikai Pillboxes trail, arguably provides the most value for effort exerted. LENGTH: 1 Mile (1.6km) Round Trip. Share. However, if you’re up to it, you will enjoy unbeatable views of the Mokulua Islands, Kailua Beach, and Lanikai Beach when you reach the top. Because it's so popular and the parking situation is lacking (welcome to Hawaii!) Hiking the Lanikai Pillbox Trail. This hike is the best “value” hike — you hike a short period, but you get an amazing view. moderate (282) Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii. STATS: Where: Lanikai Pillbox Hike trailhead – 265 Kaelepulu Dr, Kailua, HI 96734. Most hikers climb on top of the bunkers for a better view. The Maunawili Falls Trail is a great hike in Kailua along the river that eventually stops at a beautiful waterfall with a great swimming hole below. The start of the hike is just dirt, rocks and bushes. The noise and lack of privacy also disturbs the neighbors. Lanikai Pillbox Hike is an easy, pleasant and beautiful trail, located in the prestigious neighborhood of Lanikai, on the east side of the island of Oahu. The hike to the first pillbox was not that long, There are two pill boxes, one is a short hike up higher from the first one (Pillboxes are old bunkers from World War II). Kaiwa Ridge (Lanikai Pillbox) Trail - Oahu, Hawaii | AllTrails You will be parking on the residential street so please be respectful of the neighbors. DRONES ARE OUTLAWED LESS THAN 400 FEET OVER PRIVATE PROPERTY: Therefore, flying drones anywhere on the pillbox trail is against the law. The Pillbox Trail was one of the first trails I did when I moved here. Not only is the area, Kailua, very popular with Japanese tourists, but there are many young tourists coming here to get a glimpse of the ridiculous view and take Instagram selfies (examples here). The overcast sky and the slight breeze made it the perfect day to hike to the Lanikai Pillboxes. The trailhead is easily accessible by car or if you come here with the bus (Route #70). This trail is also known as the Kaiwa Ridge Trail. The beauty of Lanikai beach and Lanikai Bay with it’s close proximity to the offshore islands (the Mokes) has turned Lanikai into a place of great renown over time. This trail has become one of the most popular trails on the island because of the stunning views of Kailua Bay, Ko’olau Mountains, ease of accessibility, and length of hike. The Lanikai Pillbox Trail, also known as Kaiwa Ridge Trail, is a hike located in the town of Kailua that ends with a beautiful view of the Windward coast and the 2 twin islands right off the shore called The Mokes. This is a very popular area for hiking, trail running, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. To enjoy spectacular views of Mokulua Islands and the beach, take a hike along the Lanikai Pillbox Trail. Maunawili Trail is a good family trail. To enjoy spectacular views of Mokulua Islands and the beach, take a hike along the Lanikai Pillbox Trail. 1.5Mi/ 1.6km(30min-2hr) Difficulty: Easy - Family/Kid Friendly . The view is a lush but beachy grid accented with nice oceanic hues of aquamarine and blue. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 41 min to complete. Go up the street, and on your left along the Bluestone fence you will see the handmade “Pillbox Trail” sign. Good shoes a must and bring water as there is no shade. How many miles is the Lanikai Pillbox hike? The Kaiwa Ridge Trail, also known as Lanikai Pillbox Hike, is an intermediate hike that will take you to some of the most stunning views on Oahu’s windward side. The first 10 minutes will be a challenge for anyone with bad knees, back, or at least not minimally in shape. The Ka’iwa Ridge Trail, also known as the Lanikai Pillbox Trail, consists of 4.073 acres and is managed by the Department of Land and Natural Resources. The Pillbox Trail in Lanikai is my absolute favorite trail on Oahu. The Pillbox Hike in Lanikai ( view panorama ), also known as the Ka'iwa Ridge Trail, is a fun thing to do before or after visiting Lanikai Beach. The Lanikai Pillbox hike is located in Kailua, about 30 minutes northeast of Honolulu, on the east side of the island. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 40 min to complete. It’s also known as Kaiwa Ridge Trail. After that, there are a few areas of … The Lanikai Pillbox Hike is another hike to do when you’re looking to get away from Waikiki for a day. And, one of the best ways to take in the beauty of the region, in my opinion, is to hike the Kaiwa Ridge Hiking Trail, more popularly known as the Lanikai Pillbox Trail. ESTIMATED TIME: 1 Hour (but allot extra time to appreciate the views) RESTROOMS/FACILITIES: No. It takes about 30 minutes or less to hike from the trailhead to the top pillbox and another 10 minutes to … The hike is relatively short and the views are amazing but this is not a “walk in the park” The first 1/2 mile of the trail is a climb over loose gravel, uneven ground and some large boulders. When I lived in Kailua, I would hike or trail run the pillboxes 1-2 times a month, each time finding the trail just as enjoyable as the last. Hotels near Pillbox Hike: (0.53 mi) Lanikai Beach Rentals LLC (0.76 mi) Papaya Paradise Bed and Breakfast (0.58 mi) Hawaii's Hidden Hideaway (0.12 mi) Beachfront, Private home, Pool, Yard, Lanai, Laidback luxury, Lanikai Breeze (3.12 mi) Pristine X lg 1 bdrm 1 bath aprt w/Sweeping Views of Kailua; View all hotels near Pillbox Hike on Tripadvisor STAY ON THE TRAIL: You must stop at the second bunker and return the same way you came. After that, there are a few areas of loose gravel and the trail often goes right to the edge. LANIKAI PILLBOX HIKE. This intermediate hike rises just above beautiful Lanikai Beach, rewarding hikers with some of the best vistas of Oahu’s windward side. If you are catching the bus, take the number 20 towards Kailua then transfer to the number 70 bus in Kailua town. After moving to "town" (Honolulu), I come here less frequently. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 26 min to complete. it may be tough to find a place to park. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips and is accessible year-round. Lanikai Pillbox Hike (Ka'iwa Ridge Trail), Oahu. Start your day off in the morning, do the pillbox hike (or the full ridge trail if you’re ambitious! Above, people stand … The pillboxes were built in 1943 by the U.S military during World War II. Even though the two structure units at the top are commonly known as the Lanikai Pillboxes, they were not equipped with defensive weapons. Photos (3,247) Directions. Excellent views for either sunrise or late afternoon. You can park here or right at the hike, instead you’ll need to find street parking in the area, which is at an EXTREME premium. The hike takes you up the Ka’iwa Ridge (another name for the trail) and has expansive views of both Lanikai and Kailua beach below, the … The trail can be completed by anyone in decent physical condition. A few of these sections have a high fall consequence. Only a half-mile in length, this steady climb offers one of the most beautiful sunrise vantage points on the island. It’s an excellent hike for the whole family and will take you about 60-90 minutes (round trip) depending on how fast you hike. Lanikai Pillboxes. The Lanikai Pillbox Hike, which is also known as the Kaiwa Ridge Trail, is a 1.6 mile long (each way), out and back style hiking trail in the Kailua area of O'ahu. Lanikai Pillbox HIke has one of the best views of Oahu with charming views of Lanikai town and beach, lush Kailua and “the Mokes”(aka the two Mokuleia Islands). The Lanikai Pillbox Hike, also popularly known as the Kaiwa Ridge Trail, is one of the most picturesque and pleasant Oahu hiking trails. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. A great, short, and rocky hike along the Ka'iwa Ridge that offers great views of Lanikai and Kailua. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is working to fix erosion at the Lanikai Pillbox Trail and limit the number of hikers. The Lanikai Pillbox Hike really does have it all. The Lanikai Pillbox Trail, also known as the Kaiwa Ridge Trail, is a family-friendly hike. Please be respectful and don’t fly them here. It's short, relatively easy (a couple fun scrambles), and the views are simply spectacular. NEW VIDEO: "Best Beginner Camera for Photography and Video 2019 " https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqsxE_E8PZ0 --~--A Christmas Day hiking … The Lanikai Pillboxes gives a spectacular view of the Mokulua Islands. You can reach the first pillbox in 20-30 minutes, the second pillbox in another 5 – 10 minutes and the third in another 10-15minutes. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. The Lanikai Pillbox Trail is an easy-moderate hike located on the windward side of Oahu. Kaiwa Ridge (Lanikai Pillbox) Trail is a 1.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. Lanikai Pillbox Hike Parking There’s no dedicated parking lot for the Lanikai pillbox hike, and it’s located in a residential area, so finding parking can be a bit tricky. Although the Lanikai pillboxes trail is short, it is steep in spots and can be challenging for some. Parking: $5 fee to park in the designated lot.. What to expect: Extremely popular hike located in Manoa valley to a beautiful 100ft waterfall.The trail is easy to follow and laid out with gravel and small rocks. But you can extend this trail to hike along the entire ridge that’s called the Kaiwa Ridge. Today, I’m going to tell you why you should consider hiking this trail and what you need to know before you go. The Kailua – Lanikai region of Oahu is stunningly beautiful. Both the beach and the pillbox hikes have started to draw thousands of people every weekend, and it usually takes a half hour or so for residents to get into Kailua – a drive that should only take 5 minutes. The Lanikai Pillbox hike is 40 minutes from Waikiki by car and about one hour by bus (give or take island-time delays). … Lanikai Pillbox Trail : The view of Lanikai town to Kailua. 1Mi/ 1.6km (30min-1hr) What to expect: One of the most popular hikes on Oahu, it is safe to say that everyone loves the Lanika'i Pillbox hike (also known as Kaiwa Ridge Trail). Check out this 1.7-mile out-and-back trail near Lanikai, Oahu. Sitting above Lanikai Beach, Kaiwa Ridge Trail has a steady steep grade throughout the climb. And it can be a perfect day to head to the Kailua area of Oahu, where Lanikai is located. The beautiful panoramic views and accessibility of the trail make it a very popular hike. Park Time: Sunrise-Sunset. This is a hugely popular trail with locals and tourists alike. Lanikai means “heavenly sea”, and this scenic trail depicted exactly that: clear blue ocean with the iconic Mokulua islands as its backdrop. Print/PDF Map. Time Roundtrip: 1 hour to 90 minutes. This is a popular trail for hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Maybe more depending on how far you are hiking this is the estimated time to reach the first two pillboxes and take a small break for pictures. It's a short hike to the top (about 20-30 minutes) and the views are amazing. Some of the sections of this hike require technical 4th - 5th class scrambling and the use of rope hand lines. Probably because the hike is easy, short and it boasts straight up beautiful views of Oahu's windward side. The Lanikai Pillbox hike is located in Kailua, about 30 minutes northeast of Honolulu, on the east side of the island. The hike takes you up the Ka’iwa Ridge (another name for the trail) and has expansive views of both Lanikai and Kailua beach below, the Mokulua Islands, and the whole east side of Oahu. For the Lanikai Pillbox Hike, what this means is consider heading out for the full Kaiwa Ridge Trail. There are no bathrooms, no trash facilities, no water faucets, and … 907 reviews of Lanikai Pillbox Hike "As mentioned, "too short" for a hike, but the view is literally, breathtaking. The remaining trail is series of switchbacks of narrow path and more loose rocks. The popular portion of the Lanikai Pillbox Hike is basically an uphill climb to the pillbox, and maybe to the second pillbox, and then head back down. The … The hike is ~1.25 miles one-way and is an out-and-back trail with a 500ft elevation gain. Below is the closest parking you’ll find, which is near the above driveway. Lanikai was once an agricultural area with fields of watermelon, but later the area became secluded weekend vacation homesteads for the wealthy to escape from Honolulu. If you’re staying in Waikiki, expect the drive out to the Lanikai Pillbox Trail to take 30 to 40 minutes, or even longer during rush hour. Parking: street parking. Many years ago local residents followed … Keep your noises to the minimum. Residents and visitors alike are drawn to the white sandy beaches, the turquoise waters, and near-shore islets. The hike is ~1.25 miles one-way and is an out-and-back trail with a 500ft elevation gain. The beginning of the trail is steep with loose gravel, but gets more manageable as you climb the trail. On holidays it can take over three hours to leave Lanikai. The beautiful panoramic views and accessibility of the trail make it a very popular hike. It is not for those who are afraid of heights. Location: 265 Kaelepulu Dr. Kailua, HI 96734. Try this 0.9-mile out-and-back trail near Kailua, Oahu. The Lanikai Pillbox Trail, also known as the Kaiwa Ridge Trail, is a family-friendly hike. Turn left on Alala, and follow road into Lanikai, where it turns into A’alapapa Drive via Mokulua Drive. Elevation gain: 600ft/180m. This is a popular trail for hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The first 10 minutes will be a challenge for anyone with bad knees, back, or at least not minimally in shape. Cost: Parking – free on the side of the road. Lanikai Pillboxes and Wailea Point. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 8 min to complete. The trail leads you to three pillboxes. DIFFICULTY: Easy/Moderate. The Ka’iwa Ridge Trail, otherwise known as the Pillbox Trail, is located on the ridge overlooking Lanikai and Enchanted Lakes, both suburbs of Kailua on the windward side of Oahu. Lanikai Pillbox Hike ia a great short rocky steep hike along the Ka’iwa Ridge offers great views of Lanikai and Kailua. Fee: Free to hike (no hiking fee) . Explore this 0.7-mile out-and-back trail near Kailua, Oahu. The Lanikai Pillbox hike is one of the most popular hikes on Oahu! Located in Kailua, on the windward side of Oahu, Olomana Trail (“three peaks”) is a strenuous hike with amazing views if you can make it to the top. The second right is Ka’elepulu Drive, where the trailhead starts. The main road into Lanikai is a loop with one-way access. The Kaʻiwa Ridge Trail, more commonly known as the Lanikai Pillbox Hike, is considered to be one of the easiest hikes on Oahu. The beginning of the trail is steep with loose gravel, but gets more manageable as you climb the trail. Lanikai Pillbox #1. After you get past that the views are amazing. 907 reviews of Lanikai Pillbox Hike "As mentioned, "too short" for a hike, but the view is literally, breathtaking. Being that this hike is so well known, you should plan on it being fairly crowded, no matter the time of day. Total time to the third pillbox at a slow pace is 1 hour. Coordinates:21.390104, -157.719008. Try this 4.5-mile out-and-back trail near Kailua, Oahu. The Ka’iwa Ridge Trail, also known as the Lanikai Pillbox Trail, consists of 4.073 acres located on Tax Map Key: [1] 4-2-02: Parcel 17 and is owned by the Department of Land and Natural Resources as part of the State’s Na Ala Hele Trail System.