The Lanikai Pillbox hike in Hawaii is one of the best hikes on Oahu and is great for sunrise or sunset. It’s easily one of the best activities on Oahu!
It’s a short and somewhat difficult (but still family-friendly) hike with a big payoff. The Lanikai Pillbox Trail is located on the windward side of the island of Oahu near the town of Kailua and features former World debate II bunkers with breathtaking sea views.
Also known as the Kailua Pillbox hike or Kaiwa ridge trail, this has become popular as a sunrise hike as it is short and gives you a breathtaking sunrise view over Lanikai Beach and the mokulua Islands in the distance.
In this guide, you will learn how to do the Lanikai Pillbox hike, as well as other information such as distance, cost, parking, safety, sunrise tips and everything you need to know before you go!
Quick statistics*
Distance: 1.6 km round trip
Difference in altitude: 450 feet (140 m)
Duration: 45-60 minutes round trip
Difficulty: Easy / Medium
* These statistics are only valid for the Lanikai pill box hike. The entire Kaiwa Ridge Trail is longer.
Lanikai Casemates Trail: What to Expect
The Lanikai Pillbox Trail takes you on a dirt road to Kaiwa Ridge until you reach old concrete bunkers from the Second World debate with panoramic views.
Once you’re on the track, you can’t really get lost. Just follow the wide dirt road and other hikers. It is a very popular and busy trail, even at sunrise. There is also very little shade, so a hat and sunscreen can be helpful.
The dirt road has a lot of sand and loose rocks, which can be slippery, especially when descending. It can get muddy after a heavy rain, so you should keep an eye on the weather conditions before you leave.
At the top of the ridge there is a stunning 360-degree view of Oahu in the wind. To the east you can see the Lanikai beach and the small mokulua Islands (the “Mokes”), while to the west you can see the ko’olau Mountains and parts of Kailua!
Note: If you are looking for another pillbox hike on Oahu with a little less people, check out the Pink Pillbox (Maili) hike in Waianae.
Distance From The Hike
The one-way distance for the Lanikai casemate hike is 1/2 mile, but it may be a little longer depending on the park location.
It’s a very short hike (you can reach the summit in 15 minutes if you’re in a hurry), but it’s also an ankle-finisher uphill and a bit strenuous, so it’s been longer. Bring water!
The breathtaking view starts almost immediately on this hike, so even if you can’t reach the first casemate, you will still be spoiled with a beautiful landscape.
If you want a longer hike, you can continue on the Kaiwa Ridge Trail (past the Lanikai casemates) and enjoy more of the same hike without crowds.
