The Kaena Point Pillbox is a little-known, hidden gem of a trail located at Kaena Point.
It’s a secluded pillbox at the westernmost tip of Oahu, offering breathtaking views!
Because the area is a protected sanctuary for albatrosses, there is no road for about 3.1 miles (5 km). It takes about 1 to 1.5 hours one-way just to reach the base of the pillbox.
However, you can enjoy stunning coastal and mountain views the entire time, making for a pleasant walk, except during the peak of summer.
This spot is highly recommended for those who love Hawaii’s nature!
The View from the Kaena Point Pillbox
If you walk along the gate at the entrance to the seabird sanctuary, you’ll find the path leading up to the pillbox.
The incline is steep, but you can actually make it to the top in about 20 minutes!
There’s actually another pillbox. If you climb for another 10 minutes, you’ll reach the second one.
It’s a bit more challenging, but the stunning view from the second pillbox is highly recommended as it offers a panoramic vista of both Oahu’s West Coast and the North Shore.
To reach the second one, you’re looking at about a 30-minute climb one-way from the gate.
But remember, excluding the pillbox climb, you still have an hour-long walk back, so please don’t push yourself too hard.
Since Kaena Point juts out into the ocean, you can enjoy an incredible, unobstructed panoramic view of over 180 degrees.
The round trip takes about 3 hours for the walk, 1 hour for the pillbox, and 1 hour for breaks, making it a full-day excursion. But it’s absolutely worth it!
Don’t Forget to Check Out Kaena Point Itself
Most people who visit the Kaena Point Pillbox also explore Kaena Point itself.
You can enjoy rare sights like endangered Hawaiian monk seals and nesting albatrosses.
Be sure to stop by while taking a break from your pillbox hike.
We have another article dedicated to Kaena Point, so please check it out if you’re interested.
Kaena Point Pillbox: General Information
| Name | Kaena Point Pillbox |
| Address | HPFH+88, Waialua, HI 96791 |
| Map | |
| Hours | 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Closed | None |
| Approx. Time | 3+ hours |
| Restrooms | None |
| Parking | Available (Free) |
| URL | None |
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