Lanikai Pillbox is the most popular scenic trail in Hawaii, offering a panoramic view of the heavenly sea.
It sparked the pillbox hike boom, becoming popular for its spectacular views of the No. 1 beach in the United States!
By the way, Lanikai Pillbox is a common name, and its official name is the Kaiwa Ridge Trail.
Generally, it is often called the pillbox hike, and it has become a favorite hiking trail for locals too.
It is a tourist destination where you can fully feel Hawaii with your whole body, so be sure to stop by when you visit Kailua Beach or Lanikai Beach.
Two Pillboxes Overlooking Lanikai
Actually, there are two pillboxes, and although they are at about the same elevation, the view you see changes.
The first pillbox offers a sufficiently beautiful view, so if you are physically tired, it is totally fine to just go this far!
If you go to the second pillbox, you will be able to see the twin islands (Mokulua Islands) right in front of you, making for even more beautiful photos, so we recommend visiting both if possible.
Photos taken sitting on the corner of the pillbox are always perfectly Instagrammable.
Time Required for Lanikai Pillbox
Lanikai Pillbox has some steep slopes, but basically, it is a pillbox hike that is not too difficult.
The trail takes about 30 minutes to go up and about 20 minutes to go down!
As for footwear, it can get quite slippery when it rains, and the rocks are quite sharp in some places, so sneakers or trekking shoes are recommended.
The very beginning of the ascent is the most difficult part, so make sure to climb carefully at first.
It is even more slippery on the way down, so if you feel scared, it is safer to descend while walking sideways like a crab to apply the brakes!
Recommended Time to Visit Lanikai Pillbox
Reaching the summit is beautiful at any time during daylight hours, but the recommended time is sunrise!
Since it is located in the East Coast area, the morning sun rises beautifully from the sea.
Depending on the season, the sun comes up right between the twin islands, creating a very mystical atmosphere.
However, when visiting early in the morning, please be mindful of your manners so as not to disturb the nearby residents!
How to Get to Lanikai Pillbox
The trailhead for Lanikai Pillbox is in a slightly hard-to-find location, so we would like to explain a simple route starting from Kailua Town!
There are mainly four ways to get there: walking, bus, Uber, and bicycle.
It takes about 45 minutes one way on foot, about 15 minutes by electric bicycle, about 20 minutes by regular bicycle, and about 10 minutes by bus or Uber.
By Foot or Bicycle
Go straight on Kailua Road for a while -> Turn right when you hit Kailua Beach -> Continue on Alala Road and head right (Aalapapa Drive) at the fork where the Lanikai Monument is located -> Turn right at the intersection (Kaelepulu Drive) after going a little further -> You will see a golf course on your right and a sign indicating the trail entrance on your left -> That is the entrance to Lanikai Pillbox!
If you are on a bicycle, there is a bicycle parking space on the golf course side, so please park your bicycle there!
By TheBus
Take bus number 671 from the bus stop in front of the Kailua Shopping Center, and you will arrive at the nearest bus stop (Aalapapa Dr + Kaelepulu Dr) in about 10 minutes.
After getting off, walk towards the mountain side for about 5 minutes, and you will arrive at Lanikai Pillbox!
By Uber
This is the easiest way; just enter “Lanikai Pillbox” as your destination in the app!
The app will automatically calculate the shortest route from your location when you open it, and it will also calculate the fare.
Once the vehicle arrives, it will take about 10 minutes to reach the Lanikai Trail.
Basic Information of Lanikai Pillbox
| Name | Lanikai Pillbox |
| Address | 265 Kaelepulu Dr, Kailua, HI 96734 |
| Map | |
| Hours | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Closed | None |
| Time Required | About 1 hour or more |
| Restrooms | None |
| Parking | None (Street parking) |
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