The Pink Pillbox is a scenic spot offering a panoramic view of Oahu’s beautiful West Coast.
It’s an incredibly popular hiking trail, known as one of Hawaii’s most Instagrammable spots.
This charming pink pillbox, perched atop a steep cliff, is known as “Puu O Hulu” in Hawaiian and its official English name is the “Maili Pillbox.”
While there are several pillboxes in Hawaii, they were all originally used as military observation posts during the war, which is why they are located in places with excellent views!
Incidentally, the reason this pillbox is pink is that it was painted as part of the Pink Ribbon campaign to raise awareness for breast cancer.
Compared to other pillboxes on Oahu, this one is at a higher elevation and is slightly more challenging, but the stunning view you’ll see is well worth the effort.
There Are Four Pillboxes in Total
There are actually four pillboxes on this trail, and the famous Pink Pillbox is the third one you’ll encounter.
Feel free to take photos at each pillbox, lie down in an empty spot, and enjoy your time in various ways.
The inside of the pillboxes is cool, making it a perfect place to rest. The view from the windows is like a painting, offering a completely different perspective.
If you climb the hill a little away from the structure and take a photo with the ocean and sky in the background, the contrast between the pink and blue is absolutely beautiful!
Dolphins sometimes appear near Maili Beach Park at the base of the trail, so you might see a pod swimming if you watch the ocean.
Tips and Precautions for the Pink Pillbox Hike
The Pink Pillbox is a perfect tourist spot—you can take photogenic pictures, the pillbox itself is charming, and you’ll get a good workout.
However, there are a few precautions to keep in mind for this area.
First, this area is not known for being the safest.
You will often see broken glass scattered on the road near the trailhead from car break-ins.
If you visit with a rental car, you are a prime target for break-ins, so be absolutely sure not to leave any valuables in your vehicle.
Rental cars often have barcodes on them, making them easy to identify.
The area is isolated, and once you start the hike, you won’t be back for a while. Plus, there’s nowhere to spend money on the trail, so it’s a very tempting environment for thieves.
Also, while the trail is not extremely steep, it can be slippery on rainy days, and there are some jagged rocks.
It’s best to wear proper shoes rather than flip-flops.
There have been cases of people slipping and breaking bones in the past.
The ascent takes about 35 minutes and the descent about 25 minutes. Since it’s a continuous uphill climb, it might be a bit challenging for those who are not very physically active.
Some people may experience dizziness, so be sure to bring water with you.
It’s also recommended to avoid hiking during the middle of the day; morning or late afternoon are the best times.
Pink Pillbox: General Information
| Name | Pink Pillbox (Puu O Hulu) |
| Address | Kaukama Rd, Waianae, HI 96792 |
| Map | |
| Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Closed | None |
| Time Required | Approx. 1.5 – 2 hours |
| Restrooms | None |
| Parking | None (Street parking available) |
Recommended Transportation to the Pink Pillbox
Rental Cars & Turo: Your Private Ride for Exploring Hawaii
Areas Around the Pink Pillbox
The Ultimate Guide to Popular Tourist Spots on Oahu’s West Coast