Puu Maelieli Pillbox is a spectacular hidden scenic spot in Hawaii known only to those in the know.
Since it overlooks the Kaneohe Sandbar, it is also called Kaneohe Pillbox or Sandbar Pillbox.
Its greatest feature is the overwhelming panoramic view that allows you to see more than 180 degrees, not only the sandbar but also towards Kualoa and Lanikai!
Compared to other pillboxes, the trail is a bit longer, and there are steep and muddy areas, so the difficulty level might be slightly higher.
However, it offers a moving scenery that cannot be fully conveyed through photos, so it is a pillbox I personally highly recommend.
Points to Note When Visiting Puu Maelieli Pillbox
Although Puu Maelieli Pillbox is recommended for its overwhelming spectacular view, it is actually located in a hard-to-access area with almost no people, making it a very difficult spot to find.
You can access it by walking toward the forest from Koolau Center, which is across the street from the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park where Byodo-In Temple is located, and taking a small path nearby.
After crossing the road (Kahekili Hwy), you can easily find the trail entrance by entering the forest through a break in the guardrail and looking for pink or orange ribbons tied to the trees as landmarks.
Since you will be proceeding through the forest, slip-resistant shoes are recommended instead of sandals!
Since there are no public facilities such as toilets or water fountains, be sure to bring drinks, towels, and mosquito repellent spray.
The Puu Maelieli Pillbox Course
It is classified as one of the longest in distance even when compared to the Pink Pillbox (Maili Pillbox) on the west coast, Lanikai Pillbox (Kaiwa Ridge Trail) on the east coast, and Ehukai Pillbox on the North Shore.
The required time is about 45 minutes to get there and 35 minutes to return, making it a round trip journey of just under 1 hour and 30 minutes.
It is not impossible for children to walk, but caution is necessary as there are places where trees act like obstacles.
Anyway, the most troublesome thing is that because it is a rainy area, the steep slope near the entrance is relatively damp all day, making it muddy and very slippery.
Since it is slippery even with trekking shoes, it is recommended to use a wooden stick as a cane to proceed.
By the way, the first pillbox is in the forest, and the second pillbox is a little further ahead.
It is the second pillbox that offers a panoramic view of the sandbar, so please be sure to go all the way to the end.
Basic Information about Puu Maelieli Pillbox
| Name | Puu Maelieli Pillbox |
| Address | 47-260 Kahekili Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744 |
| Map | |
| Hours | 24 hours |
| Closed | None |
| Required Time | About 2 hours or more |
| Restrooms | None |
| Parking | None (Use the Koolau Center parking lot) |
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