Lanikai Pillbox Trail — Attraction in Oʻahu

This is the #2 best hike in the island of Oahu. Koko head being number 1. But also a much harder hike. Never do this hike in the rain or if the ground is wet. In fact never step in wet areas. That means slips and falls can happen. If that happens you can break an ankle or a hip and then you’ll have to get air lifted and then you get charged for getting air lifted out of these locations so anyway Lonnie is a little bit of a uphill hike so if you have bad knees, this is not the hike for you if you had bad knees, don’t do Coco head either. If you have bad knees, I would say go to Diamondhead hike. That’s a really easy flat hike that anybody can do and it’s close to Waikiki and everything like that but pillbox is for medium average hikers and above experience Tyger’s people that have good cardio issues. Nobody with a heart attack you know things like that but it’s so beautiful. It’s I haven’t done this hike in 15 years and I’m doing it today and I’m pretty sure I’m gonna be just fine so and I weigh almost 200 pounds so anybody can do this hike if you really, really want itjust be really careful if you walk towards the edge don’t fall off stuff like that. Try to stay in the middle don’t get too close to the edge because it is a dangerous hike. If you don’t know what you’re doing. One huge tip is that you park at Lonnie high Park there’s no parking up here by the entrance so you have to go back down and make a right go toward the park. There is some street parking. Just watch out for the signs but anything near the park is legit so just park at the park that’s...

My wife and I did the Lanikai Pillbox hike on Tuesday 10/11/22 and we enjoyed the experience. We did the hike in the morning and found parking fairly easily. We parked on Aalapapa Drive near Lanikai Park and found parking spots alongside the street. It would be wise to get there early because once we got back to the car it looked like most of the street side parking was taken.

It’s a popular trail and we passed numerous people on our way up and down. It was not crowded to the point of being problematic but I believe it would be a rare occasion if you were the only person at the pillboxes.

Prior to the hike, we read reviews that call this an easy trail. I disagree! I believe the average person will find this trail to be challenging, if not difficult. It starts out steep and remains steep most of the way.

The trail was very dry when we did it. There were rutted areas with loose dirt/rocks, expect your feet to slide at times. In addition, there were sections that require you to use your hands or scoot on your butt depending if you are going up or down. If you are an experienced hiker, this should not be a big deal.

It’s not a flip flop trail and I wear flip flops most everywhere. I recommend shoes with good traction and bring water. There is no shade and it was hot even with an overcast sky.

I’m not trying to scare people from doing the hike, I just feel there needs to be an honest review of the trail conditions. With all that said, the trail is worth the effort and the views from the...

Buckle up for sunrise bliss, adventurers! The Lanikai Pillbox hike at sunrise is an experience that will leave you speechless (well, almost speechless – you'll probably be too busy gasping at the view).

This hike is short but mighty. We're talking epic payoff with minimal effort. The trail takes you up a manageable climb, and as you reach the top, the world explodes with color. Imagine the first rays of sunshine painting the sky in fiery hues of orange, pink, and purple, all reflected on the crystal-clear water below. The view of the Lanikai pillboxes themselves framed against the sunrise is pure magic.

Trust me, the pictures you'll take won't even do it justice. This is a sunrise experience that needs to be seen (and maybe even felt) to be believed. Plus, the feeling of accomplishment after conquering the hike (even a short one) mixed with the beauty of the sunrise is a winning combination.

Here's the best part: you won't be the only one in awe. The atmosphere at the top is electric with excitement and appreciation for the natural wonder unfolding before your eyes. It's a chance to connect with fellow adventurers and share the stoke of this unforgettable moment.

So, if you're looking for a breathtaking way to start your day in Oahu, look no further than the Lanikai Pillbox hike at sunrise. Just remember to pack your camera, some water, and your sense of wonder – you're...