Maili Pillbox — Attraction in Oʻahu

The Maili Pillbox Hike, also known as the Pu'u o Hulu or Ma'ili Pillbox Trail, is a popular hiking trail located in Maili, on the west side of Oahu, Hawaii. Maili Pillbox Hike is a moderately challenging trail that takes you up to military pillboxes, offering panoramic views of the coastline, Maili Beach, and the surrounding area. The trailhead can be found at the end of Ala Mahiku Street in Maili. There is limited street parking available in the area, so it is advisable to arrive early or consider carpooling. The hike is approximately 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) round trip and usually takes about 1-2 hours to complete, depending on your pace and the amount of time you spend enjoying the views. The trail is steep and can be rugged, with sections that involve climbing rocks and steep inclines. It is advisable to wear proper hiking shoes with good traction and bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera to capture the beautiful views. As you ascend the ridge, you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding area. The two pillboxes along the trail provide great vantage points for photography and a place to rest and enjoy the vistas. The hike is considered moderate to difficult, and it may not be suitable for inexperienced hikers or those with mobility or balance issues. It is crucial to practice Leave No Trace principles, including carrying out any trash and respecting the natural environment. Be mindful of any posted rules or regulations...

Maili Pillbox (or Pu'u O Hulu trail aka Pink pillbox) is a fairly easy hike.

Access the trail off Kaukama Road. There is ample free parking on both sides of the road and you get to see amazing views from the start. I don't remember the trailhead being marked but my GPS took me directly there.

The terrain is rugged/rocky all the way up and the loose gravel can become slippery. The trail is very narrow along some parts so if there were other hikers going the opposite direction, one party has to stop and give way. There are also some areas where there are drop-offs at the side of the hill so be careful not to slip. It was dry when I went (7am on 11 Nov 2021) so we did not experience any mud as previously stated.

The entire trip is less than 2 miles round trip. It was a cool morning so me and my 12 year old nephew opted to leave our water bottles in the car so we wouldn't have to carry them. He got thristy about half way up but nothing too serious that he would be parched or dehydrated. Water would have been good but because it was such a short hike and on a cool morning, we didn't absolutely need it.

Once at the top we discovered there were 4 Pillboxes. I just assumed it was a single Pillbox. Each had different artwork painted inside and the views from each of the mountains, the ocean & highway, and the even the residential area were amazing.

If you are looking for a short, easy hike with amazing...

Ma'ile Pillbox Hike or the "Pink Pillbox" Hike on the Pu'u O Hulu Kai Trail will reward you with the best views of the Ka'ena Point, Keawa'ula Beach (Yokohama Beach), Mount Kaala and even Kapolei, home to the Ko Olina Resort all at the same time! Don't forget to try and catch a sunset as well, it's stunning on the West Side. There is a decent amount of parking on the street at the base of the trail. Use your common sense, keep valuables out of site or take them with you...otherwise you will be rewarded with smashed windows when you return to your ride. Locals are far more territorial on the West Side.

The scenic views are most definitely worth the trek to the top of the Pillboxes...just don't make the same mistake we did. We took the steep way up through the middle instead of the switchback trail. While going straight up does cut out some time...rumor is about 20 minutes it's not the easiest thing to do...It's steeper, more treacherous than the switchbacks; rocks and uneven steps. The entire hike is not all that long...I'd say about 1.5 miles. The Pillboxes were clean when we went. The "Pink Pillbox" even had a Christmas Tree in it! There is no shade on the trail, it's completely exposed to the elements, so prepare...