 |
| Panoramic view of the Mokuluas |
The Lanikai Pillbox Trail, also known
as the Kaiwa Ridge Trail, is a family-friendly, moderate intensity, dirt and
gravel hike situated in the beautiful neighborhood of Lanikai, Oahu. The top of
the Kaiwa Ridge is the best place to watch the sunrise on the island of Oahu.
You must start very early, in pitch
dark to reach the first pillbox before the sun pops up from behind the the
Mokuluas islands and paint the sky in rainbow colors. They are collectively
known as Na Mokulua (“two islands”), they’re Oahu’s most popular offshore
islets and protected seabird sanctuaries. People often plan kayaking trip to
the Mokuluas. From the top of the trail, you get a 360 degree view of
Lanikai,Kailua and Kaneohe. Buy Kayaks and Kayak accessories 
The two islands have been photographed
and printed so many times that they have become symbol for Kailua.
We live in South Oahu, so started at 4.30 AM, zipped
the Pali Hwy and were in Kailua beach parking lot by 5 AM.
There is no separate parking area designated
for this trail, and you have to find a spot in the neighborhood. It’s being a
residential area; many cars have received parking tickets. We thought it’s best
to park at the Kailua beach park and walk the way to the start of trailhead.
The trailhead is located between two fences on
the Kaelepulu Drive, directly across from the Mid-Pacific Country Club parking
lot. The start of the hike is clearly marked with signs. As soon as you enter
the narrow path between the two fences, the hike ramps up very quickly. Fortunately,
some good Samaritans have tied ropes to tree trunks which helps it easy to navigate
the steep, dirt ascent.
 |
| The beginning of the trailhead |
 |
| The private properties on side of the trial head |
 |
| Mid Pacific Country Club |
There is no well-defined trail and it’s
easy to get off the track, but because of so many people taking the trail,
signs of trampled grass and well walked path can be seen. The time of sunrise changes
according to the season so check before you start the hike. Keep at least 30-40
minutes at hand to reach the first pillbox before the sunrise time.
 |
| The dawn breaks |
 |
| The dawn breaks |
The pillboxes are military observation
stations built during WWII, but military historian John Bennett, says, “Technically,
they’re not even pillboxes. They acquired
that name somewhere along the line.” A
pillbox is a defensive station in which a machine gun would have been
installed, he explains. These were observation stations “that were equipped
with telescopic instruments.” The two stations were built in early 1943 and
cost approximately $8,000 to build ($112,000 when adjusted in today’s dollars).
 |
| The first pillbox |
 |
| The graffiti on the pillbox |
 |
| The graffiti on the pillbox |
 |
| Kailua through pillbox |
 |
| rungs to go down the pillbox |
The second pillbox is not very far
from the first, but located at slightly higher altitude. The total elevation
gained here is nearly 600 feet. Hikers climb atop each of them to get a panoramic
view of rising sun along with crystal clear Lanikai waters.
You can complete the trail at the
second pillbox or decide to continue further along the ridge. If you decide to
complete the loop than the trail will lead you further along the coast and
finally take you back to the residential houses located on A’alapapa
Street. From here you will need to walk back approximately half a mile to
Ka’elepupu Drive, if you have parked the car there or to another mile to Kailua
beach park.
It will take approximately an hour and
half if you decide to turn back after the second pillbox. Getting down is more treacherous
than climbing up and you often get off the track. It becomes more slippery if
it rains during the hike. Be careful while getting down.
 |
| all set to capture the sunrise, at the first pillbox |
 |
| Hikers atop the first pillbox |
 |
| City of Kailua |
 |
| city of Kailua |
 |
| The second pillbox |
 |
| Sunrise |
 |
| Sunrise |
 |
| Capturing the sunrise atop first pillbox |
 |
| The city of Kaneohe, China man's hat and Ko'olau mountain range at a distance |
There are no restrooms along the hike.
The closest one is located at the Kailua beach park. You will also need proper
hiking shoes, lots of water, light snacks, sunscreen and hat.
On your way to the trail, you also
drive past the town of Kailua. It’s a beautiful township with lots of shopping
opportunities and good food. Nearly all the local eateries like L&L
barbeque, Boots & Kimo’s, Zippy’s
have outlet here.
We were
famished after the hike so we ate at Teddy’s bigger better burger along with
Starbucks coffee.
Driving directions to the trail.
The other
trail worth enjoying is Kawainui Marsh Trail. It is largest extant wetland in state of Hawaii and
encompasses about 800 acres of beautiful wetlands. “Kawai” means water and
“Nui” means large or abundant and refers to what really is a flood
control levee at the foot of the ever-majestic Ko’olau Mountain Range.
 |
| The Golden hour |
 |
| The golden hour |
 |
| The second pillbox |
 |
| The sunrise |
 |
| City of Kailua |
 |
| First Pillbox |
 |
| At the trail |
 |
| The remaining ridge trail after the second pillbox |
 |
| at the top |
 |
| People atop second pillbox |
 |
| waiting for the sunrise |
 |
| The Kaiwa ridge |
 |
| getting down the hike |
 |
| a flower in wild |
 |
| The country club |
 |
| people atop the first pillbox |
 |
| City of Kailua |
 |
| getting down the hike |
 |
| at the top |
 |
| the golden hour |
 |
| capturing the sunrise |
