Aloha from Hawaii: Hike of the rising sun: The Lanikai Pillbox trail

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 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

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.

In the distance, you can also see Kaneohe Bay, Chinaman’s Hat, Waimanalo Bay, and the Makapu’u Lighthouse.

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

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.

Once you get down, the other attraction is the areas are Kailua Beach Park and Lanikai beach park.
Buy Lanikai Beach Wall Arts Painting and other decor

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.