
Hiking Trail
Kaiwa Ridge (Lanikai Pillbox)
Kailua• Windward Oahu
About This Place
The Kaʻiwa Ridge Trail, known as the Lanikai Pillbox Trail, climbs the ridge behind Lanikai on Oʻahu's windward side through native and introduced coastal plants and ends at the first WWII bunker. DLNR describes the pillboxes as observation stations, and in a past project it put new roof supports and sealant on them.
It is an undeveloped trail with little state maintenance: very steep, dry, hot and dusty when dry, slippery when wet, with cliffs, sudden drop-offs and full sun. Wear covered shoes and watch your step on the trail and on the bunkers. If you bring a dog, keep it leashed and bring extra water for it.
The trail is open from sunup to sundown. Parking is very limited and illegally parked cars are towed, so carpool or come another way, and do not drive or park past Kaelepulu Drive. Keep noise down and do not litter, out of respect for the neighborhood at the trailhead, and leave loud audio devices at home. Alcohol, bicycles, camping and commercial use are not allowed. DLNR reopened all of Oʻahu's forestry and wildlife lands in late September, and it asks hikers to take care, since hazards it has not yet found or fixed may remain.
Visitor Information
🕐
Hours
Sunup to sundown (Nā Ala Hele)
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Difficulty
Very steep and slippery; undeveloped, with minimal state maintenance (Nā Ala Hele)
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Access
Very limited parking; illegally parked cars are towed; do not drive or park beyond Kaelepulu Drive.
Highlights
- ✓ Ends at a WWII observation bunker
- ✓ Open sunup to sundown
- ✓ Very limited parking; illegally parked cars towed
Activities Here
Kailua Electric Bike Rental
New
by Active Oahu Tours
From $15
Self-guided Lanikai Adventure: E-Bike, Pillbox Hike and Snorkel
New
by Active Oahu Tours
From $82
Sunrise hike @ Lanikai pillboxes
4.9(45)
by Take a Hike Oahu
From $500
Popoia Island Kayak and E-Bike Guided Adventure Tour- Full Day
New
by Active Oahu Tours
From $205
Location
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