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Hike to Ehukai Pillbox

59178 Ke Nui Road, Hawaii

4.0/5
based on 3 reviews

Details

Distance

2 miles

Elevation Gain

300 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Gabi Robledo

This is the shorter, less crowded version of the Lanikai pillbox hike! This hike gives you the best views of the "7 mile miracle" AKA the North Shore

This hike starts directly across from Banzai Pipeline, the famous barreling wave at Ehukai Beach.  It only takes half an hour to get to the pillbox so it's a great hike to do at sunset but bring a headlamp.  IF you don't hike at sunset it's still an incredibly beautiful hike with views of Pipeline from above and Sunset Beach and Velzyland to the east.  

Park along Kamehameha Highway like you are parking at Pipeline near Sunset Beach Elementary.  Head south down the road to the school and on the left side of the road you will see the start of the trail with a sign.

The trail is a bit steep but can still be down in sandals or barefoot.  Like most Hawaiian hikes, the hike involves scrambles over some rocks and roots.   There are some cool trees with long vines that are fun to climb on about ten minutes in.  About halfway there you'll reach the first viewpoint marked by a bench with colorful handprints painted on by the kids of Sunset Elementary.  Keep walking, staying left at any junctions. Soon you'll reach the first pillbox which isn't the destination but is cool to go inside and see.  As you continue you'll see a No Trespassing sign that clearly everyone has ignored.  You'll quickly reach the pillbox with a large peace sign on it with rad views of the North Shore below.  When the swell is big, you can even see the surfers at Pipeline. Hike just a hundred yards further west for an even cooler spot to chill and take in the view.  

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Features

Chillin
Photography
Hiking
Adult Beverages
Beach
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Forest
Scenic

Hike to Ehukai Pillbox Reviews

Didn't see this was already on here, so wrote my own adventure of it: Ehukai/Sunset Pillbox Hike on Oahu’s North Shore This hike starts behind the Sunset Elementary School. It took my friend and me about 1 hour to do the entire thing and then hike back down. There are 2 pillboxes. I am pretty sure the 2nd pillbox is technically on private property so I won’t go into getting to that one; people do hike to it though. This hike gives way to several unobstructed views of Ehukai Beach and the North Shore coastline. It feels like the blue is endless; the colors of the Pacific Ocean from Hawaii are mesmerizing! During this hike you will encounter a lot of tree roots and rocks. If it’s rained recently, I would think this would get ugly due to the inclines and mud. Sometimes there are ropes along the route to help you not slip around as much. You start in a wooded setting and quickly make your way up. Eventually, you’ll arrive to a picnic table; take a break and soak in the views! Start back at it and you’ll get to the pillbox (on your left). You can walk right onto the first pillbox and you can walk into the old military bunker too. Directions/tips: Set GPS to Sunset Elementary School. Park there and the trail will be on your left. There are bathrooms across from the start of the hike. Wear trail shoes or hiking boots. If you are like me and love all frozen things, be sure to check out https://matsumotoshaveice.com/ while you are on the North Shore. It’s world famous and delicious! Be ready for a long line though.

Went when it rained a bit the morning of, VERY slippery, VERY muddy. We were game for but there was a lot of running into trees to catch our fall, using the ropes, Bear crawl techniques, being a bag to carry your water bottles, you will want 2 hands Incase for this. by the end, some of us slipped, some of us sat to walk back down by choice, some of us had clothes that were never going to come clean again .. which was fine but we saw a LOT of people going up in white or nice clothing you like or is new and on most days you can kiss them goodbye. Oh ! If you wonder which way to go.. at all on this trail.. go left !

A lot of families do this hike and there is a great view at the top. There are two pillboxes to go to and you can take photos at either. I would recommend wearing shoes for those not use to Hawaii hikes. Make sure you bring water and your camera.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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