Ehukai Pillbox Hike
North Shore Oahu
North Shore Oahu Hike
Best Hiking Trails on Oahu
Ehukai Pillbox Hike
For a breathtaking view of Oahu’s North Shore and the Seven Mile Miracle, you’ll want to take the Ehukai Pillbox Hike. This trail is just a mile and a half there and back and takes about an hour to 90 minutes.
However, this is not for the weak of heart, knees or those with any other physical challenge. Severe inclines are endured for at least 20 minutes, although the first stretch is balanced by shade. Much of the trail, however, is sunny so you’ll want to plan your trip for earlier in the day or later in the afternoon. Avoid heading out beyond 5 pm or you might find yourself hiking back in the dark.
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Following 20 minutes of challenging terrain at the start, it does even out and provide a picnic table to catch your breath. You can enjoy views of the North Shore from here. True to its name the trail features a number of “pillboxes.” The pillboxes are artifacts from World War II, used as military bunkers to help watch for enemy activity. They were positioned in ideal spots throughout the island for clear views that are unmatched. You can stand on top of the pillbox to get the best view of coastline including Banzai Pipeline and Sunset Beach.
The trailhead is about an hour from Waikiki since it is on the other side of the island. It is best reached along Kamehameha Highway, where you can fight for a roadside parking spot, or head to the Sunset Beach Neighborhood Park’s public parking lot. The trail is marked with a bright orange sign that reads “Mahalo!” near Sunset Beach Elementary.
