During World War II, the U.S. military built concrete bunkers all over the island of Oahu as defensive lookout posts guarding Hawaii, and most of them have amazing views of the coastline.
These ‘pillboxes’ have been abandoned ever since the war, but they’ve turned into beloved hiking destinations because of the great scenery and history behind them.
Here’s my guide for all of the pillbox hikes in Oahu, including some hidden gems!
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1. Lanikai / Kailua Pillboxes
The most popular pillbox hike in Oahu is definitely the one in Lanikai, near Kailua.
If I had to choose one hike on this list as my favorite, it would be this one. This hike is short, easy, and incredibly beautiful. I can’t imagine a nicer view for a wartime bunker!
The only downside is that it’s getting pretty famous and sometimes the trail is crowded.
Resting at the top of the pillbox hike
The first pillbox at Lanikai can be reached in about 15-20 minutes of hiking, and in my opinion it has the best views and photo spots of the whole hike.
It’s a fun place to chill after hiking, and there’s a nice ocean breeze so it doesn’t feel too hot up there even in the middle of the day.
From the first pillbox at Lanikai, it’s only a 10 minute walk to reach the second pillbox, which is bigger.
Views from inside the second pillbox
Entrance
Inside
The second pillbox actually has two separate rooms, and you can go inside either of them by climbing down a set of metal rungs.
The interiors are filled with graffiti, and looking out the windows gives another neat perspective of the outside scenery.
Just be careful with small kids near the hatch, because it wouldn’t be a good place to fall.
A safer, easier way for kids to enjoy the inside of the Lanikai pillboxes is by climbing through the front window instead, although they still may need a hand.
Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 450 feet (140 m)
Difficulty: Easy
Read More: Lanikai Pillbox Hike
2. Maili / Pink Pillbox Hike
This is a ridge hike on the west side of Oahu with a pink pillbox and panoramic views of the coast all the way to Waianae.
There are a bunch of concrete bunkers at the top of the ridge, and you can walk inside or climb on top of them for even better views of the coastline.
It’s not a very hard hike, but the ridge is a bit steep and there’s no shade on the trail, so it can get pretty hot if you go in the middle of the day.
This hike isn’t as crowded as the one at Lanikai, and it’s a good place to watch the sunset if you don’t mind going down when it’s dusk.
Sometimes if you’re lucky, you can even see whales jumping in the distance.
Distance: 1.2 miles (2 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 500 feet (150 m)
Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
Read More: Pink Pillbox Hike
Inside the pink pillbox
Drone pic of the pink pillbox. Amazing views of the Waianae coast!
3. Ehukai Pillboxes
Also known as the ‘peace pillbox’ hike, this is a nice trail on the North Shore with views of Ehukai and the coast from above.
There are two concrete World War II pillboxes on this hike. The view at the first one is blocked by trees, but it’s still fun to walk inside the bunker.
From here, you continue past some boulders and down the hill until you reach the second pillbox, which has great views of the North Shore.
View from the second pillbox at Ehukai
Overall, it’s a family friendly hike with a fair amount of elevation gain, similar to the trail at Lanikai, although this one has a lot more shade since you’re walking through a forest for most of the hike.
The trailhead is clearly marked and it starts from the parking lot of Sunset Beach Elementary School, which is right next to Ehukai Beach Park.
Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 650 feet (200 m)
Difficulty: Easy
Inside the first bunker at Ehukai
Banyan trees in the jungle
4. Diamond Head Hike
The extinct volcanic crater of Diamond Head is one of Oahu’s most famous landmarks, and the hike to the top of the crater is also popular.
This is a great hike for families, and it features some cool WWII bunkers and pillboxes with awesome views of the cityscape at Waikiki and Honolulu. It’s a classic hike.
During the war, the U.S. Military built tunnels and gun emplacements all along the edge of the crater for the defense of Honolulu, and you can still see these and go inside some of them.
Most of the trail is paved with railings, so it should be pretty easy for anyone with decent fitness, but you’ll want to bring a hat and sunscreen since there isn’t much shade.
Distance: 1.8 miles (2.9 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 500 feet (150 m)
Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
Read More: Diamond Head Hike
Diamond Head Lookout — an easy, family friendly hike.
5. Koko Head Hike
Koko Head is another famous hike in Oahu. It’s a grueling workout that takes you on a steep railway trail up the side of a dormant volcano crater.
That’s right — instead of hiking on rocks or dirt, you’ll be walking on railroad ties with wooden steps. It’s a pretty unique hiking experience.
I’ve climbed the Koko stairs many times over the years, and it’s always great fun.
It’s not a dangerous hike as long as you’re careful, but it’s a real fitness test and may not be enjoyable for everyone.
Koko Crater is an extinct volcano that was used as a radar station in WWII
Hiker at the summit. Amazing views!
The railway at Koko Head was built by the U.S. Army in 1942 to carry men and supplies to a r
