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Pretty easy hike, straight forwards with inclines all the way up to the pillbox. Bring plenty of water! If your not use to the west side heat your'll remember it each step of the way up. Parking is not a problem at all, however please make sure they is nothing visible in your car to help prevent a break in! You can reach the top with a steady pace in about 30 minutes. And back down in about 20 minutes. Lots of loose rocks, and dirt so be care on your way down the mountain.
This trail is short and will give you a good leg workout for sure. Because the tradewinds come from the Windward side of the island, this side of the island isn't usually breezy. So be prepared as it is hot with no shade. I highly recommended bringing a hat. There are a few picturesque points including trees growing on edges of the earth with long roots and the view of the Waianae coast. I heard this trail can get crowded during the sunset as many go up to see the orange glow of the sun setting in the horizon.
This is a great hike, one of my favorites on the island of Oahu. Go early and avoid the heat. It is a great hike with some of the best views of the West Side. Lots of parking on Kaukama Street at the start of the hike. Don't leave anything valuable in your car or your window might get broken and your stuff stolen. If you like pillboxes and great views, this is a hike for you. It is easy to find the trailhead, 12th light pole on the right side. Wear good shoes and wear sunscreen and a hat. The hike only takes about 30-40 minutes to the top and it is pretty good cardio. It gets very warm on the way up so bring lots of water. Bring water for your dog if you bring one as well. Also, watch yourself at the top, it can get slippery, the rocks are loose and you can fall. Be alert and stay safe and enjoy the beautiful views.
Specifically for the "easier" route, it's not for those who do not exercise. We started at 9 AM (yikes on our part, definitely too late) and the sun was already strong. We definitely should've started at 7 AM or 8 at the very latest, but 9 AM was still doable. The first 10 min of the hike was hard just because we had to get the blood flowing in our legs, but once the initial shock was taken care of, the hike wasn't too bad. The sun was the worst part, because hike has almost no shade and is mostly made up of dry shrubs. The midpoint area is marked by the second of the two large trees (the only shaded areas). Once you get to the top, the view is beautiful. I don't really recommend this hike to those with weak knees. However, being on the west side of the island, it was well worth doing at least once. I think it's definitely harder than Diamond Head because the winding dirt path isn't really visible.
UPDATE: Oh how the years just FLY by! Sometimes I don't even realize how much has happened! I mean, it's already nearing the end of 2020! O_O Well, considering a lot has happened since 2017 and well, in 2020 in general, I figured why not update this review since we just went on this trail twice in the last month. West side is the best side ;) I'm a little biased but who isn't? With amazing views, not so many people, lots of parking...no can go wrong! LOCATION/PARKING: The trail head begins on Kaukama Road about 11-12 light poles from the corner. Either Google Map Kaukama Road or if you're driving from the east side, once you see the pillbox from the road, it's the next right. Truthfully, by the time you start counting, you'll have missed one. Just keep going until you see lots of cars parked or the entrance. You'll easily spot the entrance as it's rocky and marked with a blue ribbon and concrete cylinders. Parking is abundant but like anywhere, make sure you take your valuables with you! We don't want no one stealing your stuff right?! You can see cracked glass on the ground so....you've been warned. HIKE: Truthfully, the hike itself isn't very difficult for those who hike often or are in decent shape. But for someone who is just starting out, you may need to take a breather here and there and that's totally okay! That advice applies to kids too. There's not much shade either which can make it more difficult and sweaty! There is one section/fork that you come across about half way up the mountain. It'll look like you should continue straight but if you look to the right, you'll see the trail heads further up. Go right! Compared to Lanikai Pillboxes, I believe this trail is shorter, BUT it's steeper! There's quite a few pillboxes up there so be sure to check them all out! :) Yes, there's the famous pink pillbox but there's so many more. This hike is dog-friendly so long as your dog is conditioned for it. The terrain is more rocky than a dirt trail so it can be rough on their paws. Just be aware of how they are climbing. Many people bring their dogs on this trail so if your dog isn't friendly with others, you might possibly want to reconsider or go at an off time to avoid crowds. Please don't forget to pack everything back out. Don't leave your poop bags on the trail, please! CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: You should wear a mask. Yes, it's outdoors but the trail is narrow. You'll be passing people regardless of time and almost everyone is breathing heavily (or at least heavier than normal.) We purchased masks from Disney and they are really comfortable and somewhat easy to breathe in. Whichever mask you choose, please wear it. At least when passing people. Why the 4 stars? For a pillbox hike, I think it's a 5. But compared to other hikes on Oahu, you can definitely find one more exciting :) TIPS: 1) Wear sunscreen. You'll thank me later. And maybe bring sunglasses. 2) Always bring water. No matter what. If you're taking your dog, this is a MUST. Take care of the critters! 3) Bring a camera. You'll want to take photos guaranteed. It's absolutely stunning. Other than that, have fun and be safe!
Came here for the first time with my family. We read other YELP reviews about this being the best place to watch the sunset and we got pretty excited to do this. If you're coming from the East side, you make a right turn onto Kaukama Rd. and keep driving upwards until you see a rocky trail on your right side that goes up into the mountain. They'll be a lot of parked cars in the area so you can't really miss it unless you come at night. This trail overall is ok. It ain't super easy or super hard. I can see it being kinda hard on the knees if you have bad knees or for those outta shape. About 90% of this trail are rocks and the path is pretty self explanatory, although there are about 2 different times we got confused on which path to take especially when you see hikers on both sides. We got lucky because we saw other hikers walking down and they guided us on the "regular" path. What I don't like about this hike is that people bring their dogs and crap in the middle of the path and don't pick it up. I believe we even seen human crap off to the side. There are no restrooms here so use the restroom before you come or wear a Depends diaper. This hike takes approximately 20-35mins one way. The width of the path is about 5ft or less so you'll be close to others passing by so for COVID purposes, better safe to bring a face mask. Anyways, the view up top is absolutely beautiful. Unfortunately, the sunset at the end was blocked by the clouds, but the view of Waianae/ocean are beautiful. Waves were huge too! There about 4 pillboxes with cool graffitis. You can climb onto the roof of the pillboxes for a higher and better view. The first pillbox you pass is probably the best view because as the sunsets, it's actually kind of harder to see unless you're on the roof or inside the pillbox. Street parking is not an issue because there are a lot on both sides of the street. Like any hike, park at your own risk so I wouldn't leave visible belongings in your car. Bring some water and don't forget your selfie stick to take pictures. I would recommend bringing a flashlight or headlamp if you're planning on watching the sunset because it got pretty dark fast coming back down and especially for kids, why not bring it just in case. I've seen toddlers up here, but that doesn't mean it's still safe, there are areas that if you slipped and fell off, you're looking at serious injury and/or death so please be careful. The path going up is as easy as coming back down. A few switchbacks. Not too much scenic views other than the top view. Have fun and be safe!
This hike is mos' def' worth the views of the Pacific when you get to the top, and it's not too strenuous of a hike. Most of the trail is pretty narrow though. There are a couple of WW2 era pill boxes that you can go inside and even climb on top of if you want to get a little higher. As the other reviews stated, lots of car break-ins on the street that you have to park on, but they have stepped up the police presence recently, so hopefully the incidents have declined. I saw the po-po parked there on multiple days while I was there.
One of the best hikes I've been on in a very long time. My Brother and his wife live here on Oahu. But they don't get out much. After a couple days of rain, I was eager to get out of the house and do this hike. I was very excited that my family wanted to do this with me. We arrived approximately 45 minutes before sunset and hauled butt up the hill. I am an avid hiker, so the challenge of this was mild to me. I did it in flip flops and long pants. I would say if you do not want to feel rushed give yourself more than 45min to make it to the top. An hour would be a more sufficient time. I read in someone else's yelp review that the trail head was 9 light poles in on the right. That was a helpful pointer! In all, this was an awesome hike, and a fantastic place to enjoy the sunset!!!
Often times going to the beach or hiking means finding parking which can be a tricky task. Luckily, this trail has lots of parking next to the trailhead. This trail lacks shade so be sure to put on sunscreen! The path was easy to follow but the incline definitely got to me. Took a few breaks to make room for people coming down. The trail is a bit narrow so I would recommend wearing a mask since it's a little difficult to physical distance from others. The views were amazing!! That's all I can really say. Definitely will have to do this more since parking is easily accessible.
Of all the "pillbox" hikes on island, this is probably (IMHO) the easiest. If you're in fairly good shape you can make it up to the first pillbox in 15-20 minutes. If not, just take you time, enjoy the views and shade when you get it. Since this is the "west side" it tends to be a little bit hotter, I'd highly recommend starting early in the morning in the summertime as well as doing an evening hike to catch the sunset. Hawaiian "winter" months tend to be cooler but still gets hot beginning mid-morning on. Very little shade but there are spots where you can pull to the side and take shelter under a tree or sheer wall. The trail is fairly marked with short, inclined switchbacks. If this is your first time here, it may seem intimidating seeing that PINK pillbox from the bottom of the mountain but rest assured, it's pretty deceiving (it's not hard to ascend). There are spots in the trail where descending on loose, gravel could mean a nasty spill if you're not careful. I'm not going to repeat what many other reviews have stated. Parking is alongside Kaukama Road and the entrance is easy to find. I didn't need to count poles, just look for the trail entrance. Bring water. Even though it's a short hike - it gets hot. Bring a hat. See above. Would recommend shoes and not "slippahs." Beautiful 360 degree views from the top. Definitely kid friendly but just keep a watchful eye when your kid is atop the pillboxes.
NO BATHROOM HERE! From the start of this technical hike you're walking over foot long rocks then increasingly larger rocks. The grade starts at 30% and eventually increases to 60%. On our half way mark we stopped and took a breather. We turned around and noticed a majestic view toward Makaha-- this was the perfect place to stop and enjoy the inspiring view. As we traveled further we came across a tree growing on the side of the hill. I called it the "tree of genealogy". Can you imagine the history this tree has seen!?! As you reach your first pillbox you'll see an iron rod sticking out of the ground. That rod held a WWII .30 caliber MG. The pillbox iron door was missing so we walked in and took a selfie. :-) We hiked up further to the pink pillbox (be cautious going up or down this section of the trail because of loose gravel) to enjoy a panoramic view from Ko Olina to Ka'ena. On a clear day you may see Mt Ka'ala, which is the highest peak on O'ahu, 4,026'. That will be another hike for us to explore. The reason pink pillbox was painted pink was to support cancer awareness. Of course some of the locals were not happy someone painted the pillbox pink. Others liked the idea as a reminder cancer is real. (KHNL News by Jim Mendoza, Oct 20, 2015) A short history of Pu'u O Hulu (hill of Hulu), aka Pink Pillbox. It was established April 27, 1923 for military reservation. Several pillboxes were made all facing the makai (Ocean). All the pillboxes were connected by tunnels. A mess hall and kitchen were built on the other side of Hulu. The pillbox was armed with 7-inch MK2M4-6 Naval Guns but was later changed to 6-inch guns. Construction halted on May 31, 1945. (The Coast Defense Journal, August 2006 vol. 20 Issue 3) This is definitely a hike worth taking. A friendly warning-towards the top there are a lot of flies so stay where the trade wind can blow on you and chase the flies away
#94 of 2017 I think I will start exploring more hikes on this side of the island. They are less crowded. Closer. And, the scenery is just as good especially the sunsets. For now parking is easy in the residential housing bc it's not too close. You're not parking right in front of someone's house. Lucky we live Hawaii. Hooked up with Joe C. to do this hike. Once you turn onto Kaukama Rd, you'll see a few cars parked on the right side. Pick a spot. Look for the trail head to start. The trail is easy to follow. The beginning is the hardest you get a work out starting early. Remnants of the US Army occupation is scattered through out the hill. Leave it. It's a good reminder. As you ascend, looking into the valley you see the quarry and a river of solar panels glistening often mistaken for water. The switch back trail helps to keep you in the shade for later morning hours but do recommend a start time no later than 8:30am to avoid the heat and allow for many picture taking moments. Some of the highlights of the trip, well the main one is the pink bunker dedicated to breast cancer. That's a nice tribute. You can see this as you are driving down Farrington Hwy towards Waianae. Want to do this in the evening too. The sunsets are breathtakingly beautiful. There are a couple trees that have their roots exposed. Bleached white against the rustic dirt makes a striking contrast for any selfie or group shot. A couple of the bunkers are easy to get on top. Walk the inclined trail behind then walk right onto the roof. No climbing necessary. Great picture taking area for jumps or body poses. The graffiti art all over the bunkers in bright colors creating another striking contrast to the area. Several nice ones to take pics, and more selfies. Of course the panoramic vistas leave you speechless. An infinite ocean. Noble Waianae mountain coast. And, if it's a nice day, blue skies filled with fluffy clouds. I imagine if it rains that may not be so bad either. Just need to be careful with your steps and know when you should turn back. I didn't bring any water but I do recommend you do. We were lucky it was cloudy else I would have been thirsty. Hat would be nice too. And, with a good pair of hiking shoes you are good to go. Be courteous to the people you meet. Many are tourist. Bring back everything you bring with you. If you do see trash, please bring back too. This was a wonderful hike. I plan to return soon and often..
This west side Pink Pillbox Trail isn't as famous as the east side's Lanikai Pillbox Trail, but it's only about a 15-minute drive from Aulani and way less crowded -- definitely a nice bonus. Just set your GPS to Puʻu O Hulu (Pink Pillbox) Trailhead, and you'll find plenty of street parking along that stretch. Still, I'd recommend parking closer to the entrance for safety because we noticed broken glass scattered on the ground further down the road, probably from past break-ins. We actually parked once, saw the glass right by our car, and quickly moved closer to the entrance instead. Right after we parked, it started raining. The forecast said it would last about 30 minutes, so we just waited it out in the car before starting our hike. The trailhead is right between a yellow "Falling Rocks" warning sign and a white "Speed Limit 25" sign on a utility pole. The hike starts with a steep incline, but overall it's not too hard and just a bit narrow at parts. There are three pillboxes total. It took us around 30 minutes to reach the first one at a relaxed pace, stopping for photos along the way. The first pillbox is painted in blue graffiti inside, and from there you can continue up to the famous pink one. When we got to the pink pillbox, there were surprisingly tons of flies swarming around the entrance for some reason, so we didn't stay too close. The wind was really strong up there -- strong enough that I had trouble keeping my balance! It looked like reaching the third pillbox would require climbing over quite a few rocks, so we decided to turn back instead. On the drive back, we passed Ulehawa Beach Park, where we saw a whole row of homeless encampments right by the ocean -- literally parked and camped along the beachfront. We even saw a few people running across the road and one guy riding his motorcycle the wrong way, yelling at drivers passing by. If that's a regular thing, really sad to see this. read more
Very cool hike. Unexpected difficult hike I would guess 2 miles round trip with some steep climbing. I wouldn't bring kids unless they experienced hikers and no small dogs. But very rewarding hike with a beautiful 360 view at the top. Bring extra water and snacks and can have a nice picnic at the top. read more
3 years ago
Hiked this in October around 5:30pm and there's some things I love about this hike and things you should be aware about. First off this view is GORGEOUS during sunset so I highly recommend doing it at this time. We stayed here for a little over 2 hours because we had time to kill and wanted to really enjoy the sunset and night view (both times look amazing). Getting up was not too bad but oh my lanta the air is STILL. What does that mean? No wind, no shade, anything you're sweating, it is stuck in you so I do not recommend wearing any long pants. The air was just trapped in there and my legs were suffocating. By the time I got to the top, my cheeks were all red but the sun was NOT even hitting me at all. By the time we got to the top, the sun was about to set. Probably took about 30 mins to get on top. The uphill was not steep at all so you are capable of doing it. And you have a great view of the water, the sun and a bit of the city. Once the sunset, you can feel the wind but not enough where you need a jacket or wished you had long pants. Coming down was probably 20 mins. If you do this at night, I recommend flashlights so you don't trip over anything but your iPhone flashlight is sufficient too. Parking is tricky because we parked across the street from the beginning. Overall, great view and great vibes. I'd recommend it! read more
3 years ago
Pretty easy hike, straight forwards with inclines all the way up to the pillbox. Bring plenty of water! If your not use to the west side heat your'll remember it each step of the way up. Parking is not a problem at all, however please make sure they is nothing visible in your car to help prevent a break in! You can reach the top with a steady pace in about 30 minutes. And back down in about 20 minutes. Lots of loose rocks, and dirt so be care on your way down the mountain. read more
This trail is short and will give you a good leg workout for sure. Because the tradewinds come from the Windward side of the island, this side of the island isn't usually breezy. So be prepared as it is hot with no shade. I highly recommended bringing a hat. There are a few picturesque points including trees growing on edges of the earth with long roots and the view of the Waianae coast. I heard this trail can get crowded during the sunset as many go up to see the orange glow of the sun setting in the horizon. read more
This is a great hike, one of my favorites on the island of Oahu. Go early and avoid the heat. It is a great hike with some of the best views of the West Side. Lots of parking on Kaukama Street at the start of the hike. Don't leave anything valuable in your car or your window might get broken and your stuff stolen. If you like pillboxes and great views, this is a hike for you. It is easy to find the trailhead, 12th light pole on the right side. Wear good shoes and wear sunscreen and a hat. The hike only takes about 30-40 minutes to the top and it is pretty good cardio. It gets very warm on the way up so bring lots of water. Bring water for your dog if you bring one as well. Also, watch yourself at the top, it can get slippery, the rocks are loose and you can fall. Be alert and stay safe and enjoy the beautiful views. read more
Specifically for the "easier" route, it's not for those who do not exercise. We started at 9 AM (yikes on our part, definitely too late) and the sun was already strong. We definitely should've started at 7 AM or 8 at the very latest, but 9 AM was still doable. The first 10 min of the hike was hard just because we had to get the blood flowing in our legs, but once the initial shock was taken care of, the hike wasn't too bad. The sun was the worst part, because hike has almost no shade and is mostly made up of dry shrubs. The midpoint area is marked by the second of the two large trees (the only shaded areas). Once you get to the top, the view is beautiful. I don't really recommend this hike to those with weak knees. However, being on the west side of the island, it was well worth doing at least once. I think it's definitely harder than Diamond Head because the winding dirt path isn't really visible. read more
UPDATE: Oh how the years just FLY by! Sometimes I don't even realize how much has happened! I mean, it's already nearing the end of 2020! O_O Well, considering a lot has happened since 2017 and well, in 2020 in general, I figured why not update this review since we just went on this trail twice in the last month. West side is the best side ;) I'm a little biased but who isn't? With amazing views, not so many people, lots of parking...no can go wrong! LOCATION/PARKING: The trail head begins on Kaukama Road about 11-12 light poles from the corner. Either Google Map Kaukama Road or if you're driving from the east side, once you see the pillbox from the road, it's the next right. Truthfully, by the time you start counting, you'll have missed one. Just keep going until you see lots of cars parked or the entrance. You'll easily spot the entrance as it's rocky and marked with a blue ribbon and concrete cylinders. Parking is abundant but like anywhere, make sure you take your valuables with you! We don't want no one stealing your stuff right?! You can see cracked glass on the ground so....you've been warned. HIKE: Truthfully, the hike itself isn't very difficult for those who hike often or are in decent shape. But for someone who is just starting out, you may need to take a breather here and there and that's totally okay! That advice applies to kids too. There's not much shade either which can make it more difficult and sweaty! There is one section/fork that you come across about half way up the mountain. It'll look like you should continue straight but if you look to the right, you'll see the trail heads further up. Go right! Compared to Lanikai Pillboxes, I believe this trail is shorter, BUT it's steeper! There's quite a few pillboxes up there so be sure to check them all out! :) Yes, there's the famous pink pillbox but there's so many more. This hike is dog-friendly so long as your dog is conditioned for it. The terrain is more rocky than a dirt trail so it can be rough on their paws. Just be aware of how they are climbing. Many people bring their dogs on this trail so if your dog isn't friendly with others, you might possibly want to reconsider or go at an off time to avoid crowds. Please don't forget to pack everything back out. Don't leave your poop bags on the trail, please! CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: You should wear a mask. Yes, it's outdoors but the trail is narrow. You'll be passing people regardless of time and almost everyone is breathing heavily (or at least heavier than normal.) We purchased masks from Disney and they are really comfortable and somewhat easy to breathe in. Whichever mask you choose, please wear it. At least when passing people. Why the 4 stars? For a pillbox hike, I think it's a 5. But compared to other hikes on Oahu, you can definitely find one more exciting :) TIPS: 1) Wear sunscreen. You'll thank me later. And maybe bring sunglasses. 2) Always bring water. No matter what. If you're taking your dog, this is a MUST. Take care of the critters! 3) Bring a camera. You'll want to take photos guaranteed. It's absolutely stunning. Other than that, have fun and be safe! read more
6 years ago
Came here for the first time with my family. We read other YELP reviews about this being the best place to watch the sunset and we got pretty excited to do this. If you're coming from the East side, you make a right turn onto Kaukama Rd. and keep driving upwards until you see a rocky trail on your right side that goes up into the mountain. They'll be a lot of parked cars in the area so you can't really miss it unless you come at night. This trail overall is ok. It ain't super easy or super hard. I can see it being kinda hard on the knees if you have bad knees or for those outta shape. About 90% of this trail are rocks and the path is pretty self explanatory, although there are about 2 different times we got confused on which path to take especially when you see hikers on both sides. We got lucky because we saw other hikers walking down and they guided us on the "regular" path. What I don't like about this hike is that people bring their dogs and crap in the middle of the path and don't pick it up. I believe we even seen human crap off to the side. There are no restrooms here so use the restroom before you come or wear a Depends diaper. This hike takes approximately 20-35mins one way. The width of the path is about 5ft or less so you'll be close to others passing by so for COVID purposes, better safe to bring a face mask. Anyways, the view up top is absolutely beautiful. Unfortunately, the sunset at the end was blocked by the clouds, but the view of Waianae/ocean are beautiful. Waves were huge too! There about 4 pillboxes with cool graffitis. You can climb onto the roof of the pillboxes for a higher and better view. The first pillbox you pass is probably the best view because as the sunsets, it's actually kind of harder to see unless you're on the roof or inside the pillbox. Street parking is not an issue because there are a lot on both sides of the street. Like any hike, park at your own risk so I wouldn't leave visible belongings in your car. Bring some water and don't forget your selfie stick to take pictures. I would recommend bringing a flashlight or headlamp if you're planning on watching the sunset because it got pretty dark fast coming back down and especially for kids, why not bring it just in case. I've seen toddlers up here, but that doesn't mean it's still safe, there are areas that if you slipped and fell off, you're looking at serious injury and/or death so please be careful. The path going up is as easy as coming back down. A few switchbacks. Not too much scenic views other than the top view. Have fun and be safe! read more
6 years ago
5 years ago
This hike is mos' def' worth the views of the Pacific when you get to the top, and it's not too strenuous of a hike. Most of the trail is pretty narrow though. There are a couple of WW2 era pill boxes that you can go inside and even climb on top of if you want to get a little higher. As the other reviews stated, lots of car break-ins on the street that you have to park on, but they have stepped up the police presence recently, so hopefully the incidents have declined. I saw the po-po parked there on multiple days while I was there. read more
8 years ago
One of the best hikes I've been on in a very long time. My Brother and his wife live here on Oahu. But they don't get out much. After a couple days of rain, I was eager to get out of the house and do this hike. I was very excited that my family wanted to do this with me. We arrived approximately 45 minutes before sunset and hauled butt up the hill. I am an avid hiker, so the challenge of this was mild to me. I did it in flip flops and long pants. I would say if you do not want to feel rushed give yourself more than 45min to make it to the top. An hour would be a more sufficient time. I read in someone else's yelp review that the trail head was 9 light poles in on the right. That was a helpful pointer! In all, this was an awesome hike, and a fantastic place to enjoy the sunset!!! read more
Often times going to the beach or hiking means finding parking which can be a tricky task. Luckily, this trail has lots of parking next to the trailhead. This trail lacks shade so be sure to put on sunscreen! The path was easy to follow but the incline definitely got to me. Took a few breaks to make room for people coming down. The trail is a bit narrow so I would recommend wearing a mask since it's a little difficult to physical distance from others. The views were amazing!! That's all I can really say. Definitely will have to do this more since parking is easily accessible. read more
3 years ago
A very impressive place! beautiful views, beautiful sunsets! great air! I recommend to go! read more
9 years ago
Of all the "pillbox" hikes on island, this is probably (IMHO) the easiest. If you're in fairly good shape you can make it up to the first pillbox in 15-20 minutes. If not, just take you time, enjoy the views and shade when you get it. Since this is the "west side" it tends to be a little bit hotter, I'd highly recommend starting early in the morning in the summertime as well as doing an evening hike to catch the sunset. Hawaiian "winter" months tend to be cooler but still gets hot beginning mid-morning on. Very little shade but there are spots where you can pull to the side and take shelter under a tree or sheer wall. The trail is fairly marked with short, inclined switchbacks. If this is your first time here, it may seem intimidating seeing that PINK pillbox from the bottom of the mountain but rest assured, it's pretty deceiving (it's not hard to ascend). There are spots in the trail where descending on loose, gravel could mean a nasty spill if you're not careful. I'm not going to repeat what many other reviews have stated. Parking is alongside Kaukama Road and the entrance is easy to find. I didn't need to count poles, just look for the trail entrance. Bring water. Even though it's a short hike - it gets hot. Bring a hat. See above. Would recommend shoes and not "slippahs." Beautiful 360 degree views from the top. Definitely kid friendly but just keep a watchful eye when your kid is atop the pillboxes. read more
NO BATHROOM HERE! From the start of this technical hike you're walking over foot long rocks then increasingly larger rocks. The grade starts at 30% and eventually increases to 60%. On our half way mark we stopped and took a breather. We turned around and noticed a majestic view toward Makaha-- this was the perfect place to stop and enjoy the inspiring view. As we traveled further we came across a tree growing on the side of the hill. I called it the "tree of genealogy". Can you imagine the history this tree has seen!?! As you reach your first pillbox you'll see an iron rod sticking out of the ground. That rod held a WWII .30 caliber MG. The pillbox iron door was missing so we walked in and took a selfie. :-) We hiked up further to the pink pillbox (be cautious going up or down this section of the trail because of loose gravel) to enjoy a panoramic view from Ko Olina to Ka'ena. On a clear day you may see Mt Ka'ala, which is the highest peak on O'ahu, 4,026'. That will be another hike for us to explore. The reason pink pillbox was painted pink was to support cancer awareness. Of course some of the locals were not happy someone painted the pillbox pink. Others liked the idea as a reminder cancer is real. (KHNL News by Jim Mendoza, Oct 20, 2015) A short history of Pu'u O Hulu (hill of Hulu), aka Pink Pillbox. It was established April 27, 1923 for military reservation. Several pillboxes were made all facing the makai (Ocean). All the pillboxes were connected by tunnels. A mess hall and kitchen were built on the other side of Hulu. The pillbox was armed with 7-inch MK2M4-6 Naval Guns but was later changed to 6-inch guns. Construction halted on May 31, 1945. (The Coast Defense Journal, August 2006 vol. 20 Issue 3) This is definitely a hike worth taking. A friendly warning-towards the top there are a lot of flies so stay where the trade wind can blow on you and chase the flies away read more
#94 of 2017 I think I will start exploring more hikes on this side of the island. They are less crowded. Closer. And, the scenery is just as good especially the sunsets. For now parking is easy in the residential housing bc it's not too close. You're not parking right in front of someone's house. Lucky we live Hawaii. Hooked up with Joe C. to do this hike. Once you turn onto Kaukama Rd, you'll see a few cars parked on the right side. Pick a spot. Look for the trail head to start. The trail is easy to follow. The beginning is the hardest you get a work out starting early. Remnants of the US Army occupation is scattered through out the hill. Leave it. It's a good reminder. As you ascend, looking into the valley you see the quarry and a river of solar panels glistening often mistaken for water. The switch back trail helps to keep you in the shade for later morning hours but do recommend a start time no later than 8:30am to avoid the heat and allow for many picture taking moments. Some of the highlights of the trip, well the main one is the pink bunker dedicated to breast cancer. That's a nice tribute. You can see this as you are driving down Farrington Hwy towards Waianae. Want to do this in the evening too. The sunsets are breathtakingly beautiful. There are a couple trees that have their roots exposed. Bleached white against the rustic dirt makes a striking contrast for any selfie or group shot. A couple of the bunkers are easy to get on top. Walk the inclined trail behind then walk right onto the roof. No climbing necessary. Great picture taking area for jumps or body poses. The graffiti art all over the bunkers in bright colors creating another striking contrast to the area. Several nice ones to take pics, and more selfies. Of course the panoramic vistas leave you speechless. An infinite ocean. Noble Waianae mountain coast. And, if it's a nice day, blue skies filled with fluffy clouds. I imagine if it rains that may not be so bad either. Just need to be careful with your steps and know when you should turn back. I didn't bring any water but I do recommend you do. We were lucky it was cloudy else I would have been thirsty. Hat would be nice too. And, with a good pair of hiking shoes you are good to go. Be courteous to the people you meet. Many are tourist. Bring back everything you bring with you. If you do see trash, please bring back too. This was a wonderful hike. I plan to return soon and often.. read more
This is a nice simple hike! It's not that steep and it has beautiful views! Located on the beautiful West Side of Oahu (Waianae)! The drive might be far to some, but it worth the drive. It's a beautiful drive by you can see the ocean and it is pretty sunny on the west side! Could make it into a day trip. When you are driving, you'll see a pink pillbox on the top. That's your cue to park in the neighborhood on the right side (coming from town). There is slight inclines on this hike, but it is not too bad. There are about 6 or 7 different pillboxes on this hike and all within the top part. It's pretty awesome to explore the pillboxes and you can go inside of them and climb on the top! It is not all shaded, especially at the top. Make sure to wear a hat and put some sun screen on! Really beautiful view! read more
SPOILER If you've seen my previous hike reviews as much as I am for adventures and the art of getting lost, sometimes I am on a time constraint. As much as I enjoyed the experienced and time wandering in the wild, we REALLY needed to get where I needed to be. Directions: Turning on Kaukama, you should see a trail on the 8th light. The path itself is pretty clear and noticeable. It's about a 1.5 mile hike that should take about 30 minutes hiking up there. Hiking Difficulty: Easy We started around 2pm and left around 3:3pm. There's a nice tree that's very mystical during your half way point. The view is pretty lovely as you get a good view of the West Oahu side. There's about three pillboxes to chill and take photo ops. Careful about the bugs and smell. Advice: * If doing the right way, no need to seriously pack for this hike, standards are always nice (water, bug spray, light snacks) read more
6 years ago
This was a great short hike....the weather was perfect and not it's normal screeching dry hot day. Would recommend it for someone looking forward a breathtaking view of the beautiful Westside. read more
This hike is in my top 5 now ! It's so moderately easy which is what made this hike so good! The switch backs made it really easy instead of just going straight up with high incline. Crazy to think when we were driving up how high up there we were going to be. Also your map will actually let you know when you have got there it starts in the middle there is a pathway you can see but we found parking right away on the side of the street it wasn't packed at all. There are 4 pillboxes up there not just the one pink one and they all have great views ! The last and final one had the views of the other side of the mountains and that was lovely to see Bring water and comfy shoes for the hike ! There are also a lot of rocks and even loose rocks which unfortunately got my leg scraped and it was a big one too so just be careful ! read more
6 years ago
3 years ago
Sunday funday with my ohana and with great weather today, we decided to do a hike. With many hiking options available, my sons recommended that we do this hike as it's one of their favorite hikes on oahu. Located off of Kaukama road, you'll see cars parked on the right side. The trailhead starts right off the road (between the 9-10 th light post)and it isn't hard to locate. Steep inclines, switchbacks and sweeping views of the Waianae coast makes this such an amazing hike ! My sons love exploring the bunkers and I enjoy all of the photo ops here! Perfect hiking day for me and my ohana! We can't wait to blaze more trails and have more family adventures!! * hiking earlier in the day or closer to evening time is best as it gets hot in Waianae *pack water and snacks as you'll need them along the way read more
This hike is the epitome of why the Westside is the best side. It is an absolutely do-able hike. Don't be intimidated by how high the pillbox may look from below because majority of the hike trail zig zags around one side of the mountain. So no inclines or climbing (yay!). It takes about 40 minutes to head up. I went during the afternoon bc it didn't seem like a hot day, but I recommend going a little before 10am if you wanna stay safe from the sun. It isn't packed with people like other hikes, and there are different pill boxes to take pictures on. These pill boxes aren't too far away from each other. The yelp location is accurate. And following the "9 poles down" rule that the other reviews have been giving is spot on. The view is a beauty, pleeeaasse do this hike. You won't regret it. read more
9 years ago
Did this hike yesterday as a sunset hike with one of my friends. We weren't sure how long the hike was so to be say we starting hiking at 4:30 and knew we would spend a lot time taking pictures. Be weary when parking because a lot of people park along the road but when we went we saw glass on the road so someone's car was just broken into earlier that day. Instead we parked by the adjacent housing to be safe, the walk is a little further but nothing ridiculous. I'm not in the best shape but I do enjoy hiking even if it takes me a long time. This hike wasn't difficult in terms of the trail but the steepness of the trail had me taking frequent breaks. There isn't much shade in this hike except a few trees so it was really hot. BUT THE TOP IS WORTH IT! Beautiful view, so many pillboxes that all have doors so you don't have to crawl or climb to get in. Some have accesses to go on top and wait for sunset. And there's lots of scenery for lots of pictures! This hike was a lot of fun and I saw lots of kids and pets so it's family friendly and is a great spot for all the social media people who want to take pictures! read more
11 years ago
If you're looking for a relatively easy hike with great views, this is a great choice. It does get very hot on this trail, but it's worth it. The West side has a bad reputation for being "ghetto" BUT this hike shows you the beautiful side that is often overlooked. On the way up, we encountered some loose dirt/rocks which can be easily slipped on. So be careful and wear shoes. Also, there are a few different pillboxes to check out. They all offer unique 360 panoramic views of the West side. P.s.- Make sure to bring water and wear a hat because it's very sunny. read more
Great views! The hike is narrow and steep in some areas. But it was worth it once we got to the top! Go early to avoid a crowd, stopping to let people go by, etc. There is street parking and you'll see the worn path to know you're in the right spot. read more
I love how this trail isn't as well known as other hikes around the island. This hike is very similar to Lanikai pillbox (there is hardly much shade and crumbly rocks and dirt along the trail). It isn't as difficult hike, but I felt like the beginning of the trail was super tiring. The entrance is is between the 7th and 8th light poles on kaukama st. You can park across or right on the side of the trail head. I saw three cars parked right next to the start of the trail after arriving. Once we came back down there were a family and a pair of girls hiking up. Let's get back to what I mean about how brutal the beginning of the hike was. You absolutely do not want to eat a lunch before you start hiking because you will start to feel side pains and your feet be screaming for mercy. I was huffing and puffing 5 mins into the hike. So out of shape I was telling myself and man was I right. It took us about 1 hr to get to the top since me and my bf and his friend's gf were slowing down and taking breaks in between our descent up to the pillbox. Luckily his three guy friends waited for us halfway to the top. I was so glad to see the pillbox, as it came into our view. So worth the painful calfs and sweaty clothes lol. Going down was much easier, just have to be careful of the wet grass and dry rocks and dirt. It can be easy to sprain your ankle or fall during this hike. It took us 30 mins to go down. Pace yourself. While the three guys wanted to go to the last pillbox, me , my bf, and his friend's gf decided not to chance it. The section was real rocky and looked easy to fall off the ridge. Very narrow :( Not going to lie but I'm not going to risk my life to take pics at the last bunker. Too many hiking deaths on Oahu in the recent years. Know your limits and always bring enough water. I ran out of water once we reached the top. Had to ask my bf for his jug. Hope people don't over share or post pics on social media revealing this hike location. Love to keep this hike a hidden gem. Look at how Lanikai pillboxes are deteriorating and the metal rods that keep the top part is real rusty. I don't want that to happen to this trail to be overused and need maintenance in the the future. read more
I really enjoyed this hike. You can never beat a hike with a view like this. I did this hike with my two kids (9yrs, 6 yrs) they hike with my a lot so they were able to handle it. ( although my one kid had a minor freak out trying to get to the last pill box because of the height and the narrow path to get to it.- but he got through it) . Very little/no shade during this hike so be prepared. I recommend going in the morning when the sun is not directly overhead. There were a couple nice spots to rest in the shade and drink some water along the route. Once you get to the top and reach the pill boxes the view is great and the graffiti art in the pillboxes are awesome. Plenty of parking along the road which is always great and can be very rare when doing other hikes. Definitely hike I would recommend, if you have kids I would say it's doable, but you would need to take your child's ability into consideration and make that decision. read more
6 years ago
Although there is better neighborhoods in Oahu the 360 view from the top, and so many ww2 bunkers on the top make this hike a must. It's busy but gorgeous look back at each switch back as the view gets better and better read more
8 years ago
Great hike on Waianae side. Brought 4 year old in a hiking pack. Totally doable. About 3 miles in and out. Some steep drop off points and a few loose rocks in places, needed to go and be mindful, but felt totally safe. Bring plenty of water, sun shining directly on us most of the way. Beautiful views at the top. No problem with car safety as mentioned in a couple other reviews. Highly recommend. read more
This is a great hike on the West Side of Oahu. Please remember that you are parking on a residential road. While there are no driveways to worry about blocking, please do not litter, or if you decide to start early in the morning, please do not make a lot of noise. I do not recommend doing this hike between the hours of 11 am - 3 pm as it is very hot (the mountain you're walking up blocks most of the tradewinds). Timewise - it can take anywhere from 30 min to an hour to get up and just as long to come down. What I would bring/wear: Hat Sunglasses (optional) Sunscreen At least 1 liter of water Good shoes - sneakers are fine, but light hiking shoes are better as there are a lot of loose rocks. Camera or phone. The view from the pillboxes up top are amazing!!! Now some hiking tips. LOL. First, when you turn down the street to the hike, count nine light poles on the right and you'll be right around the entrance to the hike. The initial climb can be quite steep - especially if you're like me and this is the first thing you do in the morning. The first ten minutes or so really gets your blood flowing! When you pass the second tree that has roots growing down the side of the mountain and are bleached white (sometimes they are spraypainted colors) you're just about half way up. If it's really hot, this is a nice place to stop and take a breather. There's enough space for you to sit and everyone else pass you up or down. Be careful on this hike. Like I mentioned, there are a lot of loose rocks. Some parts of the trail can be considered narrow - so when you wait on the side to let people pass choose your spot carefully. This trail is all switchbacks so it can feel like you're walking for days and not moving up quickly. But don't worry, you are!! At the top, even from the first pillbox the views are amazing!!! The path to the second (Pink) pillbox is narrow and covered with loose rocks. The view from this pillbox is even more amazing. There is another pillbox higher up, I have not been to this one as you have to cross a "bridge" to get to it and the past few times I've gone I decided I didn't need to go. Haha. I recommend this hike if you're ever out this way. read more
9 years ago
I'm a big fan of this hike. I would consider it to be easy-moderate. I'm not in the best shape so I do work up quite a sweat and am huffing and puffing while heading up however I've seen people jog up by themselves or with their dogs or even mothers with their baby strapped to their chest do this hike with such ease and finesse. The hike isn't too steep and fairly easy to maneuver. There aren't large rocks or muddy areas. I've done this hike a handful of times and have always found the trail to be well defined and dry. It is dog friendly and kid friendly. I recently did the hike with my friend and her 3 year old toddler and although he did a great job I wouldn't necessarily bring a kid that age. He did tire out on the way back and what usually can take only about an hour or so ended up taking us about 3 hours round trip. I would definitely recommend bringing water and to make sure you're not hiking when the sun is out and strong. I like to do this hike in the morning no later than 9 or 10 and around the late afternoon/early evening. Directions: Take Farrington Highway into Nanakuli, then turn right on Kaukama Road, park on the righthand side about 7 light posts in and you'll easily see the trail. Also make sure you don't leave valuables in sight in your car! I've seen shattered glass on the road which looked like it was from a car's window. read more
7 years ago
This was my very first hike I've ever done. I won't lie, the way up got my heart pumping. I recommend bringing sturdy tennis shoes, plenty of water, and some sunscreen. The hike up was around 30 minutes. I recommended going in the morning to avoid some truly hot weather. The views at the top are absolutely amazing and are so worth it. The hike down is much easier, just watch your steps and be careful because the dry dirt can make you slide around. When my boyfriend and I went hiking there wasn't too many people on the trail. And when we reached the pillboxes there was no one up there with us which was nice. read more
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More info about Pu'u'ohulu Kai
Farrington Hwy
Waianae, HI 96792
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Hours
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Ask the Community - Pu'u'ohulu Kai
Is this hike open right now during COVID?
It's on private land so it's not regulated by the state or county as far as I know. I'm not sure who owns it. So you can hike it, as always on private land, at your own risk.
How long of a hike is it?
1.4 miles with 614 ft elevation gain. Football- to basketball-sized rocks in parts, so wear sturdy footwear and a walking stick helps.
Where do you park and is there a sign at the trailhead? If I have to count 9 light poles, where do I…
Recent erosion has changed the exact spot, but look for parked cars on the mountain side of the street and you will see it.
How long is the maili pill box hike?
About 25-30 minutes up at a reasonable pace. Down is about 20-22 minutes. Distance is about .7 miles each way. Bear in mind you'll want to spend some time up top to take in the beautiful views. And this is a great hike to do for sunset since…
