Ehukai Pillbox – North Shore, Oʻahu:

Hello Everyone,
When exploring Oʻahu’s hiking trails, you’ll find plenty of “pillbox hikes”—trails leading to World War II bunkers scattered across the island’s high points. While Lanikai Pillbox is the most famous, Ehukai Pillbox on the North Shore definitely deserves to be the runner-up.

Location

• Located right behind Sunset Elementary School, next to the world-famous Sunset Beach.
• Turn into the parking lot in front of the park (don’t drive through the school gates).
• The trailhead is directly behind the parking area.
• Parking is limited (about a dozen spaces), but there’s a larger lot across the street.

The Trail

• From the lot, the clear path quickly leads you into the forest and starts climbing uphill.
• The hike is about 1.5 miles round trip (roughly 30 minutes to reach the top).
• Destination: two WWII-era military pillboxes once built to defend the island. Today, they’re historical relics and also fantastic scenic lookouts.

Scenery & Check-in Spots

• From the summit, enjoy sweeping views of the North Shore coastline—golden sandy beaches, lush green hills, and turquoise waters.
• The pillboxes themselves are popular photo spots, covered in vibrant local graffiti art.

Difficulty & Notes

• The start is fairly steep with roots and rocks, but ropes are placed along tougher sections.
• With average fitness, it’s an easy hike since the distance is short.

Rain Conditions

• Even light rain makes the trail very slippery, so it’s best to avoid unless necessary.
• If you must go, move slowly, hold onto ropes, and expect muddy shoes.
• On steep sections without ropes, many hikers “crab walk” (hands and feet down) to avoid slipping.

Facilities

• At the park near the trailhead, there are restrooms with running water—perfect for cleaning up after your muddy adventure.

Inbox VivaNow Hawaii Tour today to begin your journey to the Ehukai Pillbox Hike and capture unforgettable sunset views from one of Oʻahu’s most scenic spots!