We may earn a commission when you book or buy through links on this page.
Ehukai Pillbox Hike
Located within the North Shore Region on Oahu
Guide Snapshot
A quick fit check before you commit to this trail.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
1.5 miles out and back
Estimated time
1.5-2.5 hours
Elevation & terrain
Steep start to pillboxes
Family fit
Older kids only
Highlights
North Shore · Pillbox · Short
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.
Trail day tools
Before you drive to the trailhead, check the trail and weather layer.
Hawaii hikes can change quickly with closures, rain, mud, heat, and daylight.
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.
Founder & certified Hawai'i travel expert with 20+ years in Hawai'i tourism, University of South Carolina climate-research training, and NOAA weather-station experience.
Dry conditions on Oʻahu today, with breezy wind in exposed areas. Drier weather continues through Wednesday as moisture clears out.
A medium-sized northwest swell will bring elevated surf to north and west-facing shores tonight through Sunday morning—conditions may briefly reach advisory levels. East-facing shores stay rough through the weekend. Winds remain breezy through Sunday, easing slightly Monday and Tuesday before picking up again Wednesday. A Small Craft Advisory is active through Monday morning for most coastal waters due to wind and sea state. Scattered showers arrive Thursday into Friday.
South and west shore beaches work well through Sunday for calmer conditions. North shore is worth watching tonight and Sunday morning if you're drawn to bigger waves.
0:000:54
Voice
Read the transcript
Skies are drying out across Maui today through Wednesday as moisture clears. Winds will be noticeably breezy, especially in exposed and terrain-favored spots.
North and west-facing shores will see elevated surf tonight into Sunday morning as a medium-sized northwest swell moves in—conditions may briefly reach advisory levels. East-facing shores stay rough through the weekend. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Monday morning for coastal waters due to wind and sea conditions. Winds ease slightly late Monday and Tuesday, then strengthen again Wednesday. The next chance of scattered showers arrives Thursday through Friday.
If you're heading to the beach, south and west shores are your best bet through Sunday. North shore is worth watching tonight and Sunday morning if you're into bigger waves.
0:000:53
Voice
Read the transcript
Mostly clear and dry today on the Big Island, with noticeably breezy winds in exposed areas and terrain-favored spots. That breeze continues through Sunday.
North and west-facing shores will see elevated surf tonight into Sunday morning as a medium-sized northwest swell arrives—conditions may briefly reach advisory levels. East-facing shores stay rough through the weekend. South shores stay small. A Small Craft Advisory covers most coastal waters through Monday morning due to wind and sea conditions. Winds ease slightly late Monday and Tuesday, then pick up again Wednesday. Scattered showers arrive statewide Thursday to Friday.
Head to the south and west shores for beach and snorkeling through Sunday. If bigger waves interest you, the north shore has surf to watch tonight into Sunday morning.
0:000:49
Voice
Read the transcript
Drier air is moving in through Wednesday. Winds will be noticeably breezy, especially in exposed areas.
Tonight into Sunday morning, a medium-sized northwest swell will push elevated surf onto the north and west shores—conditions may briefly reach advisory levels. East-facing shores stay rough through the weekend. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Monday morning for coastal waters due to wind and sea state. Winds ease slightly late Monday and Tuesday, then pick up again Wednesday. Scattered showers arrive Thursday or Friday.
Hit the south and west shores for swimming and snorkeling through Sunday. If you want to watch big waves, the north shore is worth a look tonight into Sunday morning.
Created with AI from the official NWS forecast discussion · verify with NWS before heading out
