Hiking the Back Way to the Lanikai Pillbox Trail (Kaʻiwa Ridge), Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi
The East and West Lanikai Pillbox Trail, more commonly known as the Back Lanikai Pillbox Trail, on the east side of Oʻahu are the two least-crowded routes that ascend Kaʻiwa Ridge to the iconic Lanikai Pillboxes!
That said, both alternative routes up Kaʻiwa Ridge are longer and more challenging than the traditional Lanikai Pillbox Trail from the north, which I why I recommend against either of these two options for anyone visiting Oʻahu.
I say this because these alternative routes are often seen as locals-only routes. Throughout my blog, I do my best to provide accurate information and set expectations for all kinds of Hawaiʻi-related content, which is why I feel it’s important to discourage visitors from venturing out to these more local trailheads.
My Hawaiʻi Hiking Checklist
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Lanikai Pillbox Guided Tour (Main Route)
If you don’t have transportation or would like to learn about the hike from a guide, I highly recommend booking the tour below. This tour includes the price for up to four people, and the tour includes transportation from wherever you might be staying in Waikīkī.
Additionally, one of my favorite things about booking through Viator is the reserve-now-and-pay-later option. As long as you’re booking more than three days in advance, you have the option to book ahead and cancel in the future if you change your mind.
Lanikai Pillbox Back Way (Kamahele St.)
[Not a Recommended Route for Visitors]
Distance: 1.7 miles / 2.7 km
The back way is more of a locals-only route, and the only reason I’m choosing to share this information is because of the nightmare parking situation in Lanikai.
DON’T blow it up, litter, be loud, park illegally, or cause any issues that would draw negative attention to this route. Everyone, including residents and visitors alike, should try to be as respectful as possible to not draw the same amount of attention to this route as the main route in Lanikai.
Note that even though this route is longer, it’s not more difficult. The elevation gain is nearly identical as the main route, and it’s likely a shorter hike when you factor in how far you may have to walk to do the hike from the main route.
Lanikai Pillbox Trailhead Parking (Kamahele)
Parking on Kamahele St. is much easier than anywhere in Lanikai.
That being said, do not park in the cul-de-sac near the trailhead, and do not park in anyway that blocks the sidewalk or a driveway.
Other than this, parking is on Kamahele St. is much nicer in comparison, and you’ll be much closer to the trailhead compared to the main route in Lanikai.
Google Maps Directions: Lanikai Pillboxes Trailhead (Kamahele St.)
Hiking the Lanikai Pillbox Trail (Kamahele)
The hike begins up the stairs between two fences before leaving the fences behind to stay on the ridge for the rest of the way up.
Go right at the small split in the photo below to stay on the main trail.
Just after the rock in the photo below, follow the ridge to the left. This will lead up to the main Kaʻiwa ridgeline, and at this point, most of the elevation gain is behind you.
Kaʻiwa Ridge
Once at the Kaʻiwa Ridge junction, go left to continue toward the Lanikai Pillboxes.
From this split, there is only another 0.3 miles (0.5 km) of relatively flat hiking to get to the second (first from this direction) and highest pillbox.
The trail to the right leads out to Wailea Point, which is the next route talked about below in this post.
Second Lanikai Pillbox
These pillboxes are numbered as if you had hiked up from the main trail in Lanikai.
The second Lanikai Pillbox is the first of two that you will come across from this direction, and the first is only a short 0.1-mile (0.2 km) walk away.
First Lanikai Pillbox
From this direction, the first Lanikai Pillbox will likely be the furthest you hike on Kaʻiwa Ridge. The rest of the trail on simply leads down to the main trail in Lanikai.
If you are interested in visiting the two famous islands offshore, read the next section.
Kayaking to the Mokulua Islands
The two islands that you see offshore from the top of Lanikai are accessible to the public by kayak only.
Kayaks can be easily reserved through the links below, and like I said earlier, one of my favorite things about booking through Viator is the reserve now and pay later option. As long as you’re booking more than three days in advance, you have the option to book in advance and cancel in the future if you change your mind.
Overall, planning both the Lanikai Pillbox Trail and a kayak tour to the Mokulua Islands is a great way to spend a full day on Oʻahu’s east side.
Lanikai Pillbox from Luika Pl. (Wailea Point)
[Not a Recommended Route for Visitors]
Distance: 2.6 miles / 4.2 km
Starting from Luika Place is likely the least practical option for most people, because of the trailhead’s location at the end of Lanikai.
However, I think this trailhead makes for a nice trail run loop if you considered running back through Lanikai to wherever you parked. This would add another 1.1 miles (1.8 km) through Lanikai to the main trailhead if you took the most direct route.
Lanikai Pillbox Trailhead Parking (Luika)
I don’t recommend parking anywhere in Lanikai. That said, walking would make for a very long journey to get to this trailhead, which is why this route is likely only practical if you’re staying in Lanikai.
Google Maps Directions: Lanikai Pillboxes Trailhead (Luika Pl.)
Hiking the Lanikai Pillbox Trail (Luika)
From Luika, there is more elevation gain and loss over the course of this route because the ridge is not as direct.
Right from the start, the trail climbs about 350 ft. (107 m) before leveling off with more mild up and downs for the rest of the hike.
The short steep section in the photo above looks worse in the photo than it actually is.
When you get to the top of the first 350-ft. (107 m) climb, turn right to head toward the pillboxes. The path the left in the second photo below leads out to Wailea Point, and it doesn’t lead to anywhere that isn’t private property.
You can’t get off of Kaʻiwa Ridge from Wailea Point.
Over the next 0.6 miles (1.0 km), the trail will go up and down slightly until the split that leads out on the ridge in the photo below.
I wanted to include this photo to tell you not to go this way. It leads onto military property, and there is no way to exit the ridge that isn’t trespassing.
From the previous split, there is only about 0.1 miles (0.2 km) more to hike to get to the split in the photo below. Stay straight on the ridge because this is the same junction that comes up from Kamahele St. in the section above.
The rest of the hike from this junction can be seen from the photos in the previous section.
Lanikai Pillbox Trail (Main Route)
If you would like to read more about the main Lanikai Pillbox Trail from the Lanikai neighborhood, check out my separate post.
Read My Separate Post: Lanikai Pillbox Trail (Kaʻiwa Ridge)
Native Plants on the Lanikai Pillbox Trail
There are nearly no native plants on the Lanikai Pillbox hike.
Generally speaking, I can always find a number of native plants on any hike, even in the most invasive areas, but the Lanikai Pillbox Trail is the exception.
Kaʻiwa Ridge is dominated by invasive grasses, Koa haole trees, and a few non-native sporadic Gaïacwood trees that cover the ridge. You have a much better opportunity to see native Hawaiian plants in down in the Lanikai neighborhood and at the beach.
On Lanikai Beach, you should very easily be able to find native plants, like Naupaka, Pōhuehue, and Maiapilo.
If you’re interested in learning more about these native Hawaiian plants, check out my post that I wrote specifically to help others find and identify Hawaiian plants across the islands.
Read My Separate Post: Native Hawaiian Plant Guide
More Oʻahu Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing Oʻahu adventures, check out my separate posts below!
Best Hotels & Restaurants in Waikīkī
If you’re trying to decided where to stay on Oʻahu, check out my top 10 list for the best resorts and restaurants in Waikīkī.
I break down what makes one hotel a better choice over another, so that you can find the best fit for your stay on the island.
Read My Separate Post: Best Waikīkī Hotels & Restaurants
Waikīkī
HNL Airport-Hotel Shuttle
Prices on ride-share apps like Uber/ Lyft cannot beat the price of booking your hotel shuttle prior to arrival. I say this because there are additional fees for ride-share airport pick-ups at Honolulu Airport (HNL), which is why I recommend booking your transportation in advance using the options below.
Additionally, the last option below will go as far as the Ko ʻOlina Resorts on the West Side and Turtle Bay on Oʻahu’s North Shore!
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
Oʻahu
Visiting Other Islands
If you are visiting Oʻahu or heading to another island, check out some of my personal recommendations for Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, Molokai, Lānaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island (Big Island) in these separate posts.
If you’re trying to decide which island is right for your visit, check out my overview about each island in the post below.
Read My Separate Post: What is the Best Hawaiian Island to Visit?
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Hawaiʻi?
The weather in Hawaiʻi can often appear to be warm and beautiful throughout the year, but in my experience, there is a lot more to consider when planning what time of year to visit the islands, such as what island you are considering, what sides of each island do you plan to stay, what activities are you most interested in, the wildlife, and countless other nuanced variables that can all impact the type of trip you can expect to have.
For these reasons, I highly recommend reading through my separate article to not only understand my thoughts regarding the best time of year to come to Hawaiʻi but also what you need to consider based on the time of year that you plan to visit.
Read My Separate Post: What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Hawaiʻi?
10 Best Tours & Excursions on Oʻahu
There are a lot of different tour options to choose from on Oʻahu, but to make it easier to decide, I made a list of my favorite tours because some things simply are better with a local guide!
Read My Separate Post: Best Tours on Oʻahu
Oʻahu
Safety
All hikes in Hawaiʻi should not be compared to trails outside of the islands, and hikers should exercise due caution on every adventure, given that many are extremely dangerous.
By this, I mean that Hawaiʻi is known for hot, humid weather, steep, dramatic, and unstable cliffs, and flash floods, which can occur without warning. Therefore, it is important that you check the local forecast, understand the physical condition of your entire group, and pack sufficient food and water before attempting any adventure.
Disclaimer
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Noah Lang Photography LLC makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided here, and readers should use their own discretion, judgement, and seek professional advice where it is appropriate.
Furthermore, Noah Lang Photography LLC shall not be held responsible for any injuries, lost individuals, or legal issues arising from the use of information provided on this website, and if applicable, the above safety disclaimer should be referenced to provide a generic overview of the risks involved.
All said, the content on this blog is for the sole use of Noah Lang Photography LLC, and unauthorized use or reproduction of this content is strictly prohibited.
Disclosure
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