How to get to Lanikai Pillbox Hike by bus from Waikiki

ALOHA!

So, can you get to the Lanikai Pillbox Hike by bus from Waikiki?

Well, yes, you can!

So, here’s what you’ll need in order to take the bus from Waikiki to Lanikai

Tons of time! It is no short journey to get to Lanikai by bus from Waikiki. (1-1.5 hours)
Armed with knowledge on how to take the bus around Oahu
Preparation for a hike, especially WATER!

And if you’re going to take the time to do this journey – because it does take time! – you want to make the most of it!

For the Lanikai Pillbox Hike, what this means is consider heading out for the full Kaiwa Ridge Trail.

The popular portion of the Lanikai Pillbox Hike is basically an uphill climb to the pillbox, and maybe to the second pillbox, and then head back down.

But you can extend this trail to hike along the entire ridge that’s called the Kaiwa Ridge.

Have a look at the map of Lanikai to see how the trail goes.

Map of Lanikai area

what to pack for hiking in hawaii >> what to wear hiking – best shoes for hiking

near lanikai pillbox hike >> things to do on east side of oahu

Waikiki Travel Guide:

Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!

Options for hiking the Lanikai Pillbox Hike

Hike the top of the ridge one way
Hike the popular route that you go up to the pillbox, and then go back down.

Option 1: Hike the top of the ridge (recommended!)

This is the option that makes it convenient when you go by bus, as opposed to driving.

Lanikai by bus means that you don’t have to make it an out-and-back, and instead, you can just go one way. (Unless of course, you want to get in more hiking!)

Instead, you can start on one side (the side away from the ocean) and hike along the ridge to the pillboxes on the ocean side.

And from there, you can head to Lanikai Beach and Kailua Beach.

On the Lanikai map: If you decide to hike along the full Kaiwa Ridge Trail, your starting point is the the brown hiking icon towards the bottom of the map, and your destination is the hiking icon towards the top.

You don’t see the exact trail route on the map, but you can get an idea of what it’s like. (Click the Lanikai map to view it in Google Maps so that you can see the trail route!)

This is the ridge that you’ll be hiking!

Here’s a glimpse of the ridge trail with both of the Mokulua Islands in view!

Option 2: Hike the popular route to the pillboxes

Now, do you really want to miss out on hiking the ridge?! 😉

On the map: If you choose to do the popular hiking route, your starting point and end point is the hiking icon located towards the top of the map.

It’s pretty much a straight hike up to the first pillbox.

At the first pillbox is where you’ll get the best views of the ocean and Mokulua Islands.

Some people head back down after they reach this first pillbox.

There is another pillbox, which some people go to, and heading there is when the trail starts to head inland onto the ridge.

Few people go past the second pillbox.

Here are people hanging out at a pillbox in the distance with one of the Mokulua Islands in view:

You’ll get these views no matter which hiking option you choose!

Since this is from the popular route, you’ll definitely see this!

Lanikai Beach after the pillbox hike

You may consider hanging out at the beaches after your hike, but remember that means you’ll have to hike with your beach gear too.

If you do that, you really want to make sure you have a good daypack for hiking.

As you’ll see on the map, the start and end of the popular Lanikai Pillbox Hike route, or the end of the full Kaiwa Ridge Trail, will drop you pretty much right at Lanikai Beach!

Bus directions to Lanikai Pillbox Hike for full Kaiwa Ridge Trail

No matter where on the island you’re taking the bus, Google Maps is super helpful. See tips here for taking the bus on Oahu.

The bus from Waikiki to Lanikai will take about 1 to 1.5 hours. Depending on here in Waikiki you’re catching the bus, it may possible to make it so you have no transfers if you time it right.

But you’ll probably end up with at least one transfer.

Have a look here for the Google Maps transit directions.

The starting point of the trail is marked on the map, and if you already know where you’re staying, plug that information in.

If you’re looking at these bus directions from home at night, it may be helpful to change the “leave now” to a morning time for better accuracy in the bus schedule.

Once you get off at the bus stop, you’ll walk about 10 minutes or so to reach the start of the trail. As long as you are walking on the correct road (follow Google Maps directions!), you won’t be able to miss the trailhead!

You’ll end up at a dead up which is a gated community, and there are stairs on the right side to get you started on your Lanikai Pillbox Hike!

In the picture below, see the gate towards the left, and see the stairs towards the right!

You’ll walk on a residential street to get to the start of the trail.

This will be the scene behind you:

More hikes on Oahu

Best short hikes with scenic views on Oahu

HAPPY LANIKAI PILLBOX HIKING!

what to wear in hawaii >> what to wear hiking – what to wear snorkeling

more things to do on oahu | map >> more things to do on east side of oahu

best short hikes on oahu

beginner’s guide to taking the bus on oahu

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🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!

Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
Water shoes
Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
lightweight travel towel:
- turkish towel
walking sandals:
- teva sandals for women
- teva sandals for men

I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.

Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.

There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.

see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling