ALOHA!
The Ehukai Pillbox Hike will give you stunning views of Sunset Beach and other parts of the North Shore!
This hike is easy to add to your itinerary when you’re on the North Shore. This is because it’s located right off the main road and it won’t take up half a day to get to and complete. So you can add it to your list of things to do on the North Shore.
Best short hikes with scenic views on Oahu
- Diamond Head Hike
- Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
- Manoa Falls Trail
- Koko Head Hike
- Lanikai Pillbox Hike
- Puu Maelieli Trail
- North Shore Pillbox Hike
what to pack for hiking in hawaii >> what to wear hiking – best shoes for hiking
near ehukai pillbox hike >> things to do on the north shore
What’s the North Shore pillbox hike like?
Because there are a few steep inclines, there are a few parts that may have you breathing hard. But otherwise, it’s generally not too strenuous. You can likely complete this hike in an hour, although this will depend on how long you stop at each of the overlooks.
Some Yelp reviews for this hike report that you need to pass a “no trespassing sign” to get to the most famous pillbox on this trail. (The one with the peace sign on it.) So, as with all hikes on Oahu, hike at your own risk! A few other reviews report that they were unable to find the famous pillbox. They turned around not having found it.
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!
Scenes from the Ehukai Pillbox Hike aka North Shore Pillbox Hike
It starts off as a seemingly typical hiking trail
After you start walking for a bit, you’ll soon approach an area that’s a bit of an uphill. It may look like there’s a bit of a fork in which you can choose to go 2 ways. You’ll want to choose the right side.
From there you keep going.
You’ll soon start to see the ocean on your left side through the trees… and then out in the open!
You’ll soon approach the first overlook
You might think you’ve made it! 😉
But there’s more to come.
As you can see, at this overlook there’s a picnic table. So this could be a good spot for a small picnic on your way back with food you buy from the grocery store. (Don’t overeat though. You are on a hike after all.)
You’ll continue to follow the trail.
You’ll soon reach the first pillbox
Take in the views!
Then you can continue on to the next pillbox. (The one with the famous peace sign on it!)
It’s from here that it’s possible that it can get confusing. You might think you’re going the wrong way.
There’s kind of an open area that goes downhill a little bit. And that’s the right direction.
So keep going.
And then you’ll end up at the pillbox with the peace sign!
You’ll also get great views of Sunset Beach!
And then head on back the way you came!
HAPPY NORTH SHORE 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 the north shore
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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:
- walking sandals:
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