Lanikai Pillbox (Ka’iwa Ridge Trail) Hike

“The Lanikai Pillbox hike is located in Kailua, about 30 minutes northeast of Honolulu, on the east side of the island. The hike takes you up the Ka’iwa Ridge (another name for the trail) and has expansive views of both Lanikai and Kailua beach below, the Mokulua Islands, and the whole east side of Oahu.

And while the hike is amazing because of the views, it’s also pretty cool because of what you hike to: a couple of colorful, graffiti covered pillboxes. These two pillboxes were originally built in 1943 and used as observation stations for incoming enemy ships.

If you want to get technical, these pillboxes aren’t technically pillboxes. In military terms, pillboxes are created to be affixed with weapons. These observation points were not designed to have weapons and were only meant for observation. But we can confidently say they accomplish their goal even to this day!”

“The trailhead is located on Kaelepulu Drive, blocks from Lanikai Beach. You will walk up a path right next to a private driveway (there is a sign to tell you where to go) to start the trail.”  We will meet at the trailhead at 9AM.

Good shoes is a must. Bring lots of water.   Sunscreen is impt because there is little shade.

Parking is limited so try to carpool. Do not leave any valuables in the car.

Gee will be the lead (ie, she will be in front of everyone) & I (Terry) will be the sweeper/follow (ie, I will make sure that everyone is in front of me). You should make sure that you are between us, hopefully with eyes on one of us at all times for safety.

Let’s have a safe but enjoyable day together. After the hike, we will probably head over to some place to feed our hungry bellies. Brainstorm where at! : )

IF THE WEATHER IS BAD, ASSUME THAT WE HAVE CANCELED THE EVENT. We can always do this on another day…the risk is not worth it.

And as always, although we make safety a priority, by coming you are accepting that you are solely responsible for your own safety & should not do anything you shouldn’t esp if you have medical restrictions.