UPDATED FEB 2020. I had seen many photos from the Ehukai Pillbox Hike on Instagram and each time I saw the pictures from the top of the views stretching out over the famous north shore beaches, it always looked so perfectly ‘Hawaii’ – like a postcard. Finally, I decided to go and explore the hike for myself on a solo adventure. It had my legs burning at times but, overall, it did not disappoint. Here’s my practical guide on planning your own adventure day out to experience the hike for yourself.
Everything You Need To Know About The Famous Ehukai Pillbox Hike
Disclaimer
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FAQ for the Ehukai Pillbox Hike
Where is it located?
North shore, about 1-hour drive from Waikiki.
Is there a cost to hike?
No.
How long does it take?
30-40 minutes depending on your pace.
What skill is needed?
Beginner (it can be slippery and that is the main challenge as long as you have a decent level of fitness).
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on a leash.
What should you bring with you?
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Camera (I use this action camera for hikes and this compact selfie stick and tripod combo
) - Good hiking shoes (I use the New Balance Minimus and love them)
- Swimsuit and lightweight towel if you want to hit the beach afterward
)
and love them)
if you want to hit the beach afterward
Where to park for the Ehukai Pillbox hike
Park at the Sunset Beach Elementary School parking lot.
Where is the trailhead
If you face the beach, you will be looking for the trailhead away from the beach and on your right-hand side.
What to expect
It starts flat and simple, then the trail starts to incline.
This is where it can get challenging because it can be muddy and slippery at times. There are ropes in some sections to help you navigate the slippery incline.
It can be a crowded trail, but there’s enough room to stop and catch your breath if you need to as you work your way up the hill.
The trail is shaded by trees for the most part so it had a real sense of being lost in nature even though it is right off the main road.
You’ll come to a picnic bench with a view, this is not the end though. Take a rest here if you need to then keep on moving and stay left at the fork. The first pillbox is shortly after the picnic bench.
You’ll keep going after the first pillbox and come to an area with no trespassing signs.
I cannot advise you to go past these signs to reach the second pillbox with the peace sign on top.
The views along the trail and at the top are nothing short of spectacular as the quintessential Hawaiian blue water shines against the white sand and palm trees.
It truly looks like a postcard or travel magazine and is a dreamy backdrop for a few photos.
Since it is a popular trail, you may need to wait to get photos without others in them.
Things to do nearby
If you’d like to go to the beach after your hike, I recommend the famous Sunset Beach or Banzai Pipeline.
Waimea Bay is another beautiful beach where you can swim, snorkel and jump off the big rock.
For snorkeling in the area, I recommend:
If you visit in winter, none of these beaches would be safe for swimming in as it is the big wave season on the north shore during winter.
It’s still fun to go and watch the giant waves, just don’t get too close to them, and you might also be able to see a surf competition. Otherwise, if you visit in summer, these beaches are at their much safer to swim in and they just sparkle.
If you’d like to do more hiking in the area, I recommend:
Where to eat on the north shore
When it comes to food there are a lot of great options to choose from.
It’s a great area to try some of the famous food truck food like Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck (15 minutes away) or Romys Shrimp (10 minutes away). North Shore Tacos is only 5 minutes away and is another good choice.
It’s also nice to stop at a fruit stand either near Giovanni’s Shrimp or just one you see on the side of the road along the way to get some fresh fruit or a fresh coconut.
Another option is to drive to see the iconic Haleiwa, stopping at Laniakea beach along the way to see if the turtles are sleeping on the beach, then get a shave ice from Matsumoto’s. Don’t forget to take a photo with the Haleiwa sign as you drive in.
All in all, there’s a lot to see, do, and eat in the area and something for everyone.
Safety tips for the Ehukai Pillbox hike
The Ehukai Pillbox hike can be slippery and muddy in the incline sections, especially if it has been raining.
Take your time on the slippery sections.
In my opinion, they’re trickier on the way down more than the way up. Having a good pair of shoes will help keep you going.
For any adventure in the outdoors make sure you go prepared with water, snacks, and sun protection. Use your best judgment as far as if this is a suitable adventure for your skill level and always check the weather forecast before going out.
If you plan to do this hike solo like I did, make sure you tell someone where you will be and what time to expect you back.
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Where to stay on Oahu
If you plan to stay on the north shore, I think you can’t beat Turtle Bay Resort. It’s incredible. There are a lot of activities, the settings are dreamy, and it’s got something for everyone.
If you prefer to stay in Waikiki, I recommend the Hilton Hawaiian Village. I’ve stayed here for staycations and it’s my go-to in Waikiki.
No matter where you choose to stay, I recommend searching on Booking.com. This is what I use to book accommodation when I travel and I can always find a good deal there.
I hope this post can help you to plan your own adventure day on the Ehukai Pillbox Hike.
I write these guides to help you plan your own adventures but always remember to use your best judgment on the day, stick to the trails, and take any trash with you so that it can be enjoyed by others for years to come.
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