Maili Pillbox: Pink pillbox hike in Oahu, Hawaii

Maili Pillbox: Pink pillbox hike in Oahu, Hawaii

6

Views

10.0/10

Interest and Appeal

9.0/10

Adventure

5.0/10

Amenities

0.0/10

The Good

  • Amazing View
  • Short hike
  • Great for casual hikers
  • You might see wild goats

The Bad

  • No shade
  • Traffic on weekdays
  • Zero amenities (bathroom)

Last Updated on Jul 30 2023 by Bruddah Ron

Hiking Information

Also Known As:

Puʻu O Hulu Trail

Distance: 1.6 miles (2575 meters)

Elevation: 840 feet (256 meters)

Elevation Gain: 679 feet (207 meters)

Region: Oahu

Route Type: In-And-Out

Terrain: rocky, dry

Completion Time: 3h-4h

Difficulty: 2 / 5

The Pink Pillbox Hike, also known as the Puʻu O Hulu Trail, is a popular hiking trail located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. As you ascend the trail, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Kaena Point in the west, Mount Kaala in the North and Kapolei/Campbell Industrial Park in the south. The trail itself is approximately 1.6 miles (2.6 kilometers) round trip and is considered a moderately challenging hike. It takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach the first pillbox bunker, depending on your pace and fitness level. The trail consists of a steep incline and uneven terrain, so it is recommended to wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water.

More Info

  • Apply some sunscreen before you begin.
  • As there’s no shade in most part of trail, keep sunglasses and hat
  • As the weather is usually hot, keep plenty of water
  • Hike around the evening time to watch the sunset from top

Reaching the starting point of Pink pillbox hike

While the Pink Pillbox hike is a bit of a way from downtown Waikiki, it’s absolutely worth the road trip. The drive out to this location will take longer than the hike up to the top of Puu O Hulu. The traffic in weekdays is dense at some points and It usually takes 1:30 to 2 hours to drive from Waikiki to the starting point of trial. From Waikiki, get on the I-H-1 W. You will stay on this highway until it turns into the HI-93 W. The HI-93 W takes you all the way to the turn-off for the trailhead, on Kaukama Road. While driving on Kaukama Road, look for a dirt trail jutting up the mountain on your right. Usually, cars parked along the side of the road are a dead giveaway of where to start. There is no designated parking lot for Maili Pillbox, you have to look for available parking along Kaukama Road. There is plenty of parking so finding a spot should not be an issue.

The trail to Pink Pillbox starts on a dirt path just off the sidewalk. The path is pretty clear and distinctive with a clearing into the hillside with a stone pathway. While the first bit of the trail is under tree coverage, it doesn’t take long before it open ups to views of the surrounding valley and coastline.

Starting the hike to the Pink Pillbox

The rock stairs starts off pretty even and easy to climb and the trail is lined by high grass, bushes and trees. You only have to walk up 200-300 ft before a spectacular panorama of Waianae Valley and the Pacific Ocean come into view.

After hiking for a while, At one point you should be able to see all the way to Makaha, and deep into Waianae Valley.

Though the pillboxes at the top of the trail are the main attraction, there are beautiful spots to stop and soak in the views along the way. The last long stretch of the Maili Pillbox Trail is quite rewarding, with unobstructed views of the beautiful pristine coast, the Waianae mountain range in the distance over near Makaha, and the local community homes in the valley below.

Eventually, you’ll turn a corner, and the first of four pillboxes will be right in front of you. The trail is commonly referred to by its most popular pillbox, the “pink” pillbox, but there are actually several pillboxes on the trail. In October 2015, the third of the four pillboxes on the trail was painted bright pink for breast cancer awareness. There are 4 intact pillboxes that you can explore.  Each one differs slightly in setting, character, views, and graffiti artwork!

Food Options after the hike to the Pink Pillbox

There are several food places in Maili. Some of them are listed below:

  • Buzz’s Original Steak House (413 Kawailoa Rd) (0.6 miles)
  • Over Easy (418 Kuulei Rd) (1.5 miles)
  • Island Snow (130 Kailua Rd) (0.9 miles)
  • Bob’s Boston Pizza Kailua (130 Kailua Rd Ste 112) (0.8 miles)
  • Kalapawai Market – Kailua Beach (306 S Kalaheo Ave) (0.8 miles)

Overall, the Pink Pillbox Hike is a fantastic outdoor adventure in Oahu, offering beautiful views and a glimpse into the island’s history. Just make sure to come prepared and enjoy the hike responsibly.

One thought on “Maili Pillbox: Pink pillbox hike in Oahu, Hawaii

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