Ehukai Pillbox Hike

The Ehukai Pillbox Hike is the less crowded version of the Lanikai Pillboxes, but shorter, and in my opinion, a much better view! Located directly across legendary Banzai Pipeline and Ehukai Beach, the top of this trail gives you some pretty sweet views of the North Shore.

Trail Difficulty – Easy/Moderate
Length – 2 miles (round trip)
Duration – 2 hours
Condition – Shaded, muddy/slippery, steep

Important Information

Free Parking – Parking is only permitted outside of the Sunset Beach Elementary gate, there is a parking lot, but this tends to fill up quickly. Be prepared to park along Kamehameha Highway.
Public restrooms in the parking lot
This hike is known to be VERY muddy/slippery, so bring some extra clothes.
The second pillbox is technically on private property, so continue at your own risk. People do hike to it though…. 🤫

Getting to the Ehukai Pillbox Hike

The hike starts across the parking lot just before the gate of the elementary school, you’ll see a sign indicating a trailhead. Although a short hike, you gain elevation fast. The beginning of the trail begins with climbing up some steep man-made steps, tree roots, and rocks. There is rope to help guide you up on some sections.

The steep part of the hike doesn’t last long, before you know it you’ll see some amazing views of the ocean when you reach a picnic table. After here remember to always keep going left.

When you leave the picnic table, the rest of the hike is very easy going. As long as you keep left, you’ll reach the first pillbox not too far after.

To get to the second pillbox, continue going past the first pillbox, you’ll see a “No Trespassing” sign (continue at your own risk, Beyond Paradise is not responsible for your actions) that clearly everyone is ignoring.

It’s about 5 minutes from the sign, you can’t miss it. This is probably the pillbox that brought you to the Ehukai Pillbox in the first place, with the view of North Shore and a cool “peace” sign for your pictures!