The Ehukai Pillbox Trail sits above Sunset Beach on Oahu’s North Shore, near Banzai Pipeline, about an hour from Waikiki. At roughly 2 miles round trip it’s one of the shorter hikes on the island, mostly shaded by ironwood and banyan trees, and ends at two WWII-era bunkers with sweeping views of the coastline below. It gets muddy after rain and has one steep section near the bottom that can be tricky to navigate when it’s wet.
A Short Hike with Big Views
The Ehukai Pillbox Trail is a picturesque and fairly easy trail on the North Shore. Living in Kailua, we don’t make it to the north shore nearly enough. Over the summer months, when the surf is quiet, we make an effort to go as much as possible. On this particular visit the kids wanted to go to a beach on the north shore and we wanted to go hiking, so we compromised with a short hike up the Ehukai Pillbox trail (about 2 miles round trip) followed by a dip in the ocean. The perfect combination.
On the Trail
This family-friendly trail takes you through lush jungle with panoramic views of the Pacific opening up as you climb. It was rainbow weather as we started our trek. Intermittent bright sun followed by brief squalls created a soggy trail. We slipped and sloshed our way up the path stopping to climb banyan trees and snack on strawberry guava. There was a bit of whining over muddy hands, but everyone was happy when we finally emerged into the cool, dry trail beneath the ironwoods. The kids happily skipped along proclaiming, “I love this hike!”
The highlight is the WWII-era pillbox bunkers, once used for military defense and now covered in layers of colorful graffiti. One, decorated with a peace sign, I recognized from Instagram. A loose line had formed as people waited their turn for the perfect shot. In turn, hikers jumped and flexed for photos with the vast Pacific in the background. We moved on to explore an empty, heavily graffitied pillbox that the kids happily explored before heading back down to the beach below.
Navigation note: At the fork in the trail, stay left to reach the second pillbox with the peace sign. Turning right takes you onto a mountain biking trail that connects to a whole other network of paths. Several families have turned a one-hour hike into a six-hour adventure this way.
Here’s what a morning on the Ehukai Pillbox Trail actually looks like with kids with rainbow weather, muddy hands, banyan trees, and a view that made it all worth it ->
Preparing to Hike the Ehukai Pillbox Trail
Getting There
The second pillbox is the one worth pushing to The views open up completely and that’s where the peace sign is. To get there, start at Sunset Beach Neighborhood Park near world famous Banzai Pipeline, about an hour from Waikiki. Parking is available at the park. There is also parking across the street at Ehukai Beach Park if the lot is full. There are bathrooms at both. Do not leave valuables in your car as break-ins are common at North Shore beach parking lots. Leave valuables at home (including anything that looks like it holds valuables) or bring them with you. The trailhead begins at the back of the parking lot across from the basketball courts.
Packing List
Shoes with grip are worth it here. The lower section of the trail gets muddy and slippery after rain and there is one steep section with ropes strung between trees to help you up and down. Bring sunscreen for the exposed portions and more water than you think. Snacks are always handy as a motivator along with curious kids who like to search for geocaches. The trail is easy to follow but you may want to download it on AllTrails before you go.
Looking for Adventure Beyond the Hikes on the North Shore Oahu?
Family Photos on the North Shore
Families who make it out to this part of the island tend to be the ones who want more than a towel on the beach. If that sounds like your morning, the North Shore has some of the most beautiful and least crowded session locations on the island. You can see what those mornings look like at Turtle Bay, Kawela Bay, and Laie Beach. And if it looks like something your family would be into, here’s where to start.
Alternatives for Hiking Oahu’s North Shore
For nature lovers, I recommend the coastal trail to Kaena Point during the winter months when you can watch whales and albatross.
If you love hiking but aren’t up for the mud you can try the very easy, stroller-friendly hike through Waimea Valley Botanical Garden.
What to Eat Near the Trail
Ted’s Bakery is famous for its chocolate haupia cream pie, but also makes a solid local style breakfast or lunch spot.
Banzai sushi is a stylish spot for sushi & Japanese fare. I know not everyone loves sushi, but my kids always ask to stop here. It has traditional floor seating & outdoor patio. Downside – it doesn’t open until 4pm.
Wicked HI cafe is a little out of the way, but my family loves this spot so much. They serve fresh, oven baked pizza (goat cheese, honey, arugula is amazing) and must-try local slushies. The combo is so good after a beach day. Bonus, they’re next door to Paala kai bakery so you can take home so famous snow puffies for later.
Best beaches near the trailhead
Like the idea of a trail / ocean combo? Just across the street, Ehukai Beach and neighboring Sunset Beach are worth a visit. However, massive winter swells can make these dangerous options. If the surf is up try one of these alternatives.
Shark’s Cove. You can usually find a quiet to space to cool off in this protected cove.
The calmer waters of Haleʻiwa Beach are preferred for swimmers and beginning surfers. Bonus, grab some food at one of the food trucks in Haleiwa town and enjoy a waterfront picnic.
Kuilima Cove at Turtle Bay is partially protected with more gentle surf. Bonus, it’s a great spot for sunsets and the hotel has tasty food and cocktails.
Ehukai Pillbox Trail FAQs
Q: How hard is the Ehukai Pillbox Trail for families with kids?
A: Moderate is the honest answer. The first section is flat and shaded but the middle stretch has a steep, sometimes muddy climb with ropes strung between trees to help. Once you’re past that section the trail levels out across the ridge to the pillboxes. Our 6 and 8 year olds made it easily. Check the route on AllTrails if you get confused at the fork.
A: Sunset Beach Neighborhood Park has a small parking lot right at the trailhead. There is also parking across the street at Ehukai Beach Park. Both have bathrooms. Don’t leave valuables in your car. Car break-ins are common at North Shore beach parking lots.
Both work. If you go early enough you can enjoy a quiet trail and cooler temperatures and by the time it heats up, you can head to the beach to jump in. However, sunset would be lovely from here as well as it sets over the water. The return would be tricky in the dark.
A: Both are short hikes to WWII bunkers with ocean views, and both will have a queue of people waiting for the Instagram shot at the top. The experience getting there is completely different though. Lanikai is exposed rock and low scrub with no shade and sunrise views over the water. Ehukai is shaded forest the whole way up, green and cool, with sunset views over the North Shore coastline. Lanikai gets significantly more traffic. If you want the quieter version with more shade and you’re already on the North Shore, Ehukai is the one.
A: Yes, on leash.
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