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Need to know

Area

Waianae

Description

The Pink Pillbox Hike is similar to the Lanikai PIllbox Hike on the Windward (East) Coast and ‘Ehukai Pillbox on the North Shore — short but steep and they all take you to cool looking WW2 pillboxes with insane views of the ocean, beach, and neighborhoods below. The Pink Pillbox on the Leeward (West) Coast tends to be less crowded though. 

 

There are 4 pillboxes on this trail and a couple different routes you can take to get to them — a  short and direct one that’s steep and difficult (straight up a rockface) and a shorter one that zigzags its way up in an easier way. 

 

The 3rd pillbox you pass is the one that was painted pink  in October 2015 for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Inside you’ll find graffiti notes hikers have left in support of the cause and cancer survivors. The others are filled with cool graffiti inside. 

 

This hike is also known as Pu’u O Hulu and Ma’ili Pillbox.

Address

This Google Maps pin should get you to where you need to park, but keep your eyes peeled for the trail.

 

You’ll head down Farrington Hwy (which runs along the West Coast of Oahu and make a right on Kaukama Road. When you turn, start counting the light poles. The trail starts between the 10th and 11th light pole and you can park on the side of the road. The trail will be on your right hand side.

Price

Free

Difficulty

Moderate

About 2 miles

Time Estimate

About 1.5 hrs. It’s less than 2 miles, but it’s fun to explore the pillboxes and take in the views.

Nearby

  • Ka'aha'aina Cafe — 5 min drive

  • Mermaid Caves — 10 min drive

  • Electric Beach (Kahe Point Beach Park) — 11 min drive

  • Waikiki — 55 min drive

Known for its pink pillbox overlooking the shoreline. Short but steep with incredible views. Popular, but less crowded than other hikes. Aka Pu’u O Hulu or Ma’ili Pillbox.

Pink Pillbox 

MODERATE HIKE

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Good to know

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PHOTOS

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PACKING LIST

  • Sneakers or hiking boots with good traction. It’s a rocky trail with lots of loose dirt and rocks.

  • A hat. The hike is mostly in the sun. 

  • Food and snacks if you want to have a picnic on top of one of the pillboxes.

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TIPS + TRICKS

  • Parking / Trailhead: This Google Maps pin should get you to where you need to park, but keep your eyes peeled for the trail. You’ll head down Farrington Hwy and make a right on Kaukama Road. When you turn, start counting the light poles. The trail starts between the 10th and 11th light pole and you can park on the side of the road. The trail will be on your right hand side. You’ll see a break in the grass and a dirt path. 

  • Expect a dusty dirt trail and lots of loose rocks. Sneakers with good traction or hiking boots are best. 

  • The trail is mostly uphill and moderately steep until just before the end.

  • There are two different routes to the pillboxes. The most direct (and most difficult) route is to your right. It’s very steep and involves steel cables and some rock climbing and should only be attempted by experienced climbers. For a moderate hike, head to your left and take the longer zigzag trail. You’ll be rewarded with some beautiful views along the way.

  • The best views are from the top of the pillboxes. You can practically see the entire west coast of the island. The higher you hike, the more ocean you’ll see. On a clear day you can see the Ko Olina resorts to the south and all the way to Kaena Point at the very north. 

  • Start early (by 8am) to avoid the heat. Parking is easiest to find in the morning too.

  • There’s not much shade on this trail and this side of the island tends to be hot and dry. Wear sunscreen and a hat. There’s a nice breeze once you get to the top. 

  • There are a few spots where the trail doubles back on itself. If you stay to your left whenever you come to a fork, you should be good. Occasionally you’ll see pink tape markers pointing you in the right direction.

  • There are 4 pillboxes on this hike. The pink pillbox is the 3rd one. The 4th one is about 100 yards further and that’s where the hike ends. Beyond that, there are steep drop offs and some climbing involved. Not a good idea unless you’re an experienced climber. 

  • This hike is a good alternative to the Lanikai Pillbox hike on the east side — less crowded, but still an incredible view.

  • Don’t leave any valuables or belongings in your car. 

  • This makes for a really pretty sunset hike since you’re on the west side of the island. Not a bad idea to pack headlamps if you’re hiking back after the sun’s set. 

  • Sitting on top of one of the pillboxes is a great place for a picnic. 

  • There are sometimes food trucks parked at the trailhead, but it’s not guaranteed. 

  • From Dec - Mar, you may spot whale watching boats. 

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KID STUFF

  • This hike is more geared towards older kids. It’s short but pretty steep and rocky.

  • There are some steep dropoffs so keep a close eye on them.

  • Definitely don’t go beyond the 3rd pillbox (the one just past the pink one). It gets too dangerous for kids, or really anyone who’s not an experienced climber, beyond that point.

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PET STUFF

  • Dogs are allowed but keep in mind that there’s very little shade and it stays pretty hot. It’s also pretty steep in the beginning.

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DID YOU KNOW?

  • The pink pillbox was painted bubblegum pink in October 2015 in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness. Visitors leave messages on the interior walls supporting people who have or are currently fighting cancer. It occasionally gets a fresh coat of paint. 

  • There are several WW2 military bunkers and pillboxes throughout Oahu  — including on Diamond Head, Koko Crater, Lanikai Pillbox, and Ehuakai Pillbox. They’re all filled with colorful graffiti.

  • One of the pillboxes has an iron rod sticking out of the ground. During WW2, it held a .30 caliber MG machine gun. The pink pillbox was armed with 7-inch MK2M4-6 Naval Guns but was later outfitted with 6-inch guns.

  • During WW2, the military built several pillboxes in this area with sights set on the ocean. They were all connected by tunnels. A mess hall and kitchen were built on the other side of the hill. 

  • This trail is also known as Pu’u O Hulu or Ma’ili Pillbox.

Last Updated 10 / 22 / 21

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