The Ehukai Pillbox hike is a fun one. This hike is full of gorgeous views overlooking North Shore. The walk up was amazing but the return trip turned out to be a little longer than expected. We accidentally took a wrong turn on our way back but it was definitely worth it so don’t let this post fool you. We had a very exciting day and I will do it all over again if I could. Here’s all the Do’s and Don’t’s for this hike. Just a few key pointers and things I learned on my time there as well as how to get prepared for this gorgeous hike.
GETTING TO THE HIKE
This hike is located on North Shore close to Sunset Beach and Banzai Pipeline. With this said, you know the views from up above are going to be amazing. The hike is not hard at all. There were a lot of baby-wearing-mamas and children on the trail. There are parts where you will be climbing, several sets of stairs, as well as some sunny areas but for the most part it’s pretty shaded. Only thing I can say is to watch the trail. It’s not really hard getting there as long as you stick to the path closest to the ocean. Make sure to take the same route back, unlike me. We kind of took a wrong turn.
GOING UP THE TRAIL
This is on our way up. The first part is just a small walk through the wooded trail and then you reach an area where you start to climb up the mountain. On your way up you will see several areas where you can either take a rest or just enjoy the gorgeous views. Our first stop was at a picnic table that was there. It had a beautiful view out to North Shore and it was still mostly shaded. We decided to stop here and give my little girl a break for water and a small snack. We then kept going on our way up the mountain.
Our next stop was the first pillbox. We took a few pictures here and walked around the inside of the pillbox. There was graffiti (or art like I like to call it) on the walls of people that have been there before. We then started heading over to the next pillbox. The one with the famous “PEACE SIGN” on it. This one is only about 5 to 10 minutes away from the first one.
The second pillbox is beautiful. Once you leave the first pillbox you will start going down the mountain some and then climb down several rocky spots. Be careful with little ones. Some spots you may have to help your little guys out on getting up and down from the rocks but this area is very short. Once you get to the second pillbox strike your pose and enjoy the breathtaking view.
WRONG TURNS
We then made our way back up and passed the first pillbox. This is where we took the wrong turn. Shortly after passing the first pillbox we sat down for a minute to let my youngest run around instead of being on my Ergo the whole time. We sat down write where the path splits. If you’re doing the quick and easy hike take a right. I repeat, take a RIGHT! We took a left. Yes this hike turned from a quick maybe one hour hike with kids to about a good 6-7 hour hike. Kids always add more time.
Apparently there’s another trail that attaches with this one. It’s a biking trail that leads to Lilikoi Junction. I didn’t know about this biking trail or Lilikoi Junction till this day. I was a little terrified cause there were so many more little broken paths that we got a little lost and even hit a dead zone and lost signal. The whole time we didn’t see anyone till the very end. The view on the end is very beautiful though. There’s a little loop right before the end that overlooks North Shore. This was our moment of, “Wow we are way out of our way!”
Lilikoi Junction was a great picnic rest area. It was very pretty with a beautiful garden and guava trees. This is the spot where we saw our first “Exit” sign and were able to find our way out. This trail ends in a subdivision towards the end of Pupukea. I’m just glad that that was the end of it and my husband came to the rescue to pick us up and take us to our car. All around, we had a very good time. Wrong turns make for fun memories so this will definitely be one hike to always remember.
WHAT TO BRING & WEAR
- Hydration: I brought my camelback on this trip. It was easier to carry my water on my back then to hand carry a flask.
- Sunscreen: I recommend using an organic sunscreen such as Raw Element or SunBum.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes or sneakers and comfortable clothing. Target has some of the cutest active wear. Shop here.
- If you are planning to wear your baby on this hike then I highly recommend using an Ergo. You can get yours here and read all about it here.
- Watch the path you take. Don’t make the mistake I made. Stick to the path closest to the ocean (to the right) right after you pass the first pillbox (the one with no peace sign).
- Always leave the world looking prettier than before. Leave No Trace!
- Camera: I used my GoPro on this trip.
- Cell Phone: It is always good to have your phone just in case of any emergencies.
- Headgear: Some areas can be direct sunlight so it’s always good to protect yourself from that tropical sun.
LOCATION
59-178 Ke Nui Rd, Haleiwa, HI 96712
There will be a parking lot right next to the school. Right as you drive in you will see the trailhead to your left. Parking will be on the right.
HIKE DETAILS
Distance: 2.1miles round trip
Elevation: 675 ft
Experience Level: Easy
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Disclaimer: All opinions and experiences are my own. This post is to serve you as a guide. Everyone’s hiking skill levels are different so please be cautious, safe, and hike to your own level of expertise. Affiliate links are posted on this post. I will receive a small commission if you purchase through my link. This commission goes to maintaining my website free and safe.
2 Responses
wohh just what I was searching for, appreciate it for putting up.
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed the post.