Ehukai Pillbox Hike: directions, parking, and all you need to know
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We just got back from the Ehukai Pillbox Hike on Oahu’s north shore and this is a great hike to do whether it’s your first time or your 20th time on the north shore. We started our morning leaving the Turtle Bay Resort bright and early, around 6:45 am. We were at the Sunset Elementary parking lot (where the trailhead is located) by 7 am.
We had our 5 year old and 1.5 year old with us as we trudged up the hill. Unlike the Lanikai Pillbox Hike, which is extremely popular, this was a much quieter trail. By the time we were finished with the hike at 8:30, there were still plenty of spaces left in the parking lot.
The hike starts gradually, with a moderate incline on a dirt path. About halfway up, you’ll get to the most difficult portion of the trail — it’s steep, slippery, and challenging. Luckily, that portion of the hike only lasts for a ¼ mile and things flatten out again as you work your way across the top of the hill to reach the first pillbox.
At the first pillbox, the view is excellent and you can spend time looking down on Pupukea and the rest of the north shore.
You can continue on for another 10 minutes to reach an additional pillbox with an even better view, but with two tired kids, we decided to head back down the hill.
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Ehukai Pillbox Hike Location
The Ehukai Pillbox Hike is located on Oahu’s north shore in Pupukea. It’s approximately 10 minutes from the Turtle Bay Resort and 30 minutes from Haleiwa.
The trailhead for the Ehukai Pillbox Hike is located at Sunset Beach Elementary School.
Ehukai Pillbox Hike Tips
This is a great hike to enjoy, but we have some tips to make your trip even better:
- Wear proper shoes: some easy hikes only require slippers (sandals) but this is not one of them. It can be muddy, slippery, and steep in parts. You don’t need hiking shoes, but sneakers or tevas are great.
- Bring water: simple tip but in this heat it’s incredible how thirsty you get so quickly. Pack enough water for the trip.
- Go early: we love doing this early before things get too hot and before the trail gets crowded. Get up, grab a coffee, and go!
Ehukai Pillbox Hike FAQs
How long is the Ehukai Pillbox Hike?
The entire hike took us 90 minutes. It’s just over a mile one way to the first pillbox. The hike up took 30 minutes, we stayed at the pillbox for 30 minutes, and the hike down took another 30 minutes.
Where to park for Ehukai Pillbox Hike
You can park in the parking lot next to Sunset Beach elementary school. If that lot is full, there is some street parking available.
Ehukai Pillbox Hike Difficulty
Despite what some websites say, this is NOT an easy hike, it’s a moderate hike. There are steep, slippery, and challenging sections. Luckily, there are ropes up between the trees to help make the climb up and down easier.
What is the best time of day to hike Ehukai Pillbox?
You can hike this any time of day, but we prefer the morning before it gets too hot and when things are a little quieter on the trail. This is a perfect thing to do the morning after you arrive since you’ll probably be up early battling jet lag.
Things to do After the Ehukai Pillbox Hike
There is no shortage of things to do on the north shore, which is why we love staying up here so much!
- Grab breakfast: head to Ted’s or Sunrise Shack for a great breakfast after the hike.
- Hit the beach: Waimea Bay is a great beach to visit in the summer and is just a few minutes down the road from the pillbox hike.
- Walk in Waimea Valley: this is a great place to visit and we absolutely love the luau that takes place there.
- Take a horseback ride: enjoy a 25-45 minute ride on the beach with the North Shore stables.
- Ride the waves: try your hand at SUP or surfing with lessons
Related reads:
10 Free Things to Do on North Shore Oahu
Which Part of Oahu Should You Stay: Waikiki or Ko Olina or North Shore
The 7 Best Luxury Hotels on Oahu
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