Ehukai Pillbox Hike

I’ve done this hike a couple of times now, and both times were a little different in terms of the terrain. However, there were a few things that you need to remember at all times when going on this hike:
–bring bug spray! There are TONS of mosquitoes on the beginning part of this trail and unless you’re wearing long sleeves/​pants, you will get eaten alive.
–the beginning of the hike is extremely steep and tiring! This part of the hike is challenging when dry, and it becomes even more so on a wet and muddy day. Don’t try to rush up this hill and take your time, as getting to the pillboxes quickly isn’t worth it if you end up getting hurt on the way up or down.
–bring water! Because the first part of the hike is physically demanding, make sure you bring water to rehydrate during breaks along the trail. The hike is short enough where you probably don’t need to bring snacks, but if you want to stop and enjoy your lunch with the view or think you may need a little extra energy than bring something to munch on (just remember to take your trash back down the hill with you).
–there are two boxes, but only one is legally accessible! That being said, if you are feeling adventurous, then feel free to go past the signs down the hill towards the second pillbox. The first time I went, there were tons of other people on the hike so we felt safe doing it. However, the second time I went there were hardly any people on the trail and we couldn’t easily find the second pillbox. Don’t chance it if you think something could go wrong or if you think you’re going to get lost… its not worth getting into trouble, either physically or legally, so be sure to think about the risks before going to the second pillbox.
Now the weather will make or break this hike. The first time I went in September 2015 it was a sunny and dry weekend, so the beginning portion of the hike was still tough because of the incline… but the ground was relatively dry. Fast forward a few months to December 2015 in the middle of a rainy week and the hike is 20x more difficult. You’ll probably slip and get mud everywhere, or grab onto trees and muddy rocks in order to help maintain your balance. Definitely wear clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy!
Park in the parking lot next to Sunset Elementary. Make sure you park closer to the restrooms and NOT behind the gate to the elementary school (if the gate is open) since the groundskeepers could lock the elementary school parking lot gate at any time.
TL;DR — prepare for mud if the weather is rainy, uphill at beginning is challenging, and bring lots of bug spray!

Love this hike. Felt like I was a fairy tale character walking through the woods on parts of this hike.
The beginning is a little rough incline. Nothing too crazy. I love the open roots and steps on the way up. Must have been a dry couple of days as it wasn’t too muddy. Once you level out a bit, there is a nice picnic table and a walk through pines with a nice bed of pine needles all over the ground.
Both the pillboxes have incredible views and are easy to get to. Lots of great photo ops too. I have to say this is a great hike for the payoff. It is not hard and it is pretty short and you get some amazing views.

Great little hike! A bit muddy because it stays in the shade, so go when the weather has been drier and use bug spray. Great views from the pillbox. We watched a mama whale and calves spouting and breeching. Will do this one again for sunset!

This is a good short hike that will get your blood pumping and has some great views. just follow the trail. and in maybe 25 to 30 minutes you get some great views. Bring bug repellent.

*1.25 miles round trip to big pillbox and 550 ft elevation gain
*MUDDY! As in slicker than snot
*pretty view from top but a rock and tree limb scramble both up and down

Short hike that just about anyone can do. There’s two main sites on the trail that really make it worth it.
On a rainy day it can be muddy, but thankfully we went on a hot afternoon. I got my blood sucked by a few mosquitoes but it wasn’t bad. Everyone brought their dogs on the trail and little kids as well.
I think all in all it took us less than 25 minutes to get to the furthest part. The first pill box is the biggest one and you can go inside. The second one has the nicer panoramic view. When there’s no one there it’s nice to sit and hang out and just look at the waves at north shore. Pictures will tell the story better than I can.

We parked at Sunset Elementary School. The trail starts just to the left of the parking lot (before the school parking lot gate). It was a nice easy hike up to the pillbox.
We only saw one pillbox but from the Unilocal pictures I just saw it looks like there is another one. I am not sure where that other one is. We followed the trail for a few minutes after we saw the first one but we didn’t see a second one. I heard from someone later that the other pillbox is after the first one and can be found by taking the furthest path on the left (which goes downhill some).

Neat little hike. Short, easy, mostly shaded, leads to a couple pillboxes. The second pillbox has a nicer view than the first, so it’s worth continuing past the first one.

I want to give a review as a person who had 3 surgeries this summer and is very much OUT OF SHAPE. I didn’t exactly make it to a pillbox. I did make it to the picnic table. The view was worth the burn. You need water! You need a fully charged phone (to take photos of course!) and if you come close to sunset time then bring a light. It gets incredibly dark. It’s shaded well and it took me about… hmm 40mins up and 12mins down. Going up was significantly harder than going down. I also took as many breaks as I wanted. Kudos to the healthy ladies with me who paused several times for me! I decided to stay at the picnic table while they ventured off to the pillboxes. Then I headed down without them, good thing because during a break they caught up with me and we headed down together, I basically kept the pace at that point. Id like to mention that one girl had a baby strapped to her front and she basically RAN through this hike, she was forefront and not in the least winded. At one point I couldn’t hear the outside world over my own panting. I brought my dog with me which another friend carried most the way (he’s old and spoiled).
It’s a beautiful hike. Worth all the work. And I cant wait to get my stamina back up and actually make it to a pillbox ha!

I love the Northshore and once I discovered this hike I knew I had to do it.
It’s a short hike to the first bunker, but I got a good workout. Mostly incline on the way up, but nothing strenuous. Enjoyed the view and checked out the graf inside the bunker. After the first, I went down some, past the signage and broken barbed-​wire fence, to try to find the second, but I got scared (it got too quiet, haha) so I went back up. I was probably really close to it though — my loss.
I slipped a few times on the way back to the car. Maybe I was just hungry. Any-​who, I advise to be extra careful, take your time, and not think about what you should eat afterward. I ended up getting shaved ice, if you’re curious, haha!

I can’t believe I hadn’t done this hike yet! It is such a nice short but steep hike to the two pillboxes which both have amazing views of the North Shore. Just perfect! I would avoid it if it had been raining because there are a couple of spots which could make it a little slippery, otherwise it is good for any level of hiker.
I wrote a full review with more pictures which can be found on my blog.

A relatively easy and short hike, perfect if you’re looking to do something quick and active while on the North Shore besides going to the beach, eating, etc.
Wear covered shoes! The beginning can be a little slippery from loose dirt and it’s a bit steep. After a while it flattens out and becomes a really easy trail to the first bunker.
The entire hike is covered by trees but still don’t forget to wear sunscreen and bring water!

Wicked easy and fun trail. Family friendly.
The second box is a bit hard to find, and on private property. Both have great views.

I kept seeing posts on instagram about the hike and wanted to see what the hype was all about.
It has amazing views of the North Shore, really good for sunset. The hike itself was so-​so, really easy in the beginning the it started getting steep but there’s rope on most steep parts to help you up and down.
First view point was where a picnic table is, next is the first pillbox bunker and the last is the second bunker which is on private property so be careful if there’s guard.
Probably isn’t a good idea to go if it rained or is going to rain, the time I went, the ground was pretty stable.
For first time hikers:
–Park at the Sunset Elementary school or the beach park across.
–Towards the left of the school there will be an opening by the gate.
–Trail is well maintained so it should be easy to navigate.
–Second pillbox bunker is gonna be downwards from the first pillbox.

I don’t hike often but when it calls for wonderful views and a minor physical activity I might as well. Ehukai Pillboxes is a short yet steep hike in the trees near Sunset Beach Elementary.
The hike took maybe…45 minutes at the least but it was worth it. It led us to a pillbox with a great view of pipeline in Haleiwa. But if you travel more to the right of it you’ll find another pillbox (with a painted peace sign on it). It was a great hike that I recommend.

The hike was so-​so, not to challenging so good for kids and pets. The view’s are ok. Please, don’t go when it’s wet!
There’s restrooms at the park and beach access right there. Short and sweet. Just like this review, hehe.

This hike is great because it has a little of everything — mostly shaded from the trees, some steepness in the beginning to get a work out, and beautiful views. It really just reminds me of a shorter Kuliouou Hike with Lanikai Pillbox Trail views. Also great that it is not too crowded like some of the other hiking trails. I would rate it as an easy-​slightly moderate hike overall.
Notes for new hikers:
1. Park at Sunset Beach Elementary School. On weekends the parking lot usually has stalls available, but the lot is also shared with beach-​goers.
2. There is a bathroom at the parking lot, woohoo! I’m going to start making note of hikes with or without bathrooms since I feel that it’s important lol.
3. Enter the hiking trail at the far left of the parking lot where the gate opens into the woods. You will see a narrow pathway — just follow that and you’re good on your way.
4. Eventually you will get to a fork in the road — left or right. The right is the longer way to the first bunker, the left is much shorter. But either way it leads to the same place.
5. The 2^nd bunker is a few minutes away from the 1^st bunker, and a much more spectacular view IMO.

If you’re on the North Shore or looking for a quick hike with a spectacular view of the ocean this hike maybe for you.
The ride from the Central side of the island (Waipio) is an enjoyable 30 – 40 minutes with scenic views of working pineapple fields and a breathtaking view of Haleiwa and the ocean as descend down the mountain top. Sunset is three short towns away from Haleiwa.
The trail head starts in the parking lot of Ehukai Park. Look for the Sunset Elementary School sign. The school parking lot is to the rear of this entrance. Many park in the lot used for those visiting the park. Do not park in the school lot. There’s also parking across the street at Ehukai Beach Park. Look for the unmarked trailhead where the school parking and the city parking meet.
The actual hike up may take 30 or so minutes. It starts off quite level and quickly ascends straight up. There are many roots to help with your climb and even portion with ropes and another with stairs. Majority of the trail is shaded.
Shortly before the first pill box is a clearing great for photo ops and a quick break or snack on a picnic table. Although the first pill box is at a higher elevation the view is not quite as spectacular as the second pill box.
The prize view is from the second pill box. Getting there is on a downward descent, which is on property that is CLEARLY marked with signage stating «No Trespassing» «Private Property». The trail down is not as clearly mark as the way up and the floor is covered with a blanket of pine needles that can become quite slippery, so proceed slowly. You can’t miss finding the second pill box.
This pill box overhangs homes with huge yards which may have been farmlands years ago and an open view of what seemed to be at least a two mile stretch of surf that is breathtaking. A picture perfect back drop for a «Lucky We Live Hawaii» or maybe a «Don’t you wish you were here» photo.
Inside both pill boxes were quite unscathed of litter and any unpleasant odors and had great views of the ocean.
There were some hikers doing this hike barefooted and, or with sandals; something I would not recommend. This is a easy hike on days where the soil is dry. Wet days, I don’t know. The climb up is almost all dirt and could be quite slippery when wet.
Have fun! Be SAFE. Do not leave your trash. Malama the Aina (take care of the land) so future hikers can continue to enjoy Hawaii’s natural beauties.

I really enjoyed the hike except the muddy and slippery hills. It rained early today which made climbing up the hill even more dangerous. Even going down the trail was crazy. So our group walked zig zag so we don’t lose our grip. Use the trees as you climb up the hill and when going down, you won’t regret it :)
The people going down when we reached the ropes and muddy terrain were slipping and falling down. Found the first pillbox after getting through the muddy terrain and ropes. There should be a bench at the top of the bunker.
To find the second bunker, you need to go to your left side and follow down the pine trees. You soon will come across a do not enter sign, keep down going down. There should be spray paint arrows on some rocks to lead the way. The second bunker has a peace sign on it. Better views than the first bunker.
It is worth the hike no matter how muddy the terrain is. The best parts of the hike were the spectacular views of Sunset beach and the houses below and there aren’t many people on the trail.
I felt sorry for a woman with a small white dog entering the trail when our group returned to the car. She won’t make it to the bunkers. There was another group of hikers wearing slippers entering the trail when we left.
Words of advice: DON’T DO THIS TRAIL WITH SLIPPERS OR BRING ANIMALS WHEN IT RAINED EARLIER, YOU WILL REGRET IT!!! Last thing, bring extra pair of slippers or footwear, the bottom of your shoes will be muddy.

This is the perfect little North Shore hike that gives you a taste of everything — in less than 45 minutes round-​trip, you sweat, traipse through strawberry guava and ironwood pines, explore pillboxes and catch some lovely coastline views. In terms of the distance and upward climb, I’d say it’s nearly identical to the Lanikai pillbox hike.
The first 10 — 15 minutes are where the sweating comes in. You go uphill over dirt, roots and pine needles. The first time I did this hike it was raining and the uphill was intensely slippery. I could barely make it up some sections. There are some ropes to help you, but I’d avoid this in the rain, if possible.
After you huff and puff your way up the hill, the trail evens out and you meander for a few minutes through some shaded strawberry guava trees. Now, both times that I’ve gone I’ve followed what seems to be the natural route, but I end up at a T in the trail where you go right. I think other people who’ve reviewed this trail go a slightly different way up, which is why they say to stay left.
Anyhoo, if you’re like me and reach that T in the trail with the ocean straight ahead, turn right. You’ll walk another 5 – 10 minutes along a trail lined with ironwood pines and eventually come upon a clearing with the first pillbox.
Great hike to bring the dog… mine seemed to chase a couple pigs that must have scurried off before I saw them (and she’s not fast or brave enough to actually get that close). If you don’t stop to explore or take pictures, you can get up and back in 30 mins or less.