The Pink Pillbox Hike will allow you to discover one of the most beautiful places on the leeward side of the island.
This hike is also called Pu’u O Hulu Hike because of this small ridge that separates the cities of Nanakuli and Ma’ili,
This part of Oahu deserves to spend at least a day for visiting. So let’s start with a little hike as a warm up !
And once at the top, the 360° breathtaking view of the ocean and the surrounding mountains will quickly make you forget the one hour drive from Honolulu.
Pink Pillbox Hike
You will even be able to choose between two itineraries. The first one, easier, winds along the mountain. It is well maintained and easy to follow while the second, more straight, will be more challenging but perfect as a cardio exercise !
Personally, I took the easy one, ignoring about the second one until I met a group of hikers during the descent. Anyway, the first one is fine for me ! 🤣
About halfway, you will pass an incredible tree with endless roots.
This is the perfect place for a short break.
But the hardest part is behind you: the trail then becomes less steep as you approach the summit.
And the view is getting spectacular … you’re almost there !
Once on the ridge, you can explore several bunkers. But the pink one will hold all your attention especially if you’re a photographer.
This bunker has been repainted in bright pink for the 2015 Pinktober, a month dedicated to the fight against breast cancer. Since then, it has become so iconic that it is better known as Pink Pillbox rather than Maili Pillbox !
Now you know where the name of the Pink Pillbox Hike came from !
The other bunkers are regularly repainted so I always enjoy coming here and rediscover these structures in new colors.
In the distance, you can see the two antennas of 458m each from the radio base of Lualualei.
It is a very low frequency transmitter used by the US Navy to communicate with submerged submarines. These mats are among the highest in the world.
Informations
2.6 Km roundtrip
2h
Take the Farrington Hwy towards Waianae and turn right on Kaukama Road.
The trailhead begins at the 9th light pole on the right side of Kaukama Road.
You will probably see a few cars parked beside it.
