Ehukai Pillbox Trail (Sunset Pillbox)
Short, steep hike on Oahu's North Shore with historic WWII pillboxes and stunning sunset views over Sunset Beach.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
For golden hour and sunset magic
Ehukai Pillbox Trail (Sunset Pillbox)
Best Time
For golden hour and sunset magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Short, steep hike on Oahu's North Shore with historic WWII pillboxes and stunning sunset views over Sunset Beach.
"Incredible views! It’s a short trail and fairly easy, but steep shortly after entering the jungle."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trail can be muddy & slippery. Ropes help, but good grip is key!
💧 Bring Water & Bug Spray
Stay hydrated and protected, especially on warmer days.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
WWII Pillbox Bunkers
Along the trail
Explore historic concrete bunkers offering a glimpse into the past.
Panoramic North Shore Views
Summit
Breathtaking vistas of Sunset Beach and the iconic surf breaks.
Golden Hour & Sunset Spectacle
Summit
Witness the sky ablaze with color during sunset – a photographer's dream.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Sunset Views
Trail Etiquette & What to Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trail can be muddy & slippery. Ropes help, but good grip is key!
💧 Bring Water & Bug Spray
Stay hydrated and protected, especially on warmer days.
🌅 Aim for Sunset
The views are spectacular as the sun dips below the horizon. 
🚗 Parking is Available
Trailhead parking is usually convenient.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trail can be muddy & slippery. Ropes help, but good grip is key!
💧 Bring Water & Bug Spray
Stay hydrated and protected, especially on warmer days.
🌅 Aim for Sunset
The views are spectacular as the sun dips below the horizon.
🚗 Parking is Available
Trailhead parking is usually convenient.
♻️ Pack Out Trash
Keep this beautiful spot clean for everyone.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the incredible, panoramic views of the North Shore from the summit, calling it a short and rewarding hike. The historical pillboxes add a unique element. Some note the trail can be steep and muddy, recommending sturdy shoes.
"Incredible views! It’s a short trail and fairly easy, but steep shortly after entering the jungle. Ropes are there to assist. If you aren’t sure footed bring regular hiking shoes, otherwise I’ve seen plenty do it in slippers or running shoes. If you are just hitting the pillbox and coming down you probably only need a little water (1-2L), the most of the hike is in the shade. Otherwise there are some loops up there that hikers and mountain bikers use to explore the area, but the pillbox is the best view in my opinion.
I like to hit this hike and walk across the street to lounge on the beach and soon after. Perfect setup to do so. Plus, there’s good local food just down the road maybe a mile.
Respect the trail, don’t leave trash!"
Brandon Cook
"Easy, short hike with absolutely beautiful views! The trail is well-marked and not too steep—perfect for a quick out-and-back adventure. Great for beginners or anyone looking to enjoy nature without a long trek. Ideal spot to relax, take in the scenery, and snap some photos."
Kendrick
"A cool little hike. It was a little muddy and slippery not good for sandals but they do have ropes to hold on to for most of those parts. The nature is very nice along the trail and the view of the ocean is great. Maybe 25m hike up a little steep at parts but not very hard."
Brandon Kain
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is located next to Pupukea Elementary School's parking lot on the North Shore of Oahu. Look for pink ribbons marking the start of the trail.
Yes, parking is generally available right at the trailhead.
While public transport options exist on Oahu, it's often more convenient to drive to the North Shore. Check local bus routes for the most up-to-date information.
The trail is marked with pink ribbons and is adjacent to a well-known elementary school, making it relatively easy to locate.
The trail is generally well-marked, but keeping an eye out for pink ribbons will help guide you.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Ehukai Pillbox Trail is a public access hike and does not require any tickets or admission fees.
The trail is open to the public during daylight hours. It's best to hike during daylight for safety and to enjoy the views.
There is no entrance fee to hike the Ehukai Pillbox Trail. It's a free public access trail.
While technically possible, hiking at night is not recommended due to potential hazards and reduced visibility. The best experience is during daylight hours, especially for sunset.
No permits are required for the Ehukai Pillbox Trail. It's an accessible public hike.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike is relatively short, typically taking about 15-30 minutes to reach the pillbox, depending on your pace. Going down can take longer.
It's considered an easy to moderately challenging hike. It's short but steep in parts, with ropes to assist. +1
Wear sturdy hiking shoes or tennis shoes, as the trail can be muddy and slippery. Avoid sandals.
There are water fountains located nearby, but no restrooms directly at the trailhead.
The summit offers incredible panoramic views of Sunset Beach and the surrounding North Shore coastline.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit provides the most iconic views of Sunset Beach. The pillbox structures themselves also make for interesting shots.
Absolutely! Sunset here is a highlight, offering stunning light and colors over the ocean.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A phone camera is also sufficient for great shots.
The historic pillbox bunkers offer a unique backdrop. The lush greenery along the trail also provides scenic photo opportunities.
Golden hour before sunset and during sunset itself offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The sunset here is legendary, providing dramatic lighting and vibrant colors that are perfect for capturing breathtaking shots. Don't forget to include the historic pillbox structures in your compositions for a unique historical element. A wide-angle lens will be your best friend for capturing the expansive vistas. 🚶♀️ Casual Hikers & Beginners
While there are steep sections, the ropes provide assistance, and the overall hike is manageable for most fitness levels. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ehukai Pillbox Trail Experience
+1The hike itself is relatively short, typically taking 15-30 minutes to reach the summit. However, it is steep in sections, and ropes are provided to assist hikers. The terrain can become muddy and slippery, especially after rain, making sturdy footwear essential. Despite the short duration, it offers a good little workout, with hikers often needing to catch their breath.
Upon reaching the top, hikers are rewarded with spectacular views of Sunset Beach, Ehukai Beach (home to the famous Banzai Pipeline), and the vast Pacific Ocean. This vantage point is particularly magical during the golden hour and sunset, when the sky erupts in a symphony of colors. Many visitors combine this hike with a relaxing session on the nearby beaches or a visit to local food spots.
Navigating the Trail and Safety
Despite its popularity, it's important to be prepared. The trail's steepness means that footwear with good grip is crucial; hiking shoes or sturdy tennis shoes are highly recommended over sandals or flip-flops. When it rains, the trail can become quite muddy and slippery, increasing the risk of falls. The provided ropes are helpful for stability, but caution is still advised. Carrying water is important, especially on warmer days, as the hike can be strenuous. Bug spray is also a good idea to ward off any insects encountered along the shaded parts of the trail.
While the hike is short, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings. The abundance of roots can act as natural steps but also pose tripping hazards. For those looking to explore further, there are loops used by hikers and mountain bikers, but the pillbox summit offers the most iconic view.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit