Ehukai Pillbox Trail | North Shore, O'ahu

Want a quick workout before hitting the beach? The Ehukai Pillbox Trail in Haleiwa will give your legs a nice burn without taking up the whole day. Located next to Sunset Elementary School, this hike took us about 30 minutes to get to the first pillbox. We probably could have made it to the top faster, but it was our first time navigating the trail. It isn't clearly marked and there were several forks in the trail...just stay to the left. There is a second pillbox which is said to have better views, but we didn't go on this day.

The first half of the trail is uphill. Use caution if hiking after rain, as it will make the stairs and roots slippery.

a mostly covered trail.

at the first pillbox...beautiful view of sunset beach/pipeline.

lots of rooted path to cover, and the pine needles make it slippery.

a picnic table near the first pillbox gives you a peek at what you'll see from the top.

inside the bunker.

post-hike treat.

see my periscope video of ehukai pillboxes:

*          *          *

parking: yes, lot in front of sunset elementary

bathrooms: yes, near parking lot

good for kids: yes because it's fairly short (2-ish miles). the first part of the trail involves climbing hills and stairs, then it flattens out.

(you know your child best)

approximate time needed: 1 hr round-trip to the first pillbox, depending on how long you take in the views.

suggested items to bring: camera, insect repellent when warm

tip 1: do not park in the sunset elementary school parking lot towards the back as they will lock the gate. stay towards the front near the bathrooms.

what to do after: take a dip in the ocean before grabbing a bite at ted's bakery. they are known for their pies, but i love their bread pudding. or head back to haleiwa for a juice or smoothie at lanikai juice.

59-178 Kamehameha Hwy | Haleiwa, HI | 96712

Hawaii State Capitol | Honolulu, Oahu

Take a look at this photo. What do you see? A well thought out design that represents all aspects of Hawaii. The columns around the official building resemble royal palms, the two cone-shaped legislative chambers symbolize the volcanos that formed our islands, and the reflection pool surrounding the building represents the Pacific Ocean. Many design elements appear in sets of eight representing the eight main islands.

Official business concerning the governing of the state of Hawaii takes place here with the Governor and Lieutenant Governor along with the executive and legislative branches, House of Representatives, and the Hawaii State Senate.

see my periscope video of hawaii state capitol on katch.

*          *          *

entrance fee: no

parking: yes, metered

approximate time needed: 30min - 1 hr for self-guided tour. guided tours also available.

what to do after: check out washington place where governors used to reside (they still live on the property in a new house), and where official governor functions take place. tours here.

415 South Beretania St | Honolulu, HI | 96813

Kolekole Pass | Wahiawa, O'ahu

Want a short hike with a great payoff? Look no further than Kolekole Pass. In less than 20 minutes, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Wai'anae mountains as well as an amazing view of the Wai'anae Valley. It's far enough inland that you can't get a great view of the valley from the road, so this hike is a real treat.

The trail is located on Schofield Barracks (military base), so if you are military or have friends in the military who can accompany you, you will have no problem getting on base. If not, no worries! You can still get on base...make sure to have your ID and current car registration, etc.

live-fire training in the area.

after a few flights of steps, it's a fairly flat walk to the lookout. you'll pass a big rock that is rumored to have been the place where fallen chiefs were beheaded. the superstitious say it's bad luck to touch the rock, but i have seen many pictures of people touching the rock.

i didn't touch it...just sayin'.

scenic lookout: the first view you'll see on the trail, looking north. 

this is where we went wrong.  definitely confusing as you would assume 'danger' means don't go that way, haha!

we got lost on our first attempt here. approaching this area and sign (above), we kept walking straight (where you see those people coming from). it's a long road down to nowhere. instead, turn left and walk beyond the orange barricade.

and further along, stay to the left.

scenic point: better view looking north.

this is the "big meadow" i kept seeing on reviews.

it was much smaller and overgrown than the photos.

the main scenic point: looking west down into wai'anae valley. it would be amazing if they trimmed those bushes to provide a less obstructed view of the valley.

there are steep cliffs, so use caution and stay away from the edge.

see my periscope video of kolekole pass on katch.

*          *          *

must see: yes, if in area

entrance fee: no

parking: yes

bathrooms: no

good for kids: yes because it's fairly short (< 3 miles) and flat

(you know your child best)

concession: no

approximate time needed: 45 min round-trip,

suggested items to bring: camera

tip 1: for a more challenging workout,

park on the street outside the barricades and brown signs and walk to the trail head for a little more distance.

tip 2: check out this facebook page for dates and times the trail will be open. it is usually not open when there is live-fire training.

what to do after: grab a yummy pie from sunny side bakery. they also serve local-style meals.

Schofield Barracks | Wahiawa, HI | 96857