Every day in Hawaii is a day worth waking up for – after all, we’re living in paradise, and we should savor every moment. No matter where you are in this gorgeous state, every day offers up beautiful sunrises and sunsets, but there’s one spot on Oahu that’s the perfect vantage spot to start your morning. Take the Kaiwa Ridge Trail to the Lanikai Pillboxes for the most epic way to start your day.
To see one of Oahu’s most stunning sunrises, you’ll want to wake up before dawn to take a short, but steep hike. Trust us - it’s worth it!
Danielle C/alltrails
The Lanikai Pillbox Trail is a moderately-difficult hike that takes you up above a neighborhood to two old military bunkers.
mahi4004/Tripadvisor You’ll find the trailhead at 265 Kaelepulu Drive, Kailua, HI 96734. Please be respectful to the residents who live near this trailhead. Keep your voices low early in the morning, and stick to the trail.
The trail is very steep at the beginning, but it levels off quickly. It takes most hikers just 20 minutes to reach the first pillbox-style bunker.
Manon L/Tripadvisor
Both bunkers are covered in graffiti, and make great platforms to see stunning views…
redfox123/Tripadvisor
…and oh, what a view it is at sunrise!
Barry Tong/Alltrails For the best sunrise view, bring a headlamp with you, and start your hike a half-hour before sunrise.
Check out the sunrise from atop one of the pillboxes, or continue on to Kaiwa Ridge, where the views are just as incredible.
Mary K/alltrails
As the sun rises higher in the sky, the landscape takes on a rosy glow.
Lauren Erdmann/Alltrails
Make sure you have a pair of sturdy hiking boots for this trek. You might also want to bring a snack to enjoy, and you’ll obviously want to bring your camera to capture the sunrise.
Lauren Erdmann/Alltrails The hike is 1.8 miles, out and back.
Have you hiked up to the Lanikai Pillboxes to see the sunrise? We’d love to see your photos in the comments!
Danielle C/alltrails
mahi4004/Tripadvisor
You’ll find the trailhead at 265 Kaelepulu Drive, Kailua, HI 96734. Please be respectful to the residents who live near this trailhead. Keep your voices low early in the morning, and stick to the trail.
Manon L/Tripadvisor
redfox123/Tripadvisor
Barry Tong/Alltrails
For the best sunrise view, bring a headlamp with you, and start your hike a half-hour before sunrise.
Mary K/alltrails
Lauren Erdmann/Alltrails
The hike is 1.8 miles, out and back.
Looking for another epic spot for a Hawaii sunrise? Check out this place in Hawaii that’s so popular that you’ll need a reservation.
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Address: 265 Kaelepulu Dr, Kailua, HI 96734, USA
