Lanikai Pill Box Hike 6/30/2013

I have been wanting to do this hike for a long time.  I knew nothing about it except for the beautiful pictures friends post of the view of Lanikai and the graffiti'd bunkers.  And so we decided at the spur of the moment to do the hike with friends and kids.

In truth the hike was a little more challenging than I would have thought.  Everyone has told me that kids can do the hike so I thought it would have been much easier.  It was steep and narrow in some parts and had a lot of areas that were slippery with loose rocks.  The kids slid down to their butts often and I yelled, "FREEEEEEEZE" quite a bit due to scary ledges.  If I had previewed the trail without the kids first it may have been more comfortable to me.  Anyhow, though nerve-wracking the hike was worth it. The views are amazing up there!!!

We did have a crazy moment when my 5 year old son decided to jump up and hug me.  He took me by surprise, knocked me over and I fell backwards landing on a stick tearing my favorite Lululemon Speed Shorts.  I had to take a "time out" for a bit so that I wouldn't blow my stack!!!  I will be attempting to repair my shorts tomorrow :).

After hiking to the 2nd pillbox we made our way down which was much faster but a little treacherous at some parts.  The trail was crowded with a lot of people and dogs, so if you don't like them it might not be the best trail for you.

When we got to the bottom safely we decided to check out Lanikai Beach so I ran down the hill to scope out parking.  Had it not been mid day during the summer I would have ran the whole Lanikai Loop but it was hot and we didn't pack any food so I didn't want to take the chance of passing out.  Turns out it was a smart move because the beach was absolutely stunning as always.

After a couple of hours we headed to California Pizza Kitchen for a refreshing lunch.  I have to say it was a near perfect day and I am thankful that I skipped my Marathon Training to take the time to enjoy Hawaii's beauty with my 'ohana.

Here are some tips:

• Arrive early, the trail is hot and parking is limited in Lanikai (Street Parking).
• Stop in Kailua Town to use the bathroom before hiking up.
• Bring lots of water and some snacks, it's hot up there!  But make sure you pack your goodies in something that allows you to be hands free.
• If possible wear trail shoes for traction. I was wearing them and was fine but the kids were in running shoes and were sliding all over the place.  
• Pack a lunch and make a day of it. I hear the sunrise is gorgeous on the mountain (I will have to try it one day).  After you're done head down to the world famous Lanikai Beach.  Parking is limited but traffic isn't bad there so you can park and run/walk to one of the beach access aisles.  
• Wear sunscreen and sunglasses.  If you wear a hat make sure it's fastened tight because the wind is pretty strong.