Pu'u Ma'eli'eli Hike (Kaneohe Pillbox) Sunday June 29, 2025

Pu’u Ma’eli’eli Hike (Kaneohe Bay Pillbox Trail)
Sunday, June 29, 2025
10am-1pm, beach time afterwards
Distance: 2.3 miles, 600ft elevation.
Dogs welcome, on leash!

Please consider joining a carpool, listed below.

Parking lot map Everyone can park in the Koolau Shopping Center across from the Valley of the Temples. Follow the guardrail to the hike trailhead linked.

Meeting spot link,- We will meet at the trailhead, which is only 3 min away from parking lot.

Carpooling strongly recommended, list yourself here.

This is considered intermediate, because of the potential for muddy climbing spots, and 600ft of elevation.

Rank: Decently fit.
Difficult because of elevation and some points of muddy scrambling.
New ranks out of 10, 10 being hardest
Trail quality 5/10
Elevation 6/10
Distance 4/10

Please bring hiking/comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy, at least 2 liters of water, sun protection/hat, insect repellent and snacks. Remember that you want to be present, enjoy the hikes and meet other people, so ideally be sober and no recreational drugs in your system.

Need a ride, or willing to share a seat? Add your details here.
Meet us at the park by 10:00 am.
Any questions please email at [oahuqueerhiking@gmail.com](mailto:oahuqueerhiking@gmail.com).

This trail is also known as the Kaneohe Bay Pillbox trail and is considered easy enough for beginners. However, it might be better suited to those with a little more stamina as there are some steep inclines to contend with. It takes between one to two hours to complete the 2.2-mile journey and is pleasant to travel as it is not overly crowded. Everyone can park in the Koolau Shopping Center across from the Valley of the Temples. Follow the guardrail to the hike trailhead linked.
This is an excellent option as it is a shorter hike that gives you excellent views of the windward side of the island. It does take some effort and can be slippery with mud following rain. While much of the trail is through a forested area, you will get peeks at the views and come across some lookout points overlooking K-Bay. Your goal is to reach the pillbox to get the full expanse of the bay below. The pillbox is one of many small bunkers/lookouts built by the military in World War II. The pillboxes have the best views on the island.
You’ll also have a perfect view of the Ko'olau Mountain Range before the trail heads into the trees that take you to the pillbox. Any of the steep areas have a rope to hold onto. Watch for the sign called "Digging Hill," and you’ll just be a few minutes from the pillbox. Take your time to look at the stunning expanse of the windward coast where you’ll spot Mokoli'i Island, K-, Bay and its many sandbars.