CardioPanda

Lanikai Pillbox Trail

Description: Pillbox Trail features amazing views and interesting WWII-era observation pillboxes
Location: Lanikai, on Oahu’s east coast
Distance: Varies, but a novice could reach the second pillbox in 30-40 minutes
Difficulty: beginner
Danger: low, but watch out for heat and sun exposure, and be careful at the surprisingly slippery start
Suitable for: beginner to intermediate
Gear: At least 2 liters of water, a snack, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Time: 1 hour to 90 minutes, round trip, to the second pillbox

Lanikai Pillbox Trail is located in Lanikai, a posh neighborhood adjacent to Kailua, situated on Oahu’s east side. The trail is generally easy; although the very beginning is a slippery ascent, you’ll be walking across a safe, novice-level ridge with gorgeous views in a matter of minutes. Be sure to bring sunblock and extra water; although the terrain isn’t dangerous, the heat is usually intense. The trail is dog friendly, but be sure to bring plenty of extra ice-water to keep your K9 friends hydrated and cool with periodic showers.

Tom Tom Trail

Description: With spectacular views, Tom Tom could be Oahu’s best hike.
Location: Oahu’s southeast point, across from Makapu’u Lookout
Distance: We recommend 2 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 1,200 feet
Difficulty: beginner to intermediate
Danger: low, but watch out for heat and sun exposure.
Suitable for: beginner to intermediate
Gear: At least 2 liters of water, a snack, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Time: 2-3 hours to complete the 2-mile loop.

Kuli’ou’ou Ridge Trail

Description: A moderately challenging ridge hike with an incredible summit view.
Location: Oahu’s Kuli’ou’ou subdivision, via Kalanianole Hwy
Distance: ~5-mile round trip
Elevation gain: 1,900 feet
Difficulty: intermediate
Danger: low
Suitable for: beginner, intermediate (experts can reach the Ko’olau Summit Trail)
Gear: At least 2 liters of water and a snack
Time: At a very leisurely pace, we made the round trip in 4 hours.

Mt. Ka’ala, Oahu’s Highest Peak

Mt. Ka’ala Hike

Location: Waianea Range, from Oahu’s westside
Distance: ~8 miles
Elevation gain: 3,700 feet
Difficulty: challenging
Danger: first 3 miles: low; last mile: moderate to high
Suitable for: intermediate, expert
Gear: First aid gear, 3+ liters of water, hiking boots, plenty of snacks, extra shirt/pants
Time: We made it in 8 hours, with a few casual breaks and an average pace.

Recently CardioPanda’s original founders, Jon and Dan, along with a group of fearless hiking friends, decided to check-off a major box on our Oahu bucket lists: climbing Mt. Ka’ala, the island’s highest peak.