These hiking poles are sturdy, and great to help keep your balance on short or longer hikes
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Pu’u Ma’eli’eli (sometimes called “Kaneohe Pillbox” or “Digging Hill”) trail is an easy, lesser-known hike on the windward side of Oahu, HI. Even though it is not as popular as some of the hikes near the area such as the Crouching Lion Trail or the Lanikai Pillbox, the Pu’u Ma’eli’eli Trail takes hikers to a pillbox with expansive views of Kaneohe Bay and mountain ranges. This local gem is perfect if you’re looking for a short hike with gorgeous views.
Parking:
Koolau Shopping Center
47-388 Hui Iwa St, Kaneohe, HI 96744
21°26’10.8″N 157°49’36.0″W
Trailhead:
21°26’02.9″N 157°49’28.6″W
Parking at the Koolau Shopping Center ONLY! Don’t park in the neighborhood. You might get a ticket or towed.
Free
If you park at the shopping center, you can use Mcdonald’s’ restroom.
Dogs are welcomed, but must be on a leash.
2.3 mi R.T.
652 ft
Easy
Takes an average 1-2 hours
You can do this hike any time. Although, we don’t recommend going after a big rain. The trail can get very slippery.
The trailhead for Pu’u Ma’eli’eli Trail is located in Kaneohe, HI. Because this trail borders private property, you’ll need to park at the Koolau Shopping Center, about 0.2 miles each way from the trailhead. Please DO NOT park in the neighborhood since you may get fined or towed. We have the address for the shopping center as well as the trailhead above. McDonalds has the closest parking spots to the trailhead.
After we hiked Crouching Lion, we had plenty of time left. So, we decided to try out this short Pu’u Ma’eli’eli Trail (aka Kaneohe Pillbox). By the way, because this trail runs along residential areas and private properties, please make sure to be quiet, especially if you’re hiking for sunrise. Also, please respect the area and DO NOT trespass.
After parking, we followed along the guardrail of the Kahekili Highway in the eastbound direction toward Kaneohe. When the guardrail ended, about 0.2 miles up the road, we saw the worn trail led up the hill through an opening in the trees. This is the start of the Pu’u Ma’eli’eli Trail (aka Kaneohe Pillbox).
The start of the Pu’u Ma’eli’eli Trail is also the steepest section of this entire hike. It was very muddy when we went. This is a normal occurrence. With the mud, the trail becomes extra slippery, making it a lot harder, especially on the way back down. A couple of us slipped on the way back despite wearing grippy shoes. Fortunately, some of the steepest sections had ropes to help with the climb.
This Pu’u Ma’eli’eli Trail (aka Kaneohe Pillbox) is very easy to follow. It meanders through the trees and is just a long and gradual climb to the pillbox. Along the way, we got glimpses of the coastline and the Ko’olau Mountain Range. There are more ropes along the trail for the steeper sections. We used them on the way down more than on the way up. Some of these steep sections can be a bit tricky if you’re not used to it. But overall, they are considered easy as far as a Hawaii hike goes.
When we got near the end of the Pu’u Ma’eli’eli Trail (aka Kaneohe Pillbox), we came across an informational sign and a ladder that went down to a pillbox. Of course, we had to go down. It felt a bit sketchy climbing down this rickety ladder. However, it was interesting to see how these structures were used to spot and attack enemy ships and planes back then.
According to the informational sign, Pu’u Ma’eli’eli translates to “Digging Hill.” In Hawaiian mythology, the companion gods, Kane and Kanaloa, once raced to the top of the hill and had to “dig” into the slope with their hands to climb up.
After climbing back up the ladder, we continued a short way to the main bunker at the end of the Pu’u Ma’eli’eli Trail (aka Kaneohe Pillbox). This bunker has 2 levels where you can climb into them. The views from the top of the bunker are spectacular. Apparently, on a clear day, you could see Chinaman’s Hat, different sandbars at the heart of Kaneohe Bay, as well as the peak of Pu’u Ohulehule, where we did our favorite ridge hike! Unfortunately, we visited on a rainy, cloudy day. So, the views weren’t as spectacular. But we still had a blast.
Once we were done, we returned the same way. By the way, make sure to be careful on the way back, especially if it’s muddy. The way back was very slippery for us. I slipped even after being extra cautious and wearing grippy shoes.
If you like easy hikes, we recommend Manoa Falls. It is an easy yet beautiful hike. We also like Kaena Point, Lanikai Pillbox, and Crouching Lion. For off-the-beaten-path hike, we love the Makapuu Tidepools!
Happy Adventuring. Don’t forget to check out the related posts below for more inspiration on your upcoming adventures. While at it, follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel! We’ll love you forever!
These are the gear that we personally use and find helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.
These hiking poles are sturdy, and great to help keep your balance on short or longer hikes
If you tend to have foot blisters on hikes, get this! We use this all the time.
Our favorite hiking/travel jacket. It's warm and packable, perfect to bring on a hike or a road trip.
Our favorite hiking/travel jacket. It's warm and packable, perfect to bring on a hike or a road trip.
This jacket is packable into a super small and light little ball. Perfect for when you just need a little…
This jacket is packable into a super small and light little ball. Perfect for when you just need a little…
It's always good to bring a GPS tracker with you. We use the Garmin inReach.
This is Vy's favorite hiking bag! It has tons of room for snacks and water!
Our favorite biodegradable, eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen!
This is our go-to camera for all of our adventures. It comes with us everywhere!
Compact GoPro pole that extends to 25", perfect to bring on your adventure.
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Hi! We are Dustin & Vy, the proud creators of Live That Adventure. We created this website because we wanted to inspire others to live their lives to the fullest. On here, you’ll find everything from hiking, canyoneering, kayaking, and snorkeling to adventure and travel tips, gear reviews, and bucket list items such as bungee jumping or wing walking. We’ll show you the ropes so you can do them too!
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