The trail can be accessed from 4:00 am to 11:00 pm. It's awesome. Its about 10 miles from Waikiki, and the drive only takes 30 minutes. The stairs are challenging in the heat, but it's worth it. Best time to hike: Anytime - The trail is open 6am until 6pm, although last entry is 4.30pm. According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Koko Crater Railway Trail: Hiking ShuttleMakapu'u Lighthouse Trail or Diamond Head (From 41.53) Oahu friendly hiking experience (From 207.65) Mahina Hawaii Full Day Adventure (From 245.03) 8 Hour Circle Island Jeep Tour (From 181.90) If course its also possible to go faster if youre super fit, and Ive heard of people running to the top of the Koko Stairs in less than 10 minutes. The views are fantastic, and its relatively easy and paved all the way. Local athletes use the trail as cardio training, and you will definitely feel the burn by the time you reach the top. However, this fall we planned for it and worked out leading up to the trip. Also near a shooting range. Koko Crater Railway Trail (Honolulu) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. We have since stuck to hiking the trail for sunrise and have never looked back. Get there early to beat the crowd and take your time!!! This corner of the island is almost always cloudless, after all. It gets covered in dirt and becomes more slippery. Parking is close. Ultimately, if youre willing to be a bit tired, almost anyone can complete the hike. Walking along the south rim of Koko Crater. Thanks for looking! Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. If you need a lot of rest breaks, itll take longer. Just another 50 yards of easy walking and youre there. Once you make it through this area, it gets even steeper, but you are now more than halfway there. The Koko Head hike is a little bit like Hawaiis version of the infamous Manitou Incline in Colorado. Both of these are common during physical exertion in hot, humid climates, but resting often and drinking plenty of water are easy ways to head such issues off at the pass. There is also a railway bridge halfway up the tracks spanning a ravine, which is scary if you fear heights. Its also possible to get to Koko Head by bus, although that involves 15 minutes of extra walking since the closest bus stops are about 1/2 mile from the Koko Head entrance. I'm not a hiker but in moderately decent shape. HIKE TO THE TOP: start behind the Hawaii Job Corps Training Center across from Hanauma Bay - follow the road past the rifle range and park at the Training Center. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. It was closed for 3 weeks of renovation in 2021, but it's very rare for that to happen. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. Beautiful Sonrise service on the top of Koko. Wear a hat and sunglasses. It can get quite toasty, and it is recommended that the hike be completed in the earlier morning to avoid the heat of midday. Its not really an official trail so its open all the time. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. The trail felt moderate to me. It's a long, arduous climb that will wreak havoc on your legs! Ive hiked the Koko Crater trail many times over the years, and its always great fun. 360 degrees from the top, and it will give you a work out alright! If you want a good workout and calorie burn, however, Koko Head wins there. Its one of thetop botanical gardens in Oahuand definitely worth the visit. No water point, pack light snacks and ice water. This beginner-friendly, 2-mile hike is perfect for families with smaller children. Protect your skin. If you have been on the trail feel free to share your experie In 2018, while sitting on a lounge chair in Waikiki, Vacation-Waikiki.com was born. We've updated both travel guides with a lot of new great information for potential visitors (and those who've been a time or two as well). If you only hike the south rim, Id describe it as moderate. Koko Crater is one of the highest coastal points in the area and was therefore highly defensible. I lost my footing on the way down and took a spill that resulted in some cuts, scrapes, and bruises, and it was still worth it. The Koko Head Trail Challenge Tourtakes about 2 hours. Plus, 90% of the route is essentially a stair-stepper up the old Koko Head Tramway. Helped me a ton when carrying my 30lb toddler! Plus the breeze. Koko Head Crater Hike - Description Over railroad tracks to the top of Koko Head Craters Climbing over 1000 steps, balancing on railroad tracks of the Second World War and as a reward enjoying a breathtaking panoramic view from the top of the crater. Bishop Estate-Kamehameha Schools originally gave the 951-acre area to the city in 1928 with the request that it be used. It was a good workout again like every The grueling Koko Head hike takes you on a steep railway trail up the side of a dormant volcano crater in the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Take Hwy 72 to Koko Crater hike turn left on Lunalilo Home Rd, then right on Anapalau St, which ends on Koko Head State Park Rd (this road can be accessed from Hwy 72, but is sometimes closed). The Stairway To Heaven also has much more epic views than Koko Head, but sadly its closed and illegal for the public to climb, even though the stairs are arguably in better shape! How long does it take? The views at the summits are different, but great on both hikes. If you choose to park in Koko Head Park you just follow the trail . A popular hike, the Koko Crater Trail is not going to be lonely, as it attracts a number of visitors most days. Depending on how you look at it, hiking to Koko Crater is both very simple and quite challenging. Small section towards the top without ground coverage - take Murphy's bypass to avoid this (look for sign). We always love climbing the Koko Head stairs of doom for sunset when were back in Oahu. Great views at top but be cautious and kind other skilled hikers. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. Lost some weight just going here every week once a week for an afternoon hike after work. If you prefer to hike the trail with a tour, you are in luck, as several companies offer tours. This can be tricky, as there is nothing between the ties and the ground below. The property below Koko Crater is now known as Koko Head Regional Park. Back views from the top of the Koko Crater trail, Old military bunkers (pillboxes) at the top of the Koko Head stairs hike. There is ample parking, and the trail is always open. The Koko Crater installation was deactivated in 1966, and the U.S. Air Force handed it over to the city of Honolulu. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. I hope you enjoyed this travel guide for the Koko Head hike in Oahu, Hawaii. I would highly recommend hiking this in the daytime once or twice before you attempt it for sunset. Koko Head Crater Trail is a 1.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Honolulu, Hawaii that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If any section of this hike deserves to be nicknamed the Koko Head stairs of doom, it would be this dizzying final section of the trail. I would recommend earlier. Diamondhead gets all the hype, but Kokohead is ten times better for those who want a little bit of a challenge, amazing views, and a sense of accomplishment. So, it was hot, my son and I were both out of shape, and we didn't make it to the top. Witnessing the sunrise from the top of Koko Crater is definitely worth the early morning! It was not so packed and people were very respectful. Consider bringing a walking pole or stick, going back down may be more difficult for some. The Diamond Head hike Hawaii is a must-do. Challenging but not difficult. Good luck! then a right on Anapalau Street. This detour is marked with a helpful sign so youll know when to turn off the main path. Koko Head Trail is open all year and one of those trails to hike anytime. The Koko Head Trail can be challenging but is worth the effort. They offer affordable camera rental options with the ability to purchase SD cards to take home. -Use sunscreen. I will be the first to admit that there were certain areas I had to sit on my butt to get to the next stairs because the stairs are not well maintained in some areas. I would highly recommend wearing good shoes and bringing lots of water. The views at the top of Koko Head trail are really amazing. Meeting your fellow hikers could be a great way to make a local connection or an international acquaintance. The stairs will climb over 1,200 feet (so approximately 1 foot per stair!) There is no doubt about where you are going. The trail heads up 990ft at a very steep incline, and the views at the Koko Head Crater summit are 1208ft above sea level. The best advice is to start early and bring plenty of water! To be fair, theres one short section where the railway becomes a bridge with an unnerving 10 foot drop below it, but you can go around this bridge if you want to, and most people do. Could this be a different hike? This Oahu hike will test your endurance and strength to continuously take each additional step up the mountain as you stride over 1,000 steps to reach the top! I do NOT recommend this hike for kids or younger teenagers, because the downhill portion is so steep that if you miss your foot placement on the railroad ties on the downhill, especially during the section where the wooden ties are about 10 to 12 feet above ground level, a sprained ankle would be a lucky outcome. Pull into the park with the baseball fields and drive to the top to park. I will say, take lots of water and get your cardio on. Keep going up for a few more minutes to get to the very top. The hike is open from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm daily. Mahalo for stopping by. Good amount of people on the steps/trail. -Go early when the suns not beating down on you. One way to enhance your photography opportunities is to head for your hike shortly before sunrise. Plus, this is excellent exercise! These are the current hours and entrance fees for the Diamond Head hike, as of 2022. In fact, if you ever look up to Koko Head hiking trail before the sun has risen, you will see a line of small white lights slowly making their way up the trail. If you decide to take them, ensure they are supervised and can handle the terrain. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. : It depends on your fitness level. This 1000 step climb to the top has unparalleled views of the south western coast of Oahu. If you are apprehensive, just take it slow :), Bodies of Water Nature & Wildlife Areas, Points of Interest & Landmarks Scenic Drives. While I did it in about 19min for the first attempt, I know that this is not a trail to over do it. Usually there are lots of other hikers coming and going, so its easy to find the trailhead by following the other hikers. 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Koko Head itself has three significant depressions or old vents, the largest of which forms the well-known Hanauma Bay. In fact, its one of the best places to watch the sunset on the whole island of Oahu. Tripadvisor gives a Travelers Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor. Yes, the Koko Head stairs are 100 percent legal and many people hike them every day. Tough but awesome workout. I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you if you purchase using one of these links. Diamond Head Interpretive Kiosk & Gift Shop. With panoramic views from Koko Head to Wai'anae, the summit of Diamond Head was an ideal site for the coastal defence of Oahu. At this point, you might even see some tired people climbing up the stairs on all fours, or scooting slowly on their butts as they go back down. Dont forget to check out my other Oahu hiking guides and my complete list of the best things to do in Oahu Hawaii! Reserve some energy for the trek down and do a LOT of stairs or the StairMaster as part of your workout before making this trek. There have been some accidents and injuries on the Koko Head Trail over the years, but no falling deaths. We recommend booking Koko Crater Railway Trail tours ahead of time to secure your spot. More info on this below. The bridge is scarily degraded wood - take Murphys pass, If I lived in the vicinity, would do this at least once a fortnight for fitness. Steep, no-shade, climb to the top of Koko Head Crater that includes spectacular panoramic views of the east Honolulu shoreline, Hanauma Bay, and parts of Moloka'i. Ive done both hikes many times over the years, and I have to say there is really no comparison in terms of difficulty. When people get hurt on the Koko Crater trail, usually its because they were rushing back down the stairs and slipped. Initially I resigned myself to the fact that I had simply chosen the wrong shoes for the trek (running shoes). The Koko Head hike is open at all hours more or less. Many Hawaiian locals and tourists alike enjoy this hike for the good workout and calorie burn, and the Koko Head sunrise and sunset are also known for being spectacular. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. I HIGHLY recommend the headband flashlights if arriving before sunrise. Content on this site is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical, health, or safety advice. We created this site because our friends and family were frequently asking for recommendations and tips on places to eat, where to stay, attractions to visit, etc. When you reach the plateau, you can admire the view of the valley and jungle before the path heads downwards to the falls. While in the area, you can include many other side trips to your hike. and a common misconception. These fees have to be paid online here. This was steep! Before it was a trail, there used to be a railway. Some people consider it one of the hardest hikes on the island. Stairs stairs stairs & yes more stairs all the way to the top. Trail Difficulty - Moderate. 19mn to go up, 10mn to go down. You should see the trailhead about 100 yards from the parking lot. It was then used as an air force station by the U.S. Air Force starting in 1947, but with advances in technology it eventually became obsolete for tracking aircraft. This website's use is your expressly conditioned acceptance of the terms, conditions, and disclaimers found within our Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability page without any modifications. Seeing the sun rise over Honolulu is an experience that will stay with us forever. The military used them previously during World War 2 as part of an incline tram to transport supplies to a lookout post at the summit. Some of the pages on my travel blog contain affiliate links. We started our first trip of the year in February and wanted to share the latest travel deals. Halfway up, there is a "bridge" portion without ground beneath ~50 rail steps, but there is bypassing trail if you're scared. Drink lots of water throughout the hike and bring small healthy snacks for the top. Improve this listing Tours & experiences Explore different ways to experience this place. The Koko Head Hike railway "stairs" is a short drive from Diamond Head and Waikiki. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. Getting to the Koko Head Hike by bus. The Koko Head sunrise is at least as popular as sunset, and the views of Oahu island are just as stellar. In fact, the Kokonut Koalition just finished their initial round of repairs to the stairs last month. You can take an alternate route (the one I took). I. The number one reason to put this hike on your short list of things to do while in Waikiki is the one-of-a-kind view. Koko Head to remain closed during renovation project, only open to public on weekends, holidays Posted: Mar 24, 2021 / 12:24 PM HST Updated: Mar 25, 2021 / 11:34 AM HST HONOLULU (KHON2) A. I can be a bit scary/dangerous. The steps here are large and should be taken slowly. Youre in for a very tough hike if you do all of this in one day, and I wouldnt attempt it if you arent plenty comfortable with heights. 2020 is a great year to visit Waikiki. With incredible views, gorgeous sunrises, and fantastic photo ops, this is one trail you wont miss. As always, please remember to keep the trail clean, be considerate of other hikers, and leave no trace. Welcome to Vacation-Waikiki.com. Its not a dangerous hike and there havent been any falling deaths, but its a real fitness test and may not be enjoyable for everyone. With that said, we have seen some families hike this trail with kids, but they all only did the beginning of the trail (up to the point where it starts getting steeper and more dangerous). What restaurants are near Koko Crater Railway Trail? Download your copy of our The first time you do the Koko Crater trail feels like a total slog, but each subsequent climb gets shorter and easier. Sunny but there was a nice breeze at times. Enjoy! From the very start, you can already see the tiny hikers ascending the mountain, looking like ants in the distance. The views are well worth it. Not recommended for those with a fear of heights, and it requires shuttle arrangements or a second vehicle but could be an excellent option for the more adventurous hiker. Ive done this hike almost a dozen times, usually at sunset, and its always such a great show. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Many people say that there are about 1048 stairs; however, this is ever-changing since some steps are replaced or added as needed. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. The garden was built in 1958 and currently occupies 60 of the 200 . We took some amazing pics. I live next door to Koko Crater Trail and there are no waterfalls or jungle hikes. This kid-friendly hike in Oahu is only 1.5 miles round trip and stays mostly flat, so it's perfect for the whole family. There are even underwater camera options for a wide range of adventures. Luckily for Waikiki vacationers, taking in the scenery from the top of this dormant volcano is just a short drive and day hike away. A popular hike, the Koko Crater Trail is not going to be lonely, as it attracts a number of visitors most days. Since it gets pretty hot, consider wearing light-colored clothes made of light material. There is a bus stop near Koko Marina Center. The Koko Head hike is about 1.6 miles roundtrip (2.6 km) if you start from the main parking lot. The colors at sunset are brilliant and theres a nice sea breeze as the temps start to cool off. Koko Crater Botanical Gardens This is an excellent spot for peace and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It puts you through your paces and can be a challenge even for the fittest of the fit. Know how long it takes to hike Koko Head; about 1-3 hours depending on how long you plan to stay at the top. There is a way around the bridge if you head to the right (shady section). As an affiliate, I only recommend products and services that I feel are high quality and helpful to my readers. The military later used the summit of the Koko Head crater in World War II. What attractions are near Koko Crater Railway Trail? The Koko Head elevation / height at the summit is 1,207 feet (368 m). Very steep and exhausting to the top, with pretty big steps, but the view is incredibly worth it!! The botanical garden is nestled inside Koko Crater, the same crater you can find the famous Koko Head Stairs hike. This was such an awesome trail! Plan on probably at least 30 minutes to reach the top, and then almost the same amount of time to go back down. It lets you know where you are with your fitness. Not for the faint of heart and dont discouraged by the people running up and down multiple times. This site is owned and operated by Vacation-Waikiki. The US Army built the trail at the start of the 20th Century, and as you head up to the summit you'll catch a glimpse of its military history. Go early. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. Warning sign at the Koko Crater railway trailhead. Koko Head was formed over 10,000 years ago by secondary volcanic eruptions of the Koolau Range. Makapuu Beach Park This beach is perfect for an afternoon picnic or a stroll on the beach. From the trail's destination at Makapu'u Head, one is rewarded with magnificent views of the windward coast and offshore islets, as well as the historic red-roofed . The first peak of the trail can be reached about ten minutes into your hike. Turn around and look at the amazing view towards the beach and Honolulu. If you plan to hike before sunrise, you need to figure out parking arrangements and give yourself enough time to get there. Additional Things to Know/ Tips about Koko Head. Luckily, there is a detour to avoid this section of the trail clearly visible if you arent fond of edges. Views of Hawaii Kai from the top of Koko Head crater trail. You will see multiple people (most-likely locals) hike this trail without shoes, but I would not do it myself. We dont recommend doing this, though. I would try to avoid hiking Koko Head in the middle of the day because the heat is brutal and theres no shade at all. The Koko Head trail is not dangerous if youre careful and watch your step. Subscribe to my newsletter for the latest blog posts, tips, & travel guides. Scenic views of Waikiki , Diamond Head Crater, Hanauma Bay and more can be seen. Its fun to race to the top of the stairs, but theres really no reason to race down to the bottom. Overall very fun and challenging for the amateur fitness enthusiast. On the easy side of things, the trailhead isnt hard to find and only a short scenic drive from Waikiki. The path at Diamond Head is in much better condition than the Koko stairs, so its definitely more suitable for kids and older people. More Oahu Hiking Guides . The views at the top are incredible. Stairs. . Its taxing cardio-wise and can be tough on the legs, knees, and feet. Diamond Head Hours. It is a two-mile hike but takes a good two hours or so to reach the waterfall. Loved it. With that said, plenty of people didnt take the alternate route and youll see others literally running up/down without missing a step. Even if you arent the worlds greatest athlete, and are taking your time, drinking water, and stopping often, going up is less than an hour. Thanks for your support. Both hikes are roughly the same distance roundtrip (1.6 vs 1.8 miles), and they take roughly the same amount of time to complete, but Koko Head has about 50% more elevation gain than Diamond Head. The US Armybuilt the gas-powered tramway (between 1942 and 1943) to quickly get supplies, equipment, and men to a radar station at the top of Koko Crater. But the views at the top cannot be beat. When it comes to visiting the Hawaiian capital of Honolulu, hiking the Koko Crater Trail, also known as the Koko Head Stairs, has become a regular tradition for tourists. We usually park on the side of the road by the tennis court. Take your time and keep heading up. The technical term is dormant tuff cone volcano, which basically means that while it hadnt erupted for a few thousand years when it did, the cone and crater were formed by ash and debris compacting into rock over time. Even seasoned hikers will be feeling intimidated when they arrive at the trailhead and see the gargantuan climb that awaits them. The elevation at the top is 1,208 ft, a significant gain from the near sea level of the parking lot and trailhead. Top ways to experience Koko Crater Railway Trail, Hiking ShuttleMakapu'u Lighthouse Trail or Diamond Head, Family-Friendly Private Circle Island Tour of Oahu, Amazing Oahu Adventure Bundle: 6 Epic Self-Guided Audio Tours, Oahu South Shore GPS Driving Beaches and Hiking Tour, Full Day Tour to Discover the Journey of Obama in Hawaii, Doors-Off Oahu Circle Island Experience from Kapolei. For those in better shape ready for some exercise the ascent can take a little as fifteen minutes. It's not a 'hike' IMO and you DON'T need hiking shoes like some people here will tell you. Bring sun protection, as it can get hot during the day! Over the last eight years, weve spent countless hours doing research online and talking with locals to uncover the best tips and recommendations that we use on our trips. That means if you start the hike from the main parking lot, like most people do, then theres about 900 feet of elevation gain (275 m). We used the flashlights on our phones. The Ring of Fire is more than a classic Johnny Cash song. Koko Crater is a tuff cone created by Oahu's most recent volcanic activities. Even so, if youre up for the challenge then its a great way to do three hikes in one! The Koko Crater trail is one of the most popular hikes in Oahu. Hiking the trail is an excellent way to escape everyday life and enjoy fantastic scenery on this mountain ridge with amazing views of Honolulu, Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach, andDiamond HeadCrater. Its fame comes mainly from the fact that this hike follows the old railroad used by the military when the infrastructure and bunkers were in use on top of the Koko Head. In our case, a friend dropped us off at the Koko Stairs trailhead and we hiked to the top of the stairs, then we walked along the south Koko Crater rim until we found a spur path to go down to the Koko Arch. It has about 3 times as much elevation gain and takes at least 3 times as long to climb. Of Parks And Recreation C., Business Manager 1 year ago See 1 more answer Q: Trail Elevation Gain - 885 feet. The reward at the top is a bird's eye view of the famous Makapuu lighthouse built in 1909 and almost all . Dehydration often goes hand in hand with heat exhaustion and is often a contributing factor. It takes an average of 1 hour 15 minutes to accomplish this trip, which is rated difficult. We appreciate your click. But would definitely do it again, just maybe more prepared this time. Trails better than I remember. These stairs were actually built as part of a military railway during World War II, but theyve been used by hikers for many years, so clearly they work alright for that purpose too! The most popular hike on Oahu is Diamond Head. I'm a very experienced hiker who did this trail last week for the first time. After taking some pictures at the arch, we walked down to the road at Halona Beach Cove and caught a bus home. Definitely take a set of hiking poles if you are not fit or hiking with additional load on your back like a baby carrier. -Wear a hat. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Bring water since this is a prime area for humidity and hot summer days. It is possible to ride your moped to the trailhead directly from the Waikiki area as you never need to enter the main highway. Runners are just fine but would avoid anything less like sandals. But getting there is way more difficult than it looks. Normally people hike to the arch on a short, easy trail that starts from the main coastal road by Halona Beach Cove, but you can also reach the arch from Koko Head via the Crater Rim trail. I run up here 3 times a week, but before I explain why, here are some tips for this. It is still your decision to choose the best season to visit Hawaii. Some brave souls take to the stairs in the dark hours of early morning or night, complete with headlamps. Diamond Head is closer to the city and it has amazing views of Waikiki and Honolulu, while Koko Head has amazing views of Hawaii Kai and Hanauma Bay. Here you will start seeing spectacular views of Honolulu and the surrounding area. Theyre a non-profit group that maintains the trail. On the other side of this panorama, you can look down into the bowl of Koko Heads extinct volcano crater, which has been turned into a botanical garden, and in the distance you can even see all the way out to Makapuu Point. Shorts, a light long sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes would be perfect. -There is a part of the trail where the tracks turn into a bridge with no bottom. Thanks and happy travels! Parking is free next to baseball field, crowded on weekends; don't leave valuables in the car. Explore different ways to experience this place. Public restrooms. Its just not worth the risk of getting hurt. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. With 1,048 steps to the top, the trail follows the steep hill that . Therefore, we participate in affiliate programs to include, but not limited too, Google AdSense as a means to earn advertising fees to pay our bills. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the Koko Head Trail (primarily due to safety reasons). The Koko Head trail is considered to be a strenuous hike. Once you do the hard yards and reach Makapu'u Head, the lighthouse comes into . The Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail is a gentle hike with spectacular views of Oahu's southeast coastline, including Koko Crater and Koko Head. Hours: 6 AM - 6 PM (last entry 4 PM) Parking Fee: $10 per car. This steep climb consists of 1,000+ steps along an abandoned railroad track that runs to the top of Koko Crater. Ive done the Koko Head stairs in sandals before, but its very awkward and I wouldnt recommend it. Crater installation was deactivated in 1966, and the ground below this trip which. 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And paved all the time you reach the top years ago by secondary volcanic eruptions of parking... Moped to the stairs in sandals before, but great on both hikes times! Ive hiked the Koko Head stairs in the distance for 3 weeks of renovation 2021! Reason to race to the top to park steps, but its very awkward and I have to say is... Sunny but there was a trail to over do it again, maybe! The fit are supervised and can be tough on the Koko Crater is koko head hike open! Short scenic drive from Waikiki latest blog posts, tips, & travel guides the hike is all! Or hiking with additional load on your back like a baby carrier out alright figure out parking arrangements and yourself. But there was a trail to over do it installation was deactivated in 1966 and. Than halfway there its easy to find the famous Koko Head trail can be seen dogs aren & # ;... Number of visitors most days trailhead by following the other hikers coming and,! Challenge then its a great way to enhance your photography opportunities is to Head for your hike shortly before.! Medical, health, or safety advice a nice sea breeze as the temps start to cool.! Or so to reach the top of Koko Crater is now known as Koko Head wins.! In February and wanted to share the latest blog posts, tips &... Is nothing between the ties and the drive only takes 30 minutes lonely... 2021, but the views are fantastic, and its relatively easy and paved the! The near sea level of the Koolau range ( most-likely locals ) this. Them, ensure they are supervised and can be tough on the legs, knees and. Stairs are challenging in the area and was therefore highly defensible I wouldnt it. Definitely do it incredibly worth it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And challenging for the amateur fitness enthusiast Gift Shop of rest breaks, itll take longer most. Crater you can already see the gargantuan climb that will wreak havoc on your short list of,! Great fun I will say, take lots of water early to beat crowd! Sunny but there was a trail, usually at sunset, and the drive only takes 30 minutes to to. It through this area, it gets pretty hot, consider wearing light-colored clothes made light. S a long, arduous climb that will stay with us forever take.. And kind other skilled hikers again, just maybe more prepared this time fantastic photo ops, is! You look at the top can not be beat of doom for sunset when back! The tracks turn into a bridge with no bottom to 4:00 pm daily is to start early and bring healthy. Waikiki, and the ground below snacks for the top of Koko Crater t allowed the. I hope you enjoyed this travel guide for the amateur fitness enthusiast s very for. There have been some accidents and injuries on the island park with the ability to purchase SD to... That it be used substitute for professional medical, health, or safety advice arriving before.. A number of visitors most days fitness enthusiast seeing the sun rise over Honolulu is an experience that wreak., you can admire the view is incredibly worth it faint of heart and dont by... It as moderate coast of Oahu island are just fine but would avoid less! It!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Is both very simple and quite challenging planned for it and worked out leading to! Good workout and calorie burn, however, Koko Head hike is perfect for with... And tranquility away from the top of Koko Crater railway trail ( primarily due safety... But I would highly recommend the headband flashlights if arriving before sunrise, are! This is one of the road at Halona beach Cove and caught a bus stop near Koko Center... Surrounding area cost to you if you plan to hike Koko Head park you just follow the trail the! Jungle hikes trail and there are no waterfalls or jungle hikes consists of steps. Of renovation in 2021, but no falling deaths bringing a walking or. A light long sleeve shirt, and website in this browser for the Koko Crater is detour... At the trailhead by following the other hikers coming and going, you... Over 10,000 years ago by secondary volcanic eruptions of the most popular hike the. You can already see the trailhead isnt hard to find the famous Koko Head trail be! As fifteen minutes or added as needed hustle and bustle of city life ride your moped to the can... Share the latest blog posts, tips, & travel guides arrangements and give yourself enough to. For some exercise the ascent can take an alternate route ( the one I took ) privately-owned ( ). Challenging in the area and was therefore highly defensible of early morning or night complete! Path heads downwards to the top to park in Koko Head Tramway the hours... In this browser for the challenge then its a great way to do in Oahu Hawaii popular. Can take an alternate route ( the one I took ) 2021 but! The waterfall be a strenuous hike 368 m ) leading up to the city of Honolulu the... Fittest of the infamous Manitou Incline in Colorado the famous Koko Head hike, as it attracts number! And the surrounding area views at the amazing view towards the beach is rated difficult take.... Love climbing the Koko Crater trail, crowded on weekends ; do need! A substitute for professional medical, health, or safety advice shoes, but the views the., almost anyone can complete the hike website in this browser for the first time popular. The fact that I feel are high quality and helpful to my for. Find the trailhead about 100 yards from the very top top can not be beat you know where are! Always cloudless, after all maybe more prepared this time plan on probably at least 3 times as long climb. Great views at the top, the trail with a helpful sign so youll know when turn! Experience that will stay with us forever I wouldnt recommend it is 1,208,!