It makes it unpleasant and a lot harder. See options Full view All photos (2,608) I live next door to Koko Crater Trail and there are no waterfalls or jungle hikes. This site is owned and operated by Vacation-Waikiki. 7430 Kalanianaole Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96825, USA. At the top of the cone lie the remains of a WW2 era pillbox which was built as munitions storage and a lookout point for further attacks. Local athletes use the trail as cardio training, and you will definitely feel the burn by the time you reach the top. However, you have the option to go through the bushes at this point. Koko Crater is a tuff cone created by Oahu's most recent volcanic activities. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. We started our first trip of the year in February and wanted to share the latest travel deals. Stairway to Heaven Bring water since this is a prime area for humidity and hot summer days. While in the area, you can include many other side trips to your hike. Is koko head climb still open? Up is harder physically, down is harder mentally (really worried we would fall!). Dehydration often goes hand in hand with heat exhaustion and is often a contributing factor. Great workout with an awesome view. Look no further than the Koko Head Trail! That means Koko is steeper and harder. Koko Crater Botanical Gardens This is an excellent spot for peace and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Sunny but there was a nice breeze at times. Well that is just what people or young guys have thrown as they dont need it and it become a trend now.. What's the deal with access to the trail - Is there a gate/hours where the path is closed? Do you need to book in advance to visit Koko Crater Railway Trail? It's a long, arduous climb that will wreak havoc on your legs! Here you can relax, enjoy a picnic, eat some snacks, take pictures, and enjoy the gorgeous views. It was not so packed and people were very respectful. When people get hurt on the Koko Crater trail, usually its because they were rushing back down the stairs and slipped. Can be humbling if you havent been working out regularly. 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, and Diamond Head Crater. If you decide to do this hike during sunrise, remember to bring a flashlight and a jacket, as it gets cold in the early morning hours. You can take an alternate route (the one I took). The Koko Head hike is open at all hours more or less. Beautiful views at the top. Great medium hike, a lot of steps, pretty well maintained. Some brave souls take to the stairs in the dark hours of early morning or night, complete with headlamps. Save the speed runs for going up the stairs, and take your time going back down. 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 can tell the Kokonut Coalition did great work. Take water & a bar. Closed now 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Write a review About Makapuu Lighthouse Trail is one of Oahu's most popular coastal hiking trails on its southeastern coast, offering spectacular views of the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline. But would definitely do it again, just maybe more prepared this time. We appreciate your click. You do not have to be in great shape to hike the trail, but it will make it much easier. Description. Very steep and exhausting to the top, with pretty big steps, but the view is incredibly worth it!! Halfway up, there is a "bridge" portion without ground beneath ~50 rail steps, but there is bypassing trail if you're scared. The Koko Head Trail is mainly uncovered, meaning there is very little shade on the trail. The first time you do the Koko Crater trail feels like a total slog, but each subsequent climb gets shorter and easier. The Diamond Head hike Hawaii is a must-do. 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. The sun rises on the other side of the Koko Crater, so youll be watching it come up directly over the ocean and the volcano crater, with views of Makapuu Point in the distance. 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 1,000+ step walking track consists of abandoned railroad ties that run along the crater's west side to the top of Koko Crater. Lanikai Pillbox: The Pillbox Hikeis one of my favorite hikes on Oahu. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. This sign lets you know where to bypass the bridge section. The hiking trail to the summit is not ADA accessible, it is very steep and uneven in some areas. Dont do Leg day before doing Koko head! 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). Ive done both hikes many times over the years, and I have to say there is really no comparison in terms of difficulty. Stairs. Ultimately, if youre willing to be a bit tired, almost anyone can complete the hike. Ill share more details on the Koko Crater Rim trail later in this guide. Makapuu Beach Park made our list of thebest beaches in Oahu, so be sure to check it out. There are even underwater camera options for a wide range of adventures. Alternatively, for a change of scenery you can hike out via the Koko Crater Rim trail, but this route is more sketchy and it takes you away from the Koko Head parking lot, so youll need to figure out transportation when you reach the bottom. Back views from the top of the Koko Crater trail, Old military bunkers (pillboxes) at the top of the Koko Head stairs hike. One of the best views of Oahu - period. Drink lots of water throughout the hike and bring small healthy snacks for the top. Yes, its helpful to be fit. We went for the sunset and it was beautiful. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. Affiliate Disclosures Privacy Policy Terms Of Use I would highly recommend wearing good shoes and bringing lots of water. There is also a railway bridge halfway up the tracks spanning a ravine, which is scary if you fear heights. However, unless youre a giant, each stair will actually take several steps to climb because theyre very big and awkward. The last 1/10 of a mile is all stairs and especially steep. The trail is not meant to be easy. The gates at Diamond Head are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the cutoff time for starting the hike is 4:00 p.m. . Parking is available at the Koko Head District Park. This is a very doable yet challenging hike. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. This was challenging but very worth it! What attractions are near Koko Crater Railway Trail? So in a comparison of Koko Head vs Diamond Head, how do these two popular volcano hikes in Oahu stack up? This is a relatively quick hike contingent on fitness level. The hiking trail is actually railroad track initially laid down by the U.S. Army shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. You might be thinking it sounds like one of the easiest hikes you've ever done but hold your judgement til you are 3/4 of the way to the top. . Take your time and dont rush, because the stairs can be even more slippery and hazardous on the way back down. Local grinds: Check out Chef Jon Matsubara's restaurant, Feast, in Manoa Valley featuring Hawaiian-style burgers and sandwiches. Whenever you buy something through one of these links, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. This isnt a great hike for kids or older folks. . Halona Blowhole Have you ever seen a blowhole in action? Most hikers take the detour. It's not a 'hike' IMO and you DON'T need hiking shoes like some people here will tell you. You can read mydisclaimerfor more information. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. We climbed up in 30 min. Absolutely spectacular. More Oahu Hiking Guides . It puts you through your paces and can be a challenge even for the fittest of the fit. It lets you know where you are with your fitness. 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. Diamond Head Hours. Make a left on the ridge between the ball fields and the shooting park down below. Plenty of parking! Its considered one ofOahus easy hikesand has fantastic views ofLanikai Beachand the Mokulua Islands. Theyre a non-profit group that maintains the trail. You can also take Uber or Lyft if you want to avoid dealing with parking. Best of all, the entire trail is paved, making it easy for strollers and those with mobility issues. Any hiking route on Oahu that both includes a lighthouse and is stroller-friendly is a winner in any family's book. Shorts, a light long sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes would be perfect. This is the start of the stairway hike. These are not steps, there are areas where the steps are about 2ft apart and 20in in height. Koko Head Hike with DanielsHawaii Tourguide Koko Head is a tuff cone in the eastern part of Oahu near Hawaii Kai and overlooks Hanauma Bay and Waikiki. Scenic views of Waikiki , Diamond Head Crater, Hanauma Bay and more can be seen. 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. Views of Hawaii Kai from the top of Koko Head crater trail. We created this guide to ensure you have the best hiking experience. Bishop Estate-Kamehameha Schools originally gave the 951-acre area to the city in 1928 with the request that it be used. to the top of Koko Head Crater. This hike leads you around the beautiful Hanauma Bay, known for its snorkeling in crystal clear waters. Also at the base of the crater, there is a visitor center (open 7am - 3 . If you want to do three hikes in one, theres even a side path on the south rim that intersects with the Koko Arch hike (more on that in a minute)! (Phi Phi Leh), Santorini Greece Travel Guide: Things To Do In Santorini Island, Navagio Beach Greece: Shipwreck Bay In Zakynthos Island, Zakynthos Greece Travel Guide: How To Visit Zakynthos Island, Phi Phi Island Thailand Travel Guide (Koh Phi Phi Islands), Huayna Picchu Hike: The Machu Picchu Stairs Of Death, Utah Hiking Guide: 17 Best Utah Hikes & Trails, 36 Best Things To Do In Oahu Hawaii (Fun, Couples, Free), 25 Best Hikes In Indonesia: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, & Jungles. Went mid morning and it was pretty busy. I HIGHLY recommend the headband flashlights if arriving before sunrise. I don't recommend either of those options for tourists. Yes, the Koko Head stairs are 100 percent legal and many people hike them every day. Go early to beat the crowd and the sun. The botanical garden is nestled inside Koko Crater, the same crater you can find the famous Koko Head Stairs hike. Saturday!! Enjoy the view at the top and embrace the slow grind going up! Make sure to take your time and watch your footing. The scenery and views will always be breathtaking in this tropical paradise. The hike is open all year long except for occasional trail maintenance. Youre sure to have company from other hikers enjoying the Koko Head sunset, but remember to bring a good light because you may be hiking back in the dark, and its important to see where youre stepping. Ive hiked the Koko Crater trail many times over the years, and its always great fun. After spending some time at the second peak, its time to head back down on the same trail you hiked up. Its a great view, and youll no doubt want to stay awhile to relax and take pictures! They provide freshfruitand water, a professional tour guide, and theyll even take photos for you. 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. But getting there is way more difficult than it looks. Once you reach the end of the stairs, dont stop there and return down. 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. The views at the top of Koko Head trail are really amazing. What's the best way to see Koko Crater Railway Trail? the entire park along with Koko Head Shooting Complex will be off . Hopping from railroad tie to railroad tie up this scenic mountain was an extreme challenge for this 60-ish climber, leaving me with sore muscles for a few days--but worth it. -Go early when the suns not beating down on you. 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. However, youll need to figure out somewhere to park since the main parking lot is closed before dawn. Usually there are lots of other hikers coming and going, so its easy to find the trailhead by following the other hikers. Koko Crater Trail, better known as "Koko Head Stairs", is your StairMaster workout for the day, with a rewarding panoramic view up top. 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. Koko Head trail hike is also known as Koko Head Stairs, Koko Crater Stairs, or just Koko Head. Its not as steep as Koko Head, and its very easy to get to from the Honolulu/Waikiki area. Thats the mountain youll be climbing! 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. Diamond Head . Ive seen this in news reports and also seen it happen in person many times. It's very challenging with over 1,000 steps to the top. We once did the hike around 4:00 pm in April, and it was still too hot, but it was so much better while coming down as the sun was beginning to set. All Rights Reserved. It's not easy, but the view is awesome! Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. If you are looking for other hikes in the area, we recommend the below hikes: Diamond Head:This is a must-do hike if you are in Honolulu. Its all ascending and steep and there is a section where Id advise taking the alternate route instead of going over the railway. Best time to hike: Anytime - The trail is open 6am until 6pm, although last entry is 4.30pm. Koko Head (at 642 ft or 196 m) is an ancient tuff cone that is somewhat dwarfed by its neighboring tuff cone, Koko Crater, with its peak, Kohelepelepe (or Puu Mai ), rising to 1208 ft or 368 m. Koko Head itself has three significant depressions or old vents, the largest of which forms the well-known Hanauma Bay. Itll mess up your day and waste taxpayer money, and it gives the locals an excuse to call for closing yet another classic Oahu hike. Beautiful Sonrise service on the top of Koko. Many people say that there are about 1048 stairs; however, this is ever-changing since some steps are replaced or added as needed. I would recommend this hike to people who are not in great aerobic shape Take your time & you'll eventually make it. While its a challenging hike, the views of Honolulu and the surrounding areas make it all worth it. -Watch out for concrete parts of the trail. Alternate from Waikiki: Take H1 east bound and you will see Koko Crater on the left side. Kailua Beach: Everything You Need To Know Before Your Visit. If you are driving and do not have a GPS system either on board or on your phone, inquiring at your hotel for the fastest route is a good or pre-printing directions. If you are looking for aplace to snorkel with amazing marine life, head to Hanauma Bay. We usually do this hike for sunrise and have never had a hard time finding parking during this time. The views at the top are incredible. FromWaikiki, you will need to take the H-1 to HI- 72 to Lunalilo Home Road, then drive up to Anapalau Street. Its expensive to maintain and create new and useful content for our readers. This is vacation, not a race, and visitors of every fitness level make this hike frequently. The last eruption of the Koko Head Crater is estimated 7000 years ago. Still, this hike is no joke. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Consider bringing a walking pole or stick, going back down may be more difficult for some. I'm a very experienced hiker who did this trail last week for the first time. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Trail Distance - 1.6 miles. The Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail is a gentle hike with spectacular views of Oahu's southeast coastline, including Koko Crater and Koko Head. The entrance and parking for this hike are FREE at the time of writing, and you dont need to book anything in advance. In fact, the Kokonut Koalition just finished their initial round of repairs to the stairs last month. The views and breeze at top is incomparable ! Hiking down can be hard on your knees as well. Feels like the making of the worlds fastest roller coaster from the top, but engineering the return would be challenging. 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. for their Hawaii vacation. Great for a cardio workout. 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. There are several abandoned military bunkers (pillboxes) at the top of the summit, as well as an elevated metal platform that gives you even better views of the whole area surrounding the Koko Crater trail. The Koko Head hike is about 1.6 miles roundtrip (2.6 km) if you start from the main parking lot. For the challenging part, the railroad tracks that make up the trail amount to 1,048 large stairs going straight up. From here, you can see into the crater itself, Hanauma Bay, Diamond Head, Waikiki, and Koko Marina. 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