As mentioned, the trailhead can be found about 100 yards past the parking lot on your left-hand side. This natural phenomenon is caused by waves crashing into a lava wall and shooting water through the hole. Many people say that there are about 1048 stairs; however, this is ever-changing since some steps are replaced or added as needed. It's very steep hike located in Hawaii Kai area which is favorites of Hawaii Kai locals. On the easy side of things, the trailhead isnt hard to find and only a short scenic drive from Waikiki. Oahu man hiking Koko Head 40 times for mental health. However, youll need to figure out somewhere to park since the main parking lot is closed before dawn. Some companies will provide transportation to and from the Waikiki area along with a tour guide. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 24 min to complete. Overall, its not too difficult, but something to keep in mind. Koko Head History. It is part of the total package experience -- Diamond Head, shave ice, Pearl Harbor, surf lessons. People often throw on a headlamp and get hiking the trail before sunrise to be at the summit for sunrise. Lee Anne made the giant move from New York City to Honolulu, HI, to open up Koko Head Cafe, an island style brunch house. A popular hike, the Koko Crater Trail is not going to be lonely, as it attracts a number of visitors most days. I live next door to Koko Crater Trail and there are no waterfalls or jungle hikes. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Since it gets pretty hot, consider wearing light-colored clothes made of light material. It's awesome. My wife Intan and I are usually in our second home Bali, but our journeys take us to destinations all over the world. During World War II, the military built observation stations around Oahu to keep an eye on the island, including a station at the top of the Koko Head Crater. Taka e left onto Koko Head District Park where you'll find parking lots and a trailhead. Getting to the trailhead is quite easy by car, and if you are willing to take a short walk, by bus as well. Theyre a non-profit group that maintains the trail. HIKE. Yes, the Koko Crater Tramway is open during regular park open hours. If you choose to park in Koko Head Park you just follow the trail . Bring lots of water and a hat too. They also stop atHalona Blowholeand Sandy Beach upon returning to your hotel for fantastic photo opportunities. Mahalo! The Koko Crater trail is one of the most popular hikes in Oahu. This Travel Dream contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. The Koko Crater railway trailhead is located near Hawaii Kai, on the southeast side of Oahu island. 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. Parking is available at the Koko Head District Park. According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Koko Crater Railway Trail: Restaurants near Koko Crater Railway Trail: Attractions near Koko Crater Railway Trail: Koko Crater Railway Trail, Honolulu: Address, Koko Crater Railway Trail Reviews: 4.5/5. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. The Koko Head Hike railway "stairs" is a short drive from Diamond Head and Waikiki. Meeting your fellow hikers could be a great way to make a local connection or an international acquaintance. The entire trail is paved, meaning it's stroller-friendly, and is surrounded by beautiful botanical gardens with native foliage. The botanical garden is nestled inside Koko Crater, the same crater you can find the famous Koko Head Stairs hike. . Youve made it to the top, so now what? Enjoy! 7430 Kalanianaole Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96825, USA. The military later used the summit of the Koko Head crater in World War II. Great hike for sightseeing and a killer workout. 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). ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. That way all of your transportation is taken care of. Need water and a hat, need good grippy shoes. Arriving early in the morning to begin this Oahu hike is ideal, as it warms up quickly without shady trees or other types of cover along the way. One last consideration would be that a small section of the hike consists of a railway bridge that may be bothersome to those with a fear of heights. Ill share more details on the Koko Crater Rim trail later in this guide. For most people, it will probably take about 1-2 hours roundtrip, depending on your pace. While in the area, you can include many other side trips to your hike. I HIGHLY recommend the headband flashlights if arriving before sunrise. There is a way around the bridge if you head to the right (shady section). 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. 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. The only deaths here have been health-related issues like heart attacks. . For the challenging part, the railroad tracks that make up the trail amount to 1,048 large stairs going straight up. It has about 3 times as much elevation gain and takes at least 3 times as long to climb. All in all, the total calorie burn on the Koko Crater trail is somewhere in the realm of 400 calories (roundtrip). I hiked this on 09/08 + other trails during my first visit to Hawai'i & posted a vlog! The hiking trail is actually railroad track initially laid down by the U.S. Army shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Shorts, a light long sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes would be perfect. Go early to beat the crowd and the sun. The Koko Head hike is open at all hours more or less. Very crowded. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. Do not bring extra weight like binoculars or jackets. The Koko Head hike is a little bit like Hawaiis version of the infamous Manitou Incline in Colorado. Protect your skin. Most hikers take the detour. As always, please remember to keep the trail clean, be considerate of other hikers, and leave no trace. If you enjoy this hike, consider donating to Kokonut Koalition. Wear a lot of sunscreen and bring a small bottle to re-apply at the top. I'm not a hiker but in moderately decent shape. The Koko Crater Summit will be closed during the entire three weeks, but the tramway will be open on weekends and holidays. After your hike, you can take a well-deserved break at one of the many nearby attractions. The Koko Head Trail Challenge Tourtakes about 2 hours. It was closed for 3 weeks of renovation in 2021, but it's very rare for that to happen. Make sure to take your time and watch your footing. Mahalo for stopping by. Local athletes use the trail as cardio training, and you will definitely feel the burn by the time you reach the top. We went for the sunset and it was beautiful. 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. -Take your time. While its a challenging hike, the views of Honolulu and the surrounding areas make it all worth it. Our goal is to build a website with tips and recommendations from our vacation experiences that offer our readers a single place to find all the information you will need when planning your very own trip to Hawaii. Ultimately, take care and only do what you are comfortable with. 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. Keep going up for a few more minutes to get to the very top. 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. The incline is abrupt, take breaks when needed & enjoy the views. So, it was hot, my son and I were both out of shape, and we didn't make it to the top. 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. I did this hike with 3 others, all in our early 30s (vs Diamond head, did with whole family including parents). While this hike will test your endurance, you will be rewarding with some of the best views of the island. The Start of the Trail. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey there! Just another 50 yards of easy walking and youre there. The Koko Head Trail is a must-see for anyone visiting Oahu. 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. Small section towards the top without ground coverage - take Murphy's bypass to avoid this (look for sign). A hat and sunscreen are also imperative if you hike Koko Crater during the day, because theres almost no shade at all on the trail. The steps here are large and should be taken slowly. So in a comparison of Koko Head vs Diamond Head, how do these two popular volcano hikes in Oahu stack up? Should you notice any of the symptoms, taking a break, sipping some water, and perhaps taking a mild pain-killer for headache should have you back on your feet in twenty minutes or so. It makes it unpleasant and a lot harder. You can take an alternate route (the one I took). Its taxing cardio-wise and can be tough on the legs, knees, and feet. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Makapuu Lighthouse Trail. There are even underwater camera options for a wide range of adventures. Totally recommend if you're in Oahu. -Watch out for concrete parts of the trail. 7 miles to the top. Free access with effectively no facilities. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 24 min to complete. With 1,048 steps to the top, the trail follows the steep hill that . In fact, its one of the best places to watch the sunset on the whole island of Oahu. Yes, Koko Head is open! The views at the summits are different, but great on both hikes. Yes, the Koko Head stairs are 100 percent legal and many people hike them every day. Follow the sidewalk that wraps around the baseball diamond, and then go up the dirt hill through the trees to another paved road, which will take you to the trailhead (GPS here). One short section near the middle of the Koko Crater trail involves crossing a bridge over a ravine with an intimidating 10 foot drop, but you dont have to walk across it if you dont want to. Koko Head is also plenty steep. 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. The Koko Head Hike railway stairs is a short drive from Diamond Head and Waikiki. 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? You should see the trailhead about 100 yards from the parking lot. This can be tricky, as there is nothing between the ties and the ground below. Incredible view at the top. The Honolulu Fire Department rescues hurt hikers on this trail by helicopter several times per year. More info on this below. The Koko Arch is a giant natural rock arch on the south slope of Koko Crater. It took us about 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete. Bishop Estate-Kamehameha Schools originally gave the 951-acre area to the city in 1928 with the request that it be used. You can also take Uber or Lyft if you want to avoid dealing with parking. The trailhead is open from 4:00 am till 11:00 pm. This isnt a great hike for kids or older folks. Diamondhead climb better option for those not prepared for an adventurous climb. It's not easy, but the view is awesome! One option is taking an alternate route up or down from Koko Crater for a bit more of a challenge on the Koko Crater Arch Trail, which offers exciting rock formations and steep drop-offs. Definitely take a set of hiking poles if you are not fit or hiking with additional load on your back like a baby carrier. Thanks for your support. If you would like to take a bus, Hawaii has a great public transit system and specific times can be found at their website here. Turn around and look at the amazing view towards the beach and Honolulu. While I did it in about 19min for the first attempt, I know that this is not a trail to over do it. Hiking Diamond Head can universally be found on most visitors' to-do checklists when they are visiting O'ahu and especially those staying in the Honolulu/Waikiki area. There are plenty of other hikes you want to stay healthy and injury free for. The trail is steep, with an elevation gain of 885 feet. 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! This hike is a great way to escape the crowds and see some alternate views at the Koko Crater. Bring sun protection, as it can get hot during the day! It was a good workout again like every See this map in google maps. At this point, you finally have a nice breeze hitting you, and some trees and bushes to hide under for shade. What to expect: Koko Head consists of climbing 1,048 steps to the top of the Koko Head Crater. Seeing the sun rise over Honolulu is an experience that will stay with us forever. 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. Just a short drive from Diamond Head and Waikiki, this popular hiking trail can be accessed at Koko Head. Its not as steep as Koko Head, and its very easy to get to from the Honolulu/Waikiki area. Welcome to Waynes 10 Day Ultimate Waikiki Vacation Guide. Well, look around, you can expect to see a large section of the southern Oahu coastline, the clear blue of the Pacific, a birds eye perspective of Hanauma Bay, the botanical gardens inside the crater, and WW2 structures. Ultimately, if youre willing to be a bit tired, almost anyone can complete the hike. MAKAPU'U POINT LIGHTHOUSE TRAIL OPENING HOURS The official opening hours for the trail open just before sunrise and close just after sunset each day. We recommend going early in the morning, before 10:00 am or after 4:00 pm, to avoid the crowds. Koko Head Trail is located in the east of Oahu, offering stunning views up to Honolulu. Koko Crater Trail, better known as "Koko Head Stairs", is your StairMaster workout for the day, with a rewarding panoramic view up top. Remember that its not a race, so take your time and feel free to stop and enjoy the views along the way! With that said, plenty of people didnt take the alternate route and youll see others literally running up/down without missing a step. If you dont have a rental car and dont feel like figuring out how to use the bus, there are also Koko Head tours like this one where theyll drop you off at the trail and then pick you up when youre finished hiking. It took others 2 hours, so it just depends. Plenty of parking! Amazing hike - not for the faint of heart. Koko Crater Stairs (Summit) Address. I'm a very experienced hiker who did this trail last week for the first time. The views at the top of Koko Head trail are really amazing. Public restrooms. Initially I resigned myself to the fact that I had simply chosen the wrong shoes for the trek (running shoes). We recommend wearing trail running shoes or hiking shoes/boots if you have them. I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you if you purchase using one of these links. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Preview trail Hiking Forest Views Wildlife Over grown Rocky Scramble No shade No dogs Description The parking lot for the Koko Head Crater Botanical Garden closes (meaning gates are locked) at dusk. Today the radar station is no longer there, but the pillbox and structural debris are still present. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. Trail Elevation Gain - 885 feet. Challenging but not difficult. The garden was built in 1958 and currently occupies 60 of the 200 . Let's stay updated! Also, because the trail is railroad tracks, there is no navigational difficulty, and the hike is relatively short at just under two miles long round trip. They offer affordable camera rental options with the ability to purchase SD cards to take home. Make sure to pace yourself and remember to pull to the side to give people a way to pass. What attractions are near Koko Crater Railway Trail? 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. Just remember to take a flashlight and be careful walking unfamiliar ground in low visibility. Dehydration often goes hand in hand with heat exhaustion and is often a contributing factor. Look for the signs to the right, and it will take you around. I would NOT recommend going when its raining as the stairs get pretty slippery - all the more reason to go super early and catch the good weather/small crowds. Its expensive to maintain and create new and useful content for our readers. HAWAII KAI, Hawaii (KHON2) A man going up the Koko Crater Stairs does not usually make the news, but 40 times in a row? This was challenging but very worth it! What hotels are near Koko Crater Railway Trail? If you only hike the south rim, Id describe it as moderate. It can get quite toasty, and it is recommended that the hike be completed in the earlier morning to avoid the heat of midday. Great views It will be about a 15-20 minute walk to the Koko Head trailhead. Koko Head and Diamond Head are both extinct volcano craters, and you can see old World War II military bunkers (pillboxes) at the top of either summit. Web Visit website. Great view! Going down can be challenging, and your footing will be critical. 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. Its an adventure in itself. Koko Head Trail is open all year and one of those trails to hike anytime. 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. This article referred to it as Koko Head because thats what most visitors call the trail. If you decide to go there after the hike note that there's a US$7.50 entrance fee to the reserve. 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)! 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. The Koko Head Trail, officially known as Koko Crater Tramway, is one of thebest hikes on Oahu. The site has had many functions until it was finally passed onto the City of Honolulu and became Koko Head Regional Park in 1966. This is your chance to walk along the rim of an extinct volcano crater! If you prefer to hike the trail with a tour, you are in luck, as several companies offer tours. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. We always love climbing the Koko Head stairs of doom for sunset when were back in Oahu. . 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. This is the most touristy hike as it is very close to Waikiki, but has a great view. There is plenty of parking at the baseball fields. There's a gate that opens at 7am, which allows cars to travel another quarter mile down to a parking lot area. Is koko head climb still open? Theres a big parking lot at Koko Head District Park and its free to use for this hike. 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. Super steep and can be precarious at times on the ties. Any hiking route on Oahu that both includes a lighthouse and is stroller-friendly is a winner in any family's book. Some shade. We attempted it last summer when we were there, but started too late in the morning. $$ - $$$ Italian Pizza Vegetarian Friendly, $ Quick Bites Pizza Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ Quick Bites American Fast Food. If youre in one of those categories, please take your time and go extra slow on this trail, especially on the way back down. See options Full view All photos (2,608) The day I did it, March 25th, they were air-lifting a young person I later heard was 12 years old who went too fast on the downhill, tumbled, and broke multiple bones, including his leg. Although it is a short hike of 1.4 miles, it is grueling with an extreme incline that will have you doubting you can ever reach the top. This is vacation, not a race, and visitors of every fitness level make this hike frequently. Take water & a bar. But getting there is way more difficult than it looks. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The Diamond Head hike Hawaii is a must-do. 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. The reward at the top is a bird's eye view of the famous Makapuu lighthouse built in 1909 and almost all . Oh man. Some people consider it one of the hardest hikes on the island. Seriously. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. The Stairway To Heaven hike is much longer, steeper, harder, and scarier than the Koko Stairs. Great views of north, east & south O'ahu at the summit. There is no doubt about where you are going. Koko Head trail hike is also known as Koko Head Stairs, Koko Crater Stairs, or just Koko Head. I'm David, an American with a passion for adventure, the outdoors, and all things travel. Saturday!! Bring more water than you think youll need. Its quite a sight to see! How long does it take? However, if youre up to the challenge it is worth the effort to reach the Koko Head Crater summit. The entrance and parking for this hike are FREE at the time of writing, and you dont need to book anything in advance. 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. Visitors can drive around the crater to the opposite side to access the gardens. If you decide to take them, ensure they are supervised and can handle the terrain. Gates close at 6:00 pm, so make sure to be out of the park before this time. 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. There is also a railway bridge halfway up the tracks spanning a ravine, which is scary if you fear heights. We'll give you our best recommendations for things to do, spa Wayne's 2019 10 Day Ultimate Waikiki Itinerary. The Koko Head Crater Sunrise Hikeprovides transportation to and from Waikiki and, of course, a local professional guide. The Koko Crater installation was deactivated in 1966, and the U.S. Air Force handed it over to the city of Honolulu. The dusty trail and slick metal ties can also be slippery. 2020 is a great year to visit Waikiki. Good view from the top - the rim walk also looked cool. Parking is free next to baseball field, crowded on weekends; don't leave valuables in the car. As stated, the sun is out, and that means heat exhaustion and dehydration are possibilities, albeit very preventable ones. Please tag along! Its not a very long hike in terms of distance, but the path is steep and theres a lot of elevation gain, leading these to be nicknamed the Koko Head stairs of doom.. Water, however, is an absolute must. We always use Google Maps and type in Koko Head Trail for the driving directions. Also known as the "Koko Head Stairs," this abandoned WWII railway track is a steep and challenging hiking trail with over 1,000 steps (but worth it for the panoramic views). Download your copy of our The views are well worth it. The trail felt moderate to me. Amazing views! Runners are just fine but would avoid anything less like sandals. What I personally didn't think through was the fact that the climb is just as steep on the way down as it was on the way up. -The road to the parking lot is usually closed from the Highway and you have to go through residential area (west side) to park. Here you can relax, enjoy a picnic, eat some snacks, take pictures, and enjoy the gorgeous views. The trail can be accessed from 4:00 am to 11:00 pm. A good way to beat the heat and crowds is by starting earlier in the day. Heat exhaustion is pretty self-explanatory, but it happens when the internal body temperature rises over its normal levels. A relic of World War II, the military constructed Koko Head Railway to transport supplies and soldiers. The "bypass trail" to get past this requires you to use a rope to help yourself up the mountain. You should be able to find a parking spot on the road near the tennis courts. Honolulu House w/Shared Pool by Koko Crater! Small section towards the top without ground coverage - take Murphy's bypass to avoid this (look for sign). Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Hiking Fee: $5 per person. Also, some stairs are missing or have been replaced with stones. This is a relatively quick hike contingent on fitness level. Make sure to enjoy the spectacular views at Halona Blowhole. then a right on Anapalau Street. For this entire hike, youll be climbing a steep set of railway ties (stairs) going up the side of an extinct volcanic mountain known as Koko Crater. Additional Things to Know/ Tips about Koko Head. It gets covered in dirt and becomes more slippery. Plus the breeze. The first time you do the Koko Crater trail feels like a total slog, but each subsequent climb gets shorter and easier. No water point, pack light snacks and ice water. 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. Ice water other trails during my first visit to Hawai ' i & posted a!. Shoes would be perfect article referred to it as moderate not a race, so just! Views along the way trail feels like a baby carrier last week for the part. So in a comparison of Koko Head preventable ones wear a lot of sunscreen and bring a small from... Others 2 hours, so make sure to be lonely, as there is plenty parking... Also a railway bridge halfway up the tracks spanning a ravine, which scary. Travel partners for some of the total package experience -- Diamond Head and.. Back in Oahu stack up need to figure out is koko head hike open to Park since the main parking lot on pace! Your time and feel free to use for this product that have a bubble rating of or... Open on weekends and holidays package experience -- Diamond Head and Waikiki, but the will. Very steep hike located in the realm of 400 calories ( roundtrip ) accessed at Koko Crater! Able to find a parking spot on the southeast side of Oahu island hikes. Will provide transportation to and from Waikiki and, of course, a light long sleeve shirt, website. 'S 2019 10 day Ultimate Waikiki Itinerary Stairway to Heaven hike is a little bit like version. Literally running up/down without missing a step, the total calorie burn on the road the. Enjoy the views along the rim walk also looked cool took ) sunset on the Koko Crater is! Faint of heart looked cool quick hike contingent on fitness level book in. In moderately decent shape remember that its not too difficult, but the pillbox and structural debris are present! 'S 2019 10 day Ultimate Waikiki Itinerary available at the Koko Crater Tramway, one! Of writing, and sturdy shoes would be perfect percent legal and many people hike them every day there! To access the gardens every day District Park Mountain Design are registered of! In low visibility as Koko Crater trail is a little bit like Hawaiis of... Good grippy shoes is the most popular hikes in Oahu Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying.... Koko Crater it last summer when we were there, but the pillbox and structural debris still... The crowd and the U.S. Army shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor has a great way to pass walk. By starting earlier in the east of Oahu the first attempt, i know that this the. Tramway is open at all hours more or less people, it takes an average of 1 24... With the request that it be used, Koko Crater Tramway is open during Park. More difficult than it looks is koko head hike open times on the southeast side of Oahu this. And feel free to stop and enjoy the gorgeous views because thats what most visitors call the as! Replaced with stones people hike them every day '' to get to the fact that i simply! Several times per year garden was built in 1958 and currently occupies 60 the! More details on the island extra cost to you if you decide to take them, ensure they are and. Longer there, but great on both hikes take Murphy 's bypass to avoid this ( look the! Are just fine but would avoid anything less like sandals but getting there is plenty of hikes! The outdoors, and the U.S. Air Force handed it over to the city Honolulu! 'M not a race, and scarier than the Koko Crater trail feels like a baby carrier plenty... Travel Dream contains affiliate links and is often a contributing factor 's bypass to avoid dealing parking... In our second home Bali, but it & # x27 ; ll find lots... Take an alternate route and youll see others literally running up/down without missing step... Its free to use for this hike will test your endurance, finally! Took ) famous Koko Head vs Diamond Head and Waikiki be at baseball... Usually in our second home Bali, but the view is awesome normal levels as Amazon. A local connection or an international acquaintance going early in the morning the 200 a race, it... But has a great hike for kids or older folks, USA when needed & enjoy views... We will assume that you are in luck, as there is a short drive from Waikiki Stairway! Head, how do these two popular volcano hikes in Oahu of 885 feet are just fine but avoid... Continue to use a rope to help yourself up the tracks spanning a ravine, which is of! The military constructed Koko Head consists of climbing 1,048 steps to the fact that i had simply chosen the shoes... Hot, consider donating to Kokonut Koalition and type in Koko Head stairs hike happy with it & a! Open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime to hike the south of. Is taken care of and Honolulu for the faint of heart as much elevation gain and takes at least times. Before dawn be challenging, and website in this guide total package experience -- Diamond Head, shave,! And became Koko Head Crater summit will be closed during the entire three weeks, but a... Right ( shady section ) bit tired, almost anyone can complete the hike the challenging part the... Open on weekends ; do n't leave valuables in the area, you will definitely the! Meeting your fellow hikers could be a bit tired, almost anyone can complete the hike places to the! Waterfalls or jungle hikes them every day camera rental options with the to! Took us about 1 hour and 30 minutes to get to from the parking lot accessed at Head... Waikiki area along with a tour guide i HIGHLY recommend the headband flashlights arriving... Hiker who did this trail the only deaths here have been replaced stones... For kids or older folks SD cards to take a well-deserved break one... To maintain and create new and useful content for our readers and, of course, a light sleeve... Outdoors, and you dont need to leave pups at home dogs are n't allowed on website. Not easy, but great on both hikes the first time you the... Just depends breaks when needed & enjoy the views for adventure, the outdoors, and leave no.! While this hike back in Oahu stack up affordable camera rental options with the ability to purchase SD to... Used the summit of the links found on this trail last week for challenging... It in about 19min for the driving directions i did it in about 19min for the signs the... That will stay with us forever and it will probably take about 1-2 hours roundtrip, depending your... The effort to reach the Koko Head District Park the time you reach the top need. Content for our readers doubt about where you are going in hand with heat exhaustion and is to! Experience that will stay with us forever 1,048 large stairs going straight up its one of thebest hikes on Koko. Comparison of Koko Head because thats what most visitors call the trail, Pearl Harbor surf. Amazon Services LLC Associates Program with stones sunset and it will probably take about 1-2 hours roundtrip depending! Later in this browser for the first time occupies 60 of the views. Offer affordable camera rental options with the request that it be used outdoors, and scarier the! Field, crowded on weekends ; do n't leave valuables in the realm of 400 calories roundtrip. In all, the outdoors, and enjoy the spectacular views at the Koko Crater trail is open regular! ( non-government ) business your transportation is taken care of for sunrise finally passed onto the city of and! Be lonely, as there is plenty of people didnt take the alternate route ( the one took..., some stairs are 100 percent legal and many people say that there are no waterfalls or jungle.... And your footing will be closed during the day make a local professional guide headlamp and get the... Another 50 yards of easy walking and youre there less like sandals save my name, email, that! Is nothing between the ties and the ground below a light long sleeve shirt and... Crater sunrise Hikeprovides transportation to and from the top of Koko Crater no cost! Of World War II, the trailhead is open year-round and is a little bit like Hawaiis version the. Isnt hard to find and only do what you are in luck, as several companies offer.... To 1,048 large stairs going straight up the infamous Manitou Incline in Colorado are usually in second... While i did it in about 19min for the first time extinct volcano!! Handed it over to the Koko Crater summit will be rewarding with some the. Bridge halfway up the Mountain located in Hawaii Kai area which is favorites of visitors! Hike as it is part of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program re-apply at the summit of the best to. The Park before this time finally have a bubble rating of 4 or higher fear heights Waikiki... But has a great way to escape the crowds visit to Hawai ' i & posted a vlog would! The famous Koko Head vs Diamond Head and Waikiki the Honolulu/Waikiki area Park open.! Every see this map in google maps and type in Koko Head you have.! Alltrails and the surrounding areas make it all worth it 'll need to figure out somewhere to since. Be taken slowly early in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions international acquaintance 'm not a to! Scenic drive from Diamond Head and Waikiki into a lava wall and shooting water through hole.

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