Oahu man hiking Koko Head 40 times for mental health. Challenging climb with incredible views as your reward. This was such an awesome trail! -Bring at least one water bottle. Suggest edits to improve what we show. When a popular hiking trail in Oahu becomes a liability, the Hawaii governments typical response is to close it down completely instead of working with the community and trying to find a better solution. The views at the top are incredible. It will be about a 15-20 minute walk to the Koko Head trailhead. 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. We created this guide to ensure you have the best hiking experience. Take water & a bar. My wife Intan and I are usually in our second home Bali, but our journeys take us to destinations all over the world. In fact, the Kokonut Koalition just finished their initial round of repairs to the stairs last month. Sandy Beachis an excellent spot for swimming, bodyboarding, and relaxing, with beautiful ocean views. This steep climb consists of 1,000+ steps along an abandoned railroad track that runs to the top of Koko Crater. Koko Head Regional Park in Honolulu County, HI Koko Head Park Rd Honolulu, HI 96825, Koko Crater Arch Trail from Halona Blowhole Lookout, Kaiwi Shoreline Trail to Alan Davis Beach and Kaho'ohaihai Inlet, Ka'iwi Shoreline Trail and Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail Loop, Ka-ili-ili Bay and Kaloko Inlet via Kaiwi Shoreline Trail, Kamilo'iki Park and Hawaii Kai Community Garden, Hahaione to Pyramid Rock Loop [PRIVATE PROPERTY]. If going during sunrise wear moisture wicking clothing sunscreen hat and a cooling towel. This detour is marked with a helpful sign so youll know when to turn off the main path. With that said, if you just keep putting one foot in front of the other, youll reach the top before you know it! It is possible to ride your moped to the trailhead directly from the Waikiki area as you never need to enter the main highway. Saturday!! The Koko Head elevation / height at the summit is 1,207 feet (368 m). I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you if you purchase using one of these links. We recommend wearing trail running shoes or hiking shoes/boots if you have them. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. However, this fall we planned for it and worked out leading up to the trip. Stairway to Heaven The views and breeze at top is incomparable ! Theres a big parking lot at Koko Head District Park and its free to use for this hike. Ultimately, if youre willing to be a bit tired, almost anyone can complete the hike. Seriously. Pull into the park with the baseball fields and drive to the top to park. When you arrive at the Koko Head parking lot, its a little confusing to find the trailhead at first. Great views of north, east & south O'ahu at the summit. However, the Koko HeadDistrict Park parking lot hours are 6:30 am till 11:00 pm. 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) Stairs stairs stairs & yes more stairs all the way to the top. On Oahu, the Koko Head walk is a famous short climb where the stairs are the remnants of an ancient railway. I would recommend this hike to people who are not in great aerobic shape Take your time & you'll eventually make it. Do you need to book in advance to visit Koko Crater Railway Trail? 97% of travelers recommend this experience. 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). Koko Crater Railway Trail (Honolulu) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. It is still your decision to choose the best season to visit Hawaii. You can read mydisclaimerfor more information. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The hike isnt super long. Whenever you buy something through one of these links, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Good view from the top - the rim walk also looked cool. Catching up on your water during the hike is a bad idea. Koko Crater (Hawaii's tallest tuff ring) is one of a chain of volcanic tuff cones along the Ka Iwi Coast. We recommend going early in the morning, before 10:00 am or after 4:00 pm, to avoid the crowds. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. A small overstep could cause significant injury. The last eruption of the Koko Head Crater is estimated 7000 years ago. Bring plenty of water,sunscreen, asnorkeling shirt, a hat, and snacks. We climbed up in 30 min. This was challenging but very worth it! Walking along the south rim of Koko Crater. -There is a part of the trail where the tracks turn into a bridge with no bottom. Here you can relax, enjoy a picnic, eat some snacks, take pictures, and enjoy the gorgeous views. The Start of the Trail. We crossed paths with two people running up and down this trail, and they informed us that some people complete the entire trip in as little as 15 minutes! Diamond Head was created during the same series of eruptions that formed Koko and Punchbowl craters, among others. It gets covered in dirt and becomes more slippery. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Drone view of the Koko Head Crater. 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. However, the parking lot is open from 6:30 am to 11:00 pm. Overall, its not too difficult, but something to keep in mind. 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 are even underwater camera options for a wide range of adventures. This trail is named after Oahu's most widely known landmark, Diamond Head, a massive chunk of volcanic rock situated on the Southwestern coast of the island. With panoramic views from Koko Head to Wai'anae, the summit of Diamond Head was an ideal site for the coastal defence of Oahu. We enjoy nature, the ocean, mountains, adventure, and all things outdoors. Our love for Hawaii draws us to the islands at least a few times a year. The views are well worth it. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Its expensive to maintain and create new and useful content for our readers. There have been some accidents and injuries on the Koko Head Trail over the years, but no falling deaths. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. We started our first trip of the year in February and wanted to share the latest travel deals. Koko is also better for seeing the sunrise or sunset. Koko Crater is one of the highest coastal points in the area and was therefore highly defensible. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. We always use Google Maps and type in Koko Head Trail for the driving directions. Athletic wear that can protect you from the sun is the recommended choice of wardrobe. Should you want to get some spectacular photos, but dont have the equipment, check out Hawaii Camera. The trail can be accessed from 4:00 am to 11:00 pm. The incline is abrupt, take breaks when needed & enjoy the views. Parking is free next to baseball field, crowded on weekends; don't leave valuables in the car. If youre in one of those categories, please take your time and go extra slow on this trail, especially on the way back down. Super steep and can be precarious at times on the ties. Improve this listing Tours & experiences Explore different ways to experience this place. Enjoy this 1.6-mile out-and-back trail near Honolulu, Oahu. We arrived at 4:45, parked on a residential street, and hiked into the park along with some locals. Trail Difficulty - Moderate. However, unless youre a giant, each stair will actually take several steps to climb because theyre very big and awkward. Plus the breeze. This is the start of the stairway hike. Most of all, be safe, take pictures, make some unique memories, and have a great, adventurous day of fun in the sun! Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. The hike starts at the Koko Head District Park. The final part of the trail is the toughest due to the steepness, but remember that the views are worth it if you need some motivation. Warning sign at the Koko Crater railway trailhead. It makes it unpleasant and a lot harder. The steps here are large and should be taken slowly. However, if you're up to the challenge it is worth the effort to reach the Koko Head Crater summit. As stated, the sun is out, and that means heat exhaustion and dehydration are possibilities, albeit very preventable ones. 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! Totally recommend if you're in Oahu. Great workout - stair master 5000! Below are some FAQs regarding hiking the Koko Hea: We recommend wearing proper hiking shoes or trail shoes to protect your feet. From the very start, you can already see the tiny hikers ascending the mountain, looking like ants in the distance. If you decide to take them, ensure they are supervised and can handle the terrain. We dont recommend doing this, though. It takes an average of 1 hour 15 minutes to accomplish this trip, which is rated difficult. Most people rent a car in Oahu and drive to the Koko Crater trailhead. We usually do this hike for sunrise and have never had a hard time finding parking during this time. We usually park on the side of the road by the tennis court. Good amount of people on the steps/trail. 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. Thats a good question, and Ill try to answer. If you want to mix things up on the Koko Head hike and do something different, you can combine it with the Koko Crater Rim trail, which loops in a circle along the top of the Koko Crater. If you are apprehensive, just take it slow :), Bodies of Water Nature & Wildlife Areas, Points of Interest & Landmarks Scenic Drives. Affiliate Disclosures Privacy Policy Terms Of Use You can take an alternate route (the one I took). Once you get to the top, you will be greeted with astonishing 360-degree views. We went for the sunset and it was beautiful. However, keep in mind that Koko Head is one of the most popular hikes on the island, and the parking lot can fill up quickly. 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. for their Hawaii vacation. That is just a mere total of 1.4 miles for the round-trip. Diamondhead climb better option for those not prepared for an adventurous climb. The Honolulu Fire Department rescues hurt hikers on this trail by helicopter several times per year. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. 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. The Koko Head hike is open at all hours more or less. Great medium hike, a lot of steps, pretty well maintained. Some companies will provide transportation to and from the Waikiki area along with a tour guide. Great view! It is part of the total package experience -- Diamond Head, shave ice, Pearl Harbor, surf lessons. To get to the trailhead, you can follow the path behind the baseball diamond near the parking lot. The hike is open from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm daily. As always, please remember to keep the trail clean, be considerate of other hikers, and leave no trace. The park does not officially open until 6:30 which is right about sunrise that time of year. Parking is close. I can tell the Kokonut Coalition did great work. It has a height of 1200 feet and in its earlier days there was a bunker on the top. Its fun to race to the top of the stairs, but theres really no reason to race down to the bottom. A medical rescue helicopter was hovering for about 10 minutes before they lifted him off the hill. Some shade. You can easily bypass the scary bridge section by walking through a clearing in the foliage to the right of the path. Absolutely spectacular. 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). 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. Welcome to the Koko Crater Trail page. So in a comparison of Koko Head vs Diamond Head, how do these two popular volcano hikes in Oahu stack up? Ill share more details on the Koko Crater Rim trail later in this guide. 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. It is a two-mile hike but takes a good two hours or so to reach the waterfall. 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? For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Check out their website and consider donating if youre a fan of Koko Head. Bragging rights, incredible photography and getting your cardio income as close seconds. For the history buffs out there, the hike has great significance regarding the second World War. Web Visit website. Make a left on the ridge between the ball fields and the shooting park down below. This is the most touristy hike as it is very close to Waikiki, but has a great view. 2020 is a great year to visit Waikiki. Starting Monday, the popular Koko Crater summit destination atop the Koko Crater Tramway hiking trail will be closed to the public for three weeks, the scheduled duration of a project to mitigate . 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). Small section towards the top without ground coverage - take Murphy's bypass to avoid this (look for sign). I run up here 3 times a week, but before I explain why, here are some tips for this. I can be a bit scary/dangerous. Most people can get up and down in about an hour. 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. The "bypass trail" to get past this requires you to use a rope to help yourself up the mountain. Yes, the Koko Crater Tramway is open during regular park open hours. Once at the top, put yourself in a WW2 soldiers shoes and imagine the planes and ships you would see . The views at the summits are different, but great on both hikes. A day pack containing plenty of extra water, sunscreen, a small first aid kit a light jacket depending on weather is highly recommended. If you choose to park in Koko Head Park you just follow the trail . Witnessing the sunrise from the top of Koko Crater is definitely worth the early morning! I'm David, an American with a passion for adventure, the outdoors, and all things travel. Koko Head is also plenty steep. It puts you through your paces and can be a challenge even for the fittest of the fit. In 2018, while sitting on a lounge chair in Waikiki, Vacation-Waikiki.com was born. It gets pretty hot during the afternoon, so be prepared for that and always stay hydrated. The stairs will climb over 1,200 feet (so approximately 1 foot per stair!) Enjoy! A popular hike, the Koko Crater Trail is not going to be lonely, as it attracts a number of visitors most days. The botanical garden is nestled inside Koko Crater, the same crater you can find the famous Koko Head Stairs hike. But getting there is way more difficult than it looks. These are the current hours and entrance fees for the Diamond Head hike, as of 2022. You will be accompanied by knowledgeable tour guides who will help you understand the history and beauty of the trail. Lanikai Pillbox: The Pillbox Hikeis one of my favorite hikes on Oahu. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. This hike leads you around the beautiful Hanauma Bay, known for its snorkeling in crystal clear waters. Plan on probably at least 30 minutes to reach the top, and then almost the same amount of time to go back down. Especially if the stairs consist of more than 1048 steps held down by railroad ties going up the side of a volcanic crater. Even seasoned hikers will be feeling intimidated when they arrive at the trailhead and see the gargantuan climb that awaits them. The Koko Arch is a giant natural rock arch on the south slope of Koko Crater. 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. Make sure to take your time and watch your footing. Thanks for your support. This corner of the island is almost always cloudless, after all. See all 12 Koko Crater Railway Trail tours on Tripadvisor, See all Koko Crater Railway Trail experiences on Tripadvisor. Its not too difficult, but has a great view afternoon, so be prepared for adventurous... Years, but dont have the best experience on our website is WAY more difficult than it looks American. Does not officially open until 6:30 which is rated difficult to turn off the main path number of visitors days. 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Accidents and is koko head hike open on the side of the trail LLC is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC a... Disclosures Privacy Policy terms of use you can easily bypass the scary bridge section walking. 1048 steps held down by railroad ties going up the side of a volcanic Crater no to... People who are not in great aerobic shape take your time & 'll! Times per year cost to you still your decision to choose the best experience on our website ensure have! A volcanic Crater taken slowly and beauty of the year in February and wanted to share the travel... Trail by helicopter several times per year bad idea and relaxing, beautiful! Do n't leave valuables in the area and was therefore highly defensible '' to get to stairs., you will be about a 15-20 minute walk to the top between the ball fields drive. Head, how do these two popular volcano hikes in Oahu and drive the!