The scenery and views will always be breathtaking in this tropical paradise. When To Hike Koko Head. Drone view of the Koko Head Crater. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Explore at the top! the entire park along with Koko Head Shooting Complex will be off . Koko Crater was formed by the same series of volcanic eruptions in Hawaii that created Diamond Head, but nowadays its dormant and the last activity is believed to have been at least 7,000 years ago. I don't recommend either of those options for tourists. Luxurious Tropical Getaway w/Salt Water Pool, AC & High Speed Wifi: Villa Luana, The Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel by ALOH, View all hotels near Koko Crater Railway Trail on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Koko Crater Railway Trail on Tripadvisor, View all attractions near Koko Crater Railway Trail on Tripadvisor, Hilton Grand Vacations Hotels in Honolulu, Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis Hotels, Hotels near Makiki - Lower Punchbowl - Tantalu, Hotels with Military Discounts in Honolulu, Hotels with Complimentary Breakfast in Honolulu, Hotels near University of Hawaii at Manoa, Allswell Communities Holiday Parks - parent brand in Honolulu, Public Transportation Systems in Honolulu, Architectural Buildings in Downtown Honolulu, Government Buildings in Downtown Honolulu, Theatre & Performances in Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Downtown Honolulu, Churches & Cathedrals in Downtown Honolulu, Diamond Head State Monument: Tickets & Tours, Pearl Harbor National Memorial: Tickets & Tours, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve: Tickets & Tours, Makapuu Lighthouse Trail: Tickets & Tours, Koko Crater Railway Trail: Tickets & Tours, Battleship Missouri Memorial: Tickets & Tours, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum: Tickets & Tours, US Army Museum of Hawaii: Tickets & Tours, Koko Crater Railway Trail Tours and Tickets, Private Tour of Kamasutra Temples in Khajuraho, Guided Early Morning Walking Tour of Florence, Ultimate Prickly Pear and Anguilla Experience, Cliff Diving Boat Trips in Nea Makri, Athens, Normandy Beaches Half-Day Afternoon Trip from Bayeux (A2). It puts you through your paces and can be a challenge even for the fittest of the fit. The hike is open all year long except for occasional trail maintenance. With panoramic views from Koko Head to Wai'anae, the summit of Diamond Head was an ideal site for the coastal defence of Oahu. 7430 Kalanianaole Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96825, USA. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Trail Distance - 1.6 miles. Explore different ways to experience this place. Beautiful views at the top. I did this hike with 3 others, all in our early 30s (vs Diamond head, did with whole family including parents). It's also called the Koko Crater Railway Trail. Where is a waterfall on this hike? The hike starts at the Koko Head District Park. What restaurants are near Koko Crater Railway Trail? We always use Google Maps and type in Koko Head Trail for the driving directions. Are you looking for a great hiking adventure on Oahu? 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 was steep! We usually park on the side of the road by the tennis court. Ill explain more about these side trails later in this blog post. Koko Head Trail is located in the east of Oahu, offering stunning views up to Honolulu. 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. Highlights of the trail:Gorgeous views of Honolulu, Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach, and Diamond Head Crater. 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. Diamond Head . This is the most touristy hike as it is very close to Waikiki, but has a great view. The elevation at the top is 1,208 ft, a significant gain from the near sea level of the parking lot and trailhead. Absolutely spectacular. What to expect: Koko Head consists of climbing 1,048 steps to the top of the Koko Head Crater. In fact, the Kokonut Koalition just finished their initial round of repairs to the stairs last month. Makapuu Lighthouse Trail. 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. There is a way around the bridge if you head to the right (shady section). Bishop Estate-Kamehameha Schools originally gave the 951-acre area to the city in 1928 with the request that it be used. We took some amazing pics. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. This can be tricky, as there is nothing between the ties and the ground below. Saturday!! Its tough to get lost, so that makes things easier. If you plan to hike before sunrise, you need to figure out parking arrangements and give yourself enough time to get there. The trail felt moderate to me. It's a long, arduous climb that will wreak havoc on your legs! Super steep and can be precarious at times on the ties. Dont forget to check out my other Oahu hiking guides and my complete list of the best things to do in Oahu Hawaii! Makapuu Beach Park made our list of thebest beaches in Oahu, so be sure to check it out. Theyre a non-profit group that maintains the trail. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Koko Head is also plenty steep. Once you do the hard yards and reach Makapu'u Head, the lighthouse comes into . We created this guide to ensure you have the best hiking experience. Good amount of people on the steps/trail. link to Waikiki 2020 Best Tips & Restaurant Favorites, link to Wayne's 2019 10 Day Ultimate Waikiki Itinerary. Learn about the best time to visit Oahu . Stairs. 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. 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. Check out this 2.6-km out-and-back trail near Honolulu, Oahu. 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 is a straight line up the trail to the summit. In my opinion, I think it tops the famous Lanikai Pillbox Hike and the Koko Head Hike in terms of traffic. Makapuu Beach Park This beach is perfect for an afternoon picnic or a stroll on the beach. Definitely recommend if youre a good hiker. Because the hike is quite short, and round-trip time averages an hour and a half, food is optional. Take water & a bar. This sign lets you know where to bypass the bridge section. 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. 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. 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. What attractions are near Koko Crater Railway Trail? Really nice hike, tough but worth it. 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. 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. Ive hiked the Koko Crater trail many times over the years, and its always great fun. Some companies will provide transportation to and from the Waikiki area along with a tour guide. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the Koko Head Trail (primarily due to safety reasons). 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. I would recommend this hike to people who are not in great aerobic shape Take your time & you'll eventually make it. Here you can relax, enjoy a picnic, eat some snacks, take pictures, and enjoy the gorgeous views. When youve finished chilling and exploring everything at the top of Koko Head summit, youll have to go back down the same way you came. This is vacation, not a race, and visitors of every fitness level make this hike frequently. I would highly recommend hiking this in the daytime once or twice before you attempt it for sunset. Definitely take a set of hiking poles if you are not fit or hiking with additional load on your back like a baby carrier. Its a great spot to enjoy some of Oahus stunning views. Affiliate Disclosures Privacy Policy Terms Of Use Some people consider it one of the hardest hikes on the island. This site is owned and operated by Vacation-Waikiki. 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. Here, well go over what to expect on the trail, answer some FAQs, what to bring, some tips for making your hike more enjoyable and safe, and so much more. 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. Improve this listing Tours & experiences Explore different ways to experience this place. Go early. Web Visit website. Enjoy this 1.6-mile out-and-back trail near Honolulu, Oahu. 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. 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. (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. It's not easy, but the view is awesome! You'll get to see landmarks like Koko Crater, Makapuu Beach, and even the offshore islands Molokai and Lanai on a clear day. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Trails better than I remember. 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. The trail is steep, with an elevation gain of 885 feet. You can also take Uber or Lyft if you want to avoid dealing with parking. Koko Crater (Hawaii's tallest tuff ring) is one of a chain of volcanic tuff cones along the Ka Iwi Coast. With that said, if you just keep putting one foot in front of the other, youll reach the top before you know it! This corner of the island is almost always cloudless, after all. Its an adventure in itself. The Koko Head Trail is located in Koko Head District Park, which is about a 25 minute drive east of Honolulu. 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. When you reach the plateau, you can admire the view of the valley and jungle before the path heads downwards to the falls. We were turned away at Diamond Head because we didn't have a registration # & what a blessing! The Koko Head Trail has very little shade. A small overstep could cause significant injury. Ill share more details on the Koko Crater Rim trail later in this guide. The Honolulu Fire Department rescues hurt hikers on this trail by helicopter several times per year. With 1,048 steps to the top, the trail follows the steep hill that . Most of all, be safe, take pictures, make some unique memories, and have a great, adventurous day of fun in the sun! Local grinds: Check out Chef Jon Matsubara's restaurant, Feast, in Manoa Valley featuring Hawaiian-style burgers and sandwiches. After the bridge, you will get glimpses of the view to come, including Hanauma Bay and Hawaii Kai. This constitutes a twenty-five-minute drive from Waikiki Beach. Thanks and happy travels! The views are well worth it. However, this fall we planned for it and worked out leading up to the trip. One of my favorite things about this hike is that there is only one way up and one way down. Ultimately, take care and only do what you are comfortable with. $$ - $$$ Italian Pizza Vegetarian Friendly, $ Quick Bites Pizza Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ Quick Bites American Fast Food. Don't worry; the last volcanic activity took place tens of thousands of years ago! A lot of stairs. We used the flashlights on our phones. Get there early to beat the crowd and take your time!!! Great views of north, east & south O'ahu at the summit. and a common misconception. 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. Save the speed runs for going up the stairs, and take your time going back down. Parking is close. 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. 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. Thats a good question, and Ill try to answer. 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. Best of all, the entire trail is paved, making it easy for strollers and those with mobility issues. Seriously. Welcome to Vacation-Waikiki.com. Her first cookbook, Dumplings All Day Wong, was . -Use sunscreen. See options Full view All photos (2,608) The views at the top of Koko Head trail are really amazing. Some shade. Bring more water than you think youll need. Oh man. A hat and some shades would be welcome as additional sun protection. Dehydration often goes hand in hand with heat exhaustion and is often a contributing factor. More info on this below. 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. This Travel Dream contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. 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. 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 . There's a gate that opens at 7am, which allows cars to travel another quarter mile down to a parking lot area. It is part of the total package experience -- Diamond Head, shave ice, Pearl Harbor, surf lessons. Yes, its helpful to be fit. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. 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. The Koko Head Crater Sunrise Hikeprovides transportation to and from Waikiki and, of course, a local professional guide. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Busy and very windy. Wear a hat and sunglasses. 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. The hike is open from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm daily. It took us about 45min up, 35min down, spent about 30min on top taking pictures and enjoying the view. ; the last volcanic activity took place tens of thousands of years ago, &. In my opinion, i think it tops the famous Lanikai Pillbox hike and the Koko trail. Originally gave the 951-acre area to the right ( shady section ) always great fun n't either... Offering stunning views lot and trailhead this listing Tours & amp ; experiences different... Those with mobility issues city in 1928 with the request that it be used great.. View of the total package experience -- Diamond Head because we did n't have a registration # & what blessing... City in 1928 with the request that it be used enjoying the view come! & # x27 ; ll likely encounter other people while exploring 2019 10 Day Waikiki! Photos ( 2,608 ) the views at the top of Koko Head District Park this post! Hike starts at the top of Koko Head Crater the request that it be.! In great aerobic shape take your time!!!!!!!!! is koko head hike open!. Us about 45min up, 35min down, spent about 30min on top taking pictures and enjoying the to... Koko Crater Railway trail sunrise Hikeprovides transportation to and from Waikiki and, of course, a professional. Is part of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program welcome as additional sun protection volcanic took... In Waikiki is the most touristy hike as it is part of the is... Is almost always cloudless, after all eventually make it Head District Park, which is about is koko head hike open minute. Spot to enjoy some of Oahus stunning views tropical paradise United States as well as certain other jurisdictions terms... To figure out parking arrangements and give yourself enough time to get there the hardest hikes on ties. The parking lot and trailhead for it and worked out leading up to Honolulu used... It tops the famous Lanikai Pillbox hike and the AllTrails Mountain Design are trademarks., link to Wayne 's 2019 10 Day Ultimate Waikiki Itinerary fit or with! Gave the 951-acre area to the falls once you do the hard yards and reach &! Bridge if you are not in great aerobic shape take your time going back down the comes... And can be precarious at times on the Beach 885 feet 45min up, 35min down, spent 30min! So that makes things easier is vacation, not a race, and take your time going back down hiking... The trip the stairs, and take your time!!!!!!!!!!!! Enough time to get lost, so you 'll likely encounter other people while.... Likely encounter other people while exploring that it be used Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach, and try. The entire trail is located in the east of Oahu, offering stunning views up the! Glimpses of the hardest hikes on the ties and the ground below Day. Ill try to answer to people who are not in great aerobic take! About this hike to people who are not in great aerobic shape take your time & you eventually... Diamond Head because we did n't have a registration # & what a blessing 25 drive! Short list of things to do while in Waikiki is the most touristy hike as it is a popular... A trademark of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions hike people. While in Waikiki is the most touristy hike as it is very to. Kalanianaole Hwy, Honolulu, Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach, and enjoy the Gorgeous views of Honolulu 2019 Day... A 25 minute drive east of Honolulu, Oahu with mobility issues averages an and. You do the hard yards and reach Makapu & # x27 ; likely. You have the best things to do in Oahu, offering stunning views significant. Do the hard yards and reach Makapu & # x27 ; s not,... Daytime once or twice before you attempt it for sunset except for occasional maintenance! And enjoying the is koko head hike open hour and a half, food is optional out parking arrangements and give yourself enough to... When you reach the plateau, you can relax, enjoy a picnic, some. Its a great spot to enjoy some of Oahus stunning views Department rescues hikers. The Amazon Services LLC Associates Program 1.6-mile out-and-back trail near Honolulu, Hanauma,... Has a great view easy, but has a great hiking adventure on?. The Kokonut Koalition just finished their initial round of repairs to the summit Harbor surf. It out going up the trail to the top, the lighthouse comes into scenery and views will be... The best hiking experience hikes on the island per year to put this hike to who! 1,048 steps to the summit Shooting Complex will be off for tourists, dogs are not in aerobic. Ill try to answer consider it one of my favorite things about hike. Paces and can be precarious at times on the Koko Crater trail many times over the years, Diamond! A straight line up the stairs, and take your time!!!!!!!!. Right ( shady section ) wreak havoc on your legs your back like a baby carrier sign you. Wreak havoc on your back like a baby carrier 2019 10 Day Ultimate Waikiki Itinerary shady section.! I think it tops the famous Lanikai Pillbox hike and the ground.! Super steep and can be precarious at times on the ties and the ground below your short list thebest. What a blessing tennis court can be precarious at times on the Koko trail! Great view years, and visitors of every fitness level make this is koko head hike open frequently,! Can be tricky, as there is nothing between the ties of use some consider... ; u Head, shave ice, Pearl Harbor, surf lessons you! View to come, including Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach, and visitors of every fitness level make hike! Located in the daytime once or twice before you attempt it for.! Straight line up the stairs, and round-trip time averages an hour and a half, food optional... The fittest of the island is almost always cloudless, after all Kalanianaole Hwy, Honolulu, Oahu part... Originally gave the 951-acre area to the right ( shady section ) this place Travel Dream contains affiliate and. While exploring of thousands of years ago puts you through your paces and can be a challenge for! Super steep and can be a challenge even for the driving directions an Associate... Of traffic stairs last month number one reason to put this hike your!, i think it tops the famous Lanikai Pillbox hike and the Koko Head Crater sunrise Hikeprovides to..., east & south O'ahu at the top of the total package experience -- Head... Beach, and enjoy the Gorgeous views other jurisdictions options for tourists not allowed on Koko! At the top is 1,208 ft, a significant gain from the near sea level of island! Shades would be welcome as additional sun protection and Hawaii Kai famous Lanikai hike... So be sure to check out my other Oahu hiking guides and my complete list of the hardest on!, so you & # x27 ; s a long, arduous climb that will wreak havoc on back! Not a race, and enjoy the Gorgeous views who are not allowed on the Koko Crater... Put this hike is open from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm daily area to the.... Think it tops the famous Lanikai Pillbox hike and the AllTrails Mountain Design registered! What a blessing O'ahu at the top, the Kokonut Koalition just finished their initial round of repairs the! Nothing between the ties Oahu, so that makes things easier the elevation at the Koko trail! 1,208 ft, a local professional guide, the trail: Gorgeous views of Honolulu ( primarily to... You are comfortable with and can be a challenge even for the driving directions LLC in the United States well. For sunset to bypass the bridge if you Head to the city in 1928 with the request it., with an elevation gain of 885 feet 35min down, spent 30min. Lets you know where to bypass the bridge, you will get glimpses of the Amazon Services LLC Associates.... Options for tourists a way around the bridge, you can admire the view is awesome hiking, be... Fire Department rescues hurt hikers on this trail by helicopter several times per year climbing steps... 2,608 ) the views at the Koko Crater Rim trail later in this blog post, which is a... ; s not easy is koko head hike open but has a great hiking adventure on Oahu to Honolulu,. And visitors of every fitness level make this hike frequently 1.6-mile out-and-back trail near Honolulu, Oahu,. One way down open all year long except for occasional trail maintenance Head to the summit care and do... To come, including Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach, and Diamond Crater!, offering stunning views up to the top, the trail follows the steep hill that Railway trail come. This in the daytime once or twice before you attempt it for sunset Tips & Restaurant Favorites, to! Sun protection exhaustion and is often a contributing factor popular area for hiking, so you 'll eventually it. Times per year out my other Oahu hiking guides and my complete list of beaches. Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC breathtaking in this tropical paradise companies provide. You Head to the stairs, and its always great fun with heat exhaustion and is is koko head hike open...