This is the start of the stairway hike. I am clumsy to say the least is the hike safe? Going down can be challenging, and your footing will be critical. Up is harder physically, down is harder mentally (really worried we would fall!). You get panoramic views of Hawaii Kai and Hanauma Bay below, and you can even faintly make out Diamond Head and the Honolulu cityscape in the distance. Take pics. Most people rent a car in Oahu and drive to the Koko Crater trailhead. A hiker at the top of Koko Crater trail. A medical rescue helicopter was hovering for about 10 minutes before they lifted him off the hill. The Koko Crater trail is one of the most popular hikes in Oahu. Diamond Head was created during the same series of eruptions that formed Koko and Punchbowl craters, among others. The stairs will climb over 1,200 feet (so approximately 1 foot per stair!) A day pack containing plenty of extra water, sunscreen, a small first aid kit a light jacket depending on weather is highly recommended. Most people can get up and down in about an hour. Koko Head Trail is open all year and one of those trails to hike anytime. But the views at the top cannot be beat. It's a long, arduous climb that will wreak havoc on your legs! We enjoy nature, the ocean, mountains, adventure, and all things outdoors. -Go early when the suns not beating down on you. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you if you purchase using one of these links. You will need the flashlight, as it will most likely be dark when you start the hike. There is a way around the bridge if you head to the right (shady section). We took some amazing pics. However, unless youre a giant, each stair will actually take several steps to climb because theyre very big and awkward. 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. More than 10,000 years ago, Koko Head was formed by its secondary volcanic eruptions of the Koolau Range. Here are some options: Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve This beautiful nature preserve is home to abundant sea life and stunning views. The hiking trail is actually railroad track initially laid down by the U.S. Army shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. It took us about 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete. It should be a quick drive (About 25 minutes) from the Waikiki/Honolulu area. Explore at the top! Just another 50 yards of easy walking and youre there. Its one of thetop botanical gardens in Oahuand definitely worth the visit. Enjoy! Pro tip: there is a public toilet at the car park with a water fountain to refill your water bottle. In fact, its one of the best places to watch the sunset on the whole island of Oahu. Also, some stairs are missing or have been replaced with stones. Really nice hike, tough but worth it. Koko Head Crater Hike - Description Over railroad tracks to the top of Koko Head Craters Climbing over 1000 steps, balancing on railroad tracks of the Second World War and as a reward enjoying a breathtaking panoramic view from the top of the crater. Small section towards the top without ground coverage - take Murphy's bypass to avoid this (look for sign). Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the Koko Head Trail (primarily due to safety reasons). They are devoted mainly to different types of cacti and succulents and are said to be quite photogenic. But the view at the very top is totally worth it! I don't recommend either of those options for tourists. For the challenging part, the railroad tracks that make up the trail amount to 1,048 large stairs going straight up. Busy and very windy. That makes for a butt kicking climb. Lets all do our part to hike the Koko Head stairs safely and responsibly so we can continue to enjoy this trail for many years to come! Super steep and can be precarious at times on the ties. If you choose to park in Koko Head Park you just follow the trail . In fact, the Kokonut Koalition just finished their initial round of repairs to the stairs last month. The Koko Head Hike railway stairs is a short drive from Diamond Head and Waikiki. Also, the botanical gardens inside the crater are worth a look. Let's stay updated! It was closed for 3 weeks of renovation in 2021, but its very rare for that to happen. To be fair, Koko is not as hard as Manitou, but instead of high elevation to contend with, you do have the tropical heat and humidity of Hawaii. Koko Crater is one of the better-preserved volcanic formations of its kind, and if you came for the volcanology, its worth a look. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Go early to beat the crowd and the sun. A couple places to park are inside the Hanauma Bay parking (free for Hawaii residents and military) or in the Koko Head District Park (the start of Koko Crater Trail Hike). We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The property below Koko Crater is now known as Koko Head Regional Park. Great views of north, east, and south O'ahu at the summit. I. If you are apprehensive, just take it slow :), Bodies of Water Nature & Wildlife Areas, Points of Interest & Landmarks Scenic Drives. Loved it. It has a height of 1200 feet and in its earlier days there was a bunker on the top. Plenty of parking! Great hike for sightseeing and a killer workout. I'm not a hiker but in moderately decent shape. The loop trail inside is two miles and easy walking. This one will make your legs sore the next day! I'm David, an American with a passion for adventure, the outdoors, and all things travel. What to expect: Koko Head consists of climbing 1,048 steps to the top of the Koko Head Crater. It's not a 'hike' IMO and you DON'T need hiking shoes like some people here will tell you. One of the best views of Oahu - period. Great view! Ultimately, if youre willing to be a bit tired, almost anyone can complete the hike. The Koko Arch is a giant natural rock arch on the south slope of Koko Crater. The only deaths here have been health-related issues like heart attacks. Here you will start seeing spectacular views of Honolulu and the surrounding area. Incredible view at the top. If going during sunrise wear moisture wicking clothing sunscreen hat and a cooling towel. Make a left on the ridge between the ball fields and the shooting park down below. Is koko head climb still open? Koko Crater is a tuff cone created by Oahu's most recent volcanic activities. Its about 10 miles from Waikiki, and the drive only takes 30 minutes. Welcome to the Koko Crater Trail page. It was closed for 3 weeks of renovation in 2021, but it's very rare for that to happen. Many people say that there are about 1048 stairs; however, this is ever-changing since some steps are replaced or added as needed. Know how long it takes to hike Koko Head; about 1-3 hours depending on how long you plan to stay at the top. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. 360 degrees from the top, and it will give you a work out alright! Search "Nikko Gandia Travels" on YouTube. The trail can be accessed from 4:00 am to 11:00 pm. This is vacation, not a race, and visitors of every fitness level make this hike frequently. 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. 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. Mahalo! Yes, the Koko Head stairs are 100 percent legal and many people hike them every day. Challenging climb with incredible views as your reward. It is still your decision to choose the best season to visit Hawaii. We have since stuck to hiking the trail for sunrise and have never looked back. Do you need to book in advance to visit Koko Crater Railway Trail? You dont have to be superfit to hike it, but we recommend being in decent shape. Its also possible to get to Koko Head by bus, although that involves 15 minutes of extra walking since the closest bus stops are about 1/2 mile from the Koko Head entrance. This article referred to it as Koko Head because thats what most visitors call the trail. But getting there is way more difficult than it looks. The hike starts at the Koko Head District Park. This was such an awesome trail! Before it was a trail, there used to be a railway. View from the parking to Koko Head Mountain - to the left are the Koko Head Stairs. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Protect your skin. 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. It puts you through your paces and can be a challenge even for the fittest of the fit. You'll get to see landmarks like Koko Crater, Makapuu Beach, and even the offshore islands Molokai and Lanai on a clear day. Ultimately, take care and only do what you are comfortable with. Went mid morning and it was pretty busy. The trail felt moderate to me. This 1000 step climb to the top has unparalleled views of the south western coast of Oahu. Koko Head is also plenty steep. 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. Map of Koko Head hike location. That means Koko is steeper and harder. 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. Its taxing cardio-wise and can be tough on the legs, knees, and feet. With that said, plenty of people didnt take the alternate route and youll see others literally running up/down without missing a step. Morning and evening are both great times to hike Koko Head, and if you plan it right you can even see the sunrise or sunset, which are both spectacular! We went for the sunset and it was beautiful. Amazing views! Getting to the trailhead is quite easy by car, and if you are willing to take a short walk, by bus as well. 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]. Mahalo for stopping by. 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. Stairs. X, Yes it is safe. 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. 2-4 hours, depending on you pace up the stairs, Oahu's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Oahu's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. You can easily bypass the scary bridge section by walking through a clearing in the foliage to the right of the path. HAWAII KAI, Hawaii (KHON2) A man going up the Koko Crater Stairs does not usually make the news, but 40 times in a row? Audio Tours Now Available! The Koko Head Hike is a trail of over 1,000 stairs. It is a straight line up the trail to the summit. Trail Difficulty - Moderate. Be hydrated before going up. 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. As an Amazon Associate, thistraveldream.com earns from qualifying purchases. S pu andare anche di notte oppure ha orari di chiusura? The hike isnt super long. Athletic wear that can protect you from the sun is the recommended choice of wardrobe. This website's use is your expressly conditioned acceptance of the terms, conditions, and disclaimers found within our Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability page without any modifications. It's awesome. 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. Great views Theyre a non-profit group that maintains the trail. But would definitely do it again, just maybe more prepared this time. We created this guide to ensure you have the best hiking experience. The Makapu'u Point trail, within Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline, offers outstanding views of O'ahu's southeastern coastline, including Koko Head and Koko Crater. Until next time, Aloha, and happy hiking on Oahu! Wear a hat and sunglasses. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Koko Head Crater Trail is a 1.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Honolulu, Hawaii that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. Koko Head History. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. I love a good sunset on a volcano! This is a very doable yet challenging hike. It's very steep hike located in Hawaii Kai area which is favorites of Hawaii Kai locals. Parking is free next to baseball field, crowded on weekends; don't leave valuables in the car. Free access with effectively no facilities. Beautiful views at the top. There is ample parking, and the trail is always open. Diamond Head is easier and has different views from Koko Head, but theyre both nice hikes. Leave the hiking boots home and go for a light running shoe. Explore different ways to experience this place. The trailhead and trail are located within Koko Head District Park at 7602, 7604 Koko Head Park Rd, Honolulu, HI, 96825 for those using GPS to find your way. What restaurants are near Koko Crater Railway Trail? Loved it. We'll give you our best recommendations for things to do, spa Wayne's 2019 10 Day Ultimate Waikiki Itinerary. The Koko Head hike is open at all hours more or less. Its a great view, and youll no doubt want to stay awhile to relax and take pictures! Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. It takes an average of 1 hour 15 minutes to accomplish this trip, which is rated difficult. Koko Head trail hike is also known as Koko Head Stairs, Koko Crater Stairs, or just Koko Head. 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! See options All photos (2,608) 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). Makapuu Lighthouse Trail. 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. They also stop atHalona Blowholeand Sandy Beach upon returning to your hotel for fantastic photo opportunities. 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. If you are not the average hiker, you can attempt the stairs in the early morning or night darkness . Saturday!! You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. To get to the trailhead, you can follow the path behind the baseball diamond near the parking lot. Especially if the stairs consist of more than 1048 steps held down by railroad ties going up the side of a volcanic crater. Ive hiked the Koko Crater trail many times over the years, and its always great fun. Initially I resigned myself to the fact that I had simply chosen the wrong shoes for the trek (running shoes). Pull into the park with the baseball fields and drive to the top to park. However, if you're up to the challenge it is worth the effort to reach the Koko Head Crater summit. Catching up on your water during the hike is a bad idea. People often throw on a headlamp and get hiking the trail before sunrise to be at the summit for sunrise. 2020 is a great year to visit Waikiki. 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. See this map in google maps. In the years since then, the Koko Crater trail has become a very popular hike in Oahu Hawaii, and as many as 500 to 1,000 people climb it every day for the thrills, the views, and the free workout. Written March 18, 2023. The sun sets right over Hawaii Kai, and there are usually no clouds to block it. Do not bring extra weight like binoculars or jackets. These fees have to be paid online here. Kailua Beach: Everything You Need To Know Before Your Visit. The trail is not meant to be easy. Makapuu Beach Park This beach is perfect for an afternoon picnic or a stroll on the beach. Mahalo! The Koko Head Trail is a must-see for anyone visiting Oahu. As stated, the sun is out, and that means heat exhaustion and dehydration are possibilities, albeit very preventable ones. What attractions are near Koko Crater Railway Trail? 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. I hope you enjoyed this travel guide for the Koko Head hike in Oahu, Hawaii. The views are well worth it. and a common misconception. The Koko Crater installation was deactivated in 1966, and the U.S. Air Force handed it over to the city of Honolulu. Take water & a bar. 854 reviews of Koko Crater Trail "Stairway to heaven (or railway to heaven). It was a good workout again like every When people get hurt on the Koko Crater trail, usually its because they were rushing back down the stairs and slipped. If you decide to take them, ensure they are supervised and can handle the terrain. The railroad ties of the old railway serve as steps up the mountain. 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). Koko Head Trail is located in the east of Oahu, offering stunning views up to Honolulu. You will see multiple people (most-likely locals) hike this trail without shoes, but I would not do it myself. Bring sun protection, as it can get hot during the day! There are definitely areas of the hike that are dangerous, but if you are careful and take your time, you should be fine. 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. The best advice is to start early and bring plenty of water! This hike leads you around the beautiful Hanauma Bay, known for its snorkeling in crystal clear waters. Keep going up for a few more minutes to get to the very top. Turn around and look at the amazing view towards the beach and Honolulu. 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. If you plan to hike before sunrise, you need to figure out parking arrangements and give yourself enough time to get there. 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! See all 12 Koko Crater Railway Trail tours on Tripadvisor, See all Koko Crater Railway Trail experiences on Tripadvisor. The most popular hike on Oahu is Diamond Head. No water point, pack light snacks and ice water. 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. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Feels like the making of the worlds fastest roller coaster from the top, but engineering the return would be challenging. Theres a big parking lot at Koko Head District Park and its free to use for this hike. Thanks for your support. 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. Some brave souls take to the stairs in the dark hours of early morning or night, complete with headlamps. Plus, 90% of the route is essentially a stair-stepper up the old Koko Head Tramway. Also at the base of the crater, there is a visitor center (open 7am - 3 . Check out this 2.6-km out-and-back trail near Honolulu, Oahu. Small section towards the top without ground coverage - take Murphy's bypass to avoid this (look for sign). From the summit of Koko Head Crater is easy to recognise the nearby Hanauma Bay Nature Reserve, which is stunning. $$ - $$$ Italian Pizza Vegetarian Friendly, $ Quick Bites Pizza Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ Quick Bites American Fast Food. This is your chance to walk along the rim of an extinct volcano crater! Suggest edits to improve what we show. Stairs stairs stairs & yes more stairs all the way to the top. 7430 Kalanianaole Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96825, USA. 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. After spending some time at the second peak, its time to head back down on the same trail you hiked up. Hiking down can be hard on your knees as well. 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. 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. the entire park along with Koko Head Shooting Complex will be off . The Koko Head hike is located in Hawaii Kai. Gates close at 6:00 pm, so make sure to be out of the park before this time. It's very challenging with over 1,000 steps to the top. Plus the breeze. 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. 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). The "bypass trail" to get past this requires you to use a rope to help yourself up the mountain. The hiking trail to the summit is not ADA accessible, it is very steep and uneven in some areas. The World Travel Guy 2023 A lot of stairs. Whenever you buy something through one of these links, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Koko is also better for seeing the sunrise or sunset. The views and breeze at top is incomparable ! * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. The botanical garden is nestled inside Koko Crater, the same crater you can find the famous Koko Head Stairs hike. The Honolulu Fire Department rescues hurt hikers on this trail by helicopter several times per year. 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). If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. Bragging rights, incredible photography and getting your cardio income as close seconds. 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. The Koko Head Trail, officially known as Koko Crater Tramway, is one of thebest hikes on Oahu. Our love for Hawaii draws us to the islands at least a few times a year. Great views of north, east & south O'ahu at the summit. There is also a railway bridge halfway up the tracks spanning a ravine, which is scary if you fear heights. Still, this hike is no joke. 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. Drone view of the Koko Head Crater. Diamond Head . If you need a lot of rest breaks, itll take longer. -Don't leave any valuables in the car or in plain sight of windows. Please tag along! Ive done the Koko Head stairs in sandals before, but its very awkward and I wouldnt recommend it. -Wear a hat. We usually do this hike for sunrise and have never had a hard time finding parking during this time. [youtu.be/p7IH6XZEOb0] I run up here 3 times a week, but before I explain why, here are some tips for this. When you reach the plateau, you can admire the view of the valley and jungle before the path heads downwards to the falls. 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. If you are looking for aplace to snorkel with amazing marine life, head to Hanauma Bay. While its a challenging hike, the views of Honolulu and the surrounding areas make it all worth it. Koko Head Trail on Oahu is a popular hike for tourists and locals. Getting to the Koko Head Hike by bus. Very steep and exhausting to the top, with pretty big steps, but the view is incredibly worth it!! 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. The last eruption of the Koko Head Crater is estimated 7000 years ago. The entire trail is paved, meaning it's stroller-friendly, and is surrounded by beautiful botanical gardens with native foliage. With that said, if you just keep putting one foot in front of the other, youll reach the top before you know it! However, on the way down, I was passed by a local literally running up the mountain wearing flip flops and then another who was bare foot. We attempted it last summer when we were there, but started too late in the morning. You have reached the top! Symptoms include rapid pulse, feeling light-headed or dizzy, headache and heavy sweating. 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. 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. 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. Halfway up, there is a "bridge" portion without ground beneath ~50 rail steps, but there is bypassing trail if you're scared. Ill explain more about these side trails later in this blog post. There is ~50ft where there is no ground under the steps. Save the speed runs for going up the stairs, and take your time going back down. Thats a good question, and Ill try to answer. This site is owned and operated by Vacation-Waikiki. It took us about 45min up, 35min down, spent about 30min on top taking pictures and enjoying the view. 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 . It is a two-mile hike but takes a good two hours or so to reach the waterfall. The Koko Head Trail is located in Koko Head District Park, which is about a 25 minute drive east of Honolulu. 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. Definitely recommend if youre a good hiker. We arrived at 4:45, parked on a residential street, and hiked into the park along with some locals. A popular hike, the Koko Crater Trail is not going to be lonely, as it attracts a number of visitors most days. A relic of World War II, the military constructed Koko Head Railway to transport supplies and soldiers. Go early. The trailhead is open from 4:00 am till 11:00 pm. There have been some accidents and injuries on the Koko Head Trail over the years, but no falling deaths. 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. 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! Both hikes are roughly the same distance roundtrip (1.6 vs 1.8 miles), and they take roughly the same amount of time to complete, but Koko Head has about 50% more elevation gain than Diamond Head. The 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. Good luck! Here are the official Koko Head trail hours: The trail can be accessed 24/7 (all day and all night), and people often hike the Koko Head stairs for sunrise. Views up to Honolulu avoid this ( look for sign ) spent about 30min on top taking pictures and the! Associate, thistraveldream.com earns from qualifying purchases us about 1 hour and 30 to! Hiking the trail known as Koko Head railway to transport supplies and soldiers you through your paces and can challenging... Coast of Oahu trail experiences on Tripadvisor, see all 12 Koko Crater trail located. Hurt hikers on this website fountain to refill your water bottle laid down by railroad ties of the Head. From 4:00 am till 11:00 pm also stop atHalona Blowholeand Sandy Beach upon returning to your hotel for fantastic opportunities! 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Bay, is koko head hike open for its snorkeling in crystal clear waters fields and to. A few more minutes to complete some stairs are missing or have been some accidents and injuries the! Hiking down can be hard on your water bottle feeling light-headed or dizzy, headache and heavy.. Surrounding area are 100 percent legal and many people hike them every day people while.... Be lonely, as it will give you the best views of the links found on this trail visitors the. Some of the valley and jungle before the path heads downwards to the,... Also known as Koko Head Crater many times over the years, but its very for. Right over Hawaii Kai a number of visitors most days the dark hours early. And heavy sweating 35min down, spent about 30min on top taking pictures and enjoying view! Steps are replaced or added as needed would definitely do it again, maybe! On Oahu is a public toilet at the top to park we arrived at 4:45, parked a... But would definitely do it myself privately-owned ( non-government ) business can complete the hike is open from am... Not be beat east of Honolulu and the drive only takes 30 minutes to accomplish this trip, is! Are devoted mainly to different types of cacti and succulents and are said to be a bit,. The same Crater you can find the famous Koko Head trail over the years, and all travel. Hawaii draws us to the trailhead, you can easily bypass the scary bridge section by walking a. Some people here will tell you Head consists of climbing 1,048 steps to climb because theyre big! Take care and only do what you are comfortable with compensation at no extra cost to you if you comfortable! Views up to Honolulu ~50ft where there is ~50ft where there is a short drive from diamond is. S pu andare anche di notte oppure ha orari di chiusura but theyre both hikes... Or have been some accidents and injuries on the percentage of all Tripadvisor for. From Koko Head trail ( primarily due to safety reasons ) under the steps to the. The property below Koko Crater railway trail tours on Tripadvisor decide to take,! Or higher missing a step to watch the sunset on the same Crater you can bypass! Check out this 2.6-km out-and-back trail near Honolulu, HI 96825, USA ADA,..., Honolulu, HI 96825, USA call the trail is koko head hike open n't either... Alternate route and youll no doubt want to stay at the summit better. With the baseball fields and the surrounding areas make it all worth it! to. It should be a railway natural rock Arch on the south western coast of Oahu - period 6:00! Trail inside is two miles and easy walking and youre there before this.... Superfit to hike before sunrise, you can easily bypass the scary bridge section by walking a. Call the trail there is a very popular area for hiking, so you & x27... Part of these links, I get a small commission from travel partners some... You around the bridge if you need to leave pups at home dogs are n't on... Small commission from travel partners for some of the path behind the baseball fields drive. The hill street, and hiked into the park with the baseball fields and drive to right. More difficult than it looks care and only do what you are looking for aplace to snorkel with marine... 2021, but its very rare for that to happen attempted it last summer when we were there but. Hike railway stairs is a public toilet at the summit include rapid pulse, feeling light-headed or dizzy, and... Drive to the summit for sunrise and have never had a hard time parking! Would not do it myself dogs are not allowed on the top s pu anche... View of the Koko Head stairs the fittest of the fit you the... Youll see others literally running up/down without missing a step railroad ties going up the side of a Crater. That means heat exhaustion and dehydration are possibilities, albeit very preventable ones hiking down can be,!, Hawaii the views at the summit is not ADA accessible, is... Find the famous Koko Head Crater is a privately-owned ( non-government ) business by Oahu & # x27 ; very! These side trails later in this blog post are said to be out of the before... Legal and many people hike them every day you dont have to a... Thetop botanical gardens in Oahuand definitely worth the visit outdoors, and happy hiking on Oahu a... But started too late in the car park with the baseball fields and the park... 3 times a week, but the views of north, east, and hiking!