Makapuu Beach Park This beach is perfect for an afternoon picnic or a stroll on the beach. A hat and some shades would be welcome as additional sun protection. We appreciate your click. Before it was a trail, there used to be a railway. Gates close at 6:00 pm, so make sure to be out of the park before this time. Check out their website and consider donating if youre a fan of Koko Head. Take pics. Alternate from Waikiki: Take H1 east bound and you will see Koko Crater on the left side. 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. If you are not the average hiker, you can attempt the stairs in the early morning or night darkness . Mahalo! 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. Beautiful views at the top. It was closed for 3 weeks of renovation in 2021, but its very rare for that to happen. Definitely recommend if youre a good hiker. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The Koko Head Hike railway stairs is a short drive from Diamond Head and Waikiki. The hike is open all year long except for occasional trail maintenance. Some spots could be dangerous in the dark if youre not already familiar with the trail. As always, please remember to keep the trail clean, be considerate of other hikers, and leave no trace. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Local grinds: Check out Chef Jon Matsubara's restaurant, Feast, in Manoa Valley featuring Hawaiian-style burgers and sandwiches. Initially I resigned myself to the fact that I had simply chosen the wrong shoes for the trek (running shoes). Diamond Head Hours. More info on this below. The trail is steep, so ensure you are in decent shape before attempting to hike. The views at the top of Koko Head trail are really amazing. It takes an average of 1 hour 15 minutes to accomplish this trip, which is rated difficult. Great hike for sightseeing and a killer workout. 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. 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 stairs are challenging in the heat, but it's worth it. This can be tricky, as there is nothing between the ties and the ground below. Great for a cardio workout. 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) * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. 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. Also at the base of the crater, there is a visitor center (open 7am - 3 . It's awesome. Plus, this is excellent exercise! -Watch out for concrete parts of the trail. The Koko Crater (or Koko Head) hike outside Honolulu, Hawaii is one of Oahu's most popular hikes, and for good reason. The trailhead is open from 4:00 am till 11:00 pm. 360 degrees from the top, and it will give you a work out alright! Ive done this hike almost a dozen times, usually at sunset, and its always such a great show. The hike starts at the Koko Head District Park. Follow this link for more information: more Dept. 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. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Overall, its not too difficult, but something to keep in mind. Trail Elevation Gain - 885 feet. 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. Consider bringing a walking pole or stick, going back down may be more difficult for some. Here you can relax, enjoy a picnic, eat some snacks, take pictures, and enjoy the gorgeous views. If youre on vacation, dont ruin your vacation getting hurt. As stated, the sun is out, and that means heat exhaustion and dehydration are possibilities, albeit very preventable ones. Ultimately, take care and only do what you are comfortable with. Search "Nikko Gandia Travels" on YouTube. Make sure to enjoy the spectacular views at Halona Blowhole. The first time you do the Koko Crater trail feels like a total slog, but each subsequent climb gets shorter and easier. Parking is close. The Koko Head Trail is a must-see for anyone visiting Oahu. Free access with effectively no facilities. Yes, the Koko Crater Tramway is open during regular park open hours. The site has had many functions until it was finally passed onto the City of Honolulu and became Koko Head Regional Park in 1966. The Koko Head hike is open at all hours more or less. Athletic wear that can protect you from the sun is the recommended choice of wardrobe. It is an uneven climb along with the steps which are slippery due to dust. When you arrive at the Koko Head parking lot, its a little confusing to find the trailhead at first. 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 open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Koko Crater is one of the highest coastal points in the area and was therefore highly defensible. 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). Sandy Beachis an excellent spot for swimming, bodyboarding, and relaxing, with beautiful ocean views. 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. 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. This is the most touristy hike as it is very close to Waikiki, but has a great view. 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. After spending some time at the second peak, its time to head back down on the same trail you hiked up. This beginner-friendly, 2-mile hike is perfect for families with smaller children. It has about 3 times as much elevation gain and takes at least 3 times as long to climb. It is a feat that . The Koko Head Trail, officially known as Koko Crater Tramway, is one of the best hikes on Oahu. The last one-third of the Koko Head trail gets noticeably steeper and harder than before. Improve this listing Tours & experiences Explore different ways to experience this place. Great views Small section towards the top without ground coverage - take Murphy's bypass to avoid this (look for sign). If you enjoy this hike, consider donating to Kokonut Koalition. It was not so packed and people were very respectful. Challenging but not difficult. This sign lets you know where to bypass the bridge section. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. Just another 50 yards of easy walking and youre there. We always use Google Maps and type in Koko Head Trail for the driving directions. This constitutes a twenty-five-minute drive from Waikiki Beach. 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. . We went for the sunset and it was beautiful. This was steep! Not for the faint of heart and dont discouraged by the people running up and down multiple times. Plus the breeze. The Koko Head Trail has very little shade. You can also take Uber or Lyft if you want to avoid dealing with parking. Welcome to the Koko Crater Trail page. Today the radar station is no longer there, but the pillbox and structural debris are still present. I am clumsy to say the least is the hike safe? You will need the flashlight, as it will most likely be dark when you start the hike. 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. For those in better shape ready for some exercise the ascent can take a little as fifteen minutes. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. 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! Its yet another photogenic and interesting feature of this extinct volcanic mountain. In 2018, while sitting on a lounge chair in Waikiki, Vacation-Waikiki.com was born. Bring more water than you think youll need. Koko Head is also plenty steep. The hike will take approximately 2 hours to accomplish from the parking lot to top for an average individual. Saturday!! 100% of travelers recommend this experience. 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). Bragging rights, incredible photography and getting your cardio income as close seconds. Normally people hike to the arch on a short, easy trail that starts from the main coastal road by Halona Beach Cove, but you can also reach the arch from Koko Head via the Crater Rim trail. It was a good workout again like every There may be a short walk to and from the pick up locations depending on your lodging. Be aware, seeing as the whole thing is stairs, bad knees might not be so compatible with this adventure. One of my favorite things about this hike is that there is only one way up and one way down. I would recommend earlier. If you need a lot of rest breaks, itll take longer. We took some amazing pics. What to do after Hiking the Koko Head Crater Trail. The gates at Diamond Head are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the cutoff time for starting the hike is 4:00 p.m. . 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. A small overstep could cause significant injury. Sturdy and clear. 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). Meeting your fellow hikers could be a great way to make a local connection or an international acquaintance. The trail is steep, with an elevation gain of 885 feet. They are devoted mainly to different types of cacti and succulents and are said to be quite photogenic. Halfway up, there is a "bridge" portion without ground beneath ~50 rail steps, but there is bypassing trail if you're scared. So we were not prepared for the lack of oxygen, we made sure to take lots of breaks as it was hard to breathe at some points for me. Bring sun protection, as it can get hot during the day! Closed now 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Write a review About Makapuu Lighthouse Trail is one of Oahu's most popular coastal hiking trails on its southeastern coast, offering spectacular views of the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline. These stairs were actually built as part of a military railway during World War II, but theyve been used by hikers for many years, so clearly they work alright for that purpose too! The Koko Head Trail Challenge Tourtakes about 2 hours. Best time to hike: Anytime - The trail is open 6am until 6pm, although last entry is 4.30pm. Its fame comes mainly from the fact that this hike follows the old railroad used by the military when the infrastructure and bunkers were in use on top of the Koko Head. The Koko Head Crater Sunrise Hikeprovides transportation to and from Waikiki and, of course, a local professional guide. 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. Totally recommend if you're in Oahu. and a common misconception. What attractions are near Koko Crater Railway Trail? The steps here are large and should be taken slowly. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey there! It is made up of tuff, compressed volcanic ash. 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, andDiamond HeadCrater. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. Overall very fun and challenging for the amateur fitness enthusiast. Its fun to race to the top of the stairs, but theres really no reason to race down to the bottom. Feels like the making of the worlds fastest roller coaster from the top, but engineering the return would be challenging. Roundtrip Koko Head Stairs Distance: 0.9 mile / 1.4 km. FromWaikiki, you will need to take the H-1 to HI- 72 to Lunalilo Home Road, then drive up to Anapalau Street. Its one of thetop botanical gardens in Oahuand definitely worth the visit. Highlights of the trail:Gorgeous views of Honolulu, Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach, and Diamond Head Crater. See all 12 Koko Crater Railway Trail tours on Tripadvisor, See all Koko Crater Railway Trail experiences on Tripadvisor. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. There are 1,048 railroad ties to climb and then 30 feet to the lookout. That makes for a butt kicking climb. . Whenever you buy something through one of these links, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. Audio Tours Now Available! Wear a hat and sunglasses. We used the flashlights on our phones. Please tag along! Runners are just fine but would avoid anything less like sandals. The "bypass trail" to get past this requires you to use a rope to help yourself up the mountain. Up is harder physically, down is harder mentally (really worried we would fall!). The Koko Crater installation was deactivated in 1966, and the U.S. Air Force handed it over to the city of Honolulu. Get there early to beat the crowd and take your time!!! But the view at the very top is totally worth it! The hike isnt super long. Any hiking route on Oahu that both includes a lighthouse and is stroller-friendly is a winner in any family's book. How long does it take? The World Travel Guy 2023 The grueling Koko Head hike takes you on a steep railway trail up the side of a dormant volcano crater in the island of Oahu, Hawaii. All in all, the total calorie burn on the Koko Crater trail is somewhere in the realm of 400 calories (roundtrip). 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. -Don't leave any valuables in the car or in plain sight of windows. Its all ascending and steep and there is a section where Id advise taking the alternate route instead of going over the railway. Great views! This is a very doable yet challenging hike. Once you do the hard yards and reach Makapu'u Head, the lighthouse comes into . This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 19mn to go up, 10mn to go down. The views at the top are incredible. The last 1/10 of a mile is all stairs and especially steep. I hope you enjoyed this travel guide for the Koko Head hike in Oahu, Hawaii. Mahalo! Some people consider it one of the hardest hikes on the island. The trail heads up 990ft at a very steep incline, and the views at the Koko Head Crater summit are 1208ft above sea level. This one will make your legs sore the next day! Stairway to Heaven Depending on how you look at it, hiking to Koko Crater is both very simple and quite challenging. Sunny but there was a nice breeze at times. For the history buffs out there, the hike has great significance regarding the second World War. Could this be a different hike? 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. 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