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  • is koko head hike open2020/09/28

    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. I hope you enjoyed this travel guide for the Koko Head hike in Oahu, Hawaii. Ive seen this in news reports and also seen it happen in person many times. The Koko Crater installation was deactivated in 1966, and the U.S. Air Force handed it over to the city of Honolulu. You can read mydisclaimerfor more information. The Koko Head elevation / height at the summit is 1,207 feet (368 m). 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. 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. The Koko Head Trail is mainly uncovered, meaning there is very little shade on the trail. All in all, the total calorie burn on the Koko Crater trail is somewhere in the realm of 400 calories (roundtrip). The Ring of Fire is more than a classic Johnny Cash song. Welcome to Vacation-Waikiki.com. The views and breeze at top is incomparable ! More Oahu Hiking Guides . You can use the map below for navigation directly to the parking lot address. 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. 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. 360 degrees from the top, and it will give you a work out alright! For most people, it will probably take about 1-2 hours roundtrip, depending on your pace. If you are looking for other hikes in the area, we recommend the below hikes: Diamond Head:This is a must-do hike if you are in Honolulu. A popular hike, the Koko Crater Trail is not going to be lonely, as it attracts a number of visitors most days. The site has had many functions until it was finally passed onto the City of Honolulu and became Koko Head Regional Park in 1966. It is made up of tuff, compressed volcanic ash. On Oahu, the Koko Head walk is a famous short climb where the stairs are the remnants of an ancient railway. This is the most touristy hike as it is very close to Waikiki, but has a great view. HIKE. Its a great spot to enjoy some of Oahus stunning views. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. The hike is open all year long except for occasional trail maintenance. Lost some weight just going here every week once a week for an afternoon hike after work. Usually there are lots of other hikers coming and going, so its easy to find the trailhead by following the other hikers. Wear a lot of sunscreen and bring a small bottle to re-apply at the top. -Go early when the suns not beating down on you. Makapuu Lighthouse: This is a family-friendly hike, and its one of my favorite places to watch the sunrise. How long is Koko Head Hike? Plus the breeze. It took others 2 hours, so it just depends. When To Hike Koko Head. After taking some pictures at the arch, we walked down to the road at Halona Beach Cove and caught a bus home. [youtu.be/p7IH6XZEOb0] If you are not the average hiker, you can attempt the stairs in the early morning or night darkness . It should be a quick drive (About 25 minutes) from the Waikiki/Honolulu area. Tough but awesome workout. Diamondhead climb better option for those not prepared for an adventurous climb. Great workout - stair master 5000! I do NOT recommend this hike for kids or younger teenagers, because the downhill portion is so steep that if you miss your foot placement on the railroad ties on the downhill, especially during the section where the wooden ties are about 10 to 12 feet above ground level, a sprained ankle would be a lucky outcome. Halona Blowhole Have you ever seen a blowhole in action? Diamond Head Interpretive Kiosk & Gift Shop. The sun sets right over Hawaii Kai, and there are usually no clouds to block it. Our goal is to build a website with tips and recommendations from our vacation experiences that offer our readers a single place to find all the information you will need when planning your very own trip to Hawaii. The Koko Head hike is a little bit like Hawaiis version of the infamous Manitou Incline in Colorado. You will see multiple people (most-likely locals) hike this trail without shoes, but I would not do it myself. When you reach the end of the Koko Head stairs, you still have a little bit of walking to do to get to the top of the mountain. Lanikai Pillbox: The Pillbox Hikeis one of my favorite hikes on Oahu. The Koko Crater (or Koko Head) hike outside Honolulu, Hawaii is one of Oahu's most popular hikes, and for good reason. Leave the hiking boots home and go for a light running shoe. What to expect: Koko Head consists of climbing 1,048 steps to the top of the Koko Head Crater. . Youre in for a very tough hike if you do all of this in one day, and I wouldnt attempt it if you arent plenty comfortable with heights. Since it gets pretty hot, consider wearing light-colored clothes made of light material. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the Koko Head Trail (primarily due to safety reasons). A: Aloha Caroline. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. Hiking down can be hard on your knees as well. Pro tip: there is a public toilet at the car park with a water fountain to refill your water bottle. Its one of the most popular tourist places in Hawaii for a good reason. There are 1,048 stairs at Koko Head trail, to be exact. Waikiki 2020 Best Tips & Restaurant Favorites. The scenery and views will always be breathtaking in this tropical paradise. The path at Diamond Head is in much better condition than the Koko stairs, so its definitely more suitable for kids and older people. There is no doubt about where you are going. 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. At this point, you finally have a nice breeze hitting you, and some trees and bushes to hide under for shade. Tripadvisor gives a Travelers Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor. 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. Its considered one ofOahus easy hikesand has fantastic views ofLanikai Beachand the Mokulua Islands. Youll want a good light for hiking Koko Head at sunrise, and again, I would highly recommend going in the daytime once or twice before you attempt it for sunrise. Busy and very windy. It can get quite toasty, and it is recommended that the hike be completed in the earlier morning to avoid the heat of midday. 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. You'll also find a preserved historical Hawaiian village along the way, so feel free to . To get to the trailhead, you can follow the path behind the baseball diamond near the parking lot. What to do after Hiking the Koko Head Crater Trail. They offer affordable camera rental options with the ability to purchase SD cards to take home. 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. Enjoy! A day pack containing plenty of extra water, sunscreen, a small first aid kit a light jacket depending on weather is highly recommended. Suggest edits to improve what we show. After your hike, you can take a well-deserved break at one of the many nearby attractions. For the history buffs out there, the hike has great significance regarding the second World War. If you're visiting Oahu soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Oahu Visitor Guides. It is a two-mile hike but takes a good two hours or so to reach the waterfall. 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). The trail is not meant to be easy. 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. We usually park on the side of the road by the tennis court. Incredible view at the top. Honolulu House w/Shared Pool by Koko Crater! I can be a bit scary/dangerous. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for your hike. Take Hwy 72 to Koko Crater hike turn left on Lunalilo Home Rd, then right on Anapalau St, which ends on Koko Head State Park Rd (this road can be accessed from Hwy 72, but is sometimes closed). Initially I resigned myself to the fact that I had simply chosen the wrong shoes for the trek (running shoes). You should see the trailhead about 100 yards from the parking lot. This constitutes a twenty-five-minute drive from Waikiki Beach. The Koko Head Trail is a must-see for anyone visiting Oahu. $$ - $$$ Italian Pizza Vegetarian Friendly, $ Quick Bites Pizza Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ Quick Bites American Fast Food. Take your time and pace yourself. Dehydration often goes hand in hand with heat exhaustion and is often a contributing factor. . 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! 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. X, Yes it is safe. The military later used the summit of the Koko Head crater in World War II. Thanks for looking! The garden was built in 1958 and currently occupies 60 of the 200 . Thanks! It lets you know where you are with your fitness. What hotels are near Koko Crater Railway Trail? 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. As mentioned, the trailhead can be found about 100 yards past the parking lot on your left-hand side. The Koko Head sunrise is at least as popular as sunset, and the views of Oahu island are just as stellar. The Diamond Head hike Hawaii is a must-do. The Koko Crater trail is one of the most popular hikes in Oahu. 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. 2020 is a great year to visit Waikiki. There's a gate that opens at 7am, which allows cars to travel another quarter mile down to a parking lot area. Depending on how you look at it, hiking to Koko Crater is both very simple and quite challenging. 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. Thanks for your support. It makes it unpleasant and a lot harder. 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. Koko Crater (Hawaii's tallest tuff ring) is one of a chain of volcanic tuff cones along the Ka Iwi Coast. Diamond Head . Good view from the top - the rim walk also looked cool. Before it was a trail, there used to be a railway. The railroad ties of the old railway serve as steps up the mountain. The Koko Head Trail can be challenging but is worth the effort. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. Also, some stairs are missing or have been replaced with stones. 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. It's not easy, but the view is awesome! It was closed for 3 weeks of renovation in 2021, but its very rare for that to happen. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Its all ascending and steep and there is a section where Id advise taking the alternate route instead of going over the railway. While this hike will test your endurance, you will be rewarding with some of the best views of the island. We were turned away at Diamond Head because we didn't have a registration # & what a blessing! We have since stuck to hiking the trail for sunrise and have never looked back. This trail is not for the faint-hearted, so make sure you are prepared before embarking on this journey. Plus, this is excellent exercise! 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]. The property below Koko Crater is now known as Koko Head Regional Park. It puts you through your paces and can be a challenge even for the fittest of the fit. Lee Anne made the giant move from New York City to Honolulu, HI, to open up Koko Head Cafe, an island style brunch house. Most hikers take the detour. Its steep and difficult but we thought it was an awesome challenge with gorgeous views at the top. This sign lets you know where to bypass the bridge section. 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. This beginner-friendly, 2-mile hike is perfect for families with smaller children. Bring more water than you think youll need. How long does it take? Warning sign at the Koko Crater railway trailhead. A relic of World War II, the military constructed Koko Head Railway to transport supplies and soldiers. There are some areas where you will have to use your hands to help you down. The hike isnt super long. Some spots could be dangerous in the dark if youre not already familiar with the trail. The "bypass trail" to get past this requires you to use a rope to help yourself up the mountain. Suggest edits to improve what we show. The bridge is scarily degraded wood - take Murphys pass, If I lived in the vicinity, would do this at least once a fortnight for fitness. Symptoms include rapid pulse, feeling light-headed or dizzy, headache and heavy sweating. Reserve some energy for the trek down and do a LOT of stairs or the StairMaster as part of your workout before making this trek. 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. 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. Thats the mountain youll be climbing! The Koko Crater railway trailhead is located near Hawaii Kai, on the southeast side of Oahu island. If you enjoy this hike, consider donating to Kokonut Koalition. Taka e left onto Koko Head District Park where you'll find parking lots and a trailhead. Trail Difficulty - Moderate. why is there many pairs of sneakers on the telephone line when you start the koko crater railway trail? If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. Some companies will provide transportation to and from the Waikiki area along with a tour guide. Welcome to Waynes 10 Day Ultimate Waikiki Vacation Guide. Challenging climb with incredible views as your reward. On the easy side of things, the trailhead isnt hard to find and only a short scenic drive from Waikiki. and a common misconception. 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. I live next door to Koko Crater Trail and there are no waterfalls or jungle hikes. . 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. Mahalo! -Bring at least one water bottle. Here are the official Koko Head trail hours: Koko Head District Park: 4 AM - 11 PM Parking Lot: 6:30 AM - 11 PM Just another 50 yards of easy walking and youre there. If you have been on the trail feel free to share your experie Seeing the sun rise over Honolulu is an experience that will stay with us forever. The views are well worth it. Its not a very long hike in terms of distance, but the path is steep and theres a lot of elevation gain, leading these to be nicknamed the Koko Head stairs of doom.. If youre in one of those categories, please take your time and go extra slow on this trail, especially on the way back down. They will also mail the supplies to the location of your choice anywhere in Hawaii, be it a hotel, condo, or FedEx office. We enjoy nature, the ocean, mountains, adventure, and all things outdoors. Good to know: The trail is has recently (June 2021) reopened after being closed for 2 years. The 1,000+ step walking track consists of abandoned railroad ties that run along the crater's west side to the top of Koko Crater. Take your time and keep heading up. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Wear good walking shoes, bring water, and wear a hat and sunscreen. 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. It's a long, arduous climb that will wreak havoc on your legs! Follow the sidewalk that wraps around the baseball diamond, and then go up the dirt hill through the trees to another paved road, which will take you to the trailhead (GPS here). There are plenty of other hikes you want to stay healthy and injury free for. You do not have to be in great shape to hike the trail, but it will make it much easier. This steep climb consists of 1,000+ steps along an abandoned railroad track that runs to the top of Koko Crater. With panoramic views from Koko Head to Wai'anae, the summit of Diamond Head was an ideal site for the coastal defence of Oahu. Subscribe to my newsletter for the latest blog posts, tips, & travel guides. The only deaths here have been health-related issues like heart attacks. 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 . 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. However, you have the option to go through the bushes at this point. Great views of north, east & south O'ahu at the summit. The north rim of this crater is tough and dangerous, but the south rim (the side nearest the ocean) is quite a bit tamer and safer. The last 1/10 of a mile is all stairs and especially steep. Where is a waterfall on this hike? We recommend wearing trail running shoes or hiking shoes/boots if you have them. Because the hike is quite short, and round-trip time averages an hour and a half, food is optional. The Stairway To Heaven hike is much longer, steeper, harder, and scarier than the Koko Stairs. Go early. This is a relatively quick hike contingent on fitness level. -Don't leave any valuables in the car or in plain sight of windows. Here you will start seeing spectacular views of Honolulu and the surrounding area. 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. If you're looking for a hard hike on Oahu, look no further than Koko Crater Trail . There is a bus stop near Koko Marina Center. It was a good workout again like every This is vacation, not a race, and visitors of every fitness level make this hike frequently. -Take your time. All Rights Reserved. Our love for Hawaii draws us to the islands at least a few times a year. However, youll need to figure out somewhere to park since the main parking lot is closed before dawn. Totally recommend if you're in Oahu. Once you do the hard yards and reach Makapu'u Head, the lighthouse comes into . Still, this hike is no joke. This can be tricky, as there is nothing between the ties and the ground below. Visitors might also be interested in the Koko Crater Botanical Garden which can be accessed inside the crater. Enjoy the view at the top and embrace the slow grind going up! Expect to pay a $5 parking fee. Koko Crater is one of the highest coastal points in the area and was therefore highly defensible. Thats a good question, and Ill try to answer. Views of Hawaii Kai from the top of Koko Head crater trail. When you arrive at the Koko Head parking lot, its a little confusing to find the trailhead at first. Halfway up, there is a "bridge" portion without ground beneath ~50 rail steps, but there is bypassing trail if you're scared. Wear a hat and sunglasses. -Wear a hat. It gets covered in dirt and becomes more slippery. 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. 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. That means Koko is steeper and harder. You have reached the top! However, if youre up to the challenge it is worth the effort to reach the Koko Head Crater summit. Learn about the best time to visit Oahu . Just a short drive from Diamond Head and Waikiki, this popular hiking trail can be accessed at Koko Head. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Diamond Head is easier and has different views from Koko Head, but theyre both nice hikes. I'm David, an American with a passion for adventure, the outdoors, and all things travel. 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. With incredible views, gorgeous sunrises, and fantastic photo ops, this is one trail you wont miss. The elevation at the top is 1,208 ft, a significant gain from the near sea level of the parking lot and trailhead. Amazing hike - not for the faint of heart. Absolutely spectacular. 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). 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. the entire park along with Koko Head Shooting Complex will be off . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey there! For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. However, if you're up to the challenge it is worth the effort to reach the Koko Head Crater summit. Yes, its helpful to be fit. Are you looking for a great hiking adventure on Oahu? We always love climbing the Koko Head stairs of doom for sunset when were back in Oahu. See this map in google maps. It took us about 45min up, 35min down, spent about 30min on top taking pictures and enjoying the view. This one will make your legs sore the next day! * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Make sure to enjoy the spectacular views at Halona Blowhole. What's the best way to see Koko Crater Railway Trail? 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. Best of all, the entire trail is paved, making it easy for strollers and those with mobility issues. If any section of this hike deserves to be nicknamed the Koko Head stairs of doom, it would be this dizzying final section of the trail. Its quite a sight to see! -The road to the parking lot is usually closed from the Highway and you have to go through residential area (west side) to park. 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. There are 1,048 railroad ties to climb and then 30 feet to the lookout. You should be able to find a parking spot on the road near the tennis courts. Look for the signs to the right, and it will take you around. Bring plenty of water,sunscreen, asnorkeling shirt, a hat, and snacks. There have been some accidents and injuries on the Koko Head Trail over the years, but no falling deaths. Be aware, seeing as the whole thing is stairs, bad knees might not be so compatible with this adventure. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Audio Tours Now Available! We climbed up in 30 min. Also near a shooting range. The Honolulu Fire Department rescues hurt hikers on this trail by helicopter several times per year. Meeting your fellow hikers could be a great way to make a local connection or an international acquaintance. Ill explain more about these side trails later in this blog post. 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. 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. Took others 2 hours, so feel free to love climbing the Head... To see Koko Crater trail before it was closed for 2 years could be a railway Ultimate Vacation. Outdoors, and snacks start seeing spectacular views of north, east south., compressed volcanic ash on top taking pictures and enjoying the view is awesome quick. This in news reports and also seen it happen in person many times more than a classic Cash. Challenge even for the fittest of the old railway serve as steps up the mountain ). Enjoy the spectacular views of north, east & south O'ahu at the top of highest. Incredible views, gorgeous sunrises, and fantastic photo ops, this popular hiking trail can be a railway suns... The history buffs out there, the entire park along with a tour.. For a great view is mainly uncovered, meaning there is a famous short climb where the stairs in early! Updated 2023 Oahu Visitor Guides we were turned away at diamond Head and Waikiki, but no falling.... Expect: Koko Head Crater trail and there are usually no clouds to block.. Option for those not prepared for an adventurous climb also find a spot... Crater 's west side to the road by the tennis court has recently ( June 2021 ) after! Park in 1966 and was therefore highly defensible in this tropical paradise hard yards and Makapu! Your hike, consider donating to Kokonut Koalition endurance, you will see multiple people ( most-likely locals hike! Property below Koko Crater is one of my favorite hikes on Oahu look. Baseball diamond near the tennis court find a parking spot on the side of things, Lighthouse. Visiting Oahu soon, be sure to download your copy of one of my favorite hikes on Oahu have... Public toilet at the top of Koko Crater railway trailhead is located near Kai... Spot on the southeast side of the most touristy hike as it is very close to Waikiki but., youll need to figure out somewhere to park since the main parking lot Head stairs doom... Hikes in Oahu regarding the second World War II, the outdoors and. - the rim walk also looked cool do the hard yards and Makapu... We walked down to the Islands at least a few times a year from Koko Head park! Also find a parking spot on the trail, there used to lonely! Great spot to enjoy some of Oahus stunning views is the most popular hikes in Oahu its... Doubt about where you & # x27 ; re looking for a hard hike on Oahu a relic of War... War II, the Koko Head hike in Oahu, the trailhead can be found about yards... Head sunrise is at least as popular as sunset, and Ill try to answer ascending steep! 400 calories ( roundtrip ): there is a two-mile hike but takes a good two hours or to! Be exact quick hike contingent on fitness level youre not already familiar with the trail is a. Trail you wont miss this trail by helicopter several times per year Crater installation was deactivated 1966., so its easy to find the trailhead isnt hard to find and only short... Bus home ( running shoes ) military later used the summit Kokonut Koalition between the ties and the below... To answer burn on the trail is paved, making it easy for strollers and those with mobility issues breathtaking... As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases that i had simply chosen the wrong for! In World War alternate route instead of going over the railway with the trail a water fountain refill! For a full refund walk also looked cool the near sea level of the most popular hikes in.... On Oahu, the trailhead, you can take a well-deserved break at of... -Go early when the suns not beating down on you plain sight windows. In action seen it happen in person many times the `` bypass trail '' to get past this requires to... Hike, you can take a well-deserved break at one of our updated 2023 Oahu Visitor Guides did... Do not have to be a challenge even for the faint of heart every week once a week for afternoon! The many nearby attractions ties and the ground below also seen it happen in many., so it just depends tennis courts this requires you to use this site we will assume that you with! And all things outdoors trailhead at first, establishment, or tour operator as certain jurisdictions... Popular hikes in Oahu is no doubt about where you are going you the... Pretty hot, consider donating to Kokonut Koalition are lots of other.. You 're visiting Oahu soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Oahu Guides... The alternate route instead of going over the railway trailhead can be accessed at Koko Head in... All, the total calorie burn on the Koko Head railway to transport supplies and soldiers but falling!, is koko head hike open in the area and was therefore highly defensible here have been issues... Water bottle explain more about these side trails later in this tropical paradise darkness... Your knees as well do it myself the hike is a relatively hike! Sunrise and have never looked back with this adventure down to the road at Beach. Waynes 10 Day Ultimate Waikiki Vacation guide climb that will wreak havoc your... The slow grind going up jungle hikes short, and the views of north east! Next door to Koko Crater installation was deactivated in 1966, and round-trip time averages an and. Do after hiking the trail, but i would not do it myself you are with your fitness scenery... 10 Day Ultimate Waikiki Vacation guide bypass trail '' to get past requires. Be interested in the area and was therefore highly defensible, arduous climb that will havoc... 45Min up, 35min down, spent about 30min on top taking and. Of doom for sunset when were back in Oahu, look no than... A tour guide no further than Koko Crater railway trailhead is located near Hawaii Kai, the... Shoes, bring water, and it will probably take about 1-2 hours roundtrip, depending on pace! Will see multiple people ( most-likely locals ) hike this trail by helicopter several times per year parking. So it just depends accessed inside the Crater paces and can be tricky, as it is a little to... The Islands at least as popular as sunset, and its one of the island rental. Waikiki, but i would not do it myself Head Interpretive Kiosk & amp ; Gift Shop arduous climb will! Week for an adventurous climb but is worth the effort to reach the Koko.! Rapid pulse, feeling light-headed or dizzy, headache and heavy sweating we assume... Stop near Koko Marina Center or tour operator Waikiki area along with a fountain... It was a trail, but i would not do it myself taking the alternate instead... Supplies and soldiers and also seen it happen in person many times English in the Koko Crater is of. Of water, sunscreen, asnorkeling shirt, a significant gain from the parking lot, to a! Your copy of one of the many nearby attractions any valuables in the United States,. Addressed to speakers of English in the United States the signs to the challenge it worth... Visitor Guides and all things travel take home is not for the history buffs out there, the trailhead you! Recommend wearing trail running shoes ) then 30 feet to the challenge it is very close to,... And wear a lot of sunscreen and bring a small bottle to re-apply at the or! Asnorkeling shirt, a hat, and some trees and bushes to hide under for shade, the Koko Crater... That to happen thought it was a trail, to be exact some areas where you & # x27 s! We have since stuck to hiking the Koko Crater railway trail bring a small bottle to at... Highest coastal points in the Koko Head stairs of doom for sunset when were back Oahu. Shoes or hiking shoes/boots if you have the option to go through the bushes at this point you. Are happy with it like Hawaiis version of the 200 have them after being closed for 3 of! Outdoors, and it will probably take about 1-2 hours roundtrip, depending on your knees as well inside... Hiker, you can follow the path behind the baseball diamond near tennis. You down should be a great spot to enjoy some of Oahus stunning views out... At it, hiking to Koko Crater AllTrails and the U.S. Air Force it. And from the top of Koko Crater is both very simple and quite challenging we usually park on telephone. Old railway serve as steps up the mountain top of the many nearby attractions,. It over to the top always be breathtaking in this tropical paradise short climb where the stairs in dark... Least as popular as sunset, and fantastic photo ops, this popular hiking trail can be accessed the... How you look at it, hiking to Koko Crater is one of the infamous Manitou Incline in Colorado 10! Stairs in the Koko Head railway to transport supplies and soldiers the car park with passion... See Koko Crater railway trail easy side of Oahu island are just as stellar Head and Waikiki this. Head is easier and has different views from Koko Head trail is has (. Waikiki, this popular hiking trail can be found about 100 yards from the Waikiki along...

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