Beautiful Sonrise service on the top of Koko. You can also take Uber or Lyft if you want to avoid dealing with parking. Read more about ourHawaii adventureshere. Be hydrated before going up. We enjoy nature, the ocean, mountains, adventure, and all things outdoors. See options All photos (2,608) Please tag along! Great hike for sightseeing and a killer workout. Witnessing the sunrise from the top of Koko Crater is definitely worth the early morning! What restaurants are near Koko Crater Railway Trail? This was challenging but very worth it! How long does it take? 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. 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. Its not a dangerous hike and there havent been any falling deaths, but its a real fitness test and may not be enjoyable for everyone. This constitutes a twenty-five-minute drive from Waikiki Beach. 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. That said, shoes with at least a little grip will help on the way down, especially if there's any rain. Mahalo! 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. I hiked this on 09/08 + other trails during my first visit to Hawai'i & posted a vlog! This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. My partner and I made the mistake of tackling this as our first trail soon after arriving to Hawaii from Miami, where elevation is -7 ! Its just not worth the risk of getting hurt. Description. Koko Head Trail is located in the east of Oahu, offering stunning views up to Honolulu. Ultimately, take care and only do what you are comfortable with. I would highly recommend hiking this in the daytime once or twice before you attempt it for sunset. The views are well worth it. I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you if you purchase using one of these links. Best of all, the entire trail is paved, making it easy for strollers and those with mobility issues. 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). If you want a good workout and calorie burn, however, Koko Head wins there. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for your hike. As mentioned, we recommend hiking this trail early in the morning before it gets too hot. Some shade. Take your time and keep heading up. The military later used the summit of the Koko Head crater in World War II. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Getting to the Koko Head Hike by bus. More than 10,000 years ago, Koko Head was formed by its secondary volcanic eruptions of the Koolau Range. Its one of thetop botanical gardens in Oahuand definitely worth the visit. Ive hiked the Koko Crater trail many times over the years, and its always great fun. Map of Koko Head hike location. Ive done the Koko Head stairs in sandals before, but its very awkward and I wouldnt recommend it. More info on this below. Yes, Koko Head is open! Hours: 6 AM - 6 PM (last entry 4 PM) Parking Fee: $10 per car. Went mid morning and it was pretty busy. In 2018, while sitting on a lounge chair in Waikiki, Vacation-Waikiki.com was born. Parking is close. The property below Koko Crater is now known as Koko Head Regional Park. That makes for a butt kicking climb. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. kajunkruzin / Getty Images. Remember that its not a race, so take your time and feel free to stop and enjoy the views along the way! 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. Audio Tours Now Available! The Koko Head Trail Challenge Tourtakes about 2 hours. Koko Head History. While this hike will test your endurance, you will be rewarding with some of the best views of the island. Koko Head Hike Distance The total distance of Koko Head Hike is just. Water, however, is an absolute must. The Koko Head Trail is a must-see for anyone visiting Oahu. We arrived at 4:45, parked on a residential street, and hiked into the park along with some locals. Youve made it to the top, so now what? Consider bringing a walking pole or stick, going back down may be more difficult for some. The military used them previously during World War 2 as part of an incline tram to transport supplies to a lookout post at the summit. Thanks for looking! 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). Koko Head Trail is open all year and one of those trails to hike anytime. I would try to avoid hiking Koko Head in the middle of the day because the heat is brutal and theres no shade at all. It can get quite toasty, and it is recommended that the hike be completed in the earlier morning to avoid the heat of midday. Elevation Gain: ~885 ft. / 270 m. Some call it the Koko Head hike, but locals call it a workout because many Oahu residents treat the Koko Crater Stairs as a quick workout in the morning or evening. then a right on Anapalau Street. It's awesome. Some companies will provide transportation to and from the Waikiki area along with a tour guide. Views of Hawaii Kai from the top of Koko Head crater trail. Mahalo for stopping by. 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. We started our first trip of the year in February and wanted to share the latest travel deals. 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). All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. It is made up of tuff, compressed volcanic ash. The Start of the Trail. We usually park on the side of the road by the tennis court. What hotels are near Koko Crater Railway Trail? Suggest edits to improve what we show. Free access with effectively no facilities. The Koko Head trail is not dangerous if youre careful and watch your step. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the Koko Head Trail (primarily due to safety reasons). -Use sunscreen. . Enjoy the view at the top and embrace the slow grind going up! The Koko Head hike is open at all hours more or less. I would recommend this hike to people who are not in great aerobic shape Take your time & you'll eventually make it. The Koko Head trail is considered to be a strenuous hike. This was such an awesome trail! The trail heads up 990ft at a very steep incline, and the views at the Koko Head Crater summit are 1208ft above sea level. Yes, its helpful to be fit. The Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail is a gentle hike with spectacular views of Oahu's southeast coastline, including Koko Crater and Koko Head. A hiker at the top of Koko Crater trail. Best time to hike: Anytime - The trail is open 6am until 6pm, although last entry is 4.30pm. 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. [youtu.be/p7IH6XZEOb0] When a popular hiking trail in Oahu becomes a liability, the Hawaii governments typical response is to close it down completely instead of working with the community and trying to find a better solution. The steps here are large and should be taken slowly. There is no doubt about where you are going. Diamond Head Hours. It was closed for 3 weeks of renovation in 2021, but it's very rare for that to happen. Back views from the top of the Koko Crater trail, Old military bunkers (pillboxes) at the top of the Koko Head stairs hike. Welcome to Vacation-Waikiki.com. Totally recommend if you're in Oahu. The views at the top are incredible. A day pack containing plenty of extra water, sunscreen, a small first aid kit a light jacket depending on weather is highly recommended. Koko Crater is one of the better-preserved volcanic formations of its kind, and if you came for the volcanology, its worth a look. . Great workout with an awesome view. 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. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 24 min to complete. Preview trail Hiking Forest Views Wildlife Over grown Rocky Scramble No shade No dogs Description The parking lot for the Koko Head Crater Botanical Garden closes (meaning gates are locked) at dusk. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Its steep and difficult but we thought it was an awesome challenge with gorgeous views at the top. Today the radar station is no longer there, but the pillbox and structural debris are still present. : It depends on your fitness level. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Turn around and look at the amazing view towards the beach and Honolulu. I love a good sunset on a volcano! There is ~50ft where there is no ground under the steps. Some people consider it one of the hardest hikes on the island. This trail is named after Oahu's most widely known landmark, Diamond Head, a massive chunk of volcanic rock situated on the Southwestern coast of the island. The Koko Head sunrise is at least as popular as sunset, and the views of Oahu island are just as stellar. Koko is also better for seeing the sunrise or sunset. Bragging rights, incredible photography and getting your cardio income as close seconds. 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