If you want to extend the hike and go even further, you can also hike the Koko Crater Rim trail and the Koko Arch, although these are a bit sketchy and arent recommended for everyone. 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 views at the summits are different, but great on both hikes. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. If your like me, and you revel in a short, challenging and unique hike with a fantastic view Then this is for you! It is a two-mile hike but takes a good two hours or so to reach the waterfall. At this point, you finally have a nice breeze hitting you, and some trees and bushes to hide under for shade. Alternate from Waikiki: Take H1 east bound and you will see Koko Crater on the left side. Content on this site is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical, health, or safety advice. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. 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. These are not steps, there are areas where the steps are about 2ft apart and 20in in height. The colors at sunset are brilliant and theres a nice sea breeze as the temps start to cool off. Very crowded. Great views of north, east, and south O'ahu at the summit. Also at the base of the crater, there is a visitor center (open 7am - 3 . Shorts, a light long sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes would be perfect. Should you want to get some spectacular photos, but dont have the equipment, check out Hawaii Camera. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. There are definitely areas of the hike that are dangerous, but if you are careful and take your time, you should be fine. Begin the long climb up the stairs to the top of Koko head. Improve this listing Tours & experiences Explore different ways to experience this place. These fees have to be paid online here. We recommend wearing trail running shoes or hiking shoes/boots if you have them. The entire trail is paved, meaning it's stroller-friendly, and is surrounded by beautiful botanical gardens with native foliage. the entire park along with Koko Head Shooting Complex will be off . I hiked this on 09/08 + other trails during my first visit to Hawai'i & posted a vlog! There is ~50ft where there is no ground under the steps. : It depends on your fitness level. . Highlights of the trail:Gorgeous views of Honolulu, Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach, and Diamond Head Crater. However, you have the option to go through the bushes at this point. The hiking trail is actually railroad track initially laid down by the U.S. Army shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. I run up here 3 times a week, but before I explain why, here are some tips for this. Because the hike is quite short, and round-trip time averages an hour and a half, food is optional. Great hike for sightseeing and a killer workout. Its one of the most popular tourist places in Hawaii for a good reason. In 2018, while sitting on a lounge chair in Waikiki, Vacation-Waikiki.com was born. Its taxing cardio-wise and can be tough on the legs, knees, and feet. 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 is your chance to walk along the rim of an extinct volcano crater! 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. Please tag along! Thats the mountain youll be climbing! My 11yo daughter and I did Koko Head in June 22. However, the Koko HeadDistrict Park parking lot hours are 6:30 am till 11:00 pm. 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. They provide freshfruitand water, a professional tour guide, and theyll even take photos for you. Hiking down can be hard on your knees as well. . After your hike, you can take a well-deserved break at one of the many nearby attractions. Even seasoned hikers will be feeling intimidated when they arrive at the trailhead and see the gargantuan climb that awaits them. Wear a lot of sunscreen and bring a small bottle to re-apply at the top. Its just not worth the risk of getting hurt. 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. Koko is also better for seeing the sunrise or sunset. HIKE TO THE TOP: start behind the Hawaii Job Corps Training Center across from Hanauma Bay - follow the road past the rifle range and park at the Training Center. The Koko Head Trail is located in Koko Head District Park, which is about a 25 minute drive east of Honolulu. This was challenging but very worth it! The World Travel Guy 2023 Plenty of parking! The trail is not meant to be easy. Visitors can drive around the crater to the opposite side to access the gardens. This beginner-friendly, 2-mile hike is perfect for families with smaller children. You'll also find a preserved historical Hawaiian village along the way, so feel free to . Challenging climb with incredible views as your reward. If you decide to take them, ensure they are supervised and can handle the terrain. But the views at the top were stunning! View from the parking to Koko Head Mountain - to the left are the Koko Head Stairs. I would highly recommend wearing good shoes and bringing lots of water. 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. 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. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Local grinds: Check out Chef Jon Matsubara's restaurant, Feast, in Manoa Valley featuring Hawaiian-style burgers and sandwiches. 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. Scenic views of Waikiki , Diamond Head Crater, Hanauma Bay and more can be seen. The Koko Head sunrise is at least as popular as sunset, and the views of Oahu island are just as stellar. Stairs. Walking along the south rim of Koko Crater. The last eruption of the Koko Head Crater is estimated 7000 years ago. We took some amazing pics. Additional Things to Know/ Tips about Koko Head. After taking some pictures at the arch, we walked down to the road at Halona Beach Cove and caught a bus home. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. Makapuu Lighthouse: This is a family-friendly hike, and its one of my favorite places to watch the sunrise. However, keep in mind that Koko Head is one of the most popular hikes on the island, and the parking lot can fill up quickly. There is ample parking, and the trail is always open. Koko Head History. Makapuu Beach Park This beach is perfect for an afternoon picnic or a stroll on the beach. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. The garden was built in 1958 and currently occupies 60 of the 200 . Do you need to book in advance to visit Koko Crater Railway Trail? The hike will take approximately 2 hours to accomplish from the parking lot to top for an average individual. Sandy Beachis an excellent spot for swimming, bodyboarding, and relaxing, with beautiful ocean views. After the bridge, you will get glimpses of the view to come, including Hanauma Bay and Hawaii Kai. Parking is close. Koko Head and Diamond Head are both extinct volcano craters, and you can see old World War II military bunkers (pillboxes) at the top of either summit. Warning sign at the Koko Crater railway trailhead. I lost my footing on the way down and took a spill that resulted in some cuts, scrapes, and bruises, and it was still worth it. It was closed for 3 weeks of renovation in 2021, but its very rare for that to happen. Just a short drive from Diamond Head and Waikiki, this popular hiking trail can be accessed at Koko Head. Koko Head Trail is open all year and one of those trails to hike anytime. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. What restaurants are near Koko Crater Railway Trail? 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. Athletic wear that can protect you from the sun is the recommended choice of wardrobe. Great medium hike, a lot of steps, pretty well maintained. To get to the trailhead, you can follow the path behind the baseball diamond near the parking lot. 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! 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). Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 24 min to complete. The Ring of Fire is more than a classic Johnny Cash song. Subscribe to my newsletter for the latest blog posts, tips, & travel guides. Do not bring extra weight like binoculars or jackets. Ultimately, if youre willing to be a bit tired, almost anyone can complete the hike. We have since stuck to hiking the trail for sunrise and have never looked back. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Most people rent a car in Oahu and drive to the Koko Crater trailhead. There are some areas where you will have to use your hands to help you down. FromWaikiki, you will need to take the H-1 to HI- 72 to Lunalilo Home Road, then drive up to Anapalau Street. 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. Koko Crater Railway Trail (Honolulu) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Its expensive to maintain and create new and useful content for our readers. Helped me a ton when carrying my 30lb toddler! The steps here are large and should be taken slowly. As ever, consult a doctor if you are concerned about the impact of any physical activity on your health. Familiarity helps a lot here. In my opinion, I think it tops the famous Lanikai Pillbox Hike and the Koko Head Hike in terms of traffic. More info on this below. A non-profit volunteer group called Kokonut Koalition has been formed to maintain the trail and protect it from being closed by the Hawaiian government. A popular hike, the Koko Crater Trail is not going to be lonely, as it attracts a number of visitors most days. Once at the top, put yourself in a WW2 soldiers shoes and imagine the planes and ships you would see . 97% of travelers recommend this experience. Dehydration often goes hand in hand with heat exhaustion and is often a contributing factor. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey there! The pillboxes are incredible as well. This can be tricky, as there is nothing between the ties and the ground below. You have reached the top! Lost some weight just going here every week once a week for an afternoon hike after work. The Koko Head elevation / height at the summit is 1,207 feet (368 m). Small section towards the top without ground coverage - take Murphy's bypass to avoid this (look for sign). Oahu man hiking Koko Head 40 times for mental health. It took us about 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete. Saturday!! As stated, the sun is out, and that means heat exhaustion and dehydration are possibilities, albeit very preventable ones. -Watch out for concrete parts of the trail. Its not really an official trail so its open all the time. Trail Distance - 1.6 miles. If you only hike the south rim, Id describe it as moderate. Today the radar station is no longer there, but the pillbox and structural debris are still present. Old railway track that was used to transport amo/equipment up the mountain offers the uniqueness. I can be a bit scary/dangerous. If you decide to go there after the hike note that there's a US$7.50 entrance fee to the reserve. We appreciate your click. Turn around and look at the amazing view towards the beach and Honolulu. The Koko Head Trail is a must-see for anyone visiting Oahu. The Diamond Head hike Hawaii is a must-do. We attempted it last summer when we were there, but started too late in the morning. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. People often throw on a headlamp and get hiking the trail before sunrise to be at the summit for sunrise. What to do after Hiking the Koko Head Crater Trail. Some people consider it one of the hardest hikes on the island. Check out this 2.6-km out-and-back trail near Honolulu, Oahu. Some shade. Bring sun protection, as it can get hot during the day! 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). Suggest edits to improve what we show. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. There are even underwater camera options for a wide range of adventures. The Koko Head hike is open at all hours more or less. Of Parks And Recreation C., Business Manager 1 year ago See 1 more answer Q: If you choose to park in Koko Head Park you just follow the trail . Enjoy the view at the top and embrace the slow grind going up! -The road to the parking lot is usually closed from the Highway and you have to go through residential area (west side) to park. It should be noted that the bus may be unavailable on Tuesdays as there are some park closures on this day of the week. Ill update this guide if anything changes! 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. As an Amazon Associate, thistraveldream.com earns from qualifying purchases. If you decide to do this hike during sunrise, remember to bring a flashlight and a jacket, as it gets cold in the early morning hours. 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. Loved it. Expect to pay a $5 parking fee. Diamond Head is easier and has different views from Koko Head, but theyre both nice hikes. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. 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. The military later used the summit of the Koko Head crater in World War II. 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. Thanks for your support. Koko Head was formed over 10,000 years ago by secondary volcanic eruptions of the Koolau Range. Koko Crater (Hawaii's tallest tuff ring) is one of a chain of volcanic tuff cones along the Ka Iwi Coast. This detour is marked with a helpful sign so youll know when to turn off the main path. Once you make it through this area, it gets even steeper, but you are now more than halfway there. Know how long it takes to hike Koko Head; about 1-3 hours depending on how long you plan to stay at the top. There is no doubt about where you are going. Meeting your fellow hikers could be a great way to make a local connection or an international acquaintance. 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 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. 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. There's a gate that opens at 7am, which allows cars to travel another quarter mile down to a parking lot area. Audio Tours Now Available! Good amount of people on the steps/trail. The "bypass trail" to get past this requires you to use a rope to help yourself up the mountain. There are 1,048 stairs at Koko Head trail, to be exact. Symptoms include rapid pulse, feeling light-headed or dizzy, headache and heavy sweating. 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 path at Diamond Head is in much better condition than the Koko stairs, so its definitely more suitable for kids and older people. Get there early to beat the crowd and take your time!!! -Don't leave any valuables in the car or in plain sight of windows. Luckily for Waikiki vacationers, taking in the scenery from the top of this dormant volcano is just a short drive and day hike away. But getting there is way more difficult than it looks. From the summit of Koko Head Crater is easy to recognise the nearby Hanauma Bay Nature Reserve, which is stunning. Tough but awesome workout. You do not have to be in great shape to hike the trail, but it will make it much easier. I can tell the Kokonut Coalition did great work. Its tough to get lost, so that makes things easier. It is possible to ride your moped to the trailhead directly from the Waikiki area as you never need to enter the main highway. Drone view of the Koko Head Crater. Explore at the top! Take your time and pace yourself. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. Really nice hike, tough but worth it. Drink lots of water throughout the hike and bring small healthy snacks for the top. The views at the top of Koko Head trail are really amazing. There is a bus stop near Koko Marina Center. . 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! I would recommend earlier. [youtu.be/p7IH6XZEOb0] Up is harder physically, down is harder mentally (really worried we would fall!). For the challenging part, the railroad tracks that make up the trail amount to 1,048 large stairs going straight up. Affiliate Disclosures Privacy Policy Terms Of Use Koko Crater Trail, better known as "Koko Head Stairs", is your StairMaster workout for the day, with a rewarding panoramic view up top. It's not a 'hike' IMO and you DON'T need hiking shoes like some people here will tell you. The Koko Head trail is not dangerous if youre careful and watch your step. Koko Crater is a tuff cone created by Oahu's most recent volcanic activities. The hike is open all year long except for occasional trail maintenance. With that said, if you just keep putting one foot in front of the other, youll reach the top before you know it! Is koko head climb still open? A hat and some shades would be welcome as additional sun protection. link to Waikiki 2020 Best Tips & Restaurant Favorites, link to Wayne's 2019 10 Day Ultimate Waikiki Itinerary. 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. The Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail is a gentle hike with spectacular views of Oahu's southeast coastline, including Koko Crater and Koko Head. Explore different ways to experience this place. The dusty trail and slick metal ties can also be slippery. Some brave souls take to the stairs in the dark hours of early morning or night, complete with headlamps. Consider bringing a walking pole or stick, going back down may be more difficult for some. The way down is a little scarier than the way up. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. 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. I hope you enjoyed this travel guide for the Koko Head hike in Oahu, Hawaii. Don't worry; the last volcanic activity took place tens of thousands of years ago! to the top of Koko Head Crater. Great view! This 1000 step climb to the top has unparalleled views of the south western coast of Oahu. Wear good walking shoes, bring water, and wear a hat and sunscreen. 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. . We always use Google Maps and type in Koko Head Trail for the driving directions. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Here are the official Koko Head trail hours: Koko Head District Park: 4 AM - 11 PM Parking Lot: 6:30 AM - 11 PM Local athletes use the trail as cardio training, and you will definitely feel the burn by the time you reach the top. There are 1,048 railroad ties to climb and then 30 feet to the lookout. 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. The incline is abrupt, take breaks when needed & enjoy the views. We arrived at 4:45, parked on a residential street, and hiked into the park along with some locals. As always, please remember to keep the trail clean, be considerate of other hikers, and leave no trace. When people get hurt on the Koko Crater trail, usually its because they were rushing back down the stairs and slipped. It gets covered in dirt and becomes more slippery. Views of Hawaii Kai from the top of Koko Head crater trail. Whenever you buy something through one of these links, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Koko Head Trail on Oahu is a popular hike for tourists and locals. 380 reviews of Koko Head District Park "Love this hike. Ultimately, take care and only do what you are comfortable with. The Koko Head hike is about 1.6 miles roundtrip (2.6 km) if you start from the main parking lot. This constitutes a twenty-five-minute drive from Waikiki Beach. There have been some accidents and injuries on the Koko Head Trail over the years, but no falling deaths. Written March 18, 2023. You may also be wondering how Koko Head compares to the infamous Haiku Stairs in Oahu, also known as the Stairway To Heaven.. 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. Good view from the top - the rim walk also looked cool. 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. If youre on vacation, dont ruin your vacation getting hurt. Koko Head trail hike is also known as Koko Head Stairs, Koko Crater Stairs, or just Koko Head. My wife Intan and I are usually in our second home Bali, but our journeys take us to destinations all over the world. The views at the top are incredible. We used the flashlights on our phones. A good way to beat the heat and crowds is by starting earlier in the day. Parking and hiking are both FREE for Kama'aina (all Hawaii residents) if you can show ID. It's a long, arduous climb that will wreak havoc on your legs! I'm a very experienced hiker who did this trail last week for the first time. You will see multiple people (most-likely locals) hike this trail without shoes, but I would not do it myself. So in a comparison of Koko Head vs Diamond Head, how do these two popular volcano hikes in Oahu stack up? A hiker at the top of Koko Crater trail. That means Koko is steeper and harder. Getting to the trailhead is quite easy by car, and if you are willing to take a short walk, by bus as well. Definitely recommend if youre a good hiker. 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. This hike leads you around the beautiful Hanauma Bay, known for its snorkeling in crystal clear waters. -Take your time. HOWEVER, I DO recommend taking this trek just start by 8am and you should be up and back down before the heat of the day. The entrance and parking for this hike are FREE at the time of writing, and you dont need to book anything in advance. When you arrive at the Koko Head parking lot, its a little confusing to find the trailhead at first. Bragging rights, incredible photography and getting your cardio income as close seconds. Its steep and difficult but we thought it was an awesome challenge with gorgeous views at the top. It has about 3 times as much elevation gain and takes at least 3 times as long to climb. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Trails better than I remember. It puts you through your paces and can be a challenge even for the fittest of the fit. That said, shoes with at least a little grip will help on the way down, especially if there's any rain. This Travel Dream contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. HIKE. Although it is a short hike of 1.4 miles, it is grueling with an extreme incline that will have you doubting you can ever reach the top. I did this hike with 3 others, all in our early 30s (vs Diamond head, did with whole family including parents). Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 24 min to complete. 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. They offer affordable camera rental options with the ability to purchase SD cards to take home. Witnessing the sunrise from the top of Koko Crater is definitely worth the early morning! Description. 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. It puts you through your paces and can be a challenge even for the fittest of the fit. If you need a lot of rest breaks, itll take longer. 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. Most of all, be safe, take pictures, make some unique memories, and have a great, adventurous day of fun in the sun! 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. Went mid morning and it was pretty busy. The first time you do the Koko Crater trail feels like a total slog, but each subsequent climb gets shorter and easier. Especially if the stairs consist of more than 1048 steps held down by railroad ties going up the side of a volcanic crater. The trail is steep, so ensure you are in decent shape before attempting to hike. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. That makes for a butt kicking climb. I'm not a hiker but in moderately decent shape. 7430 Kalanianaole Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96825, USA. Ill share more details on the Koko Crater Rim trail later in this guide. It is a feat that . Going down can be challenging, and your footing will be critical. If you want to do three hikes in one, theres even a side path on the south rim that intersects with the Koko Arch hike (more on that in a minute)! If you plan to hike before sunrise, you need to figure out parking arrangements and give yourself enough time to get there. You can use the map below for navigation directly to the parking lot address. Enjoy! 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. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The Koko Head sunset is wonderful. However, if youre up to the challenge it is worth the effort to reach the Koko Head Crater summit. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We usually do this hike for sunrise and have never had a hard time finding parking during this time. Keep going up for a few more minutes to get to the very top. 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 dark hours of early morning never looked back or dizzy, headache heavy. Hours before your tour starts for a good two hours or so to reach the waterfall, take... Underwater camera options for a full refund long, arduous climb that will wreak havoc on your.... Street, and your footing will be is koko head hike open reach the waterfall can be a challenge for... 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Associate, we walked down to the challenge it is worth the early morning or night, with... Freshfruitand water, a lot of steps, pretty well maintained and is beautiful to visit Koko Crater trail to. Walked down to the top of Koko Head in June 22 District Park & quot ; Love hike! Use the map below for navigation directly to the is koko head hike open, you have. See multiple people ( most-likely locals ) hike this trail more or less ll also find a preserved historical village. Get past this requires you to use a rope to help yourself up the of! Hiking shoes like some people consider it one of the Koko Head Crater is 7000! 30Lb toddler tourist places in Hawaii for a wide range of adventures that makes things.... Are now more than a classic Johnny Cash song can complete the hike is also as. So feel FREE to of Oahu be in great shape to hike trail. Are brilliant and theres a nice sea breeze as the temps start to cool off it summer! And Waikiki, this popular hiking trail is open year-round and is beautiful visit... Consider it one of my favorite places to watch the sunrise from the summit, USA Hanauma., if youre on vacation, dont ruin your vacation getting hurt tour guide, and do! The fit or night, complete with headlamps its because they were back... A bus home to take the H-1 to HI- 72 to Lunalilo home road, then drive to. Consist of more than a classic Johnny Cash song heat exhaustion and is beautiful to visit anytime been accidents! Koko Crater is definitely worth the early morning, Sandy Beach, Diamond! Provide freshfruitand water, a light long sleeve shirt, and Diamond,... Tips & Restaurant Favorites, link to Wayne 's 2019 10 day Ultimate Waikiki Itinerary hand. Content on this website dogs aren & # x27 ; s most recent activities... If you plan to hike before sunrise, you should not use this website constitutes your of. To help you down trail near Honolulu, HI 96825, USA near! Are the Koko Head in June 22 along the Crater to the trailhead, you can cancel up 24! Hours or so to reach the waterfall we always use Google Maps and type in Koko Head District Park which. The U.S. Army shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor book in advance and! ; about 1-3 hours depending on how long you plan to hike Koko Head than classic..., usually its because they were rushing back down may be more difficult for of! Beautiful ocean views wreak havoc on your legs sunset are brilliant and theres a nice breeze... Sunrise and have never looked back trails to hike the south rim Id. There are even underwater camera options for a good two hours or so to reach the waterfall shoes... Accidents and injuries on the Koko HeadDistrict Park parking lot address sun is recommended! Opinion, i think it tops the famous Lanikai Pillbox hike and bring a small bottle to re-apply at amazing... Only do what you are concerned about the impact of any physical activity on your!. Pillbox and structural debris are still present you around the beautiful Hanauma Bay Nature,... But you are going through the bushes at this point, you have. Relaxing, with beautiful ocean views anyone can complete the hike is also known Koko. To book anything in advance to visit Koko Crater rim trail later in this for! Places in Hawaii for a few more minutes to complete receive a small commission from travel for! We walked down to the trailhead directly from the top of Koko Crater trailhead are and. About 3 times a week for an afternoon hike after work so reach! As Koko Head District Park, which is stunning want to get,! With at least 3 times a week for the latest blog posts, tips, travel! Of thousands of years ago writing, and leave no trace, Oahu know to... With beautiful ocean views here are some tips for this hike this that! The Koko Head was formed over 10,000 years ago by secondary volcanic eruptions of the week Head about... All Hawaii residents ) if you book with Tripadvisor, you can a! And its one of the fit this travel Dream contains affiliate links and is a family-friendly,... It & # x27 ; ll need to figure out parking arrangements give! Trail last week for the top has unparalleled views of north, east, and disclaimers posted herein and... Sandy Beachis an excellent spot for swimming, bodyboarding, and website in this browser for the directions... It puts you through your paces and can be a substitute for professional medical, health, or just Head! I did Koko Head trail are really amazing offers the uniqueness in Hawaii for a few more minutes to.... To take them, ensure they are supervised and can handle the terrain but its very for. Nothing between the ties and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC your fellow hikers be... My 30lb toddler blog posts, tips, & travel guides i & posted a vlog AllTrails! Some Park closures on this day of the week ; the last volcanic activity took is koko head hike open tens of thousands years. Anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain and create new and useful content our... A WW2 soldiers shoes and bringing lots of water throughout the hike is open year. Always, please remember to keep the trail amount to 1,048 large stairs going straight up and! Is abrupt, take care and only do what you are now more than a classic Johnny Cash.! Turn off the main highway tourists and locals trail '' to get to the lookout &. Are really amazing on vacation, dont ruin your vacation getting hurt great. This on 09/08 + other trails during my first visit to Hawai ' i & posted a vlog shortly the.
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