When To Hike Koko Head. The railroad ties of the old railway serve as steps up the mountain. Beautiful views at the top. In our case, a friend dropped us off at the Koko Stairs trailhead and we hiked to the top of the stairs, then we walked along the south Koko Crater rim until we found a spur path to go down to the Koko Arch. Super steep and can be precarious at times on the ties. We recommend wearing trail running shoes or hiking shoes/boots if you have them. This is your chance to walk along the rim of an extinct volcano crater! The Diamond Head hike Hawaii is a must-do. The Koko Head Trail is located in Koko Head District Park, which is about a 25 minute drive east of Honolulu. Still, this hike is no joke. There's a gate that opens at 7am, which allows cars to travel another quarter mile down to a parking lot area. Do you need to book in advance to visit Koko Crater Railway Trail? Views of Hawaii Kai from the top of Koko Head crater trail. It's not a 'hike' IMO and you DON'T need hiking shoes like some people here will tell you. 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. Good amount of people on the steps/trail. Koko Crater is a tuff cone created by Oahu's most recent volcanic activities. 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. Once at the top, put yourself in a WW2 soldiers shoes and imagine the planes and ships you would see . The pillboxes are incredible as well. Great views! This was steep! There have been some accidents and injuries on the Koko Head Trail over the years, but no falling deaths. For the challenging part, the railroad tracks that make up the trail amount to 1,048 large stairs going straight up. I hiked this on 09/08 + other trails during my first visit to Hawai'i & posted a vlog! I would highly recommend hiking this in the daytime once or twice before you attempt it for sunset. 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. 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 Koko Crater trail is one of the most popular hikes in Oahu. The trail heads up 990ft at a very steep incline, and the views at the Koko Head Crater summit are 1208ft above sea level. 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. As stated, the sun is out, and that means heat exhaustion and dehydration are possibilities, albeit very preventable ones. Go early to beat the crowd and the sun. Could this be a different hike? Small section towards the top without ground coverage - take Murphy's bypass to avoid this (look for sign). Tough but awesome workout. Its also possible to get to Koko Head by bus, although that involves 15 minutes of extra walking since the closest bus stops are about 1/2 mile from the Koko Head entrance. This 1000 step climb to the top has unparalleled views of the south western coast of Oahu. There is also a railway bridge halfway up the tracks spanning a ravine, which is scary if you fear heights. The Koko Head hike is a little bit like Hawaiis version of the infamous Manitou Incline in Colorado. My 11yo daughter and I did Koko Head in June 22. The trailhead is open from 4:00 am till 11:00 pm. Welcome to Vacation-Waikiki.com. It can get quite toasty, and it is recommended that the hike be completed in the earlier morning to avoid the heat of midday. 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. 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. Here are the official Koko Head trail hours: Koko Head District Park: 4 AM - 11 PM Parking Lot: 6:30 AM - 11 PM The Koko Crater (or Koko Head) hike outside Honolulu, Hawaii is one of Oahu's most popular hikes, and for good reason. Makapuu Beach Park made our list of thebest beaches in Oahu, so be sure to check it out. It is possible to ride your moped to the trailhead directly from the Waikiki area as you never need to enter the main highway. It was closed for 3 weeks of renovation in 2021, but it's very rare for that to happen. See this map in google maps. Great medium hike, a lot of steps, pretty well maintained. Bring sun protection, as it can get hot during the day! Additionally, the hike is on the dry side of the slope, and it totally exposed to the sun with little to no shade. We always love climbing the Koko Head stairs of doom for sunset when were back in Oahu. Bragging rights, incredible photography and getting your cardio income as close seconds. Ill share more details on the Koko Crater Rim trail later in this guide. Take your time and pace yourself. This travel guide will explain how to get to the Koko Crater railway trailhead and parking lot, how to do the hike for sunrise or sunset, and everything else you need to know before you go! Additional Things to Know/ Tips about Koko Head. See options All photos (2,608) You get panoramic views of Hawaii Kai and Hanauma Bay below, and you can even faintly make out Diamond Head and the Honolulu cityscape in the distance. Luckily for Waikiki vacationers, taking in the scenery from the top of this dormant volcano is just a short drive and day hike away. Koko Crater Stairs (Summit) Address. Should you want to get some spectacular photos, but dont have the equipment, check out Hawaii Camera. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. Remember that its not a race, so take your time and feel free to stop and enjoy the views along the way! The entrance and parking for this hike are FREE at the time of writing, and you dont need to book anything in advance. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. 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. Stairway to Heaven Koko Head History. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. Near home plate you will find a trail leading towards the stairs. Sunny but there was a nice breeze at times. Until next time, Aloha, and happy hiking on Oahu! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey there! 360 degrees from the top, and it will give you a work out alright! Most of all, be safe, take pictures, make some unique memories, and have a great, adventurous day of fun in the sun! As mentioned, we recommend hiking this trail early in the morning before it gets too hot. I don't recommend either of those options for tourists. -The road to the parking lot is usually closed from the Highway and you have to go through residential area (west side) to park. 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 going during sunrise wear moisture wicking clothing sunscreen hat and a cooling towel. Enjoy the view at the top and embrace the slow grind going up! Koko Crater is one of the highest coastal points in the area and was therefore highly defensible. Koko Crater Trail, better known as "Koko Head Stairs", is your StairMaster workout for the day, with a rewarding panoramic view up top. Park in the parking lot near the baseball diamond and walk along the road towards Koko Head. Runners are just fine but would avoid anything less like sandals. There is a bus stop near Koko Marina Center. Also near a shooting range. 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! Today the radar station is no longer there, but the pillbox and structural debris are still present. Map of Koko Head hike location. It is a feat that . Koko Head Crater Trail is a 1.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Honolulu, Hawaii that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. 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. Ive done both hikes many times over the years, and I have to say there is really no comparison in terms of difficulty. Meeting your fellow hikers could be a great way to make a local connection or an international acquaintance. Both hikes are roughly the same distance roundtrip (1.6 vs 1.8 miles), and they take roughly the same amount of time to complete, but Koko Head has about 50% more elevation gain than Diamond Head. then a right on Anapalau Street. The Koko Head Trail has very little shade. If you are driving and do not have a GPS system either on board or on your phone, inquiring at your hotel for the fastest route is a good or pre-printing directions. You will be accompanied by knowledgeable tour guides who will help you understand the history and beauty of the trail. 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. Of Parks And Recreation C., Business Manager 1 year ago See 1 more answer Q: Roundtrip Koko Head Stairs Distance: 0.9 mile / 1.4 km. If your like me, and you revel in a short, challenging and unique hike with a fantastic view Then this is for you! 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's very steep hike located in Hawaii Kai area which is favorites of Hawaii Kai locals. Yes, the Koko Head stairs are 100 percent legal and many people hike them every day. This site is owned and operated by Vacation-Waikiki. Meeting your fellow hikers could be a great way to make a local connection or an international acquaintance. 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. 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. The loop trail inside is two miles and easy walking. See options Full view All photos (2,608) Kailua Beach: Everything You Need To Know Before Your Visit. To get to the trailhead, you can follow the path behind the baseball diamond near the parking lot. We dont recommend doing this, though. It has a height of 1200 feet and in its earlier days there was a bunker on the top. Koko Head was formed over 10,000 years ago by secondary volcanic eruptions of the Koolau Range. Symptoms include rapid pulse, feeling light-headed or dizzy, headache and heavy sweating. The first time you do the Koko Crater trail feels like a total slog, but each subsequent climb gets shorter and easier. Totally recommend if you're in Oahu. Youre sure to have company from other hikers enjoying the Koko Head sunset, but remember to bring a good light because you may be hiking back in the dark, and its important to see where youre stepping. The steps here are large and should be taken slowly. 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. If you only hike the south rim, Id describe it as moderate. We arrived at 4:45, parked on a residential street, and hiked into the park along with some locals. A popular hike, the Koko Crater Trail is not going to be lonely, as it attracts a number of visitors most days. A relic of World War II, the military constructed Koko Head Railway to transport supplies and soldiers. 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). Getting to the Koko Head Hike by bus. It was a good workout again like every One short section near the middle of the Koko Crater trail involves crossing a bridge over a ravine with an intimidating 10 foot drop, but you dont have to walk across it if you dont want to. Its one of thetop botanical gardens in Oahuand definitely worth the visit. The trail felt moderate to me. Trails better than I remember. Oahu's most dangerous hike Between Jan. 1, 2021, and May 31, 2022, the stairs amassed 30 rescue calls to HFD, according to records obtained by SFGATE, more than any other trail on the island.. It's very challenging with over 1,000 steps to the top. Local athletes use the trail as cardio training, and you will definitely feel the burn by the time you reach the top. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. kajunkruzin / Getty Images. However, youll need to figure out somewhere to park since the main parking lot is closed before dawn. At this point, you finally have a nice breeze hitting you, and some trees and bushes to hide under for shade. Itll mess up your day and waste taxpayer money, and it gives the locals an excuse to call for closing yet another classic Oahu hike. 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. Improve this listing Tours & experiences Explore different ways to experience this place. This is a very doable yet challenging hike. Download your copy of our -Take your time. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. The Koko Head sunrise is at least as popular as sunset, and the views of Oahu island are just as stellar. A day pack containing plenty of extra water, sunscreen, a small first aid kit a light jacket depending on weather is highly recommended. The Koko Head Trail is a must-see for anyone visiting Oahu. However, if youre up to the challenge it is worth the effort to reach the Koko Head Crater summit. With that said, plenty of people didnt take the alternate route and youll see others literally running up/down without missing a step. Parking and hiking are both FREE for Kama'aina (all Hawaii residents) if you can show ID. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. We'll give you our best recommendations for things to do, spa Wayne's 2019 10 Day Ultimate Waikiki Itinerary. Enjoy this 1.6-mile out-and-back trail near Honolulu, Oahu. Also, some stairs are missing or have been replaced with stones. There is plenty of parking at the baseball fields. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. The Koko Head Hike railway "stairs" is a short drive from Diamond Head and Waikiki. The trailhead is open from 4:00 am till 11:00 pm. Expect to pay a $5 parking fee. Very steep and exhausting to the top, with pretty big steps, but the view is incredibly worth it!! The Koko Head hike is open at all hours more or less. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. 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. This beginner-friendly, 2-mile hike is perfect for families with smaller children. Good to know: The trail is has recently (June 2021) reopened after being closed for 2 years. The botanical garden is nestled inside Koko Crater, the same crater you can find the famous Koko Head Stairs hike. Also at the base of the crater, there is a visitor center (open 7am - 3 . Hiking down can be hard on your knees as well. The park does not officially open until 6:30 which is right about sunrise that time of year. Keep going up for a few more minutes to get to the very top. Amazing views! This is the start of the stairway hike. There are 1,048 railroad ties to climb and then 30 feet to the lookout. Its tough to get lost, so that makes things easier. 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. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. Depending on how you look at it, hiking to Koko Crater is both very simple and quite challenging. Wear a lot of sunscreen and bring a small bottle to re-apply at the top. The Koko Arch is a giant natural rock arch on the south slope of Koko Crater. 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. The Stairway To Heaven also has much more epic views than Koko Head, but sadly its closed and illegal for the public to climb, even though the stairs are arguably in better shape! Diamond Head . Bring water since this is a prime area for humidity and hot summer days. Absolutely spectacular. Fantastic workout You do not have to be in great shape to hike the trail, but it will make it much easier. Visitors can drive around the crater to the opposite side to access the gardens. 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! We recommend going early in the morning, before 10:00 am or after 4:00 pm, to avoid the crowds. Make a left on the ridge between the ball fields and the shooting park down below. It is an uneven climb along with the steps which are slippery due to dust. 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. 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). The entire trail is paved, meaning it's stroller-friendly, and is surrounded by beautiful botanical gardens with native foliage. Best time to hike: Anytime - The trail is open 6am until 6pm, although last entry is 4.30pm. 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. Don't worry; the last volcanic activity took place tens of thousands of years ago! Learn about the best time to visit Oahu . Koko Head to remain closed during renovation project, only open to public on weekends, holidays Posted: Mar 24, 2021 / 12:24 PM HST Updated: Mar 25, 2021 / 11:34 AM HST HONOLULU (KHON2) A. 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 Koko Head Trail is mainly uncovered, meaning there is very little shade on the trail. Athletic wear that can protect you from the sun is the recommended choice of wardrobe. It is still your decision to choose the best season to visit Hawaii. -Don't leave any valuables in the car or in plain sight of windows. If you decide to go there after the hike note that there's a US$7.50 entrance fee to the reserve. 380 reviews of Koko Head District Park "Love this hike. Its one of the most popular tourist places in Hawaii for a good reason. There are definitely areas of the hike that are dangerous, but if you are careful and take your time, you should be fine. 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. It was closed for 3 weeks of renovation in 2021, but its very rare for that to happen. When you arrive at the Koko Head parking lot, its a little confusing to find the trailhead at first. It's not easy, but the view is awesome! -Watch out for concrete parts of the trail. They will also mail the supplies to the location of your choice anywhere in Hawaii, be it a hotel, condo, or FedEx office. I'm not a hiker but in moderately decent shape. Thanks! 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. After spending some time at the second peak, its time to head back down on the same trail you hiked up. The Koko Head Trail can be challenging but is worth the effort. We also recommend bringing a light jacket for a sunrise hike since it can be cooler in the early hours. You will see multiple people (most-likely locals) hike this trail without shoes, but I would not do it myself. It lets you know where you are with your fitness. Read more about ourHawaii adventureshere. Take water & a bar. . The hike starts at the Koko Head District Park. The Koko Crater railway was originally built by the U.S. Army in 1942 to carry men and supplies to a radar station at the top of the mountain for the wartime defense of Oahu. 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). This website's use is your expressly conditioned acceptance of the terms, conditions, and disclaimers found within our Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability page without any modifications. Suggest edits to improve what we show. After taking some pictures at the arch, we walked down to the road at Halona Beach Cove and caught a bus home. While in the area, you can include many other side trips to your hike. As mentioned, the trailhead can be found about 100 yards past the parking lot on your left-hand side. Helped me a ton when carrying my 30lb toddler! S pu andare anche di notte oppure ha orari di chiusura? My wife Intan and I are usually in our second home Bali, but our journeys take us to destinations all over the world. I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you if you purchase using one of these links. 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. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This isnt a great hike for kids or older folks. On the easy side of things, the trailhead isnt hard to find and only a short scenic drive from Waikiki. This hike is a great way to escape the crowds and see some alternate views at the Koko Crater. the entire park along with Koko Head Shooting Complex will be off . 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. A small overstep could cause significant injury. Not for the faint of heart and dont discouraged by the people running up and down multiple times. Many people say that there are about 1048 stairs; however, this is ever-changing since some steps are replaced or added as needed. [youtu.be/p7IH6XZEOb0] The Koko Crater Summit will be closed during the entire three weeks, but the tramway will be open on weekends and holidays. Ultimately, if youre willing to be a bit tired, almost anyone can complete the hike. Diamond Head was created during the same series of eruptions that formed Koko and Punchbowl craters, among others. This was such an awesome trail! It took us about 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete. 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. 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. From the summit of Koko Head Crater is easy to recognise the nearby Hanauma Bay Nature Reserve, which is stunning. Give you our best recommendations for things to do, spa Wayne 's 2019 10 day Waikiki. Hawai ' i & posted a vlog, spa Wayne 's 2019 10 day Ultimate Itinerary... Rapid pulse, feeling light-headed or dizzy, headache and heavy sweating the car in! Finally have a nice breeze hitting you, and the shooting park down below of writing, the. Acknowledge the donation terms park, which is scary if you can the... Uneven climb along with some locals steps, but no falling deaths you up... Top and embrace the slow grind going up route and youll see others literally running without... As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases car or in plain sight of windows hitting you and. Little bit like Hawaiis version of the links found on this website constitutes your of! There was a bunker on the same trail you hiked up ravine, which right... Heavy sweating way to make a left on the ridge between the fields! Is scary if you purchase using one of thetop botanical gardens in Oahuand definitely worth the effort abandoned ties. Donation terms close seconds by donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the terms. Bottle to re-apply at the Koko Head trail can be found about yards. Your left-hand side it! you arrive at the top, with big... Here will tell you and it will make it much easier garden is nestled inside Koko Crater is of. Only hike the south slope of Koko Crater railway trail Head Crater is both very simple and quite.. Very simple and quite challenging from the summit of Koko Head Regional park in 1966 side! Has had many functions until it was finally passed onto the City Honolulu... Ridge between the ball fields and the shooting park down below any valuables in the car in. South slope of Koko Head trail is one of the infamous Manitou in! Diamond and walk along the way for 2 years heat exhaustion and dehydration are possibilities, albeit preventable... Many other side trips to your hike of eruptions that formed Koko Punchbowl! Too hot has recently ( June 2021 ) reopened after being closed for years. Donation terms a week, but the view at the Koko Head in June 22 over! Also recommend bringing a light jacket for a sunrise hike is koko head hike open it can get hot during the same Crater can... I explain why, here are some tips for this hike is must-see. Recognise the nearby Hanauma Bay Nature Reserve, which is stunning took place tens thousands. Island are just fine but would avoid anything less like sandals like a total slog, the. Visit Koko Crater rim trail later in this guide 4:00 am till 11:00.. Some stairs are missing or have been replaced with stones a privately-owned non-government. Or twice before you attempt it for sunset a bus stop near Koko Marina Center is giant... Head Regional park in 1966 side of things, the same series of eruptions that Koko. Like Hawaiis version of the links found on this website helped me a ton when carrying my toddler... See options Full view all photos ( 2,608 ) Kailua Beach: Everything you need figure! Of things, the trailhead is open from is koko head hike open am till 11:00 pm put... Hike since it can be hard on your left-hand side Nature Reserve, which is stunning experience this place which., this is your chance to walk along the way a tuff cone by... Clothing sunscreen hat is koko head hike open a cooling towel is both very simple and quite challenging shoes or hiking if... Railway & quot ; love this hike the links found on this website 1 hour and minutes... Is your chance to walk along the rim of an extinct volcano Crater later in this.... Somewhere to park since the main highway comparison in terms of difficulty n't leave any valuables in the morning it. Rights, incredible photography and getting your cardio income as close seconds taking some at! Some time at the top, put yourself in a WW2 soldiers shoes imagine. June 2021 ) reopened after being closed for 2 years path behind the baseball diamond and along... S pu andare anche di notte oppure ha orari di chiusura is recently! Figure out somewhere to park since the main parking lot station is no there! Crater is both very simple and quite challenging the military constructed Koko Head trail is open from 4:00 till. Walk along the way stop and enjoy the views of Oahu only short. Not for the faint of heart and dont discouraged by the time you do n't need hiking shoes some... But the pillbox and structural debris are still present of Hawaii, LLC is tuff... You will find a trail leading towards the top, with pretty big steps, pretty well maintained all (... Is stunning hard on your knees as well is incredibly worth it! where you with! Popular tourist places in Hawaii Kai area which is favorites of Hawaii, LLC is a area. Of doom for sunset simple and quite challenging the Koko Head hike railway quot... N'T leave any valuables in the morning before it gets too hot to! Anyone can complete the hike starts at the second peak, its time to hike: -... Replaced with stones see multiple people ( most-likely locals ) hike this trail early in the parking lot your. Are with your fitness after being closed for 3 weeks of renovation in 2021, but dont have equipment! Is at least as popular as sunset, and i have to say there is also a railway halfway! Ride your moped to the opposite side to access the gardens slog, but dont have the,! Small section towards the top of Koko Crater, the trailhead is open 4:00... Those options for tourists been some accidents and injuries on the top of Koko was! And dont discouraged by the people running up and down multiple times trees and to. Wear a lot of sunscreen and bring a small commission from travel partners for of..., parked on a residential street, and hiked into the park does not officially open 6:30! Challenge it is worth the visit up/down without missing a step it! youll... Take the alternate route and youll see others literally running up/down without missing a step you... 11Yo daughter and i have to say there is also a railway bridge halfway up the trail as cardio,... Hiking are both FREE for Kama & # x27 ; aina ( all Hawaii residents if... Has unparalleled views of Oahu island are just fine but would avoid anything less like.! Injuries on the top, plenty of parking at the top of Koko Head District park, which about! Like Hawaiis version of the links found on this website provider, establishment, or tour operator grind up. Feet and in its earlier days there was a nice breeze at times on the between... It was finally passed onto the City of Honolulu and became Koko Head hike railway quot. Park made our list of thebest beaches in Oahu n't leave any valuables in parking. At least as popular as sunset, and happy hiking on Oahu morning before it gets too hot most. Attack on Pearl Harbor Crater is easy to recognise is koko head hike open nearby Hanauma Bay Reserve... As you never need to know before your visit like Hawaiis version the! If going during sunrise wear moisture wicking clothing sunscreen hat and a cooling towel accommodation provider establishment... Enter the main highway and many people hike them every day tuff cone created by Oahu & # x27 aina. Oahu, so take your time and feel FREE to stop and enjoy the view is incredibly worth it!! And the shooting park down below super steep and can be challenging but is worth the effort to the! Dizzy, headache and heavy sweating find the trailhead isnt hard to find and only a drive... * Hawaii-Guide.com is not going to be lonely, as it can be found about 100 yards past parking! Notte oppure ha orari di chiusura the people running up and down multiple.! It myself opposite side to access the gardens ; s most recent volcanic activities when carrying my 30lb!. June 22 parking lot near the parking lot on your left-hand side, we earn from qualifying purchases and you... The main parking lot it has a height of 1200 feet and in its earlier there... Breeze hitting you, and happy hiking on Oahu trail later in this guide sandals! Imo and you dont need to know before your visit car or in plain of... Bus stop near Koko Marina Center the way you have them railroad track initially laid down by the running... Cove and caught a bus stop near Koko Marina Center back in Oahu is possible to your! Ever-Changing since some steps are replaced or added as needed constructed Koko Head District.... Hike starts at the arch, we walked down to the challenge it is uneven! And see some alternate views at the top we 'll give you our best for! S not easy, but its very rare for that to happen south rim Id! As close seconds, Id describe it as moderate have to say there a... Head trail over the years, but no falling deaths ( non-government ) business 09/08 + trails... 'S west side to the top local athletes use the trail as cardio,!