As mentioned, the trailhead can be found about 100 yards past the parking lot on your left-hand side. Take water & a bar. Koko Crater is one of the better-preserved volcanic formations of its kind, and if you came for the volcanology, its worth a look. The scenery and views will always be breathtaking in this tropical paradise. Parking is free next to baseball field, crowded on weekends; don't leave valuables in the car. The pillboxes are incredible as well. However, this fall we planned for it and worked out leading up to the trip. We appreciate your click. 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. 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. 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. Great views at top but be cautious and kind other skilled hikers. Also, because the trail is railroad tracks, there is no navigational difficulty, and the hike is relatively short at just under two miles long round trip. It was closed for 3 weeks of renovation in 2021, but its very rare for that to happen. Not for the faint of heart and dont discouraged by the people running up and down multiple times. I will say, take lots of water and get your cardio on. Map of Koko Head hike location. Welcome to the Koko Crater Trail page. 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. Alternate from Waikiki: Take H1 east bound and you will see Koko Crater on the left side. There are plenty of other hikes you want to stay healthy and injury free for. Diamond Head Interpretive Kiosk & Gift Shop. Koko Crater was formed by the same series of volcanic eruptions in Hawaii that created Diamond Head, but nowadays its dormant and the last activity is believed to have been at least 7,000 years ago. As an affiliate, I only recommend products and services that I feel are high quality and helpful to my readers. These are not steps, there are areas where the steps are about 2ft apart and 20in in height. Its taxing cardio-wise and can be tough on the legs, knees, and feet. It took us about 45min up, 35min down, spent about 30min on top taking pictures and enjoying the view. It's not easy, but the view is awesome! You will need the flashlight, as it will most likely be dark when you start the hike. Over the last eight years, weve spent countless hours doing research online and talking with locals to uncover the best tips and recommendations that we use on our trips. 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. A small overstep could cause significant injury. Whenever you buy something through one of these links, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. -Don't leave any valuables in the car or in plain sight of windows. Turn around and look at the amazing view towards the beach and Honolulu. The Koko Head sunset is wonderful. Plus, 90% of the route is essentially a stair-stepper up the old Koko Head Tramway. Its fun to race to the top of the stairs, but theres really no reason to race down to the bottom. Plenty of parking! Most people rent a car in Oahu and drive to the Koko Crater trailhead. 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. Pro tip: there is a public toilet at the car park with a water fountain to refill your water bottle. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The Koko Head Trail is located in Koko Head District Park, which is about a 25 minute drive east of Honolulu. If youre on vacation, dont ruin your vacation getting hurt. This was steep! Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 24 min to complete. The Koko Crater Summit will be closed during the entire three weeks, but the tramway will be open on weekends and holidays. Save the speed runs for going up the stairs, and take your time going back down. Most hikers take the detour. Here are the official Koko Head trail hours: Koko Head District Park: 4 AM - 11 PM Parking Lot: 6:30 AM - 11 PM This is vacation, not a race, and visitors of every fitness level make this hike frequently. 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. Thanks! Trail Difficulty - Moderate. However, if youre up to the challenge it is worth the effort to reach the Koko Head Crater summit. This Oahu hike will test your endurance and strength to continuously take each additional step up the mountain as you stride over 1,000 steps to reach the top! Ill share more details on the Koko Crater Rim trail later in this guide. The World Travel Guy 2023 You have reached the top! Great views Heat exhaustion is pretty self-explanatory, but it happens when the internal body temperature rises over its normal levels. Best of all, the entire trail is paved, making it easy for strollers and those with mobility issues. The Stairway To Heaven hike is much longer, steeper, harder, and scarier than the Koko Stairs. To get to the trailhead, you can follow the path behind the baseball diamond near the parking lot. After the bridge, you will get glimpses of the view to come, including Hanauma Bay and Hawaii Kai. The Koko Head Trail is mainly uncovered, meaning there is very little shade on the trail. 2020 is a great year to visit Waikiki. We have since stuck to hiking the trail for sunrise and have never looked back. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. 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. If you're visiting Oahu soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Oahu Visitor Guides. However, the parking lot is open from 6:30 am to 11:00 pm. The last eruption of the Koko Head Crater is estimated 7000 years ago. FromWaikiki, you will need to take the H-1 to HI- 72 to Lunalilo Home Road, then drive up to Anapalau Street. There's a gate that opens at 7am, which allows cars to travel another quarter mile down to a parking lot area. But would definitely do it again, just maybe more prepared this time. I would recommend this hike to people who are not in great aerobic shape Take your time & you'll eventually make it. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. This 1000 step climb to the top has unparalleled views of the south western coast of Oahu. Overall, theyre both great hikes if you have time! 97% of travelers recommend this experience. This hike leads you around the beautiful Hanauma Bay, known for its snorkeling in crystal clear waters. Makapuu Beach Park This beach is perfect for an afternoon picnic or a stroll on the beach. When you reach the plateau, you can admire the view of the valley and jungle before the path heads downwards to the falls. Read more about ourHawaii adventureshere. Fantastic workout With incredible views, gorgeous sunrises, and fantastic photo ops, this is one trail you wont miss. See this map in google maps. Content on this site is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical, health, or safety advice. Bring lots of water and a hat too. then a right on Anapalau Street. 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. How long is Koko Head 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. From the trail's destination at Makapu'u Head, one is rewarded with magnificent views of the windward coast and offshore islets, as well as the historic red-roofed . Waikiki 2020 Best Tips & Restaurant Favorites. So in a comparison of Koko Head vs Diamond Head, how do these two popular volcano hikes in Oahu stack up? The trail is steep, so ensure you are in decent shape before attempting to hike. Need water and a hat, need good grippy shoes. Very steep and exhausting to the top, with pretty big steps, but the view is incredibly worth it!! Great views of north, east & south O'ahu at the summit. They offer affordable camera rental options with the ability to purchase SD cards to take home. The sun sets right over Hawaii Kai, and there are usually no clouds to block it. Expect to pay a $5 parking fee. This natural phenomenon is caused by waves crashing into a lava wall and shooting water through the hole. Parking and hiking are both FREE for Kama'aina (all Hawaii residents) if you can show ID. About halfway through the hike, there is a bridge that you will have to cross. 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! With that said, plenty of people didnt take the alternate route and youll see others literally running up/down without missing a step. After spending some time at the second peak, its time to head back down on the same trail you hiked up. Is koko head climb still open? 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