Totally recommend if you're in Oahu. Amazing views! However, the Koko HeadDistrict Park parking lot hours are 6:30 am till 11:00 pm. We also recommend bringing a light jacket for a sunrise hike since it can be cooler in the early hours. 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. From here, you can see into the crater itself, Hanauma Bay, Diamond Head, Waikiki, and Koko Marina. A popular hike, the Koko Crater Trail is not going to be lonely, as it attracts a number of visitors most days. Parking is available at the Koko Head District Park. It lets you know where you are with your fitness. Very steep and exhausting to the top, with pretty big steps, but the view is incredibly worth it!! They also stop atHalona Blowholeand Sandy Beach upon returning to your hotel for fantastic photo opportunities. Incredible view at the top. There are several abandoned military bunkers (pillboxes) at the top of the summit, as well as an elevated metal platform that gives you even better views of the whole area surrounding the Koko Crater trail. You will need the flashlight, as it will most likely be dark when you start the hike. Especially if the stairs consist of more than 1048 steps held down by railroad ties going up the side of a volcanic crater. 19mn to go up, 10mn to go down. 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. Honolulu House w/Shared Pool by Koko Crater! Also, some stairs are missing or have been replaced with stones. Challenging climb with incredible views as your reward. When you arrive at the Koko Head parking lot, its a little confusing to find the trailhead at first. There are 1,048 railroad ties to climb and then 30 feet to the lookout. Today the radar station is no longer there, but the pillbox and structural debris are still present. . -Bring at least one water bottle. If you're visiting Oahu soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Oahu Visitor Guides. Learn about the best time to visit Oahu . Koko Head was formed over 10,000 years ago by secondary volcanic eruptions of the Koolau Range. The Diamond Head Hike; Practicalities (mandatory reservations + directions) . See this map in google maps. Witnessing the sunrise from the top of Koko Crater is definitely worth the early morning! In 2018, while sitting on a lounge chair in Waikiki, Vacation-Waikiki.com was born. 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. Makapuu Beach Park made our list of thebest beaches in Oahu, so be sure to check it out. From the summit of Koko Head Crater is easy to recognise the nearby Hanauma Bay Nature Reserve, which is stunning. If you're looking for a hard hike on Oahu, look no further than Koko Crater Trail . Bring more water than you think youll need. 7430 Kalanianaole Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96825, USA. Warning sign at the Koko Crater railway trailhead. However, if youre up to the challenge it is worth the effort to reach the Koko Head Crater summit. Getting to the Koko Head Hike by bus. Oh man. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. This steep climb consists of 1,000+ steps along an abandoned railroad track that runs to the top of Koko Crater. When To Hike Koko Head. The trailhead and trail are located within Koko Head District Park at 7602, 7604 Koko Head Park Rd, Honolulu, HI, 96825 for those using GPS to find your way. Small section towards the top without ground coverage - take Murphy's bypass to avoid this (look for sign). Get there early to beat the crowd and take your time!!! Before it was a trail, there used to be a railway. Great workout with an awesome view. Go early. 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. Luckily for Waikiki vacationers, taking in the scenery from the top of this dormant volcano is just a short drive and day hike away. Saturday!! Luckily, there is a detour to avoid this section of the trail clearly visible if you arent fond of edges. Ive hiked the Koko Crater trail many times over the years, and its always great fun. 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. Pro tip: there is a public toilet at the car park with a water fountain to refill your water bottle. Meeting your fellow hikers could be a great way to make a local connection or an international acquaintance. Once you make it through this area, it gets even steeper, but you are now more than halfway there. I live next door to Koko Crater Trail and there are no waterfalls or jungle hikes. So in a comparison of Koko Head vs Diamond Head, how do these two popular volcano hikes in Oahu stack up? More info on this below. The Koko Head Hike is a trail of over 1,000 stairs. Check out this 2.6-km out-and-back trail near Honolulu, Oahu. The Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail is a gentle hike with spectacular views of Oahu's southeast coastline, including Koko Crater and Koko Head. You may also be wondering how Koko Head compares to the infamous Haiku Stairs in Oahu, also known as the Stairway To Heaven.. Diamond Head Hours. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Expect to pay a $5 parking fee. Most of all, be safe, take pictures, make some unique memories, and have a great, adventurous day of fun in the sun! Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 24 min to complete. 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. Consider bringing a walking pole or stick, going back down may be more difficult for some. The Koko Head Trail can be challenging but is worth the effort. Athletic wear that can protect you from the sun is the recommended choice of wardrobe. Directions: The trailhead is located at the end of Manoa Road adjacent to the Lyon Arboretum. This 1000 step climb to the top has unparalleled views of the south western coast of Oahu. Here are the official Koko Head trail hours: Koko Head District Park: 4 AM - 11 PM Parking Lot: 6:30 AM - 11 PM If your like me, and you revel in a short, challenging and unique hike with a fantastic view Then this is for you! Wear a lot of sunscreen and bring a small bottle to re-apply at the top. Loved it. The Koko Head Hike railway stairs is a short drive from Diamond Head and Waikiki. 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. What restaurants are near Koko Crater Railway Trail? Theres a big parking lot at Koko Head District Park and its free to use for this hike. Until next time, Aloha, and happy hiking on Oahu! Koko Crater Railway Trailhead: Parking Lot / Directions, Best Things To Do In Oahu Hawaii - Fun, Couples, & Free, Best Hikes In Oahu Hawaii - Most Epic & Beautiful Hiking Trails, Iguazu Falls Argentina & Brazil Travel Guide (+Map), Perito Moreno Glacier View & Trek (El Calafate Argentina), Mount Fitz Roy Patagonia: Laguna De Los Tres Hike (Argentina), 16 Great Zion Hikes: Best Hikes In Zion National Park, James Bond Island Thailand: Phang Nga Bay Tour (Phuket), Maine Lighthouses Map: The 15 Best Lighthouses In Maine, Acatenango Volcano Hike: Volcan De Fuego Guatemala, Tikal Guatemala Ruins: Map & How To Visit Tikal National Park, 15 Best Things To Do In Singapore Airport (Changi Layover), Maya Bay Thailand: The Beach Is Open! 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! But the views at the top were stunning! Both of these are common during physical exertion in hot, humid climates, but resting often and drinking plenty of water are easy ways to head such issues off at the pass. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Park in the parking lot near the baseball diamond and walk along the road towards Koko Head. We always use Google Maps and type in Koko Head Trail for the driving directions. There is no doubt about where you are going. While I did it in about 19min for the first attempt, I know that this is not a trail to over do it. If you want a good workout and calorie burn, however, Koko Head wins there. X, Yes it is safe. People often throw on a headlamp and get hiking the trail before sunrise to be at the summit for sunrise. As always, please remember to keep the trail clean, be considerate of other hikers, and leave no trace. Description. 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). If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. You can use the map below for navigation directly to the parking lot address. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. Trail Difficulty - Moderate. Makapuu Beach Park This beach is perfect for an afternoon picnic or a stroll on the beach. We always love climbing the Koko Head stairs of doom for sunset when were back 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. Seriously. Bring sun protection, as it can get hot during the day! All in all, the total calorie burn on the Koko Crater trail is somewhere in the realm of 400 calories (roundtrip). Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Great views of north, east, and south O'ahu at the summit. 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