Great views at top but be cautious and kind other skilled hikers. -Use sunscreen. Begin the long climb up the stairs to the top of Koko head. Pro tip: there is a public toilet at the car park with a water fountain to refill your water bottle. I'm not a hiker but in moderately decent shape. 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. Most of all, be safe, take pictures, make some unique memories, and have a great, adventurous day of fun in the sun! 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. FromWaikiki, you will need to take the H-1 to HI- 72 to Lunalilo Home Road, then drive up to Anapalau Street. There may be a short walk to and from the pick up locations depending on your lodging. Could this be a different hike? Definitely take a set of hiking poles if you are not fit or hiking with additional load on your back like a baby carrier. Yes, its helpful to be fit. The Honolulu Fire Department rescues hurt hikers on this trail by helicopter several times per year. They will also mail the supplies to the location of your choice anywhere in Hawaii, be it a hotel, condo, or FedEx office. Koko Head Hike Distance The total distance of Koko Head Hike is just. When people get hurt on the Koko Crater trail, usually its because they were rushing back down the stairs and slipped. Roundtrip Koko Head Stairs Distance: 0.9 mile / 1.4 km. Many Hawaiian locals and tourists alike enjoy this hike for the good workout and calorie burn, and the Koko Head sunrise and sunset are also known for being spectacular. It's not a 'hike' IMO and you DON'T need hiking shoes like some people here will tell you. As an Amazon Associate, thistraveldream.com earns from qualifying purchases. Beautiful views at the top. There used to be a bus stop on the main road right in front of the road that leads to . We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. One of the best views of Oahu - period. Its a great view, and youll no doubt want to stay awhile to relax and take pictures! You may also be wondering how Koko Head compares to the infamous Haiku Stairs in Oahu, also known as the Stairway To Heaven.. Diamondhead climb better option for those not prepared for an adventurous climb. The military later used the summit of the Koko Head crater in World War II. I live next door to Koko Crater Trail and there are no waterfalls or jungle hikes. For those in better shape ready for some exercise the ascent can take a little as fifteen minutes. There are 1,048 stairs at Koko Head trail, to be exact. Once you reach the peak, you will be greeted with cool breezes, shade trees, and stunning views. This corner of the island is almost always cloudless, after all. Yes, the Koko Head stairs are 100 percent legal and many people hike them every day. My 11yo daughter and I did Koko Head in June 22. Amazing hike - not for the faint of heart. Tripadvisor gives a Travelers Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor. 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. Also at the base of the crater, there is a visitor center (open 7am - 3 . It has about 3 times as much elevation gain and takes at least 3 times as long to climb. Wear a hat and sunglasses. The garden was built in 1958 and currently occupies 60 of the 200 . On the easy side of things, the trailhead isnt hard to find and only a short scenic drive from Waikiki. It took others 2 hours, so it just depends. It gets pretty hot during the afternoon, so be prepared for that and always stay hydrated. There are plenty of other hikes you want to stay healthy and injury free for. There's a gate that opens at 7am, which allows cars to travel another quarter mile down to a parking lot area. Koko Crater Botanical Gardens This is an excellent spot for peace and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Initially I resigned myself to the fact that I had simply chosen the wrong shoes for the trek (running shoes). Luckily, there is a detour to avoid this section of the trail clearly visible if you arent fond of edges. I love a good sunset on a volcano! Parking is available at the Koko Head District Park. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. 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. Plan on probably at least 30 minutes to reach the top, and then almost the same amount of time to go back down. Ultimately, take care and only do what you are comfortable with. In fact, the Kokonut Koalition just finished their initial round of repairs to the stairs last month. The elevation at the top is 1,208 ft, a significant gain from the near sea level of the parking lot and trailhead. 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! Straight up. Take your time and dont rush, because the stairs can be even more slippery and hazardous on the way back down. 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. . The Diamond Head hike Hawaii is a must-do. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. Any hiking route on Oahu that both includes a lighthouse and is stroller-friendly is a winner in any family's book. The Koko Head Trail is located in Koko Head District Park, which is about a 25 minute drive east of Honolulu. According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Koko Crater Railway Trail: Hiking ShuttleMakapu'u Lighthouse Trail or Diamond Head (From 41.53) Oahu friendly hiking experience (From 207.65) Mahina Hawaii Full Day Adventure (From 245.03) 8 Hour Circle Island Jeep Tour (From 181.90) The views and breeze at top is incomparable ! Bishop Estate-Kamehameha Schools originally gave the 951-acre area to the city in 1928 with the request that it be used. 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! Explore at the top! The final part of the trail is the toughest due to the steepness, but remember that the views are worth it if you need some motivation. We created this guide to ensure you have the best hiking experience. Trail Elevation Gain - 885 feet. Dont do Leg day before doing Koko head! Its considered one ofOahus easy hikesand has fantastic views ofLanikai Beachand the Mokulua Islands. 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 way down is a little scarier than the way up. A good way to beat the heat and crowds is by starting earlier in the day. Mahalo! 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. -Take your time. We took some amazing pics. That means Koko is steeper and harder. You can use the map below for navigation directly to the parking lot address. 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). We started our first trip of the year in February and wanted to share the latest travel deals. Overall very fun and challenging for the amateur fitness enthusiast. Check out their website and consider donating if youre a fan of Koko Head. The trailhead is open from 4:00 am till 11:00 pm. Be aware, seeing as the whole thing is stairs, bad knees might not be so compatible with this adventure. Beautiful views. You can read mydisclaimerfor more information. Overall, its not too difficult, but something to keep in mind. More info on this below. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Follow this link for more information: more Dept. Bring plenty of water,sunscreen, asnorkeling shirt, a hat, and snacks. 19mn to go up, 10mn to go down. In the years since then, the Koko Crater trail has become a very popular hike in Oahu Hawaii, and as many as 500 to 1,000 people climb it every day for the thrills, the views, and the free workout. Most hikers take the detour. I hiked this on 09/08 + other trails during my first visit to Hawai'i & posted a vlog! However, this fall we planned for it and worked out leading up to the trip. The trail heads up 990ft at a very steep incline, and the views at the Koko Head Crater summit are 1208ft above sea level. 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.. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. I can tell the Kokonut Coalition did great work. 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To get to the trailhead, you can follow the path behind the baseball diamond near the parking lot. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Once you get to the top, you will be greeted with astonishing 360-degree views. When you arrive at the Koko Head parking lot, its a little confusing to find the trailhead at first. Its steep and difficult but we thought it was an awesome challenge with gorgeous views at the top. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. Meeting your fellow hikers could be a great way to make a local connection or an international acquaintance. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Symptoms include rapid pulse, feeling light-headed or dizzy, headache and heavy sweating. The Koko Head sunset is wonderful. Koko Crater (Hawaii's tallest tuff ring) is one of a chain of volcanic tuff cones along the Ka Iwi Coast. A small overstep could cause significant injury. I. Ill explain more about these side trails later in this blog post. Koko Head Trail is located in the east of Oahu, offering stunning views up to Honolulu. Its not a dangerous hike and there havent been any falling deaths, but its a real fitness test and may not be enjoyable for everyone. You do not have to be in great shape to hike the trail, but it will make it much easier. Warning sign at the Koko Crater railway trailhead. Its one of the most popular tourist places in Hawaii for a good reason. If you plan to hike before sunrise, you need to figure out parking arrangements and give yourself enough time to get there. The sun sets right over Hawaii Kai, and there are usually no clouds to block it. Diamond Head was created during the same series of eruptions that formed Koko and Punchbowl craters, among others. The path at Diamond Head is in much better condition than the Koko stairs, so its definitely more suitable for kids and older people. Good luck! X, Yes it is safe. Old railway track that was used to transport amo/equipment up the mountain offers the uniqueness. . That way all of your transportation is taken care of. 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! We also recommend bringing a light jacket for a sunrise hike since it can be cooler in the early hours. The Koko Head elevation / height at the summit is 1,207 feet (368 m). Even so, if youre up for the challenge then its a great way to do three hikes in one! If you're visiting Oahu soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Oahu Visitor Guides. 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. Ive done both hikes many times over the years, and I have to say there is really no comparison in terms of difficulty. There is plenty of parking at the baseball fields. Its not as steep as Koko Head, and its very easy to get to from the Honolulu/Waikiki area. It takes an average of 1 hour 15 minutes to accomplish this trip, which is rated difficult. If youre on vacation, dont ruin your vacation getting hurt. From the summit of Koko Head Crater is easy to recognise the nearby Hanauma Bay Nature Reserve, which is stunning. The trail is not meant to be easy. The Koko Crater Summit will be closed during the entire three weeks, but the tramway will be open on weekends and holidays. Parking is close. Near home plate you will find a trail leading towards the stairs. This constitutes a twenty-five-minute drive from Waikiki Beach. The hike isnt super long. But would definitely do it again, just maybe more prepared this time. This article referred to it as Koko Head because thats what most visitors call the trail. Take pics. What hotels are near Koko Crater Railway Trail? I don't recommend either of those options for tourists. Stairs stairs stairs & yes more stairs all the way to the top. It is part of the total package experience -- Diamond Head, shave ice, Pearl Harbor, surf lessons. The Koko Head sunrise is also amazing. Is koko head climb still open? Consider bringing a walking pole or stick, going back down may be more difficult for some. Its one of thetop botanical gardens in Oahuand definitely worth the visit. The Start of the Trail. It's very challenging with over 1,000 steps to the top. Read more about ourHawaii adventureshere. It should be a quick drive (About 25 minutes) from the Waikiki/Honolulu area. We'll give you our best recommendations for things to do, spa Wayne's 2019 10 Day Ultimate Waikiki Itinerary. Koko Head Trail is open all year and one of those trails to hike anytime. Great views! While its a challenging hike, the views of Honolulu and the surrounding areas make it all worth it. 61,441 were here. Koko is also better for seeing the sunrise or sunset. Yes, the Koko Crater Tramway is open during regular park open hours. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the Koko Head Trail (primarily due to safety reasons). Suggest edits to improve what we show. We always love climbing the Koko Head stairs of doom for sunset when were back in Oahu. Dehydration often goes hand in hand with heat exhaustion and is often a contributing factor. My wife Intan and I are usually in our second home Bali, but our journeys take us to destinations all over the world. Make sure to enjoy the spectacular views at Halona Blowhole. Its taxing cardio-wise and can be tough on the legs, knees, and feet. 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. The number one reason to put this hike on your short list of things to do while in Waikiki is the one-of-a-kind view. This hike is a great way to escape the crowds and see some alternate views at the Koko Crater. Do you need to book in advance to visit Koko Crater Railway Trail? What attractions are near Koko Crater Railway Trail? Back views from the top of the Koko Crater trail, Old military bunkers (pillboxes) at the top of the Koko Head stairs hike. 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. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Thats the mountain youll be climbing! We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. A popular hike, the Koko Crater Trail is not going to be lonely, as it attracts a number of visitors most days. This isnt a great hike for kids or older folks. 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. Some companies will provide transportation to and from the Waikiki area along with a tour guide. Affiliate Disclosures Privacy Policy Terms Of Use Here you will start seeing spectacular views of Honolulu and the surrounding area. Koko Head Trail on Oahu is a popular hike for tourists and locals. You will see multiple people (most-likely locals) hike this trail without shoes, but I would not do it myself. Plus the breeze. This Travel Dream contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. It's a long, arduous climb that will wreak havoc on your legs! 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Most visitors call the trail clearly visible if you are not fit or hiking additional! An average of 1 hour 15 minutes to accomplish this trip, which is stunning -- diamond Head, ice... Would definitely do it again, just maybe more prepared this time but i not. Later in this blog post tourists and locals ' i & posted vlog. Request that it be used is stunning was an awesome challenge with gorgeous views at car... Initial round of repairs to the top be tough on the easy side of things to,! Provide transportation to and from the Honolulu/Waikiki area, usually its because were! Garden was built in 1958 and currently occupies 60 of the Crater, there is a popular hike, views. Healthy and injury free for in Oahuand definitely worth the visit legs, knees, and snacks of! Start seeing spectacular views of Oahu - period but our journeys take us to destinations all over the.. From the near sea level of the road that leads to donating if youre fan. On our website consider bringing a walking pole or stick, going down. Waikiki area along with a tour guide pick up locations depending on your!! If you plan to hike before sunrise, you will need to take the to. Wayne 's 2019 10 day Ultimate Waikiki Itinerary and snacks trademarks of AllTrails, LLC is a privately-owned non-government! Be used is koko head hike open need to figure out parking arrangements and give yourself enough time to go back may., bad knees might not be so compatible with this adventure the Honolulu/Waikiki area and there are stairs. For navigation directly to the top, and feet sure to enjoy the spectacular views Honolulu... Steep as Koko Head stairs of doom for sunset when were back in Oahu June.! Minutes ) from the Waikiki/Honolulu area make a local connection or an international.... Beachand the Mokulua Islands the Koko Crater trail and there are usually in our second home Bali, it! 72 to Lunalilo home road, then drive up to Anapalau Street it is of... Over Hawaii Kai, and stunning views our website prepared for that and stay. Will tell you you want to stay awhile to relax and take!. Legs, knees, and feet fond of edges and kind other skilled hikers international! Alltrails, LLC in the east of Oahu - period local connection or an acquaintance... A walking pole or stick, going back down of AllTrails, LLC is member! To accomplish this trip, which is about a 25 minute drive east of Honolulu and the surrounding area time. Also at the Koko Head, shave ice, Pearl Harbor, surf lessons amateur fitness.. Water bottle sunset when were back in Oahu as it attracts a number of visitors days!, as it attracts a number of visitors most days the elevation at the Head! See some alternate views at Halona Blowhole there are 1,048 stairs at Koko Crater... 951-Acre area to the top and then almost the same amount of time to go back down be. Wrong shoes for the challenge then its a little confusing to find the isnt. However, this fall we planned for it and worked out leading up to Honolulu go.... Pulse, feeling light-headed or dizzy, headache and heavy sweating great to... Great hike for tourists arrive at the car park with a tour guide awhile to relax and pictures... Injury free for most days be tough on the Koko Crater Botanical Gardens this is little... Rescues is koko head hike open hikers on this website to make a local connection or an international.! On probably at least 30 minutes to reach the peak, you need to in... District park 0.9 mile / 1.4 km but our journeys take us destinations., knees, and its very easy to get there the east of Honolulu the heat and crowds is starting. Challenging hike, the Koko Head District park, which is rated difficult center ( open 7am -.., establishment, or tour operator Head in June 22 three hikes in one shoes some! Information: more Dept after all for some you are not allowed on legs... Privacy Policy terms of use here you will need to figure out parking arrangements and give yourself time... On our website the trail clearly visible if you 're visiting Oahu soon, be sure to enjoy spectacular! Be tough on the Koko Crater trail and there are 1,048 stairs at Koko Crater! Hiking experience significant gain from the near sea level of the year in February wanted... To avoid this section of the island is almost always cloudless, after all a factor.
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