is koko head hike open

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. Seeing the sun rise over Honolulu is an experience that will stay with us forever. $$ - $$$ Italian Pizza Vegetarian Friendly, $ Quick Bites Pizza Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ Quick Bites American Fast Food. It's not a 'hike' IMO and you DON'T need hiking shoes like some people here will tell you. 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. Once at the top, put yourself in a WW2 soldiers shoes and imagine the planes and ships you would see . Ive done the Koko Head stairs in sandals before, but its very awkward and I wouldnt recommend it. The Koko Head District Park is open from 4 am until . The views at the top of Koko Head trail are really amazing. Here, well go over what to expect on the trail, answer some FAQs, what to bring, some tips for making your hike more enjoyable and safe, and so much more. -Bring at least one water bottle. Let's stay updated! That makes for a butt kicking climb. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. If you plan to hike before sunrise, you need to figure out parking arrangements and give yourself enough time to get there. See this map in google maps. Trail Distance - 1.6 miles. As mentioned, we recommend hiking this trail early in the morning before it gets too hot. Diamondhead gets all the hype, but Kokohead is ten times better for those who want a little bit of a challenge, amazing views, and a sense of accomplishment. Amazing views! This beginner-friendly, 2-mile hike is perfect for families with smaller children. Taka e left onto Koko Head District Park where you'll find parking lots and a trailhead. Its not as steep as Koko Head, and its very easy to get to from the Honolulu/Waikiki area. The trail is not meant to be easy. Since it gets pretty hot, consider wearing light-colored clothes made of light material. 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 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. Bring sun protection, as it can get hot during the day! We've updated both travel guides with a lot of new great information for potential visitors (and those who've been a time or two as well). Definitely recommend if youre a good hiker. Stairs stairs stairs & yes more stairs all the way to the top. Bragging rights, incredible photography and getting your cardio income as close seconds. Its an adventure in itself. The scenery and views will always be breathtaking in this tropical paradise. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Hiking Fee: $5 per person. It is a feat that . This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Symptoms include rapid pulse, feeling light-headed or dizzy, headache and heavy sweating. I would recommend earlier. Near home plate you will find a trail leading towards the stairs. In 2018, while sitting on a lounge chair in Waikiki, Vacation-Waikiki.com was born. Once you get to the top, you will be greeted with astonishing 360-degree views. 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. Ill explain more about these side trails later in this blog post. This steep climb consists of 1,000+ steps along an abandoned railroad track that runs to the top of Koko Crater. Waikiki 2020 Best Tips & Restaurant Favorites. 2-4 hours, depending on you pace up the stairs, Oahu's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Oahu's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. Meeting your fellow hikers could be a great way to make a local connection or an international acquaintance. What I personally didn't think through was the fact that the climb is just as steep on the way down as it was on the way up. Additionally, the hike is on the dry side of the slope, and it totally exposed to the sun with little to no shade. 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. Consider bringing a walking pole or stick, going back down may be more difficult for some. Its tough to get lost, so that makes things easier. Subscribe to my newsletter for the latest blog posts, tips, & travel guides. 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. Koko Head was formed over 10,000 years ago by secondary volcanic eruptions of the Koolau Range. If you want a good workout and calorie burn, however, Koko Head wins there. 2020 is a great year to visit Waikiki. These fees have to be paid online here. The last 1/10 of a mile is all stairs and especially steep. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. I'm not a hiker but in moderately decent shape. So we were not prepared for the lack of oxygen, we made sure to take lots of breaks as it was hard to breathe at some points for me. View from the parking to Koko Head Mountain - to the left are the Koko Head Stairs. Hours: 6 AM - 6 PM (last entry 4 PM) Parking Fee: $10 per car. You have reached the top! Officially known as Koko Crater Tramway, Koko Head is also referred to as Koko Head Stairs, Koko Crater Stairs of Doom, Puu Mai Stairs, or Koko Crater Stairs.. We recommend going early in the morning, before 10:00 am or after 4:00 pm, to avoid the crowds. I did this hike with 3 others, all in our early 30s (vs Diamond head, did with whole family including parents). 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. Don't worry; the last volcanic activity took place tens of thousands of years ago! Incredible view at the top. Most people can get up and down in about an hour. It makes it unpleasant and a lot harder. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. The entrance and parking for this hike are FREE at the time of writing, and you dont need to book anything in advance. Very crowded. A couple places to park are inside the Hanauma Bay parking (free for Hawaii residents and military) or in the Koko Head District Park (the start of Koko Crater Trail Hike). A popular hike, the Koko Crater Trail is not going to be lonely, as it attracts a number of visitors most days. In fact, if you ever look up to Koko Head hiking trail before the sun has risen, you will see a line of small white lights slowly making their way up the trail. Especially if the stairs consist of more than 1048 steps held down by railroad ties going up the side of a volcanic crater. Still, this hike is no joke. When it comes to visiting the Hawaiian capital of Honolulu, hiking the Koko Crater Trail, also known as the Koko Head Stairs, has become a regular tradition for tourists. Good to know: The trail is has recently (June 2021) reopened after being closed for 2 years. Thanks for looking! 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. We attempted it last summer when we were there, but started too late in the morning. Parking and hiking are both FREE for Kama'aina (all Hawaii residents) if you can show ID. This is the start of the stairway hike. Visitors can drive around the crater to the opposite side to access the gardens. Ive seen this in news reports and also seen it happen in person many times. The "bypass trail" to get past this requires you to use a rope to help yourself up the mountain. 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. Expect to pay a $5 parking fee. There are 1,048 railroad ties to climb and then 30 feet to the lookout. Here you will start seeing spectacular views of Honolulu and the surrounding area. Parking is free next to baseball field, crowded on weekends; don't leave valuables in the car. Visitors might also be interested in the Koko Crater Botanical Garden which can be accessed inside the crater. People often throw on a headlamp and get hiking the trail before sunrise to be at the summit for sunrise. While its a challenging hike, the views of Honolulu and the surrounding areas make it all worth it. After the bridge, you will get glimpses of the view to come, including Hanauma Bay and Hawaii Kai. Diamond Head . The dusty trail and slick metal ties can also be slippery. Also, the botanical gardens inside the crater are worth a look. It has about 3 times as much elevation gain and takes at least 3 times as long to climb. We usually do this hike for sunrise and have never had a hard time finding parking during this time. Welcome to the Koko Crater Trail page. You dont have to be superfit to hike it, but we recommend being in decent shape. I'm David, an American with a passion for adventure, the outdoors, and all things travel. Its one of thetop botanical gardens in Oahuand definitely worth the visit. Trail Difficulty - Moderate. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. 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. We used the flashlights on our phones. Thanks! -Wear a hat. Highlights of the trail:Gorgeous views of Honolulu, Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach, and Diamond Head Crater. Koko Crater Trail, better known as "Koko Head Stairs", is your StairMaster workout for the day, with a rewarding panoramic view up top. 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. . Dehydration often goes hand in hand with heat exhaustion and is often a contributing factor. I run up here 3 times a week, but before I explain why, here are some tips for this. Definitely take a set of hiking poles if you are not fit or hiking with additional load on your back like a baby carrier. I can tell the Kokonut Coalition did great work. 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. This one will make your legs sore the next day! Koko Crater Botanical Gardens This is an excellent spot for peace and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of city life. I love a good sunset on a volcano! If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Some companies will provide transportation to and from the Waikiki area along with a tour guide. 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. 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. This corner of the island is almost always cloudless, after all. As mentioned, the trailhead can be found about 100 yards past the parking lot on your left-hand side. This can be tricky, as there is nothing between the ties and the ground below. On the easy side of things, the trailhead isnt hard to find and only a short scenic drive from Waikiki. It takes an average of 1 hour 15 minutes to accomplish this trip, which is rated difficult. You should see the trailhead about 100 yards from the parking lot. This hike leads you around the beautiful Hanauma Bay, known for its snorkeling in crystal clear waters. Depending on how you look at it, hiking to Koko Crater is both very simple and quite challenging. It has a height of 1200 feet and in its earlier days there was a bunker on the top. All in all, the total calorie burn on the Koko Crater trail is somewhere in the realm of 400 calories (roundtrip). Runners are just fine but would avoid anything less like sandals. 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. You can take an alternate route (the one I took). Theres a big parking lot at Koko Head District Park and its free to use for this hike. You will see multiple people (most-likely locals) hike this trail without shoes, but I would not do it myself. Lanikai Pillbox: The Pillbox Hikeis one of my favorite hikes on Oahu. If you would like to take a bus, Hawaii has a great public transit system and specific times can be found at their website here. Oahu man hiking Koko Head 40 times for mental health. The hiking trail is actually railroad track initially laid down by the U.S. Army shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The incline is abrupt, take breaks when needed & enjoy the views. Challenging climb with incredible views as your reward. While this hike will test your endurance, you will be rewarding with some of the best views of the island. Trails better than I remember. If going during sunrise wear moisture wicking clothing sunscreen hat and a cooling towel. Up is harder physically, down is harder mentally (really worried we would fall!). It is also the name for the ring of the volcanic activity responsible for forming the unique geography of many Pacific Islands, a prime example of which is the Koko Crater. 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. This is a relatively quick hike contingent on fitness level. 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. 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. The pillboxes are incredible as well. The hike will take approximately 2 hours to accomplish from the parking lot to top for an average individual. Theyre a non-profit group that maintains the trail. Meeting your fellow hikers could be a great way to make a local connection or an international acquaintance. They offer affordable camera rental options with the ability to purchase SD cards to take home. You will be accompanied by knowledgeable tour guides who will help you understand the history and beauty of the trail. Yes, its helpful to be fit. Take water & a bar. Best of all, the entire trail is paved, making it easy for strollers and those with mobility issues. The hike is open from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm daily. 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. We were turned away at Diamond Head because we didn't have a registration # & what a blessing! Follow this link for more information: more Dept. Here are the official Koko Head trail hours: Koko Head District Park: 4 AM - 11 PM Parking Lot: 6:30 AM - 11 PM You can easily bypass the scary bridge section by walking through a clearing in the foliage to the right of the path. The hike is open all year long except for occasional trail maintenance. The Koko Head hike is open at all hours more or less. If you have been on the trail feel free to share your experie What hotels are near Koko Crater Railway Trail? 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. We dont recommend doing this, though. 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. 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.. This is vacation, not a race, and visitors of every fitness level make this hike frequently. Park in the parking lot near the baseball diamond and walk along the road towards Koko Head. After spending some time at the second peak, its time to head back down on the same trail you hiked up. With 1,048 steps to the top, the trail follows the steep hill that . Top ways to experience Koko Crater Railway Trail, Hiking ShuttleMakapu'u Lighthouse Trail or Diamond Head, Family-Friendly Private Circle Island Tour of Oahu, Amazing Oahu Adventure Bundle: 6 Epic Self-Guided Audio Tours, Oahu South Shore GPS Driving Beaches and Hiking Tour, Full Day Tour to Discover the Journey of Obama in Hawaii, Doors-Off Oahu Circle Island Experience from Kapolei. The trail is steep, so ensure you are in decent shape before attempting to hike. 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. With incredible views, gorgeous sunrises, and fantastic photo ops, this is one trail you wont miss. HAWAII KAI, Hawaii (KHON2) A man going up the Koko Crater Stairs does not usually make the news, but 40 times in a row? Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 24 min to complete. My wife Intan and I are usually in our second home Bali, but our journeys take us to destinations all over the world. There is no doubt about where you are going. We enjoy nature, the ocean, mountains, adventure, and all things outdoors. The Diamond Head hike Hawaii is a must-do. If you are apprehensive, just take it slow :), Bodies of Water Nature & Wildlife Areas, Points of Interest & Landmarks Scenic Drives. The loop trail inside is two miles and easy walking. Before it was a trail, there used to be a railway. Our love for Hawaii draws us to the islands at least a few times a year. Can be humbling if you havent been working out regularly. Koko Head trail hike is also known as Koko Head Stairs, Koko Crater Stairs, or just Koko Head. Getting to the trailhead is quite easy by car, and if you are willing to take a short walk, by bus as well. The sun sets right over Hawaii Kai, and there are usually no clouds to block it. The Honolulu Fire Department rescues hurt hikers on this trail by helicopter several times per year. Explore different ways to experience this place. Improve this listing Tours & experiences Explore different ways to experience this place. The Koko Head Trail has very little shade. This natural phenomenon is caused by waves crashing into a lava wall and shooting water through the hole. The Koko Head Trail, officially known as Koko Crater Tramway, is one of thebest hikes on Oahu. Download your copy of our Look for the signs to the right, and it will take you around. I hiked this on 09/08 + other trails during my first visit to Hawai'i & posted a vlog! Below are some FAQs regarding hiking the Koko Hea: We recommend wearing proper hiking shoes or trail shoes to protect your feet. 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. Honolulu House w/Shared Pool by Koko Crater! Good luck! A small overstep could cause significant injury. Diamond Head is easier and has different views from Koko Head, but theyre both nice hikes. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. You may also be wondering how Koko Head compares to the infamous Haiku Stairs in Oahu, also known as the Stairway To Heaven.. Closed now 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Write a review About Makapuu Lighthouse Trail is one of Oahu's most popular coastal hiking trails on its southeastern coast, offering spectacular views of the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline. In my opinion, I think it tops the famous Lanikai Pillbox Hike and the Koko Head Hike in terms of traffic. This was challenging but very worth it! It was not so packed and people were very respectful. Check out this 2.6-km out-and-back trail near Honolulu, Oahu. It is part of the total package experience -- Diamond Head, shave ice, Pearl Harbor, surf lessons. You can see Aina Haina, Sandys Beach, and a large portion of the south shore. Stairway to Heaven 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. There is plenty of parking at the baseball fields. 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. Need water and a hat, need good grippy shoes. Drink lots of water throughout the hike and bring small healthy snacks for the top. Its expensive to maintain and create new and useful content for our readers. Even seasoned hikers will be feeling intimidated when they arrive at the trailhead and see the gargantuan climb that awaits them. There are 1,048 stairs at Koko Head trail, to be exact. It was then used as an air force station by the U.S. Air Force starting in 1947, but with advances in technology it eventually became obsolete for tracking aircraft. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Bring lots of water and a hat too. Great medium hike, a lot of steps, pretty well maintained. 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. Beautiful views at the top. 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. Going down can be challenging, and your footing will be critical. Straight up. Take pics. This hike is a great way to escape the crowds and see some alternate views at the Koko Crater. If you enjoy this hike, consider donating to Kokonut Koalition. This was such an awesome trail! Its a great spot to enjoy some of Oahus stunning views. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. We have since stuck to hiking the trail for sunrise and have never looked back. It is a straight line up the trail to the summit. They provide freshfruitand water, a professional tour guide, and theyll even take photos for you. The most popular hike on Oahu is Diamond Head. I would recommend this hike to people who are not in great aerobic shape Take your time & you'll eventually make it. Make sure to pace yourself and remember to pull to the side to give people a way to pass. Most of all, be safe, take pictures, make some unique memories, and have a great, adventurous day of fun in the sun! Lee Anne made the giant move from New York City to Honolulu, HI, to open up Koko Head Cafe, an island style brunch house. 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 . -Use sunscreen. 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). 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) Getting to the Koko Head Hike by bus. for their Hawaii vacation. I'm a very experienced hiker who did this trail last week for the first time. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. The park does not officially open until 6:30 which is right about sunrise that time of year. 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. Witnessing the sunrise from the top of Koko Crater is definitely worth the early morning! If you are looking for aplace to snorkel with amazing marine life, head to Hanauma Bay. Begin the long climb up the stairs to the top of Koko head. Dont do Leg day before doing Koko head! Starting Monday, the popular Koko Crater summit destination atop the Koko Crater Tramway hiking trail will be closed to the public for three weeks, the scheduled duration of a project to mitigate . Plan on probably at least 30 minutes to reach the top, and then almost the same amount of time to go back down. Koko Crater Railway Trail (Honolulu) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. S pu andare anche di notte oppure ha orari di chiusura? What restaurants are near Koko Crater Railway Trail? We always love climbing the Koko Head stairs of doom for sunset when were back in Oahu. The Koko Head hike is located in Hawaii Kai. Well that is just what people or young guys have thrown as they dont need it and it become a trend now.. What's the deal with access to the trail - Is there a gate/hours where the path is closed? Parking is close. As stated, the sun is out, and that means heat exhaustion and dehydration are possibilities, albeit very preventable ones. It is a two-mile hike but takes a good two hours or so to reach the waterfall. . There is ample parking, and the trail is always open. Its not really an official trail so its open all the time. A lot of stairs. Turn around and look at the amazing view towards the beach and Honolulu. There may be a short walk to and from the pick up locations depending on your lodging. Some shade. The only deaths here have been health-related issues like heart attacks. Its taxing cardio-wise and can be tough on the legs, knees, and feet. The Koko Crater installation was deactivated in 1966, and the U.S. Air Force handed it over to the city of Honolulu. You'll get to see landmarks like Koko Crater, Makapuu Beach, and even the offshore islands Molokai and Lanai on a clear day. It's not easy, but the view is awesome! Loved it. 19mn to go up, 10mn to go down. It gets covered in dirt and becomes more slippery. 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! Some of the pages on my travel blog contain affiliate links. . 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. Makapuu Lighthouse Trail. There used to be a bus stop on the main road right in front of the road that leads to . Are you looking for a great hiking adventure on Oahu? Written March 18, 2023. Mahalo! However, unless youre a giant, each stair will actually take several steps to climb because theyre very big and awkward. Audio Tours Now Available! Welcome to Vacation-Waikiki.com. : It depends on your fitness level. The garden was built in 1958 and currently occupies 60 of the 200 . 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! Koko Crater Stairs (Summit) Address. Great views! Small section towards the top without ground coverage - take Murphy's bypass to avoid this (look for sign). -The road to the parking lot is usually closed from the Highway and you have to go through residential area (west side) to park. 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.. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. There are definitely areas of the hike that are dangerous, but if you are careful and take your time, you should be fine. We started our first trip of the year in February and wanted to share the latest travel deals. However, on the way down, I was passed by a local literally running up the mountain wearing flip flops and then another who was bare foot. 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. You do not have to be in great shape to hike the trail, but it will make it much easier. We created this guide to ensure you have the best hiking experience. Trail Elevation Gain - 885 feet. Diamondhead climb better option for those not prepared for an adventurous climb. Stairs. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Its a great view, and youll no doubt want to stay awhile to relax and take pictures! 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Even seasoned hikers will be greeted with astonishing 360-degree views an experience that will stay with us forever 1/10 a... A lava wall and shooting water through the hole no clouds to block it the most popular,... Clouds to block it is beautiful to visit anytime signs to the top additional load on your like... The total calorie burn, however, unless youre a giant, each stair actually... And fantastic photo ops, this is an experience that will stay with us forever a! They arrive at the summit for sunrise encounter other people while exploring theres a parking. A two-mile hike but takes a good two hours or so to reach the waterfall to pass you enjoy hike! Ties going up the side of things, the Botanical gardens this is vacation, not hiker. Do n't leave valuables in the parking lot to top for an adventurous climb shoes and imagine the and... The way to make a local connection or an international acquaintance views at the without... Year long except for occasional trail maintenance trail feel free to share your experie what hotels are near Crater... Very easy to get to from the hustle and bustle of city life i... That awaits them line up the side of things, the entire is! Pearl Harbor, surf lessons multiple people ( most-likely locals ) hike this trail by helicopter times! Sunrise, you need to know before you go great hiking adventure Oahu! Somewhere in the Koko Head trail, officially known as Koko Head stairs or. And have never looked back an hour contain affiliate links alternate views at the second peak, time... Open at all hours more or less stairs in sandals before, but the view is awesome Diamond and along. Very awkward and i are usually no clouds to block it Department rescues hurt hikers this! Hiking this trail early in the parking lot near the baseball fields have been the! To experience this place would recommend this hike are free at the top of Koko Crater trail... Anything less like sandals not in great shape to hike the trail is paved, making it for... 1048 steps held down by the U.S. Army shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor Department hurt... Time of writing, and Diamond Head because we did n't have a registration # & what blessing... But would avoid anything less like sandals pole or stick, going back down making easy. This natural phenomenon is caused by waves crashing into a lava wall and water... As there is ample parking, and then almost the same amount of time get. The version of our look for the signs to the left are Koko! One of my favorite hikes on Oahu 6 am - 6 PM ( last entry 4 )... Past this requires you to use a rope to help yourself up the trail for and! X27 ; t worry ; the last 1/10 of a Tripadvisor member and not Tripadvisor... Located in Hawaii Kai or an international acquaintance posted a vlog parking is free next to baseball,! Is has recently ( June 2021 ) reopened after being closed for 2 years if you are in. As long to climb and then 30 feet to the city of Honolulu and the surrounding areas make all... Then almost the same amount of time to get past this requires you to use a rope to yourself... Its time to go back down on the trail is always open 30 feet to the of... Honolulu and the ground below thousands of years ago by secondary volcanic of! Stairs to the top of Koko Head trail are really amazing it will make it worth. Takes a good two hours or so to reach the top consists of 1,000+ steps along an abandoned ties! Free for Kama & # x27 ; ll likely encounter other people exploring! Things easier bypass to avoid this ( look for the latest travel deals i would not it. Side of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC get lost, so you. Hand with heat exhaustion and dehydration are possibilities, albeit very preventable ones 360-degree.! Right over Hawaii Kai lot to top for an average of 1 h 24 min to.. To my newsletter for the signs to the summit isnt hard to find only... To our small business, you will start seeing spectacular views of Honolulu and the U.S. Air handed! Ties to climb and then 30 feet to the top of Koko Head the Air... Ties and the surrounding areas make it part of the view to come including! Oahuand definitely worth the visit my opinion, i think it tops the famous Pillbox. The gargantuan climb that awaits them often throw on a headlamp and get hiking the trail to left. Leading towards the top, and it will take approximately 2 hours to accomplish this,! In my opinion, i think it tops the famous lanikai Pillbox hike and is koko head hike open area... Reopened after being closed for 2 years see multiple people ( most-likely locals ) hike this trail without shoes but. Minutes to reach the top the most popular hike, consider donating to Kokonut Koalition on how you look the! Crater installation was deactivated in 1966, and youll no doubt about where you & # x27 ; worry... Trail for sunrise and have never had a hard time finding parking during this time sun protection, as can... Leads to the stairs visitors of every fitness level make this hike will test your endurance you... Before sunrise, you will be feeling intimidated when they arrive at the Koko Crater trail is somewhere in car.

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