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. Where is a waterfall on this hike? The hike is open from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm daily. 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. Take your time and pace yourself. The Koko Head hike is located in Hawaii Kai. Koko Crater (Hawaii's tallest tuff ring) is one of a chain of volcanic tuff cones along the Ka Iwi Coast. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. It took us about 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete. We also recommend bringing a light jacket for a sunrise hike since it can be cooler in the early hours. 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. Great medium hike, a lot of steps, pretty well maintained. The loop trail inside is two miles and easy walking. The views at the summits are different, but great on both hikes. Hopping from railroad tie to railroad tie up this scenic mountain was an extreme challenge for this 60-ish climber, leaving me with sore muscles for a few days--but worth it. 854 reviews of Koko Crater Trail "Stairway to heaven (or railway to heaven). Wear good walking shoes, bring water, and wear a hat and sunscreen. Bring lots of water and a hat too. With panoramic views from Koko Head to Wai'anae, the summit of Diamond Head was an ideal site for the coastal defence of Oahu. Witnessing the sunrise from the top of Koko Crater is definitely worth the early morning! Water, however, is an absolute must. You dont have to be superfit to hike it, but we recommend being in decent shape. Yes, Koko Head is open! There is no doubt about where you are going. 19mn to go up, 10mn to go down. Small section towards the top without ground coverage - take Murphy's bypass to avoid this (look for sign). Subscribe to my newsletter for the latest blog posts, tips, & travel guides. . The views and breeze at top is incomparable ! Begin the long climb up the stairs to the top of Koko head. 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). 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. Its all ascending and steep and there is a section where Id advise taking the alternate route instead of going over the railway. I can be a bit scary/dangerous. We always love climbing the Koko Head stairs of doom for sunset when were back in Oahu. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the Koko Head Trail (primarily due to safety reasons). Thanks! For most people, it will probably take about 1-2 hours roundtrip, depending on your pace. 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. There are 1,048 stairs at Koko Head trail, to be exact. The views are well worth it. Additional Things to Know/ Tips about Koko Head. 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. 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. Tough but awesome workout. Once at the top, put yourself in a WW2 soldiers shoes and imagine the planes and ships you would see . We were turned away at Diamond Head because we didn't have a registration # & what a blessing! We once did the hike around 4:00 pm in April, and it was still too hot, but it was so much better while coming down as the sun was beginning to set. All in all, the total calorie burn on the Koko Crater trail is somewhere in the realm of 400 calories (roundtrip). The pillboxes are incredible as well. The Makapu'u Point trail, within Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline, offers outstanding views of O'ahu's southeastern coastline, including Koko Head and Koko Crater. My 11yo daughter and I did Koko Head in June 22. Thanks and happy travels! We started our first trip of the year in February and wanted to share the latest travel deals. For the history buffs out there, the hike has great significance regarding the second World War. Dont forget to check out my other Oahu hiking guides and my complete list of the best things to do in Oahu Hawaii! Take your time and keep heading up. 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. This 1000 step climb to the top has unparalleled views of the south western coast of Oahu. The technical term is dormant tuff cone volcano, which basically means that while it hadnt erupted for a few thousand years when it did, the cone and crater were formed by ash and debris compacting into rock over time. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Need water and a hat, need good grippy shoes. This is the start of the stairway hike. A popular hike, the Koko Crater Trail is not going to be lonely, as it attracts a number of visitors most days. 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. People often throw on a headlamp and get hiking the trail before sunrise to be at the summit for sunrise. 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. 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). The Koko Crater (or Koko Head) hike outside Honolulu, Hawaii is one of Oahu's most popular hikes, and for good reason. HIKE TO THE TOP: start behind the Hawaii Job Corps Training Center across from Hanauma Bay - follow the road past the rifle range and park at the Training Center. Diamond Head was created during the same series of eruptions that formed Koko and Punchbowl craters, among others. More Oahu Hiking Guides . The Koko Crater Summit will be closed during the entire three weeks, but the tramway will be open on weekends and holidays. When you reach the end of the Koko Head stairs, you still have a little bit of walking to do to get to the top of the mountain. What attractions are near Koko Crater Railway Trail? This is your chance to walk along the rim of an extinct volcano 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. Ill update this guide if anything changes! Challenging climb with incredible views as your reward. Really nice hike, tough but worth it. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. Of Parks And Recreation C., Business Manager 1 year ago See 1 more answer Q: You'll also find a preserved historical Hawaiian village along the way, so feel free to . 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! You can take an alternate route (the one I took). Our love for Hawaii draws us to the islands at least a few times a year. Ive seen this in news reports and also seen it happen in person many times. Before it was a trail, there used to be a railway. Check out their website and consider donating if youre a fan of Koko Head. The Koko Head sunrise is also amazing. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Very crowded. Straight up. The Koko Head sunset is wonderful. The trail can be accessed from 4:00 am to 11:00 pm. I can tell the Kokonut Coalition did great work. Leave the hiking boots home and go for a light running shoe. These fees have to be paid online here. The last one-third of the Koko Head trail gets noticeably steeper and harder than before. A small overstep could cause significant injury. If you want a good workout and calorie burn, however, Koko Head wins there. We created this site because our friends and family were frequently asking for recommendations and tips on places to eat, where to stay, attractions to visit, etc. I would highly recommend wearing good shoes and bringing lots of water. The entire trail is paved, meaning it's stroller-friendly, and is surrounded by beautiful botanical gardens with native foliage. Stairs. Its about 10 miles from Waikiki, and the drive only takes 30 minutes. I hope you enjoyed this travel guide for the Koko Head hike in Oahu, Hawaii. Koko Crater Botanical Gardens This is an excellent spot for peace and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Also near a shooting range. 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. . This steep climb consists of 1,000+ steps along an abandoned railroad track that runs to the top of Koko Crater. -Watch out for concrete parts of the trail. Ive hiked the Koko Crater trail many times over the years, and its always great fun. Also, some stairs are missing or have been replaced with stones. 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! Can be humbling if you havent been working out regularly. Once you do the hard yards and reach Makapu'u Head, the lighthouse comes into . Great views of north, east & south O'ahu at the summit. Near home plate you will find a trail leading towards the stairs. 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. Please tag along! Luckily for Waikiki vacationers, taking in the scenery from the top of this dormant volcano is just a short drive and day hike away. This can be tricky, as there is nothing between the ties and the ground below. When a popular hiking trail in Oahu becomes a liability, the Hawaii governments typical response is to close it down completely instead of working with the community and trying to find a better solution. The trail is steep, with an elevation gain of 885 feet. Many people say that there are about 1048 stairs; however, this is ever-changing since some steps are replaced or added as needed. 2020 is a great year to visit Waikiki. kajunkruzin / Getty Images. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. 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 climbed up in 30 min. Great views Its not as steep as Koko Head, and its very easy to get to from the Honolulu/Waikiki area. Plus, this is excellent exercise! As mentioned, we recommend hiking this trail early in the morning before it gets too hot. Take pics. 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. The Koko Head trail is not dangerous if youre careful and watch your step. After spending some time at the second peak, its time to head back down on the same trail you hiked up. Follow the sidewalk that wraps around the baseball diamond, and then go up the dirt hill through the trees to another paved road, which will take you to the trailhead (GPS here). X, Yes it is safe. Directions: The trailhead is located at the end of Manoa Road adjacent to the Lyon Arboretum. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. The garden was built in 1958 and currently occupies 60 of the 200 . Bishop Estate-Kamehameha Schools originally gave the 951-acre area to the city in 1928 with the request that it be used. 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). I would NOT recommend going when its raining as the stairs get pretty slippery - all the more reason to go super early and catch the good weather/small crowds. 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. -Take your time. The hike is open all year long except for occasional trail maintenance. 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. Is koko head climb still open? Makapuu Beach Park This beach is perfect for an afternoon picnic or a stroll on the beach. With that said, plenty of people didnt take the alternate route and youll see others literally running up/down without missing a step. Challenging but not difficult. If youre on vacation, dont ruin your vacation getting hurt. Hiking down can be hard on your knees as well. Explore different ways to experience this place. 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. Its yet another photogenic and interesting feature of this extinct volcanic mountain. 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. Read more about ourHawaii adventureshere. We recommend going early in the morning, before 10:00 am or after 4:00 pm, to avoid the crowds. Overall very fun and challenging for the amateur fitness enthusiast. The site has had many functions until it was finally passed onto the City of Honolulu and became Koko Head Regional Park in 1966. You can also take Uber or Lyft if you want to avoid dealing with parking. This is a relatively quick hike contingent on fitness level. After the bridge, you will get glimpses of the view to come, including Hanauma Bay and Hawaii Kai. Best time to hike: Anytime - The trail is open 6am until 6pm, although last entry is 4.30pm. Just another 50 yards of easy walking and youre there. The path at Diamond Head is in much better condition than the Koko stairs, so its definitely more suitable for kids and older people. It will be about a 15-20 minute walk to the Koko Head trailhead. We attempted it last summer when we were there, but started too late in the morning. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. Know how long it takes to hike Koko Head; about 1-3 hours depending on how long you plan to stay at the top. Her first cookbook, Dumplings All Day Wong, was . Mahalo for stopping by. Make sure to take your time and watch your footing. Plus the breeze. 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. Mahalo! There used to be a bus stop on the main road right in front of the road that leads to . Do you need to book in advance to visit Koko Crater Railway Trail? If you are not the average hiker, you can attempt the stairs in the early morning or night darkness . When you reach the plateau, you can admire the view of the valley and jungle before the path heads downwards to the falls. Ive done this hike almost a dozen times, usually at sunset, and its always such a great show. So in a comparison of Koko Head vs Diamond Head, how do these two popular volcano hikes in Oahu stack up? I will say, take lots of water and get your cardio on. Dehydration often goes hand in hand with heat exhaustion and is often a contributing factor. They also stop atHalona Blowholeand Sandy Beach upon returning to your hotel for fantastic photo opportunities. A good way to beat the heat and crowds is by starting earlier in the day. The first peak of the trail can be reached about ten minutes into your hike. Map of Koko Head hike location. This site is owned and operated by Vacation-Waikiki. The hiking trail to the summit is not ADA accessible, it is very steep and uneven in some areas. Saturday!! Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 24 min to complete. Stairway to Heaven To get to the trailhead, you can follow the path behind the baseball diamond near the parking lot. 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). Plenty of parking! Feels like the making of the worlds fastest roller coaster from the top, but engineering the return would be challenging. Content on this site is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical, health, or safety advice. Whenever you buy something through one of these links, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. Koko Head Regional Park in Honolulu County, HI Koko Head Park Rd Honolulu, HI 96825, Koko Crater Arch Trail from Halona Blowhole Lookout, Kaiwi Shoreline Trail to Alan Davis Beach and Kaho'ohaihai Inlet, Ka'iwi Shoreline Trail and Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail Loop, Ka-ili-ili Bay and Kaloko Inlet via Kaiwi Shoreline Trail, Kamilo'iki Park and Hawaii Kai Community Garden, Hahaione to Pyramid Rock Loop [PRIVATE PROPERTY]. 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. 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Easy to get to the top great work 1 h 24 min to complete for the Koko Head Amazon... Plan to stay at the top this trail early in the early morning shoes!

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