is koko head hike open
But would definitely do it again, just maybe more prepared this time. A: Aloha Caroline. Good to know: The trail is has recently (June 2021) reopened after being closed for 2 years. While I did it in about 19min for the first attempt, I know that this is not a trail to over do it. and a common misconception. As an affiliate, I only recommend products and services that I feel are high quality and helpful to my readers. Improve this listing Tours & experiences Explore different ways to experience this place. 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. Our love for Hawaii draws us to the islands at least a few times a year. This is a very doable yet challenging hike. The US Armybuilt the gas-powered tramway (between 1942 and 1943) to quickly get supplies, equipment, and men to a radar station at the top of Koko Crater. However, if you're up to the challenge it is worth the effort to reach the Koko Head Crater summit. When people get hurt on the Koko Crater trail, usually its because they were rushing back down the stairs and slipped. View from the parking to Koko Head Mountain - to the left are the Koko Head Stairs. We usually do this hike for sunrise and have never had a hard time finding parking during this time. Ive done the Koko Head stairs in sandals before, but its very awkward and I wouldnt recommend it. If course its also possible to go faster if youre super fit, and Ive heard of people running to the top of the Koko Stairs in less than 10 minutes. Take your time and keep heading up. So, it was hot, my son and I were both out of shape, and we didn't make it to the top. It is possible to ride your moped to the trailhead directly from the Waikiki area as you never need to enter the main highway. Great views of north, east, and south O'ahu at the summit. Ill explain more about these side trails later in this blog post. Alternate from Waikiki: Take H1 east bound and you will see Koko Crater on the left side. Initially I resigned myself to the fact that I had simply chosen the wrong shoes for the trek (running shoes). It lets you know where you are with your fitness. Look no further than the Koko Head Trail! This was such an awesome trail! Plan on probably at least 30 minutes to reach the top, and then almost the same amount of time to go back down. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Ive done this hike almost a dozen times, usually at sunset, and its always such a great show. 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. This was steep! 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. At this point, you might even see some tired people climbing up the stairs on all fours, or scooting slowly on their butts as they go back down. They offer affordable camera rental options with the ability to purchase SD cards to take home. 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! The stairs are challenging in the heat, but it's worth it. 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. While its a challenging hike, the views of Honolulu and the surrounding areas make it all worth it. The views at the top are incredible. to the top of Koko Head Crater. The views at the summits are different, but great on both hikes. 19mn to go up, 10mn to go down. the entire park along with Koko Head Shooting Complex will be off . Parking is free next to baseball field, crowded on weekends; don't leave valuables in the car. Wear good walking shoes, bring water, and wear a hat and sunscreen. Tough but awesome workout. For most people, it will probably take about 1-2 hours roundtrip, depending on your pace. As ever, consult a doctor if you are concerned about the impact of any physical activity on your health. Once you get to the top, you will be greeted with astonishing 360-degree views. Yes, the Koko Head stairs are 100 percent legal and many people hike them every day. I live next door to Koko Crater Trail and there are no waterfalls or jungle hikes. This Travel Dream contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. However, youll need to figure out somewhere to park since the main parking lot is closed before dawn. Plus, this is excellent exercise! You will see multiple people (most-likely locals) hike this trail without shoes, but I would not do it myself. 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 . The trail can be accessed from 4:00 am to 11:00 pm. Scenic views of Waikiki , Diamond Head Crater, Hanauma Bay and more can be seen. There may be a short walk to and from the pick up locations depending on your lodging. You do not have to be in great shape to hike the trail, but it will make it much easier. 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. MAKAPU'U POINT LIGHTHOUSE TRAIL OPENING HOURS The official opening hours for the trail open just before sunrise and close just after sunset each day. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. Do you need to book in advance to visit Koko Crater Railway Trail? The Koko Head elevation / height at the summit is 1,207 feet (368 m). Its not really an official trail so its open all the time. Dont forget to check out my other Oahu hiking guides and my complete list of the best things to do in Oahu Hawaii! The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. If you have been on the trail feel free to share your experie The elevation at the top is 1,208 ft, a significant gain from the near sea level of the parking lot and trailhead. This hike leads you around the beautiful Hanauma Bay, known for its snorkeling in crystal clear waters. In our case, a friend dropped us off at the Koko Stairs trailhead and we hiked to the top of the stairs, then we walked along the south Koko Crater rim until we found a spur path to go down to the Koko Arch. There are definitely areas of the hike that are dangerous, but if you are careful and take your time, you should be fine. Once you reach the peak, you will be greeted with cool breezes, shade trees, and stunning views. All in all, the total calorie burn on the Koko Crater trail is somewhere in the realm of 400 calories (roundtrip). So in a comparison of Koko Head vs Diamond Head, how do these two popular volcano hikes in Oahu stack up? 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]. 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. Parking is available at the Koko Head District Park. Its considered one ofOahus easy hikesand has fantastic views ofLanikai Beachand the Mokulua Islands. You should see the trailhead about 100 yards from the parking lot. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Trail Distance - 1.6 miles. It will be about a 15-20 minute walk to the Koko Head trailhead. The "bypass trail" to get past this requires you to use a rope to help yourself up the mountain. The scenery and views will always be breathtaking in this tropical paradise. The Koko Head Crater Sunrise Hikeprovides transportation to and from Waikiki and, of course, a local professional guide. You have reached the top! 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. : It depends on your fitness level. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. This trail is not for the faint-hearted, so make sure you are prepared before embarking on this journey. If you prefer to hike the trail with a tour, you are in luck, as several companies offer tours. What restaurants are near Koko Crater Railway Trail? Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 24 min to complete. 2020 is a great year to visit Waikiki. People often throw on a headlamp and get hiking the trail before sunrise to be at the summit for sunrise. $$ - $$$ Italian Pizza Vegetarian Friendly, $ Quick Bites Pizza Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ Quick Bites American Fast Food. Bishop Estate-Kamehameha Schools originally gave the 951-acre area to the city in 1928 with the request that it be used. We recommend going early in the morning, before 10:00 am or after 4:00 pm, to avoid the crowds. It can get quite toasty, and it is recommended that the hike be completed in the earlier morning to avoid the heat of midday. It was not so packed and people were very respectful. Views of Hawaii Kai from the top of Koko Head crater trail. Hiking Fee: $5 per person. When you reach the plateau, you can admire the view of the valley and jungle before the path heads downwards to the falls. Koko Head was formed over 10,000 years ago by secondary volcanic eruptions of the Koolau Range. As always, please remember to keep the trail clean, be considerate of other hikers, and leave no trace. It's not easy, but the view is awesome! 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. Koko Head Trail is located in the east of Oahu, offering stunning views up to Honolulu. Ill share more details on the Koko Crater Rim trail later in this guide. . There is also a railway bridge halfway up the tracks spanning a ravine, which is scary if you fear heights. It's very steep hike located in Hawaii Kai area which is favorites of Hawaii Kai locals. Diamond Head is easier and has different views from Koko Head, but theyre both nice hikes. Lanikai Pillbox: The Pillbox Hikeis one of my favorite hikes on Oahu. The hike is open all year long except for occasional trail maintenance. 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. We always use Google Maps and type in Koko Head Trail for the driving directions. It gets covered in dirt and becomes more slippery. Suggest edits to improve what we show. At this point, you finally have a nice breeze hitting you, and some trees and bushes to hide under for shade. more. Even seasoned hikers will be feeling intimidated when they arrive at the trailhead and see the gargantuan climb that awaits them. The trailhead is open from 4:00 am till 11:00 pm. HAWAII KAI, Hawaii (KHON2) A man going up the Koko Crater Stairs does not usually make the news, but 40 times in a row? As mentioned, we recommend hiking this trail early in the morning before it gets too hot. 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. Loved it. From the summit of Koko Head Crater is easy to recognise the nearby Hanauma Bay Nature Reserve, which is stunning. However, you have the option to go through the bushes at this point. 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! Best time to hike: Anytime - The trail is open 6am until 6pm, although last entry is 4.30pm. . There is plenty of parking at the baseball fields. Yes, its helpful to be fit. Make a left on the ridge between the ball fields and the shooting park down below. Some people consider it one of the hardest hikes on the island. Makapuu Lighthouse Trail. Not recommended for those with a fear of heights, and it requires shuttle arrangements or a second vehicle but could be an excellent option for the more adventurous hiker. Reserve some energy for the trek down and do a LOT of stairs or the StairMaster as part of your workout before making this trek. Expect to pay a $5 parking fee. This article referred to it as Koko Head because thats what most visitors call the trail. One of the best views of Oahu - period. How long is Koko Head Hike? . Enjoy the view at the top and embrace the slow grind going up! This isnt a great hike for kids or older folks. Good amount of people on the steps/trail. HIKE. You can take an alternate route (the one I took). 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. 7 miles to the top. -The road to the parking lot is usually closed from the Highway and you have to go through residential area (west side) to park. Can be humbling if you havent been working out regularly. Went mid morning and it was pretty busy. It puts you through your paces and can be a challenge even for the fittest of the fit. Are you looking for a great hiking adventure on Oahu? The Koko Head District Park is open from 4 am until . Amazing hike - not for the faint of heart. Its just not worth the risk of getting hurt. 380 reviews of Koko Head District Park "Love this hike. 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. Because the hike is quite short, and round-trip time averages an hour and a half, food is optional. There are 1,048 stairs at Koko Head trail, to be exact. The last 1/10 of a mile is all stairs and especially steep. I HIGHLY recommend the headband flashlights if arriving before sunrise. Challenging but not difficult. Also, some stairs are missing or have been replaced with stones. Also near a shooting range. Pro tip: there is a public toilet at the car park with a water fountain to refill your water bottle. Also, the botanical gardens inside the crater are worth a look. 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.. . Search "Nikko Gandia Travels" on YouTube. Some brave souls take to the stairs in the dark hours of early morning or night, complete with headlamps. Do not bring extra weight like binoculars or jackets. See all 12 Koko Crater Railway Trail tours on Tripadvisor, See all Koko Crater Railway Trail experiences on Tripadvisor. This corner of the island is almost always cloudless, after all. The military used them previously during World War 2 as part of an incline tram to transport supplies to a lookout post at the summit. We also recommend bringing a light jacket for a sunrise hike since it can be cooler in the early hours. Here you will start seeing spectacular views of Honolulu and the surrounding area. For the challenging part, the railroad tracks that make up the trail amount to 1,048 large stairs going straight up. Most people rent a car in Oahu and drive to the Koko Crater trailhead. I hiked this on 09/08 + other trails during my first visit to Hawai'i & posted a vlog! Make sure to take your time and watch your footing. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. Beautiful views. The Koko Head sunset is wonderful. It's a long, arduous climb that will wreak havoc on your legs! If youre on vacation, dont ruin your vacation getting hurt. I'm David, an American with a passion for adventure, the outdoors, and all things travel. Just another 50 yards of easy walking and youre there. Great workout with an awesome view. There are plenty of other hikes you want to stay healthy and injury free for. That way all of your transportation is taken care of. 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. Parking and hiking are both FREE for Kama'aina (all Hawaii residents) if you can show ID. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. The Koko Head hike is located in Hawaii Kai. 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. More Oahu Hiking Guides . On the easy side of things, the trailhead isnt hard to find and only a short scenic drive from Waikiki. However, the Koko HeadDistrict Park parking lot hours are 6:30 am till 11:00 pm. Thats a good question, and Ill try to answer. It was closed for 3 weeks of renovation in 2021, but it's very rare for that to happen. The Start of the Trail. However, unless youre a giant, each stair will actually take several steps to climb because theyre very big and awkward. The hiking trail to the summit is not ADA accessible, it is very steep and uneven in some areas. Honolulu House w/Shared Pool by Koko Crater! Theyre a non-profit group that maintains the trail. We arrived at 4:45, parked on a residential street, and hiked into the park along with some locals. It was a good workout again like every The views are fantastic, and its relatively easy and paved all the way. The Koko Head Trail, officially known as Koko Crater Tramway, is one of thebest hikes on Oahu. The seaward wall of the crater can be seen from Kalanianale Highway just past Hanauma Bay on the East Coast, approximately 20-minutes from Waikiki. 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). ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Beautiful Sonrise service on the top of Koko. From here, you can see into the crater itself, Hanauma Bay, Diamond Head, Waikiki, and Koko Marina. Koko Head History. If you are looking for other hikes in the area, we recommend the below hikes: Diamond Head:This is a must-do hike if you are in Honolulu. The Honolulu Fire Department rescues hurt hikers on this trail by helicopter several times per year. . I run up here 3 times a week, but before I explain why, here are some tips for this. I can be a bit scary/dangerous. The loop trail inside is two miles and easy walking. The Koko Head Hike railway "stairs" is a short drive from Diamond Head and Waikiki. Saturday!! 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. They will also mail the supplies to the location of your choice anywhere in Hawaii, be it a hotel, condo, or FedEx office. 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. Amazing views! It is made up of tuff, compressed volcanic ash. But the views at the top cannot be beat. Usually there are lots of other hikers coming and going, so its easy to find the trailhead by following the other hikers. For this entire hike, youll be climbing a steep set of railway ties (stairs) going up the side of an extinct volcanic mountain known as Koko Crater. Koko Head Trail on Oahu is a popular hike for tourists and locals. It's not a 'hike' IMO and you DON'T need hiking shoes like some people here will tell you. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Make sure to enjoy the spectacular views at Halona Blowhole. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. This is the most touristy hike as it is very close to Waikiki, but has a great view. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 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. There is a bus stop near Koko Marina Center. See options Full view All photos (2,608) The trail is steep, so ensure you are in decent shape before attempting to hike. 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. 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 do not recommend hiking the Koko Head Trail with children as it is challenging. We went for the sunset and it was beautiful. Welcome to Waynes 10 Day Ultimate Waikiki Vacation Guide. With 1,048 steps to the top, the trail follows the steep hill that . Fantastic workout Its about 10 miles from Waikiki, and the drive only takes 30 minutes. 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. The steps here are large and should be taken slowly. Gates close at 6:00 pm, so make sure to be out of the park before this time. 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. Small section towards the top without ground coverage - take Murphy's bypass to avoid this (look for sign). Take your time and dont rush, because the stairs can be even more slippery and hazardous on the way back down. This kid-friendly hike in Oahu is only 1.5 miles round trip and stays mostly flat, so it's perfect for the whole family. With that said, plenty of people didnt take the alternate route and youll see others literally running up/down without missing a step. They are devoted mainly to different types of cacti and succulents and are said to be quite photogenic. The park does not officially open until 6:30 which is right about sunrise that time of year. Go early. The hike will take approximately 2 hours to accomplish from the parking lot to top for an average individual. For the history buffs out there, the hike has great significance regarding the second World War. Enjoy! Still, this hike is no joke. Koko Head trail hike is also known as Koko Head Stairs, Koko Crater Stairs, or just Koko Head. Enjoy this 1.6-mile out-and-back trail near Honolulu, Oahu. Great views of north, east & south O'ahu at the summit. No water point, pack light snacks and ice water. Additionally, the hike is on the dry side of the slope, and it totally exposed to the sun with little to no shade. The Koko Head sunrise is at least as popular as sunset, and the views of Oahu island are just as stellar. Roundtrip Koko Head Stairs Distance: 0.9 mile / 1.4 km. 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'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). The way down is a little scarier than the way up. Helped me a ton when carrying my 30lb toddler! -There is a part of the trail where the tracks turn into a bridge with no bottom. Havoc on your legs out there, the Koko Head stairs Distance: 0.9 mile / 1.4.. You know where you are prepared before embarking on this journey drive to the fact that I feel are quality... 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