As an affiliate, I only recommend products and services that I feel are high quality and helpful to my readers. There is ~50ft where there is no ground under the steps. The last eruption of the Koko Head Crater is estimated 7000 years ago. Plus, this is excellent exercise! The trail is steep, so ensure you are in decent shape before attempting to hike. Honolulu House w/Shared Pool by Koko Crater! Makapuu Beach Park This beach is perfect for an afternoon picnic or a stroll on the beach. 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. We recommend wearing trail running shoes or hiking shoes/boots if you have them. We usually do this hike for sunrise and have never had a hard time finding parking during this time. 19mn to go up, 10mn to go down. Halona Blowhole Have you ever seen a blowhole in action? What to do after Hiking the Koko Head Crater Trail. Be hydrated before going up. Definitely recommend if youre a good hiker. Trail Difficulty - Moderate. The views at the top of Koko Head trail are really amazing. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. More than 10,000 years ago, Koko Head was formed by its secondary volcanic eruptions of the Koolau Range. Hours: 6 AM - 6 PM (last entry 4 PM) Parking Fee: $10 per car. A small overstep could cause significant injury. The trailhead is open from 4:00 am till 11:00 pm. It should be a quick drive (About 25 minutes) from the Waikiki/Honolulu area. If you decide to take them, ensure they are supervised and can handle the terrain. One of my favorite things about this hike is that there is only one way up and one way down. It's very steep hike located in Hawaii Kai area which is favorites of Hawaii Kai locals. 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. You'll also find a preserved historical Hawaiian village along the way, so feel free to . Walking along the south rim of Koko Crater. (Phi Phi Leh), Santorini Greece Travel Guide: Things To Do In Santorini Island, Navagio Beach Greece: Shipwreck Bay In Zakynthos Island, Zakynthos Greece Travel Guide: How To Visit Zakynthos Island, Phi Phi Island Thailand Travel Guide (Koh Phi Phi Islands), Huayna Picchu Hike: The Machu Picchu Stairs Of Death, Utah Hiking Guide: 17 Best Utah Hikes & Trails, 36 Best Things To Do In Oahu Hawaii (Fun, Couples, Free), 25 Best Hikes In Indonesia: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, & Jungles. FromWaikiki, you will need to take the H-1 to HI- 72 to Lunalilo Home Road, then drive up to Anapalau Street. 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. 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. Koko Head Hike with DanielsHawaii Tourguide Koko Head is a tuff cone in the eastern part of Oahu near Hawaii Kai and overlooks Hanauma Bay and Waikiki. As mentioned, the trailhead can be found about 100 yards past the parking lot on your left-hand side. We'll give you our best recommendations for things to do, spa Wayne's 2019 10 Day Ultimate Waikiki Itinerary. We took some amazing pics. Halfway up, there is a "bridge" portion without ground beneath ~50 rail steps, but there is bypassing trail if you're scared. The Koko Head Trail Challenge Tourtakes about 2 hours. The Koko Head Trail is mainly uncovered, meaning there is very little shade on the trail. It should be noted that the bus may be unavailable on Tuesdays as there are some park closures on this day of the week. Visitors might also be interested in the Koko Crater Botanical Garden which can be accessed inside the crater. 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. The Koko Head Trail is a must-see for anyone visiting Oahu. 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. You'll get to see landmarks like Koko Crater, Makapuu Beach, and even the offshore islands Molokai and Lanai on a clear day. Overall very fun and challenging for the amateur fitness enthusiast. -Bring at least one water bottle. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Water, however, is an absolute must. Overall, its not too difficult, but something to keep in mind. 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). Ive done both hikes many times over the years, and I have to say there is really no comparison in terms of difficulty. After your hike, you can take a well-deserved break at one of the many nearby attractions. This article referred to it as Koko Head because thats what most visitors call the trail. Local athletes use the trail as cardio training, and you will definitely feel the burn by the time you reach the top. But the views at the top cannot be beat. Wear a lot of sunscreen and bring a small bottle to re-apply at the top. Yes, its helpful to be fit. Koko Head History. When people get hurt on the Koko Crater trail, usually its because they were rushing back down the stairs and slipped. While its a challenging hike, the views of Honolulu and the surrounding areas make it all worth it. When you reach the plateau, you can admire the view of the valley and jungle before the path heads downwards to the falls. However, the parking lot is open from 6:30 am to 11:00 pm. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. 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. 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. 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. The trail is not meant to be easy. The Koko Head trail is not dangerous if youre careful and watch your step. Makapuu Beach Park made our list of thebest beaches in Oahu, so be sure to check it out. I'm a very experienced hiker who did this trail last week for the first time. Youve made it to the top, so now what? 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. 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. The reward at the top is a bird's eye view of the famous Makapuu lighthouse built in 1909 and almost all . Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 24 min to complete. Beautiful Sonrise service on the top of Koko. No water point, pack light snacks and ice water. Meeting your fellow hikers could be a great way to make a local connection or an international acquaintance. The Koko Head Crater Sunrise Hikeprovides transportation to and from Waikiki and, of course, a local professional guide. Went mid morning and it was pretty busy. The Koko Head hike is a little bit like Hawaiis version of the infamous Manitou Incline in Colorado. 7 miles to the top. Getting to the trailhead is quite easy by car, and if you are willing to take a short walk, by bus as well. Amazing hike - not for the faint of heart. Local grinds: Check out Chef Jon Matsubara's restaurant, Feast, in Manoa Valley featuring Hawaiian-style burgers and sandwiches. See all 12 Koko Crater Railway Trail tours on Tripadvisor, See all Koko Crater Railway Trail experiences on Tripadvisor. One way to enhance your photography opportunities is to head for your hike shortly before sunrise. Is koko head climb still open? 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. Lost some weight just going here every week once a week for an afternoon hike after work. This was challenging but very worth it! Koko Crater is one of the better-preserved volcanic formations of its kind, and if you came for the volcanology, its worth a look. Lanikai Pillbox: The Pillbox Hikeis one of my favorite hikes on Oahu. Map of Koko Head hike location. Koko Head Trail is open all year and one of those trails to hike anytime. Just a short drive from Diamond Head and Waikiki, this popular hiking trail can be accessed at Koko Head. Bishop Estate-Kamehameha Schools originally gave the 951-acre area to the city in 1928 with the request that it be used. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. Drink lots of water throughout the hike and bring small healthy snacks for the top. I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you if you purchase using one of these links. Here are the official Koko Head trail hours: Koko Head District Park: 4 AM - 11 PM Parking Lot: 6:30 AM - 11 PM The hike is open all year long except for occasional trail maintenance. 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! Its just not worth the risk of getting hurt. For the history buffs out there, the hike has great significance regarding the second World War. Good amount of people on the steps/trail. Download your copy of our These are the current hours and entrance fees for the Diamond Head hike, as of 2022. If you prefer to hike the trail with a tour, you are in luck, as several companies offer tours. Gates close at 6:00 pm, so make sure to be out of the park before this time. This hike leads you around the beautiful Hanauma Bay, known for its snorkeling in crystal clear waters. Need water and a hat, need good grippy shoes. See options Full view All photos (2,608) The views at the top are incredible. Its fame comes mainly from the fact that this hike follows the old railroad used by the military when the infrastructure and bunkers were in use on top of the Koko Head. For most people, it will probably take about 1-2 hours roundtrip, depending on your pace. Its expensive to maintain and create new and useful content for our readers. Do you need to book in advance to visit Koko Crater Railway Trail? [youtu.be/p7IH6XZEOb0] 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. Since it gets pretty hot, consider wearing light-colored clothes made of light material. Also near a shooting range. That way all of your transportation is taken care of. 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. Definitely take a set of hiking poles if you are not fit or hiking with additional load on your back like a baby carrier. HAWAII KAI, Hawaii (KHON2) A man going up the Koko Crater Stairs does not usually make the news, but 40 times in a row? Ill update this guide if anything changes! Ive done this hike almost a dozen times, usually at sunset, and its always such a great show. 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! The hiking trail to the summit is not ADA accessible, it is very steep and uneven in some areas. Today the radar station is no longer there, but the pillbox and structural debris are still present. From here, you can see into the crater itself, Hanauma Bay, Diamond Head, Waikiki, and Koko Marina. 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). My partner and I made the mistake of tackling this as our first trail soon after arriving to Hawaii from Miami, where elevation is -7 ! A good way to beat the heat and crowds is by starting earlier in the day. 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. Look for the signs to the right, and it will take you around. If you're looking for a hard hike on Oahu, look no further than Koko Crater Trail . Bragging rights, incredible photography and getting your cardio income as close seconds. -Use sunscreen. I'm not a hiker but in moderately decent shape. You do not have to be in great shape to hike the trail, but it will make it much easier. Koko Crater is one of the highest coastal points in the area and was therefore highly defensible. The stairs are challenging in the heat, but it's worth it. Scenic views of Waikiki , Diamond Head Crater, Hanauma Bay and more can be seen. Here you will start seeing spectacular views of Honolulu and the surrounding area. Its not as steep as Koko Head, and its very easy to get to from the Honolulu/Waikiki area. A medical rescue helicopter was hovering for about 10 minutes before they lifted him off the hill. Koko Crater is a tuff cone created by Oahu's most recent volcanic activities. 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. Some companies will provide transportation to and from the Waikiki area along with a tour guide. Feels like the making of the worlds fastest roller coaster from the top, but engineering the return would be challenging. To get to the trailhead, you can follow the path behind the baseball diamond near the parking lot. 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We arrived at 4:45, parked on a residential street, and hiked into the park along with some locals. This constitutes a twenty-five-minute drive from Waikiki Beach. This Travel Dream contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. 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. Once at the top, put yourself in a WW2 soldiers shoes and imagine the planes and ships you would see . Of Parks And Recreation C., Business Manager 1 year ago See 1 more answer Q: Not for the faint of heart and dont discouraged by the people running up and down multiple times. In fact, its one of the best places to watch the sunset on the whole island of Oahu. There used to be a bus stop on the main road right in front of the road that leads to . The Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail is a gentle hike with spectacular views of Oahu's southeast coastline, including Koko Crater and Koko Head. The site has had many functions until it was finally passed onto the City of Honolulu and became Koko Head Regional Park in 1966. The views at the summits are different, but great on both hikes. 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. Once you reach the end of the stairs, dont stop there and return down. Most people can get up and down in about an hour. But the views at the top were stunning! Welcome to the Koko Crater Trail page. It took us about 45min up, 35min down, spent about 30min on top taking pictures and enjoying the view. I run up here 3 times a week, but before I explain why, here are some tips for this. The Koko Head Trail, officially known as Koko Crater Tramway, is one of the best hikes on Oahu. That makes for a butt kicking climb. Make sure to enjoy the spectacular views at Halona Blowhole. 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) It's also called the Koko Crater Railway Trail. Its quite a sight to see! This is a relatively quick hike contingent on fitness level. Ive seen this in news reports and also seen it happen in person many times. Oahu man hiking Koko Head 40 times for mental health. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. There are some areas where you will have to use your hands to help you down. You have reached the top! If you want a good workout and calorie burn, however, Koko Head wins there. Dont do Leg day before doing Koko head! * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. kajunkruzin / Getty Images. It lets you know where you are with your fitness. Arriving early in the morning to begin this Oahu hike is ideal, as it warms up quickly without shady trees or other types of cover along the way. Thanks! Learn about the best time to visit Oahu . However, the Koko HeadDistrict Park parking lot hours are 6:30 am till 11:00 pm. Also, some stairs are missing or have been replaced with stones. Oh man. Thanks and happy travels! 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. Great views at top but be cautious and kind other skilled hikers. . X, Yes it is safe. This is the most touristy hike as it is very close to Waikiki, but has a great view. 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. Wear a hat and sunglasses. Plus the breeze. Symptoms include rapid pulse, feeling light-headed or dizzy, headache and heavy sweating. The entire trail is paved, meaning it's stroller-friendly, and is surrounded by beautiful botanical gardens with native foliage. The park does not officially open until 6:30 which is right about sunrise that time of year. Our goal is to build a website with tips and recommendations from our vacation experiences that offer our readers a single place to find all the information you will need when planning your very own trip to Hawaii. 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. Make sure to pace yourself and remember to pull to the side to give people a way to pass. -Watch out for concrete parts of the trail. I would recommend earlier. However, if youre up to the challenge it is worth the effort to reach the Koko Head Crater summit. Both of these are common during physical exertion in hot, humid climates, but resting often and drinking plenty of water are easy ways to head such issues off at the pass. While in the area, you can include many other side trips to your hike. All in all, the total calorie burn on the Koko Crater trail is somewhere in the realm of 400 calories (roundtrip). 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. Elevation Gain: ~885 ft. / 270 m. Some call it the Koko Head hike, but locals call it a workout because many Oahu residents treat the Koko Crater Stairs as a quick workout in the morning or evening. 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 Koko Head Hike is a trail of over 1,000 stairs. The best advice is to start early and bring plenty of water! We do not recommend hiking the Koko Head Trail with children as it is challenging. On Oahu, the Koko Head walk is a famous short climb where the stairs are the remnants of an ancient railway. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. The stairs will climb over 1,200 feet (so approximately 1 foot per stair!) Thanks for looking! However, if you're up to the challenge it is worth the effort to reach the Koko Head Crater summit. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Alternate from Waikiki: Take H1 east bound and you will see Koko Crater on the left side. They also stop atHalona Blowholeand Sandy Beach upon returning to your hotel for fantastic photo opportunities. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. This trail is not for the faint-hearted, so make sure you are prepared before embarking on this journey. 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. Amazing views! Take pics. Are you looking for a great hiking adventure on Oahu? 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. When To Hike Koko Head. The property below Koko Crater is now known as Koko Head Regional Park. S pu andare anche di notte oppure ha orari di chiusura? A day pack containing plenty of extra water, sunscreen, a small first aid kit a light jacket depending on weather is highly recommended. Theyre a non-profit group that maintains the trail. Depending on how you look at it, hiking to Koko Crater is both very simple and quite challenging. We always use Google Maps and type in Koko Head Trail for the driving directions. Small section towards the top without ground coverage - take Murphy's bypass to avoid this (look for sign).

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