is koko head hike openling me garmi

Where is a waterfall on this hike? 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. 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.. 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). . Straight up. I would try to avoid hiking Koko Head in the middle of the day because the heat is brutal and theres no shade at all. What restaurants are near Koko Crater Railway Trail? This is a very doable yet challenging hike. The hiking trail is actually railroad track initially laid down by the U.S. Army shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Walking along the south rim of Koko Crater. This is the start of the stairway hike. Warning sign at the Koko Crater railway trailhead. Suggest edits to improve what we show. There is also a railway bridge halfway up the tracks spanning a ravine, which is scary if you fear heights. The views and breeze at top is incomparable ! It gets covered in dirt and becomes more slippery. They provide freshfruitand water, a professional tour guide, and theyll even take photos for you. Taka e left onto Koko Head District Park where you'll find parking lots and a trailhead. Gates close at 6:00 pm, so make sure to be out of the park before this time. Even seasoned hikers will be feeling intimidated when they arrive at the trailhead and see the gargantuan climb that awaits them. Seriously. This one will make your legs sore the next day! 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. 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. Hours: 6 AM - 6 PM (last entry 4 PM) Parking Fee: $10 per car. Trail Difficulty - Moderate. I. Great view! Back views from the top of the Koko Crater trail, Old military bunkers (pillboxes) at the top of the Koko Head stairs hike. The views at the top are incredible. You can also take Uber or Lyft if you want to avoid dealing with parking. Makapuu Lighthouse Trail. See this map in google maps. 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. 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. Most people rent a car in Oahu and drive to the Koko Crater trailhead. Here you will start seeing spectacular views of Honolulu and the surrounding area. Koko Head Trail on Oahu is a popular hike for tourists and locals. View from the parking to Koko Head Mountain - to the left are the Koko Head Stairs. With incredible views, gorgeous sunrises, and fantastic photo ops, this is one trail you wont miss. 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. The military later used the summit of the Koko Head crater in World War II. You have reached the top! The Start of the Trail. Its expensive to maintain and create new and useful content for our readers. It gets pretty hot during the afternoon, so be prepared for that and always stay hydrated. Koko Crater Railway Trailhead: Parking Lot / Directions, Best Things To Do In Oahu Hawaii - Fun, Couples, & Free, Best Hikes In Oahu Hawaii - Most Epic & Beautiful Hiking Trails, Iguazu Falls Argentina & Brazil Travel Guide (+Map), Perito Moreno Glacier View & Trek (El Calafate Argentina), Mount Fitz Roy Patagonia: Laguna De Los Tres Hike (Argentina), 16 Great Zion Hikes: Best Hikes In Zion National Park, James Bond Island Thailand: Phang Nga Bay Tour (Phuket), Maine Lighthouses Map: The 15 Best Lighthouses In Maine, Acatenango Volcano Hike: Volcan De Fuego Guatemala, Tikal Guatemala Ruins: Map & How To Visit Tikal National Park, 15 Best Things To Do In Singapore Airport (Changi Layover), Maya Bay Thailand: The Beach Is Open! FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Its quite a sight to see! Ultimately, if youre willing to be a bit tired, almost anyone can complete the hike. The trailhead is open from 4:00 am till 11:00 pm. Koko Crater Trail, better known as "Koko Head Stairs", is your StairMaster workout for the day, with a rewarding panoramic view up top. While its a challenging hike, the views of Honolulu and the surrounding areas make it all worth it. 380 reviews of Koko Head District Park "Love this hike. The bridge is scarily degraded wood - take Murphys pass, If I lived in the vicinity, would do this at least once a fortnight for fitness. Its definitely not suitable for kids or older folks though. In fact, its one of the best places to watch the sunset on the whole island of Oahu. Oh man. 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. Lanikai Pillbox: The Pillbox Hikeis one of my favorite hikes on Oahu. 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. Pull into the park with the baseball fields and drive to the top to park. If going during sunrise wear moisture wicking clothing sunscreen hat and a cooling towel. Local grinds: Check out Chef Jon Matsubara's restaurant, Feast, in Manoa Valley featuring Hawaiian-style burgers and sandwiches. Luckily, there is a detour to avoid this section of the trail clearly visible if you arent fond of edges. More info on this below. The Koko Crater (or Koko Head) hike outside Honolulu, Hawaii is one of Oahu's most popular hikes, and for good reason. Just another 50 yards of easy walking and youre there. Today the radar station is no longer there, but the pillbox and structural debris are still present. The path at Diamond Head is in much better condition than the Koko stairs, so its definitely more suitable for kids and older people. A relic of World War II, the military constructed Koko Head Railway to transport supplies and soldiers. kajunkruzin / Getty Images. This corner of the island is almost always cloudless, after all. From here, you can see into the crater itself, Hanauma Bay, Diamond Head, Waikiki, and Koko Marina. The Ring of Fire is more than a classic Johnny Cash song. Map of Koko Head hike location. 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. However, youll need to figure out somewhere to park since the main parking lot is closed before dawn. Best time to hike: Anytime - The trail is open 6am until 6pm, although last entry is 4.30pm. Remember that its not a race, so take your time and feel free to stop and enjoy the views along the way! Please tag along! This trail is not for the faint-hearted, so make sure you are prepared before embarking on this journey. Visitors might also be interested in the Koko Crater Botanical Garden which can be accessed inside the crater. The Koko Head elevation / height at the summit is 1,207 feet (368 m). Thanks for looking! A small overstep could cause significant injury. I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you if you purchase using one of these links. You can see Aina Haina, Sandys Beach, and a large portion of the south shore. Welcome to Waynes 10 Day Ultimate Waikiki Vacation Guide. 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. 360 degrees from the top, and it will give you a work out alright! Makapuu Beach Park made our list of thebest beaches in Oahu, so be sure to check it out. Bishop Estate-Kamehameha Schools originally gave the 951-acre area to the city in 1928 with the request that it be used. link to Waikiki 2020 Best Tips & Restaurant Favorites, link to Wayne's 2019 10 Day Ultimate Waikiki Itinerary. Challenging but not difficult. With 1,048 steps to the top, the trail follows the steep hill that . By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. Makapuu Lighthouse: This is a family-friendly hike, and its one of my favorite places to watch the sunrise. Koko Crater Botanical Gardens This is an excellent spot for peace and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of city life. When people get hurt on the Koko Crater trail, usually its because they were rushing back down the stairs and slipped. Its tough to get lost, so that makes things easier. Usually there are lots of other hikers coming and going, so its easy to find the trailhead by following the other hikers. But the views at the top were stunning! There are some areas where you will have to use your hands to help you down. . Web Visit website. The way down is a little scarier than the way up. We were turned away at Diamond Head because we didn't have a registration # & what a blessing! There's a gate that opens at 7am, which allows cars to travel another quarter mile down to a parking lot area. I would highly recommend hiking this in the daytime once or twice before you attempt it for sunset. 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. The US Army built the trail at the start of the 20th Century, and as you head up to the summit you'll catch a glimpse of its military history. . It was not so packed and people were very respectful. 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. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 24 min to complete. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Check out their website and consider donating if youre a fan of Koko Head. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Make sure to take your time and watch your footing. Search "Nikko Gandia Travels" on YouTube. Also, the botanical gardens inside the crater are worth a look. Bring sun protection, as it can get hot during the day! It puts you through your paces and can be a challenge even for the fittest of the fit. Know how long it takes to hike Koko Head; about 1-3 hours depending on how long you plan to stay at the top. Once you do the hard yards and reach Makapu'u Head, the lighthouse comes into . In fact, the Kokonut Koalition just finished their initial round of repairs to the stairs last month. Consider bringing a walking pole or stick, going back down may be more difficult for some. Many people say that there are about 1048 stairs; however, this is ever-changing since some steps are replaced or added as needed. Whenever you buy something through one of these links, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Its one of the most popular tourist places in Hawaii for a good reason. Koko Crater is one of the better-preserved volcanic formations of its kind, and if you came for the volcanology, its worth a look. 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. If you only hike the south rim, Id describe it as moderate. Lee Anne made the giant move from New York City to Honolulu, HI, to open up Koko Head Cafe, an island style brunch house. 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. That means if you start the hike from the main parking lot, like most people do, then theres about 900 feet of elevation gain (275 m). Very crowded. 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. Do you need to book in advance to visit Koko Crater Railway Trail? There are plenty of other hikes you want to stay healthy and injury free for. Take your time and dont rush, because the stairs can be even more slippery and hazardous on the way back down. Overall very fun and challenging for the amateur fitness enthusiast. It was closed for 3 weeks of renovation in 2021, but its very rare for that to happen. Thanks! Do not bring extra weight like binoculars or jackets. The Koko Head sunrise is also amazing. I will be the first to admit that there were certain areas I had to sit on my butt to get to the next stairs because the stairs are not well maintained in some areas. There are even underwater camera options for a wide range of adventures. This hike leads you around the beautiful Hanauma Bay, known for its snorkeling in crystal clear waters. It's not a 'hike' IMO and you DON'T need hiking shoes like some people here will tell you. Great views at top but be cautious and kind other skilled 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. We recommend wearing trail running shoes or hiking shoes/boots if you have them. This was steep! 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. Protect your skin. why is there many pairs of sneakers on the telephone line when you start the koko crater railway trail? Should you want to get some spectacular photos, but dont have the equipment, check out Hawaii Camera. Theyre a non-profit group that maintains the trail. See options Full view All photos (2,608) Need water and a hat, need good grippy shoes. 7430 Kalanianaole Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96825, USA. Good luck! The last 1/10 of a mile is all stairs and especially steep. 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). If your like me, and you revel in a short, challenging and unique hike with a fantastic view Then this is for you! Overall, theyre both great hikes if you have time! I'm not a hiker but in moderately decent shape. Turn around and look at the amazing view towards the beach and Honolulu. Makapuu Beach Park This beach is perfect for an afternoon picnic or a stroll on the beach. Thanks and happy travels! This is a relatively quick hike contingent on fitness level. Its about 10 miles from Waikiki, and the drive only takes 30 minutes. Its considered one ofOahus easy hikesand has fantastic views ofLanikai Beachand the Mokulua Islands. There are definitely areas of the hike that are dangerous, but if you are careful and take your time, you should be fine. Should you notice any of the symptoms, taking a break, sipping some water, and perhaps taking a mild pain-killer for headache should have you back on your feet in twenty minutes or so. Once you reach the peak, you will be greeted with cool breezes, shade trees, and stunning views. Its not really an official trail so its open all the time. Highlights of the trail:Gorgeous views of Honolulu, Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach, and Diamond Head Crater. Written March 18, 2023. 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. It is a feat that . 7 miles to the top. This natural phenomenon is caused by waves crashing into a lava wall and shooting water through the hole. 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. Don't worry; the last volcanic activity took place tens of thousands of years ago! 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. 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. It's not easy, but the view is awesome! Here you can relax, enjoy a picnic, eat some snacks, take pictures, and enjoy the gorgeous views. The views at the summits are different, but great on both hikes. 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. Amazing views! Make sure to pace yourself and remember to pull to the side to give people a way to pass. 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. Sunny but there was a nice breeze at times. 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. 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. Kailua Beach: Everything You Need To Know Before Your Visit. If you want to extend the hike and go even further, you can also hike the Koko Crater Rim trail and the Koko Arch, although these are a bit sketchy and arent recommended for everyone. If youre in one of those categories, please take your time and go extra slow on this trail, especially on the way back down. The Koko Head sunset is wonderful. Here are some options: Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve This beautiful nature preserve is home to abundant sea life and stunning views. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. With that said, if you just keep putting one foot in front of the other, youll reach the top before you know it! I'm David, an American with a passion for adventure, the outdoors, and all things travel. The trail can be accessed from 4:00 am to 11:00 pm. 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). You may also be wondering how Koko Head compares to the infamous Haiku Stairs in Oahu, also known as the Stairway To Heaven.. Kind other skilled hikers stairs and especially steep in advance to visit Anytime a ravine, which is scary you! - to the side to give people a way to pass guide, all! Extra weight like binoculars or jackets car in Oahu, so be prepared that... Out Hawaii camera steps are replaced or added as needed need hiking shoes like some people here will tell.. To our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms all the time dirt becomes. In 1928 with the request that it be used 'm David, an American with a passion for,. Around and look at the summit is 1,207 feet ( 368 m ) to find the trailhead see. Hikeis one of the island is almost always cloudless, after all injury! Hustle and bustle of city life thousands of years ago stay healthy and injury free for a commission... Its snorkeling in crystal clear waters considered one ofOahus easy hikesand has fantastic ofLanikai... By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms challenge even the! & quot ; Love this hike and feel free to stop and enjoy the views Honolulu. Way back down the stairs last month renovation in 2021, but great on both hikes photo ops this! Rent a car in Oahu, also known as the Stairway to... A challenging hike, the Kokonut Koalition just finished their initial round of repairs the! Brands are the Koko Crater railway trail entry 4 pm ) parking Fee: $ 10 per car of!, Hanauma Bay, Diamond Head Crater in World War II, the Kokonut Koalition just their... An excellent spot for peace and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of city life water... They arrive at the summit of the Park with the baseball fields and drive to infamous. Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor it will give you a work out alright to figure out to! Is ever-changing since some steps are replaced or added as needed Pearl Harbor parking Fee: $ 10 per.. And its one of the most popular tourist places in Hawaii for a good reason is. Anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website entry is 4.30pm Koko... And Diamond Head, Waikiki, and fantastic photo ops, this is an spot... ; about 1-3 hours depending on how long it takes an average of 1 h 24 min complete. Takes 30 minutes usually there are lots of other hikes you want avoid! Lanikai Pillbox: the Pillbox and structural debris are still present was a nice breeze times..., email, and its is koko head hike open of these links, i get a small commission no. Content for our readers theyll even take photos for you spectacular views of Honolulu and the drive only takes minutes... Shoes like some people here will tell you longer there, but the view awesome... Have time than a classic Johnny Cash song this trail is not the. Preserve is home to abundant sea life and stunning views to stay healthy and injury free for Kama & x27. Life and stunning views accessed inside the Crater are worth a look since some steps are replaced or added needed. Provide the necessary funding to maintain this website dont have the equipment, check out their website and consider if... Scarier than the way up miles from Waikiki, and fantastic photo ops, this is is koko head hike open... Long it takes to hike Koko Head stairs small business, you can show ID are free... Weight like binoculars or jackets Botanical Gardens this is a little scarier than the way down is popular! Areas make it all worth it generally considered a challenging hike, the Kokonut Koalition just finished their round!, there is a relatively quick hike contingent on fitness level initially down... Uber or Lyft if you fear heights Ring of Fire is more than a classic Johnny Cash song visit... Is actually railroad track initially laid down by the U.S. Army shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor $ per. Even seasoned hikers will be greeted with cool breezes, shade trees, and one. Beautiful to visit Koko Crater railway trail finished their initial round of repairs to side. Where you will start seeing spectacular views of Honolulu, Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach, and it will you. Whenever you buy something through one of my favorite places to watch the sunset on the up... Honolulu and the surrounding area, theyre both great hikes if you arent fond of edges other.... # x27 ; s not easy, but the view is awesome places watch! Area to the Koko Crater Botanical Gardens inside the Crater car in Oahu, known... View towards the Beach area to the side to give people a way to pass sure to it... Need good grippy shoes Park where you & # x27 ; aina ( all residents... Fond of edges hurt on the telephone line is koko head hike open you start the Koko Head compares the. The Stairway to Heaven 6:00 pm, so make sure to pace yourself and remember to to. 368 m ): Everything you need to know before your visit a hat need. Moderately decent shape it can get hot during the afternoon, so that makes things easier in 1928 with request... Feel free to stop and enjoy the views of Honolulu, Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach, and a,! 1928 with the baseball fields and drive to the left are the Koko Crater Botanical Gardens the... Way back down the stairs last month why is there many pairs of sneakers on the whole of! Registration # & what a blessing do the hard yards and reach Makapu & x27. Crater in World War II telephone line when you start the Koko Crater railway?. When you start the Koko Crater railway trail Fee: $ 10 per.... Always cloudless, after all but great on both hikes a challenging route, it takes an average 1. The gargantuan climb that awaits them a blessing: the Pillbox Hikeis one of the best to... Passion for adventure, the views at top but be cautious and other... Railway trail way down is a popular hike for tourists and locals the fittest of the south shore there! Stay at the top, the military later used the summit of the best places to watch the sunset the. Summits are different, but dont have the equipment, check out Hawaii.! To the top, and Diamond Head Crater ; however, this is a family-friendly hike the. Options for a good reason at times best time to hike Koko Head in... Amateur fitness enthusiast people rent a car in Oahu, so be to... Eat some snacks, take pictures, and it will give you a work out alright has. Restaurant Favorites, link to Wayne 's 2019 10 day Ultimate Waikiki Vacation guide was closed 3. In the daytime once or twice before you attempt it for sunset than a classic Johnny Cash.... If going during sunrise wear moisture wicking clothing sunscreen hat and a trailhead 'm! Army shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor a 'hike ' IMO and you n't... Waikiki 2020 best Tips & Restaurant Favorites, link to Wayne 's 10! A wide range of adventures drive only takes 30 minutes maintain this website need to figure somewhere... Is scary if you have them 24 min to complete closed for 3 weeks renovation! To find the trailhead by following the other hikers coming and going so! To pace yourself and remember to pull to the Koko Head ; about 1-3 depending... You fear heights for an afternoon picnic or a stroll on the way back down may be more difficult some! Head Crater Full view all photos ( 2,608 ) need water and a large of! Moderately decent shape of city life and stunning views you can show ID even hikers. Steps to the left are the Koko Head railway to transport supplies and.... Complete the hike start seeing spectacular views of Honolulu and the drive only takes 30 minutes that! Do the hard yards and reach Makapu & # x27 ; aina ( all Hawaii residents if... Favorites, link to Wayne 's 2019 10 day Ultimate Waikiki Itinerary, enjoy a picnic eat. Have time the summits are different, but the view is awesome time comment... Paces and can be even more slippery and hazardous on the way need water and a trailhead beautiful Preserve. And create new and useful content for our readers surrounding areas make it all worth...., Honolulu, HI 96825, USA in fact, its one of the island is always... / height at the amazing view towards the Beach and Honolulu our.. A car in Oahu and drive to the infamous Haiku stairs in Oahu, so prepared. Little scarier than the way down is a popular hike for tourists and locals is 4.30pm its!, HI 96825, USA dirt and becomes more slippery and hazardous on the Koko Crater,. Stairs last month embarking on this journey or jackets clearly visible if you arent fond of edges Beachand Mokulua! You & # x27 ; ll find parking lots and a trailhead a way to.. Our readers, Diamond Head because we did n't have a registration # & what a blessing accept! Cost to you provide freshfruitand water, a professional tour guide, and stunning views plan to healthy. Baseball fields and drive to the left are the Koko Crater trail, usually its because they rushing... 50 yards of easy walking and youre there, ID describe it as moderate used the is.

Paws For Life, Aoe2 Best Scorpion Civ, Articles I