The Koko Crater (or Koko Head) hike outside Honolulu, Hawaii is one of Oahu’s most popular hikes, and for good reason. The views at the top are incredible. But getting there is way more difficult than it looks.

The key to enjoying the Koko Crater hike is going in the morning before the sun gets too hot. If you go during the middle of the day, you’ll need to take several rest breaks along the way.

The trail is actually a former railway that was used to transport supplies to a 1940s-era outpost at the top of the mountain. With Pearl Harbor not far away, the military smartly wanted to have a lookout station atop this crater.

It’s a steep, no-shade, climb to the top of Koko Head Crater that includes spectacular panoramic views of the east Honolulu shoreline, Hanauma Bay, and parts of Moloka'i.

HIKE DETAILS

Elevation     ~900 Feet

Length         1.6 Miles Round Trip

Duration      90-120 Minutes

Terrain         Gradual Climb, ~1,500 stairs

Difficulty       Medium to Difficult

Disclaimer – all Oahu hikes have different challenges and hazards that can be dangerous and may inflict injury. Know your fitness and skill level before embarking in any hike. Stay on trails and obey posted signs. The information here is for your reading pleasure only. Hike at your own risk.

How to get there: From Honolulu, it’s not hard to figure out how to get to the Koko Head Trail. You follow H1 / Route 72 to the southeastern corner of the island.

The highway becomes a two-lane road and continues right to the park. It’s a 12-mile drive and will take less than 30 minutes unless traffic is heavy.

Look for signs for Koko Head Park, and you’ll find the road that leads to the parking lot. There’s also a Koko Head Botanical Garden in the area, near Sandy Beach Park.

Parking won’t be a problem if you arrive early in the day.

The Koko Head hike is one of the best within short driving distance of Honolulu, so give it a shot if you’re up for the challenge! And don’t pass up the chance to stop here if you’re on a driving road trip of the island.

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Funding for Gay Bowl XXII has been provided via a grant by Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) through the Community Enrichment Program (CEP). For more info about HTA and CEP, click here.