Koko Head Trail: Hike Crater Stairs To Summit – 2024 Guide
Craving a fitness challenge while vacationing in Oahu? You’re in luck!
Koko Head Trail is the perfect hike if you are seeking a challenge that will test your endurance and strength!
Oahu is one of the most beautiful islands in Hawaii, with stunning natural scenery and diverse attractions.
There are many hiking trails on Oahu to experience its natural wonders, and whether you want to hike to a waterfall, a crater, a ridge, or a lighthouse, there is a trail for you.
One of my favorite hikes on Oahu is the Koko Head Trail Hike. This hike is not for the faint of heart, but it is definitely worth it – the views from the top of the Koko Head Crater are spectacular!
The Koko Head Trail Hike is a steep climb up an old railway track that leads to the top of Koko Head Crater, a dormant volcano that rises 1,208 feet above sea level.
In this blog post, I will share with you everything you need to know about the Koko Head Hike, one of the best hikes in Oahu, including how to get there, what to bring, what to expect, and what to do after the hike.
I will also give you some tips and tricks to make your hike easier and more enjoyable.
I hope that this blog post will inspire you to try the Koko Head Trail Hike and discover its beauty for yourself. The Koko Head Hike is a hike that you will never forget!
Planning your trip to Oahu? Check out our 2024 guide to the most popular tours and excursions in Oahu!
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Koko Crater
Hiking Koko Head and wondering what is beneath your feet? Koko Crater is a geological marvel, ancient remnants of Honolulu volcano’s lava vents.
Koko crater is an extinct tuff cone that was formed when the magma from the vent cooled rapidly at the surface, forming a dome-shaped structure.
Koko Head Elevation
While there are many craters in Oahu, Koko Crater is the tallest and most preserved. Koko Head elevation is 1208 feet above sea level, making it a formidable hiking challenge.
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Koko Head Trail Hike: Fast Facts
Some quick facts about the Koko Head Trail that you should know before you start.
Koko Head Hike Difficulty
The Koko Head Hike difficulty is moderate to hard. The trail is very steep with over 1,000 steps.
You need stamina and balance. I don’t recommend it for people with heart or knee problems, or those who are afraid of heights.
Koko Head Hike Length
The Koko Head Hike length is 0.8 miles for a total distance of 1.6 miles round trip. The trail is out and back, meaning you go up and down the same way.
Koko Head Hike Elevation (or Elevation Gain)
The Koko Head Hike elevation gain is 900 feet (275 m) to 1,000 feet (305 m). The trail starts at sea level and ends at the top of the steep crater, 1,207 feet (368 m) above sea level.
How Long is Koko Head Hike
The Koko Head Hike time is roughly 1 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and the breaks that you take. We took closer to 2 hours, we stopped frequently to catch our breath and take photographs.
Koko Head Stairs
The Koko Head Hike has 1,048 steps (if you must count)!
Some other information on the Koko Head Hike trail:
Family-friendly: Yes, but only for older kids and teens who are fit and adventurous. The trail is not suitable for young children, toddlers, or babies.
Keep an eye on your kids, there are no railings or fences along the trail, and some parts are very narrow and exposed.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but only for dogs who are well-trained and used to hiking.
Be warned that the trail can be hot and rough on their paws, so make sure they have enough water and protection. Keep them on a leash and clean up after them.
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Getting to the Koko Crater Railway Trailhead
Koko Head District Park
The trailhead for the Koko Head Trail, which is sometimes called the Koko Crater Railway Trailhead, is located in the Koko Head District Park, about a 25-minute drive east of Waikiki.
Koko Head District Park is near Hawaii Kai, on the southeast side of Oahu island.
By Car
If you have your own car or a rental car, driving to the trailhead is the easiest and most convenient option. You can use Google Maps or any other navigation app and type in “Koko Head Trail” for the driving directions.
Koko Head Trail Parking
Koko Head Trail parking is available in a large parking lot at the Koko Head District Park that is free to use for hikers. The parking lot is near the baseball field, and from there, it’s a short walk to the Koko Crater Railway trailhead.
The trailhead is behind the baseball field, towards Koko Head. You should see a sign that says “Koko Crater Tramway” and a dirt path leading to the stairs.
The parking lot can get crowded on weekends and holidays, as the Koko Head Trail is very popular.
If you can’t find a spot, there is another parking lot at the entrance of the park on Anapalau Street, near the restrooms.
You can also park on the side of the road by the tennis court, but make sure you don’t block any driveways or fire hydrants.
Koko Head Trail is open to the public from 4:00 am to 11:00 pm.
However, the parking lot is open from 6:30 am to 11:00 pm, so plan accordingly if you want to hike before sunrise or after sunset.
By Bus
If you don’t have a car or want to save money on gas and parking, taking the bus is another option.
You can take bus number 22 from Waikiki or downtown Honolulu and get off at the bus stop in front of the Hanauma Bay sign, which is about 1 mile from the trailhead.
You can check the bus schedule and fare information on TheBus website.
Koko Head Hike Reservation
Koko Head hike reservation is not needed to hike the Koko Head Trail. But check the weather and trail conditions before you go.
Best Time to Hike the Koko Head Trail
The Koko Head Trail is open year-round, and daily from 4:00 am to 11:00 pm.
However, the Koko Head Trail has limited shade, which means it can get very hot and sunny during the day. I recommend hiking the trail in the morning or evening, when the temperature is cooler and the sun is less intense.
Sunrise Hike to Koko Head Crater, Oahu
If you want to witness a stunning sunrise from the top of Koko Head, you need to plan ahead and start your hike early.
Depending on the season, sunrise can be anywhere from 5:45 am to 7:15 am.
You should aim to reach the summit at least 15 minutes before sunrise, which means you need to start your hike at least an hour before that.
Hiking in the dark can be challenging and risky, so make sure you bring a flashlight or headlamp, wear reflective clothing, and stay on the trail.
Sunset Hike to Koko Head Crater, Oahu
Sunsets at Koko Head summit are also spectacular! Depending on the season, sunset can be anywhere from 5:45 pm to 7:15 pm.
You should aim to reach the summit at least 15 minutes before sunset.
Take a flashlight or headlamp, wear reflective clothing, and stay on the trail.
How Long Does It Take to Hike the Koko Head Trail?
The Koko Head Trail is not a very long hike in terms of distance, but it is a very steep hike in terms of elevation gain. The time it takes to hike the trail depends on your fitness level, pace, and how long you linger at the top.
About 1 hour to 2 hours is a reasonable time for most people who are used to hiking or exercising regularly.
You will still get a good workout and have some time to rest and take Koko Head Hike photos at the top.
I strongly recommend you pace yourself and drink plenty of water along the way. You will also have more time to enjoy the views and explore the summit.
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Koko Head Hike Trail Information
The Koko Head Trail is one of the most popular and challenging hikes on Oahu.
It consists of climbing 1,048 steps to the top of the Koko Head Crater, an ancient volcanic cone that rises 1,200 feet above sea level.
The steps are actually old railroad ties that were used by the military during World War II to transport supplies to a lookout post at the summit.
The trail is steep, exposed, and has minimal shade, so be prepared to sweat and work hard!
The Trail and Route
The trail starts behind the baseball field at Koko Head District Park, where you can find ample parking and restrooms.
There is a sign that marks the beginning of the trail, and from there you just follow the railroad tracks all the way up.
The first part of the trail is relatively flat and easy, but soon you will encounter the first of many steep sections.
You may be able to spot Ilima, Hawaii’s official flower and one of Oahu’s endemic plants, growing along the lower part of the trail.
The trail gets progressively steeper as you climb higher, and some parts are almost vertical.
About halfway up, you will reach a bridge section where the railroad tracks are suspended over a gap with no ground beneath.
This can be intimidating for some people, especially if you look down and see the drop below.
However, there is a bypass trail on the right side that you can use to avoid the bridge if you prefer. The bypass trail is narrow and rocky, so be careful not to slip or trip.
After the bridge section, the trail continues to ascend steeply until you reach the final stretch, which is the steepest of all.
You will need to use your hands and feet to climb up some of the steps, which are uneven and worn out.
You may also encounter strong winds at this point, so hold on to your hat and sunglasses.
Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the east Honolulu shoreline, Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach, Makapu’u Lighthouse, and even parts of Molokai on a clear day.
You can also explore the remnants of the old military bunkers and pillboxes that dot the summit.
There are several flat areas where you can rest, have a snack, take photos, and enjoy the scenery.
What You Can See
The Koko Head Trail offers some of the best views on Oahu, especially at sunrise and sunset.
From the bottom of the trail, you can see Koko Crater Botanical Garden inside the crater. This is a 60-acre garden that showcases a variety of native and exotic plants from dryland regions around the world.
You can drive around the crater to access the garden from another entrance.
From the lower part of the trail, you can see Hawaii Kai Marina and Maunalua Bay on your left. This is a popular area for boating, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and fishing. You may also spot some sea turtles or dolphins in the water.
From the middle part of the trail, you can see Hanauma Bay on your right. This is one of the most famous snorkeling spots on Oahu, where you can swim with colorful fish and coral reefs in a protected marine life conservation area.
You can also see Koko Head Arch, a natural rock formation that forms an arch on the side of the crater.
From the upper part of the trail, you can see Sandy Beach on your right. This is a popular beach for surfing, bodyboarding, and sunbathing.
However, it is also known for its powerful waves and strong currents, so be careful if you decide to go in the water.
From the top of the trail, you can see Makapu’u Lighthouse and Makapu’u Beach on your left. This is another scenic spot for hiking, whale watching (in winter), and surfing.
You can also see Kaohikaipu Island and Manana Island (also known as Rabbit Island) offshore.
Returning to the Trailhead
To return to the trailhead, you have two options: either go back down the same way you came up or take an alternative route that goes around the crater rim.
The latter option is longer and more scenic, but also more difficult and dangerous.
If you choose to go back down the same way, be careful not to slip or fall on the steep steps. Use your hands and feet to balance yourself and go slowly.
If you choose to go around the crater rim, follow the dirt path that goes to the left from the summit. You will pass by more bunkers and pillboxes along the way, as well as some spectacular views of the crater interior and the ocean.
However, you will also encounter some narrow sections, loose rocks, sharp drops, and strong winds. Be very cautious and stay on the trail.
The crater rim trail will eventually lead you back to the bridge section of the railroad tracks, where you can rejoin the main trail and descend to the parking lot.
Hiking Gear Checklist
Many of Hawaii’s hikes are demanding, make sure you are well equipped and well prepared. Here’s what we typically take with us:
- Water Bottle: I hate plastic bottles, and with opaque bladders you can’t see if it is moldy inside. We use this Hydro Flask water bottle – light, stainless steel, wide mouth (you can add ice), with double-wall vacuum insulation (greatly refreshing for hikes in summer). You can also get it with a Flex Straw Lid!
- Hiking Shoes: My preferred hiking shoes are the medium range Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe (men’s, women’s, men’s mid), great for Hawaii’s trails through mud and streams. My wife loves her high-end Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Hiking shoes (men’s, women’s), also waterproof.
- Sunscreen: Hawaii’s sun can be harsh. Avoid sunburn with sunscreen compliant with Hawaii’s 104 Reef Act. The Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray, moisturizing with Vitamin E, is our go-to when we travel to Hawaii. Apply liberally and regularly!
- Trekking Poles: Great for hikes that involve climbing, both going uphill and downhill, and on trails that are wet, muddy and slippery! Improve your footing with this collapsible, high-end Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles, available for men and women.
- Headlamp: Planning a sunrise or sunset hike? Hiking in the dark is no fun, especially on many of Hawaii’s rainforest or ridge hikes. We love these two headlamps: the budget Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp and the premium Petzl Actik Core Headlamp, with many features.
Tips to Hike the Koko Head Trail
The Koko Head Trail is a challenging hike that requires some preparation and caution.
Most importantly, be realistic and respectful of your own abilities and limitations.
Pace yourself, don’t try to rush or compete with other hikers on the trail. Go at your own pace and listen to your body. If you feel tired or dizzy, stop and rest until you feel better.
The Koko Head Hike Trail is very popular.
To avoid crowds and the heat, start early or late in the day. Sunrise and sunset are specially beautiful times to hike this trail.
What to Bring
The Koko Head Hike Trail is mainly uncovered, meaning there is very little shade on the trail. Use a hat with a wide brim, and sunscreen that has at least SPF 30 and is water-resistant.
Bring lots of water and drink regularly throughout the hike. If you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated.
Sunglasses (with UV protection and polarized) can help protect your eyes from the sun and reduce glare.
Bring snacks that are high in protein and carbohydrates, such as nuts, granola bars, dried fruits, or jerky.
The steps on the trail can be slippery and uneven, so you need shoes that have good traction and support.
What to Be Careful About
The Koko Head Trail is not dangerous if you are careful and watch your step.
Apart from the heat and slippery steps mentioned above, note that winds can be very strong on the trail, especially at the upper part or the summit.
The bridge section is where the railroad tracks are suspended over a gap with no ground beneath.
However, there is a bypass trail on the right side that you can use to avoid the bridge if you prefer. The bypass trail is narrow and rocky, so be careful not to slip or trip.
Have Fun
Don’t forget to have fun on the trail! Enjoy the views, take Koko Heat Hike photos, explore the summit, chat with other hikers, and celebrate your achievement!
Koko Head Hike: FAQ
Is Koko Head the hardest hike on Oahu?
The Koko Head Hike is not the hardest hike on Oahu, even though it is hard! For example, the third peak of the Mount Olomana Three Peaks Hike requires technical climbing skills with rope sections.
Is Koko Head hike worth it?
The Koko Head Hike is definitely worth it! You get amazing, panoramic views from the top, and the satisfaction of crossing off a popular Oahu bucket list item!
How hard is the Koko Head trail?
The Koko Head trail is a challenging, hard hike. I would not recommend it for people with knee issues since you are climbing.
Take frequent rests and water breaks (remember, this is not a race).
How long does it take to hike up Koko Head?
It takes roughly 1 1/2 hours at an average to hike up Koko Head, depending on your pace.
Other Attractions Near Koko Head Hike, Hawaii
The Koko Head Trail is located in a scenic and vibrant area of Oahu, where you can find many other attractions to see or do before or after your hike.
Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is one of the most famous snorkeling spots on Oahu, where you can swim with colorful fish and coral reefs in a protected marine life conservation area.
The bay is located about 1 mile from the Koko Head Trail, and you can easily drive or walk there.
Koko Crater Botanical Garden
Koko Crater Botanical Garden is a 60-acre garden that showcases a variety of native and exotic plants from dryland regions around the world.
The garden is located inside the Koko Crater, and you can access it from another entrance on the opposite side of the crater from the Koko Head Trail.
The garden is open from sunrise to sunset daily, and admission is free.
Makapu’u Lighthouse
Makapu’u Lighthouse is located about 4 miles from the Koko Head Trail, and you can easily drive or bike there.
The lighthouse is perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean, and you can hike up to it via a paved trail that takes about an hour round trip.
Hiking the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail is one of the best things to do in Oahu, with stunning views of the coastline, the ocean, and the offshore islands of Kaohikaipu and Manana (also known as Rabbit Island).
Book a Guided Oahu Hiking Adventure!
Excited about hiking in Oahu but haven’t hiked in Hawaii before? This guided hiking adventure is a great way to get started.
It’s customizable to your interests and abilities, and a local guide that’s familiar with the terrain will accompany you. Plus, round-trip transport is included.
You can pick two short hikes or a longer hike, and your guide can suggest specific hikes if you don’t know which ones you want to try.
>> Check pricing and availability on this customizable Oahu hiking adventure now!
Best Oahu Tours
Have you booked these popular Oahu tours and excursions yet?
Love snorkeling? This Turtle Canyon snorkeling excursion from Waikiki lets you frolic with colorful fish and Hawaiian green sea turtles. Hands down the MOST BOOKED Oahu snorkeling tour: turtle sightings are guaranteed!
The most popular luau in Oahu, Paradise Cove Luau has a 4.5 rating on Viator with over 3.5K reviews. The tour includes pick-up from your Waikiki hotel, pre-dinner games, arts, and crafts, a delicious meal, and an award-winning show.
Based in Waikiki but want to see more of the island? This full-day Oahu Circle Island Tour includes Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Haleiwa, the Dole Plantation, and more!
Pay your respects at the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor! This popular Pearl Harbor tour includes boat tickets and round-trip transport from Waikiki.
A super popular Oahu North Shore excursion, this Oahu shark cage dive allows you to observe wild sharks in the open ocean from the safety of a cage! It’s a THRILLING Oahu adventure for your bucket list.
We have a detailed guide to the top Oahu tours and excursions if you are in the midst of planning your itinerary for the island.
Renting a Car in Oahu
If you want to explore more of the island of Oahu on your vacation, you should get a rental car.
Oahu’s popular attractions are spread over the island: the windward coast, the North Shore, and Ko Olina are great places to explore beyond Waikiki (or the greater Honolulu area).
While Oahu does have public transport options that are better than the other islands, a car offers a lot more flexibility and time savings.
We always use Discover Cars to book Oahu car rentals. They search across a variety of rental car companies, both budget and brand, to offer you the best deals, AND they offer free cancellations. Plus, there are no hidden fees.
>> Check availability and prices on Oahu car rentals now!
Honolulu Airport-Hotel Shuttle
If you are not planning to get a rental car at Honolulu Airport, consider booking shuttle transport in advance!
This shared shuttle can be canceled up to 24 hours from the date of service. It serves hotels in Waikiki and Honolulu and then back again to the airport the day you leave. It’s convenient and inexpensive, and saves time and hassle!
>> Check prices and availability for shared round-trip airport transfer in Oahu now!
Staying in Ko Olina? Consider this round-trip airport transfer instead!
Where to Stay in Oahu
Honolulu (Waikiki in particular) offers a large number of hotels and resorts, along with shopping and dining options. Most visitors to Oahu choose to base in Honolulu at least for a part of their stay.
While many of the large chains have a presence if you are looking to use your memberships, Honolulu also has several unique boutiques to consider.
Our faves include Halekulani for a splurge stay, the Lotus Honolulu for views of Diamond Head, and The Laylow for its awesome location.
Want more room to spread out or looking to stay elsewhere on Oahu? You will find VRBO listings all over the island!
On previous trips to Oahu, we have stayed in VRBO rentals in Waikiki as well as on the North Shore and the east coast and we’ve found the choice and quality great.
>> Look for an Oahu vacation rental on VRBO now!
More Oahu Travel Inspiration
Planning a trip to Oahu? Check out our other in-depth Oahu travel guides for help finalizing your Oahu itinerary!
Start by discovering the best things to do in Oahu. We also have a detailed guide to Oahu’s North Shore, a round-up of things to do on the east side of Oahu, and the best things to do in Ko Olina, on the west coast of the island.
If you ar planning a short first visit to the island, we have the perfect day-by-day 3 days in Oahu itinerary for you!
Of course you’ll want to learn about all the exciting things to do in Honolulu, Hawaii’s capital, and Waikiki, the touristic core of Oahu. We also have an article on the best places to eat in Waikiki!
Check out our guide to the best beaches in Oahu, and a round-up of the best beaches on the north shore of Oahu. Also read about must-visit Oahu waterfalls and botanical gardens in Oahu you have to visit.
Oahu is home to so many must-visit landmarks! Check out our in-depth article on how to visit Pearl Harbor, and our guides on the beautiful Waimea Valley in Oahu and the spectacular Byodo-In Temple.
Want to enjoy the thrill of observing sharks in the wild? Check out our article on shark cage diving on Oahu’s North Shore!
Discover the top places to go snorkeling in west Oahu, where you will find a long coastline with lovely beaches, and tips for snorkeling Kaneohe Sandbar on the island’s east coast as well as the super popular Hanauma Bay.
And if you love marine life, also check out our complete guide to (respectfully!) see and swim with dolphins in Oahu, and the best spots to snorkel with turtles in Oahu.
For hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, we have a round-up of the best Oahu hikes, and if you are looking to exclude the harder Oahu trails, a guide to the best easy Oahu hikes.
Find out how to do the iconic (and VERY popular) Diamond Head Hike near Waikiki for exceptional views. We also have a guide to the very popular Manoa Falls Trail in Honolulu.
More advanced hikers will want to read up on the Koko Head Hike, a long set of stairs leading to expansive views.
Learn where to go for the best sunsets in Oahu, whether you want to hike or enjoy watching a colorful Hawaiian sunset without working up a sweat.
We also have a guide to the best sunrise hikes in Oahu, one of which is the spectacular Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail in the southeastern part of the island. The Lanikai Pillbox Hike is another wonderful sunrise hike on Oahu!
If you are a garden enthusiast, check out our detailed guide to the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, our article on the unique Koko Crater Botanical Garden, and our guide to Foster Botanical Garden!
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