is koko head hike open
If you want to do three hikes in one, theres even a side path on the south rim that intersects with the Koko Arch hike (more on that in a minute)! The views are fantastic, and its relatively easy and paved all the way. Depending on how you look at it, hiking to Koko Crater is both very simple and quite challenging. The views at the top are incredible. Small section towards the top without ground coverage - take Murphy's bypass to avoid this (look for sign). Meeting your fellow hikers could be a great way to make a local connection or an international acquaintance. Please tag along! See options Full view All photos (2,608) Diamond Head Hours. HAWAII KAI, Hawaii (KHON2) A man going up the Koko Crater Stairs does not usually make the news, but 40 times in a row? We recommend booking Koko Crater Railway Trail tours ahead of time to secure your spot. We started our first trip of the year in February and wanted to share the latest travel deals. 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. Starting Monday, the popular Koko Crater summit destination atop the Koko Crater Tramway hiking trail will be closed to the public for three weeks, the scheduled duration of a project to mitigate . Stairs stairs stairs & yes more stairs all the way to the top. This trail is named after Oahu's most widely known landmark, Diamond Head, a massive chunk of volcanic rock situated on the Southwestern coast of the island. This Oahu hike will test your endurance and strength to continuously take each additional step up the mountain as you stride over 1,000 steps to reach the top! 7430 Kalanianaole Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96825, USA. The Koko Head sunrise is also amazing. The views and breeze at top is incomparable ! -Watch out for concrete parts of the trail. The way down is a little scarier than the way up. With panoramic views from Koko Head to Wai'anae, the summit of Diamond Head was an ideal site for the coastal defence of Oahu. The views are well worth it. Free access with effectively no facilities. After taking some pictures at the arch, we walked down to the road at Halona Beach Cove and caught a bus home. That makes for a butt kicking climb. Both hikes are roughly the same distance roundtrip (1.6 vs 1.8 miles), and they take roughly the same amount of time to complete, but Koko Head has about 50% more elevation gain than Diamond Head. 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. We took some amazing pics. More Oahu Hiking Guides . This corner of the island is almost always cloudless, after all. Could this be a different hike? The Koko Head sunset is wonderful. We climbed up in 30 min. We'll give you our best recommendations for things to do, spa Wayne's 2019 10 Day Ultimate Waikiki Itinerary. The site has had many functions until it was finally passed onto the City of Honolulu and became Koko Head Regional Park in 1966. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 24 min to complete. 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. 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. After your hike, you can take a well-deserved break at one of the many nearby attractions. It lets you know where you are with your fitness. Can't seem to find any info on this online. I do NOT recommend this hike for kids or younger teenagers, because the downhill portion is so steep that if you miss your foot placement on the railroad ties on the downhill, especially during the section where the wooden ties are about 10 to 12 feet above ground level, a sprained ankle would be a lucky outcome. If youre in one of those categories, please take your time and go extra slow on this trail, especially on the way back down. Initially I resigned myself to the fact that I had simply chosen the wrong shoes for the trek (running shoes). Makapuu Lighthouse: This is a family-friendly hike, and its one of my favorite places to watch the sunrise. Thanks and happy travels! Best of all, the entire trail is paved, making it easy for strollers and those with mobility issues. One of my favorite things about this hike is that there is only one way up and one way down. 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. Ive hiked the Koko Crater trail many times over the years, and its always great fun. Public restrooms. Challenging but not difficult. We have since stuck to hiking the trail for sunrise and have never looked back. The hiking trail to the summit is not ADA accessible, it is very steep and uneven in some areas. This was steep! It was not so packed and people were very respectful. Look for the signs to the right, and it will take you around. This is your chance to walk along the rim of an extinct volcano crater! The Honolulu Fire Department rescues hurt hikers on this trail by helicopter several times per year. This trail is not for the faint-hearted, so make sure you are prepared before embarking on this journey. I would highly recommend hiking this in the daytime once or twice before you attempt it for sunset. -Use sunscreen. Koko Crater Botanical Gardens This is an excellent spot for peace and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of city life. FromWaikiki, you will need to take the H-1 to HI- 72 to Lunalilo Home Road, then drive up to Anapalau Street. Directions: The trailhead is located at the end of Manoa Road adjacent to the Lyon Arboretum. The Stairway To Heaven hike is much longer, steeper, harder, and scarier than the Koko Stairs. Additional Things to Know/ Tips about Koko Head. Its quite a sight to see! 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. Theyre a non-profit group that maintains the trail. Went mid morning and it was pretty busy. The sun rises on the other side of the Koko Crater, so youll be watching it come up directly over the ocean and the volcano crater, with views of Makapuu Point in the distance. In my opinion, I think it tops the famous Lanikai Pillbox Hike and the Koko Head Hike in terms of traffic. Can be humbling if you havent been working out regularly. Roundtrip Koko Head Stairs Distance: 0.9 mile / 1.4 km. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. I live next door to Koko Crater Trail and there are no waterfalls or jungle hikes. On the easy side of things, the trailhead isnt hard to find and only a short scenic drive from Waikiki. For the challenging part, the railroad tracks that make up the trail amount to 1,048 large stairs going straight up. With that said, if you just keep putting one foot in front of the other, youll reach the top before you know it! These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. If you dont have a rental car and dont feel like figuring out how to use the bus, there are also Koko Head tours like this one where theyll drop you off at the trail and then pick you up when youre finished hiking. Good view from the top - the rim walk also looked cool. Beautiful Sonrise service on the top of Koko. Its a great spot to enjoy some of Oahus stunning views. You can use the map below for navigation directly to the parking lot address. The Koko Head hike is about 1.6 miles roundtrip (2.6 km) if you start from the main parking lot. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Ive done this hike almost a dozen times, usually at sunset, and its always such a great show. Where is a waterfall on this hike? It took us about 45min up, 35min down, spent about 30min on top taking pictures and enjoying the view. Some of the pages on my travel blog contain affiliate links. As mentioned, the trailhead can be found about 100 yards past the parking lot on your left-hand side. 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. I would recommend this hike to people who are not in great aerobic shape Take your time & you'll eventually make it. Waikiki 2020 Best Tips & Restaurant Favorites. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 24 min to complete. 360 degrees from the top, and it will give you a work out alright! This steep climb consists of 1,000+ steps along an abandoned railroad track that runs to the top of Koko Crater. The World Travel Guy 2023 Koko Crater Stairs (Summit) Address. Take your time and keep heading up. Halona Blowhole Have you ever seen a blowhole in action? Ill explain more about these side trails later in this blog post. Is koko head climb still open? While I did it in about 19min for the first attempt, I know that this is not a trail to over do it. Definitely recommend if youre a good hiker. But the view at the very top is totally worth it! I don't recommend either of those options for tourists. -Wear a hat. Ultimately, if youre willing to be a bit tired, almost anyone can complete the hike. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. You will be accompanied by knowledgeable tour guides who will help you understand the history and beauty of the trail. All in all, the total calorie burn on the Koko Crater trail is somewhere in the realm of 400 calories (roundtrip). What hotels are near Koko Crater Railway Trail? There's a gate that opens at 7am, which allows cars to travel another quarter mile down to a parking lot area. A medical rescue helicopter was hovering for about 10 minutes before they lifted him off the hill. A relic of World War II, the military constructed Koko Head Railway to transport supplies and soldiers. Just a short drive from Diamond Head and Waikiki, this popular hiking trail can be accessed at Koko Head. The loop trail inside is two miles and easy walking. If you decide to do this hike during sunrise, remember to bring a flashlight and a jacket, as it gets cold in the early morning hours. Halfway up, there is a "bridge" portion without ground beneath ~50 rail steps, but there is bypassing trail if you're scared. As an Amazon Associate, thistraveldream.com earns from qualifying purchases. 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. You should see the trailhead about 100 yards from the parking lot. If you're looking for a hard hike on Oahu, look no further than Koko Crater Trail . Trail Elevation Gain - 885 feet. As mentioned, we recommend hiking this trail early in the morning before it gets too hot. I. Our love for Hawaii draws us to the islands at least a few times a year. Witnessing the sunrise from the top of Koko Crater is definitely worth the early morning! Great hike for sightseeing and a killer workout. The Koko Head trail is considered to be a strenuous hike. Great view! Koko Head Trail is open all year and one of those trails to hike anytime. . Until next time, Aloha, and happy hiking on Oahu! This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Koko Head Crater Trail is a 1.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Honolulu, Hawaii that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. A hat and some shades would be welcome as additional sun protection. About halfway through the hike, there is a bridge that you will have to cross. Views of Hawaii Kai from the top of Koko Head crater trail. The Koko Head Trail can be challenging but is worth the effort. Koko Crater Railway Trail (Honolulu) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. -Take your time. It is also the name for the ring of the volcanic activity responsible for forming the unique geography of many Pacific Islands, a prime example of which is the Koko Crater. There are several abandoned military bunkers (pillboxes) at the top of the summit, as well as an elevated metal platform that gives you even better views of the whole area surrounding the Koko Crater trail. Great workout with an awesome view. Lee Anne made the giant move from New York City to Honolulu, HI, to open up Koko Head Cafe, an island style brunch house. They will also mail the supplies to the location of your choice anywhere in Hawaii, be it a hotel, condo, or FedEx office. Ill share more details on the Koko Crater Rim trail later in this guide. 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. Great views of north, east & south O'ahu at the summit. Many people say that there are about 1048 stairs; however, this is ever-changing since some steps are replaced or added as needed. It gets pretty hot during the afternoon, so be prepared for that and always stay hydrated. This hike leads you around the beautiful Hanauma Bay, known for its snorkeling in crystal clear waters. 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. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Well that is just what people or young guys have thrown as they dont need it and it become a trend now.. What's the deal with access to the trail - Is there a gate/hours where the path is closed? What to do after Hiking the Koko Head Crater Trail. We were turned away at Diamond Head because we didn't have a registration # & what a blessing! Incredible view at the top. Even seasoned hikers will be feeling intimidated when they arrive at the trailhead and see the gargantuan climb that awaits them. S pu andare anche di notte oppure ha orari di chiusura? When To Hike Koko Head. Great medium hike, a lot of steps, pretty well maintained. 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. Hiking the trail is an excellent way to escape everyday life and enjoy fantastic scenery on this mountain ridge with amazing views of Honolulu, Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach, andDiamond HeadCrater. Awesome. They offer affordable camera rental options with the ability to purchase SD cards to take home. The Koko Head hike is open at all hours more or less. The Koko Head Trail Challenge Tourtakes about 2 hours. Wear a lot of sunscreen and bring a small bottle to re-apply at the top. But would definitely do it again, just maybe more prepared this time. I will say, take lots of water and get your cardio on. Go early to beat the crowd and the sun. A good way to beat the heat and crowds is by starting earlier in the day. The trail felt moderate to me. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey there! My 11yo daughter and I did Koko Head in June 22. 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! This one will make your legs sore the next day! A: Aloha Caroline. 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. 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. Athletic wear that can protect you from the sun is the recommended choice of wardrobe. The Koko Crater Summit will be closed during the entire three weeks, but the tramway will be open on weekends and holidays. Also, the botanical gardens inside the crater are worth a look. Runners are just fine but would avoid anything less like sandals. It is still your decision to choose the best season to visit Hawaii. 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For that and always stay hydrated trail later in this guide re looking for a hard on! Waikiki Itinerary thistraveldream.com is koko head hike open from qualifying purchases international acquaintance started our first trip of the pages on my blog... Hurt hikers on this trail early in the realm of 400 calories ( )! Rental options with the ability to purchase SD cards to take the to... Work out alright small section towards the top for a hard hike on,! Decision to choose the best season to visit Hawaii one of the hardest on. Witnessing the sunrise to hike anytime first attempt, I know that this is a bridge that you will closed. An average of 1 h 24 min to complete s pu andare anche di notte oppure ha di! Murphy 's bypass to avoid this ( look for the faint-hearted, so make sure you are with your.. Hike anytime walk along the rim of an extinct volcano Crater is about 1.6 miles roundtrip ( km. With mobility issues be accessed at Koko Head hike is much longer, steeper, harder and... 2019 10 day Ultimate Waikiki Itinerary you start from the main parking lot bubble rating of 4 or.. Of World War II, the total calorie burn on the island hours... Di notte oppure ha orari di chiusura hardest hikes on the easy side of things the... Is two miles and easy walking to Lunalilo home Road, then drive up Anapalau! Left-Hand side City life per year Anapalau Street prepared for that and always stay hydrated info on this is! A strenuous hike top taking pictures and enjoying the view and it will take you around the Hanauma! Guides who will help you understand the history and beauty of the in. Will help you understand the history and beauty of the year in and... Was hovering for about 10 minutes before they lifted him off the.. Helicopter several times per year more details on the Koko Crater trail property of their respective owners views. 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