Koko Crater Railway Trailhead

Hiking area · Hawaii Kai

Koko Crater Railway Trailhead

Hiking area · Hawaii Kai

7604 Koko Head Park Rd #7602, Honolulu, HI 96825

Highlights

Challenging 1000+ step hike with stunning crater & ocean views

7604 Koko Head Park Rd #7602, Honolulu, HI 96825 Get directions

noahlangphotography.com

@afar

"Unlikely Art with a View Unlikely as it may be, if you climb the steps to 1208ft (or 368m) at Kokohead, there is quite a bit of street art...er, trail art. Usually spotting the tagging at the conclusion of an intense and beautiful hike is a disappointment, but the colorful giraffe graffiti on the old cement military outposts at the summit of the Koko Crater made me smile and added a bit of visual delight to an otherwise typical aqua-marine and tropical-green Hawaiian landscape."

Oahu Sunsets and Picturesque Views

View Postcard for Koko Crater Railway Trailhead

@afar

Off the Beaten Path: Hiking around Honolulu

View Postcard for Koko Crater Railway Trailhead

@afar

Oahu Sunsets and Picturesque Views

View Postcard for Koko Crater Railway Trailhead

Amber L

Google

This hike is so worth it! It’s over 1000 steps so definitely a stair-master workout but the view at the top is stunning. Take it slow and bring lots of water. It took us less than half an hour to get to the top and about 10-15 minutes getting down and we spent about an hour admiring the views at the top. We did it right before sunset which I highly recommend as the heat is much more bearable at this time compared to earlier

B M

Google

Warning: REALLY HARD. Anyone who says otherwise is misleading. No shade available in the hot sun. Your legs will be absolutely gassed from the 1000+ steps up and 1000 steps down. 3 different people (one in ROTC so great shape) had to be helicoptered out while we did the hike. This isn’t like doing a stair master, each step is technical. And then the trek down can be a bit dangerous since your legs are noodles. Was with some competitive fitness instructors, marathoners, etc and while it wasn’t “hard” for them it was not easy. This is a difficult and challenging hike. With out of the way, it is also a very cool and unique hike. Climbing the stairs/rail line is different and offers a cool and challenging environment. The payoff at the top is incredible views of the crater and the sense of accomplishment having just bested the rail line. Definitely would do again, but this is for people who are in shape.

Shaun Hyde

Google

BLUF: killer workout with great views! The “stairs” rail ties are steep but easy to climb but our a leg burner. The climb and workout is all worth once you see the views from the top! There are cool pill box’s at the top just be careful, a kid recently fell down a 20ft shaft in one. Also there are two areas where you can walk over gaps/no ground under the tracks, but you can take side trails around the gap. If you have climbed the incline in Manitou, Colorado.

sandbarking1

Google

This hike is considered hard for a reason. It was challenging, to say the least. It took us an hour to get to the top. We sometimes went 20 steps and had to take a breather. The views were worth the time and effort. We started in the dark with flashlights, plenty of water, and some snacks. I highly recommend this hike because the views at the top are incredible.

Elina Rudenko

Google

Absolutely stunning. We went there at 9am, took us an hour to go up and 15 mins to go down. TAKE WATER 💦 don’t hike without a bottle of water, there is no water fountains. Take sunscreen! This is a difficult hike!! The higher you go the harder it gets! Take breaks as much as you need, you don’t want to pass out in the middle of the hike. Next 4 days my legs were noodles but definitely worth it. Overall i would do it again !

M I

Google

Over 1000 steps straight up the side of Koko crater. If you’re looking for a good workout, this could be right for you. The trail does become steeper the higher up you get and can be quite tough on your knees on the way down so I might avoid this trail if you’re having knee problems. Though the view at the top is beautiful, it is not my favorite in terms of hiking as it is 1) an exposed trail, which can get very hot on the hike up and 2) not as nice as other hiking trails around the island in terms of how beautiful the trail itself can be. Furthermore, has mentioned earlier, this trail does become steeper the higher up you get and can become sketchy in some places, especially along the bridge section that is open below. There is a bypass route that you can take. I would recommend it if you have a fear of heights or poor balance. Overall, a solid trail for exercise, however, as far as hiking for enjoyment, and to simply be out in nature, there are far better trails. 5 stars as a workout 3 stars as a hike

Idan Segev

Google

This trail is pure suffering all the way up and all the way down. I think that overall the view from the top is great but not worth the effort. It is very hard to get up and also hard to go down. I would not recommend this trail, there are others which are nicer and easier with better views. If you do decide to go on this hike then at least take enough water and use good sports or hiking shoes.

Oksana Z

Google

Great trail all stairs, good shoes are required, sunscreen and water. Hiking poles are optional and depending on your conditions. Great view at the top, clocked 1 hr 15 min because of multiple stops for pictures. I would recommend some let workout before you do this trail.