Koko Crater Railway Trailhead

Hiking area · Hawaii Kai ·

Koko Crater Railway Trailhead

Hiking area · Hawaii Kai ·

Steep hike with over 1000 steps, ocean & city views

Information

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

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,699 Cities

"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

Koko Crater Railway Trailhead

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,699 Cities

Off the Beaten Path: Hiking around Honolulu

Koko Crater Railway Trailhead

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,699 Cities

Oahu Sunsets and Picturesque Views

Koko Crater Railway Trailhead

Igor S.

Google

Koko Crater Railway An unforgettable place that will stay in your memory for a long time. At first it may seem easy and nothing special, but in reality climbing up is much harder than going down. Some parts of the trail are steep, challenging, and run along a drop-off, and it can get slippery even after a light rain — which is very likely, as the weather changes quickly. But your effort will be rewarded with absolutely breathtaking views. I highly recommend it. Good luck — you’ve got this!

Sam

Google

This is a very hot hike with barely any tree coverage so be prepared to cover yourself or else you'll get burnt. There's are over 1000 steps to make it to the summit. There are two bridges you'll cross and if you don't want to step on the bridge, there's are side trails to bypass it. Definitely worth a hike and being water and sunblock! Fantastic view all the way up! Highly recommend!

Doua M.

Google

Nice hike straight uphill with barely any shade. There is a part that the ones with fear of heights may not like very much. Recommended to wear good shoes and best to go early before it is hot. We went in the afternoon right when there wasn’t any shade. That made the trail more challenging so just in case if anyone is looking to enhanced their hike.

Kecia A.

Google

This was an awesome hike for my husband and I to accomplish. I will say it's not an easy hike it's moderate. Make sure that you bring water and when you get to the top, take a break you're going to need it! I ended up getting to the top without breaks during the climb but everyone's fitness level varies. Enjoy this because the pictures and views from the top makes this climb worth every step!

Glenn G.

Google

Best to go early in the morning to beat the heat! This is not a beginner trail — watch your step (literally) as you climb about 1,048 steep steps to the top. 🥵 Expect the hike to take 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on your pace. The view at the summit is absolutely worth every step. Bring plenty of water and take your time — you’ll earn that view! 🌄⛰️💪💦

Andrzej D.

Google

Make sure you have comfortable shoes and lots of water. The trail is definitely a challenge, especially for those who don't hike often. I also recommend sunscreen, and a hat. Besides that it's amazing and getting to the top its like a cherry on top. Great for workout and confidence boost.

Enid C.

Google

A must when you visit Oahu! Definitely recommend doing for sunrise to avoid heat and to see beautiful views as the sun goes up!! Most people take 30-45 mins to go up but budget an hour up just in case! The hike itself isn’t hard, it’s just the quick elevation gain!! Take your time, but no matter what, push through and make it to the top! It’s so worth it. Bring water and go to the bathroom beforehand. I’ve seen people throw up on the way and take over an hour to go up, but I’ve also seen people sprinting it 5 times in row within 2 hours. Seen people do it in the nicest hokas and seen people do it barefoot. Just listen to your body and full send it;) there are pillboxes up top and you can even go down the ridges if you’d like just be careful. Parking is free and there are also free bathrooms a little below the parking.

Megui C.

Google

HIGHLY RECOMMEND DOING THIS TRAIL BEFORE SUNRISE!!! This is a difficult hike, there’s a reason why it’s called Nature’s Stairmaster, but if you pace yourself, you can get there. I do want to point out that there is a hollowed out part of the trail and it is scary but someone said you can walk around it, so go with that alternative if you’re scared of falling. There is 0 shade so you have nowhere to hide from the sun and it gets scorching hot. I started at around 5 am, made it to the top with a few minutes to spare before sunrise (5:37 or so), then made my way down and finished at 7:30 am. I would do this hike again even though I was heavy breathing all the way to the top.