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Koko Head Crater Trail

Honolulu, Hawaii

4.4/5
based on 13 reviews

Details

Distance

1.6 miles

Elevation Gain

961 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Tyler Drake

A great workout on the south shore of the island with incredible views as a reward for your hard work.

While hiking up the Koko Head trail, don't get too intimidated, there are grandparents and young kids hiking up these tracks. Take a sip of water, muster your mental toughness, and put one foot in front of the other along the rail trail. Once you're moving, there's no way you'll turn back! When you get to the top, soak it in for a minute, and think about what you accomplished! You'll see amazing views of the Pacific Ocean over Hawaii Kai all the way down to Diamond Head. 

It's best to show up early in the morning before the crowd gets on the trail. Also, there's no shade, so it's ideal to hit this trail while it's not too hot. There is a parking lot and restroom available next to the softball diamond.

Once you're spent, if you're heading back into town, be sure to make a quick stop at Diamond Head Market & Grill and really reward yourself! There are also great spots to check out and cool off at Makapu'u (the beach just past the lighthouse) and China Walls

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Features

Fitness
Running
Hiking
Scenic

Koko Head Crater Trail Reviews

The hike is good but took us just as long to find a good entry point as it did hike up. We didn’t climb on the arch as it had been raining the past few days and we didn’t feel comfortable. If you’re looking for a better entry point we walked left past the parking lot and around the corner then crossed the street and climbed that way.

This is a very straight forward hike but by no means easy. Your tank will be absolutely empty and you'll look up and realize your not even half way. But the view from the time is totally worth it!

It's a cool train track hike with a portion that's slightly mid air, so be aware you may have to go slowly if someone is afraid of heights. View up top is great, and the whole way up I was contemplating how much effort just have gone into putting a track on the hill. The whole way down I wondered why they didn't build a humongous slide, haha.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Snorkel at Hanauma Bay

Halona Cove

Koko Crater Arch via Halona Blowhole Lookout

Bodysurfing at Sandy Beach

Koko Head Botanical Garden

Spitting Cave