Koko Crater Railway Trail Guide (Koko Head): Everything You Need to Know
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Are you searching for an adrenaline-pumping adventure on your next visit to Oahu? Enter: the Koko Crater Railway Trail! If you’re sad you missed your chance to hike the famed Stairway to Heaven, this is your chance to hike another set of famous (and legal!) stairs in Oahu.
As a seasoned Oahu expert with two decades of travel experience on this amazing island, I’ve witnessed the transformation of Koko Head over the years and conquered its staircase numerous times.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from preparation and parking to successfully completing this strenuous hike. This hike is not for the faint of heart. Is it for you? Let’s get to it!
Quick Guide:
Location: Koko Head District Park at 7604 Koko Head Park Rd #7602, Honolulu, HI 96825
Parking: Koko Head District Park lots (drive past the church)
Cost: Free (parking and to hike)
Koko Head hike length: 1.6 miles
Koko Head hike elevation gain: 912 feet elevation gain
Difficulty: Moderately difficult, heavily varies on your experience
Jump to What to Expect ►
- Koko Head hike length: 1.6 miles
- Koko Head hike elevation gain: 912 feet elevation gain
- Difficulty: Moderately difficult, heavily varies on your experience
Is Koko Crater Trail worth it?
Yes – the Koko Crater Trail, without a doubt, is worth it. That doesn’t mean it’s easy! Proceed with caution. While you’ll get a great workout in and be rewarded with stunning views, this trail isn’t for everyone. To top it off, hiking is a great way to practice ecotourism in Hawaii.
If you’re not used to hiking, especially in hot weather, this may be a challenge. Additionally, make sure you’re prepared with plenty of water and snacks for the journey.
I spend half my year in Denver CO. Not only do I hike and camp regularly, but I do it at a pretty high elevation. I myself struggled slightly the first time I did the Koko Head Hike.
Many locals around the trail walk (or even run) it everyday – it’s not a common stop for visitors circling the island. You’ll see people moving fast and slow throughout the hike.
My best advice is to take it at your own pace and listen to your body. I made a few stops along the way for the first time. The second time it got a bit easier, and the time after that it felt much more normal. Now, I can get up there pretty fast, but some days I’m still slower than others!
Getting to Koko Head Crater Hike
The trailhead for this hike is located in Koko Head District Park at 7604 Koko Head Park Rd #7602, Honolulu, HI 96825
There are almost always people walking to and from the trailhead, so you won’t have any trouble finding the entrance after you park.
You can also take a tour with a local and leave the transporation and logistics up to them! Or read my post about getting around Oahu without a car.
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Where do you park for Koko Crater Trail?
Park in one of the Koko Head District Park lots to start the trail. When you first enter the park, you’ll pass a church – do not park here! Drive a little further until you see the bathrooms and park in any lots after that. Parking is free.
One of the best parts about Koko Crater is that there is plenty of parking available in Koko Head District Park!
Can you drive to Koko Crater?
Yes – you can drive to Koko Crater. Driving is the most efficient way to get there and parking is quite accessible. You also have the option of taking the bus with a short walk to the trailhead.
About the Trail
- Koko Head hike length: 1.6 miles
- Koko Head hike elevation gain: 912 feet elevation gain
- Difficulty: Moderately difficult, heavily varies on your experience
I’ve done the Koko Crater Railway trail many times, particularly over the last year. I’m an avid hiker, but still feel like it’s a moderately difficult trail.
Each time I go I see visitors struggling that likely didn’t prepare for the feat, or possibly even realize how difficult it might be for them. Imagine climbing a staircase for an hour?
My boyfriend can run it in as little as 20 minutes – which I think is ridiculous; I prefer a walk… but that’s just me! Plenty of runners will pass you going up and down the trail.
This trail gets you super high, so the views are amazing. It’s surrounded by greenery, views of Hanauma Bay, Diamond Head, and the city.
My one complaint is that there’s a shooting range to the left of the trail (in the distance). Depending on the time of day you go, you could hear gunshots the entire way up, which isn’t really how I like to spend my time in nature. *shrugs*
What to Expect + My Experience on the Trail
- The beginning of the trail: I always feel super confident, ready to go. You’ll see yellow markers on the ground starting at 25. The numbers count down on the way up until you reach 1 at the top!
- The middle of the trail: You can pretty quickly start to see the incredible views from the trail. I’d say around marker 15 the trail starts to get steeper. The steps feel a little harder and I start to get fatigued.
- Almost to the top: Really steep grade here, I’m climbing on my hands for parts of it, taking breaks, and walking much slower. You’ll see people stopped around here debating whether or not to continue. Always listen to your body, but if you can, keep going, it’s totally worth it!
- You made it to the top! When I get to the top, I usually take a seat and catch my breath for a second. Then, I enjoy the views! There are a few viewing points from the top.
Keep walking up the hill past the stairs for the highest point (it’s worth it, but it is super steep). There are plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the view, take photos, and rehydrate. You can get views from both sides, although the ocean side view is obviously more popular. If you love hiking, I’d 100% recommend adding Koko Head to your Oahu itinerary.
- Time to head back down: You made it up, now it’s time to head back down. Going down is unsurprisingly faster than going up, but it’s still quite a challenge. It’s more strenuous on your joints, so I take this pretty slow. Don’t forget to appreciate the views on your way down too.
How long is the Koko Crater railway trail?
The Koko Crater railway trail is 1.6 miles from beginning to end. The hike takes anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your pace and how in shape you are.
Many people opt for breaks on the way up, and potentially a long rest at the top before making the descent down.
How many steps are there in Koko Crater Trail?
While there used to be 1,048 steps along the trail, according to the Kokonut Koalition, a group dedicated to maintaining and repairing the tramway, there are currently only 800 stairs.
How steep is Koko Head Trail?
With roughly 900 feet of elevation in just under two miles, Koko Head is quite a steep trail. Plan for a 30-70% grade increase. There are parts of the trail where I had to put my hands on the ground for support.
Is Koko Crater Trail hard?
Yes – for the average hiker, Koko Crater trail is hard. Unless you do it every day, or frequently, this will be a challenging hike for you. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible!
Taking it slow and steady is the best way to successfully complete the trail. Stay prepared by arriving hydrated and having plenty of water and snacks along the way.
Is Koko Crater Trail free?
Yes – the Koko Crater Trail is free. However, due to the declining condition of the stairs, the Koko Koalition, in partnership with the City and County of Honolulu, accepts donations and volunteers to assist with repairs to keep this hike available and free.
Is there a bathroom at Koko Head?
Yes – there is a bathroom at Koko Head in the parking lot in Koko Head District Park. There are a few stalls in the men’s and women’s bathrooms, including sinks to wash up.
Safety on the Trail: 10 Hiking Safety Tips
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1. Drink water before and have plenty of water on the way up
Staying hydrated during a hike, especially when tackling trails like Koko Crater Trail in the midday sun, is the most important thing for your safety and well-being.
Drink water before starting the hike and carry more than you think you’ll need with you. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and even more severe health issues that will surely ruin your fun day of adventure!
2. Start early
While you don’t have to, starting early is the best way to beat dehydration and overheating. Plus, a Hawaii sunrise never offers bad views to start your day! If you’re heading out between June and August, this is especially important.
3. If you go in the evening, bring a head lamp
Safety 101 – don’t get stuck in the dark without proper equipment. And no, your phone does not count! Phone’s can die, break, and just stop working at any time.
4. Watch out for deterioration along the trail
Unfortunately, Koko Head stairs have been deteriorating due to the lack of upkeep and overuse over the years. While there are signs for heavily deteriorated areas, keep an eye out for stairs that look unstable. This could mean the step is broken, something popping out, or simply more splinters than normal.
5. Don’t walk on the bridge
Because of the lack of upkeep and deterioration, there’s currently one area at risk of collapsing. There are clearly written signs pointing you to take an alternative route (also clearly labeled).
Unfortunately, these signs are ignored so frequently! Don’t opt for conformity here. Every person that walks on the bridge risks their lives and others, as well as the future of the steps being open to the public.
6. Be weather ready
The weather in Oahu can change quickly, especially during the winter months, usually December to April. Clouds roll in quickly and can bring light or heavy showers. It never hurts to carry a compatible rain jacket in case it rains.
Second, if you do happen to see a big storm rolling in, do the smart thing and turn around when you can. The stairs can get slippery. On the flip side, if the stairs look slippery when you arrive, use your best judgment on whether or not you think you should go or not. Going when the conditions are slick can cause further damage to the already deteriorating steps!
7. Listen to your body
My most important tip: listen to your body while hiking to recognize signs of fatigue or discomfort. Take breaks when you need to rest and recharge. Listening to your body means knowing when to slow down, take breaks, or even stop to prevent exhaustion or injuries.
8. Watch out for bees
There have been reports and even closures of the hike due to active bee hives. Just keep an eye on where you step and sit.
9. Bring a snack
Bringing a snack on your hike is so important to stay energized and keep your body fueled throughout this strenuous hike. Even if you have a meal before starting, keeping a snack handy is crucial for unexpected energy dips.
Choose snacks that are easy to pack, non-perishable, and provide a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to keep you going strong on the trail – trail mix, protein bars, etc. Remember, it’s always better to be prepared with extra sustenance than to run out of fuel mid-hike!
10. Make sure someone knows you’re there
Never ever ever go hiking without letting someone know where you are. Unfortunately, you should always prepare for the worst. Getting hurt, getting lost, or worse. While your unlikely to get lost on this particular trail, getting hurt can happen in an instant.
Koko Head Packing List
- Water bladder and small pack
- Gym shoes
- Snacks
- Sunscreen
- Headlamp
- Rain jacket
Do you need hiking boots for Koko Head?
Nope! You really don’t need hiking boots for Koko Head. However, you do need stable gym shoes, at least. If you’re trail running, you’ll need appropriate running shoes.
But if you’re just hiking, a sturdy pair of closed toed gym shoes will work just fine.
What is the difference between Koko Crater Trail and Stairway to Heaven?
For starters, Koko Crater Trail isn’t illegal, unlike Stairway to Heaven. Stairway to Heaven is closed off to visitors. Anyone found trespassing will find themselves with a $1000 fine.
If done legally, Stairway to Heaven consists of a 9.5 mile strenuous hike up Moanalua Middle Ridge Trail. The original hike had 3,922 stairs taking 2-4 hours, compared to Koko Head’s 800-1000 stairs taking 20 min to 2 hours.
More Koko Head Hike Photos
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Summary of Koko Crater Railway Trail : Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Anymore questions before you brave the hike? Send me an email here!
To sum it up, this guide has everything you’ll need for a safe and rewarding hike up the Koko Crater Railway Trail. Remember, hiking the Koko Head stairs may not be for everyone, so listen to your body and know your limits.
Stay hydrated, be cautious, and most importantly, take moments to enjoy the views along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, this guide equips you with everything you need to make the most of your journey. So lace up your shoes, pack your water, and happy hiking!
