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This is an awesome park! You can play sports here basketball, baseball, tennis. You can also hike the koko head trail or the hanauma bay trail. For families, children, and athletes this is a well rounded clean safe park.
Dripping sweat!!! If you want to work your mind body and soul then this is the hike for you. The incline trek will take you to some amazing views!!!!! Personally, I was huffing and puffing all the way up. I took several breaks (at each numbered marker). There are 25 markers that are yellow blocks on the right side. FYI I'm not the most athletic or fit. I do incline walking on a treadmill and lift weights. Tips: -hydrate before, during and after hike -stretch -go at your own pace -take breaks when needed and lower your heart rate -wear and reapply sunscreen -wear sun protecting clothing ( I'm fair-skinned and take extra caution) -wear sneakers/running shoes - I wore keens -make sure to step to the side when taking a break so others can pass I saw all types of people at different physical levels and saw people wear all different types of clothing so know yourself and your limits. **have fun and remember it's the journey that counts, but really the views are beautiful so try your best to finish lol Other: -bathrooms available at the park -plenty of parking -park at the parking lot pass the bathrooms
This review is just for the Koko Head hike. It's not easy even if you are in shape but doable with rest and patience. I am out of shape. The views from the top are why you should climb it. Pro-Tips: 1) Go early to avoid the sun. Not much shade on climb. 2) It's about a $25-30 Uber ride each way with tip from/to Waikiki. 3) Parking is free as is access to hike. 4) Stretch your calves for the climb up. Stretch your quads for the descent. 5) Bring water and a towel for sweat. 6) When you get to the top of the stairs, you need to go a bit further and climb up and over to see the views from the other side. My legs are still sore from the climb (more the coming down quicker part) and it's been about 36 hours so maybe bring some Advil too?
I don't know why decided to do Diamond Head and Koko Head back to back in same morning. This is a very challenging hike of stairs and is the stair master of death. You'll hate it going up and down but the views on top are incredible. Take your time as it gets crowded with people going up and down. The heat will get you so bring lots of water. Free parking in the lots No fee to go in
Not for first time hikers like me so, please wear shoes that wont hurt your feet, and bring water. Not gonna lie i almost fainted and lost balance when i wouldnt drink my water. other than that for me the view was worth my red face and sweaty legs because the breeze cooled me down soo well. also : I AM SO SORE
I hiked this & many other trails on 09/08 during my first visit to Hawai'i & posted a vlog! Search "Nikko Gandia Travels" on YT. The trail felt moderate to me. The incline is abrupt, take breaks when needed and enjoy the views. Consider bringing a walking pole or stick, going back down may be more difficult for some. Small section towards the top without ground coverage - take Murphy's bypass to avoid this (look for sign). Great views of north, east, and south O'ahu at the summit.
This was so much fun! The view was beautiful. I highly recommend wearing tennis shoes! The hill is very steep and there are two areas where you walk up the tracks without ground underneath you which was a little scary if you're afraid of heights, but it was worth it at the top!
This is not a hike, it's a workout. There is plenty of parking at the base which I appreciated not having to stress over as with some locations. We went with a group as this was our first time, although going with a group is immaterial since you climb at your own pace. There is definitely an "aww crap" moment when you're at the base and follow the rail with your eyes straight up in front of you to the top and realize there are over 1,000 steps to climb. However, you put your head down and take it one step at a time while looking around to admire the beauty of the area as you climb. Despite the narrow trail, there is enough space to stand off to the side and rest your tired legs for a bit before moving on. The climb is an old rail system, so steel rail on the left and right as with train tracks and a wood beam across the rail. Most of the trail is pretty stable but there are some spots that are slick, steep, or where there is a gap of land below the path. Some get down on all fours for assurance but those are confident and well-balanced can easily walk it upright. The top has a few pillboxes that are good for capturing the moment with pictures of the water and land in the background. We started at 6:30am which wasn't easy on a weekend, but it was light out and cool. We didn't use sunscreen given the time but recommend taking plenty of water for breaks along the way. I'd likely take snacks and some cold drinks in a backback next time just to hang out at the top and enjoy the scenery. Some of my friends asked if it's kid friendly and I wasn't sure since I didn't see any and it's physically demanding. I told them yes, but be ready with bribes along the way as you will likely take numerous breaks and hear plenty of complaints. It takes motivation and drive to get to the top.
Oh man. This right here is quite the adventure for those who want some active time outdoors. As fun and unique as this hike is, it also comes with its fair shares of do's and don'ts, so please research accordingly before bringing yourself or your group here! OUR EXPERIENCE: (that I recommend) - I got to Koko Head with some friends very early in the morning when it was still dark. We hiked to the top and caught a great time-lapse of the sunrise. It wasn't crowded as most people weren't on the trail yet, and the temperature was perfectly cool with a light breeze as the sun wasn't up yet. We got to rest for a bit and enjoy the beautiful views before coming back down as it rained. We took our time both ways (about 50min each way) as it was dark on the way up and slippery on the way down from the rain. WHAT: - This is a hike up a steep incline, which is covered by one set of old railroad tracks from bottom to top. - Getting to the top can take you from 30m - 60m depending on fitness level - There are small sections where you can step off to catch a breath or let people going the other direction pass by DO: - Bring shoes with grip! I went with someone who wore old shoes and was sliding around quite a bit to the point of falling down, making it pretty stressful. - Prepare accordingly for weather conditions. It's Hawaii so expect sudden showers. Apparently it can be quite windy on other days, too. - Start at the right time of the day. If you don't do well in heat or want to catch the sunrise, start early in the morning to avoid the sun and catch the sunrise at the top. - For visibility, make sure you have a flashlight or phone with bright light if you're hiking before sunrise or after sunset - Carry a light bag that can hold your stuff so you have both hands free- it's helpful as you may need your hands to keep balance or hold on during the more vertical parts - Stretch and use the bathroom near the parking lot (near tennis courts) before you go up to prevent injuries and having to go - Bring water to stay hydrated and snacks if needed - If you're afraid of heights, there's a section where the tracks are elevated above the ground underneath. Note that there's an alternative path to the right of the tracks at this point that you can choose to use that requires you to get off the tracks DON'T: - Bring small kids or those who aren't down for some good exercise. - Go without bringing water - Go when it's super hot in the middle of the day unless you want to roast (there's no shade) - Carry anything heavy (giant water jug, a baby, big tripod, etc) as it will throw off your balance and occupy a hand you may need to grip If you plan ahead, you will have a great adventure hiking and also be rewarded with some beautiful views at the top. The feeling looking down at the beautiful city below is such a fulfilling one and worth every calorie burned to get there!
Great workout! Would recommend for people visiting if you want some great views. The hike is a little over a thousand steps, but is pretty intense. It's on an old railroad track and all of the steps are uneven and over time have become man made with cement blocks, rocks, etc. There comes a point where it's just wood steps with nothing below you except the hill, grass, weeds, so crossing those definitely made me nervous. There is a safe path to the right side to avoid these steps, which I would recommend taking if you don't feel comfortable. I took that way down and probably would've taken that path up had I seen it sooner. It took about 45 minutes to reach the top and the view was worth it! There was a nice breeze at the top so we sat and enjoyed the view for a while before heading down. I definitely recommend shoes with good support and definitely bring water.
If your into Hiking...Good View...This is a good One Remember to Bring Water..Good Hiking Shoe..Most of all Come here Early ( Noon Can be Harsh coz its HOT) Came here early 8am..Just good enough to look for a good Parking(later means Parking could be Hard) Just around the Baseball field is the start of the trail...I prefer to just casually walk as you'll be needing those adrenaline on you way UP..Believe me... Its a treck going up..what used to be a rail track goin up the hill (Straight Up) Midway..I could feel my sweat starts to come out...(Water) as you reach the Peak ...most of us would just clim 3 to 4 steps and stop ..Do it again and again..If you have Height problem like me..Id rather not look back...The rewarding part is when you reach to top...You'll see an awesome view of Diamond Head...Hawaii Kai...Honolulu and the Vicinity...Its worth the Early Hike Heading down is almost the same as Heading up.. Enjoy the Hike as its AWESOME when you reach to TOP
We had some time to kill and heard about this old set of train tracks, now used as a hiking trail, built by the military to deliver supplies up to the radio tower during WWII. We drove through a very nice residential district in order to make our way to the public park which lies at the base of this trail. It is a bit of a walk to get to the base of the trail, slab known as the "stairway to heaven". Koko head is definitely a challenge regardless of what condition your in or what age you are. They describe it as a stairway but I describe it as a railroad. steps are manageable typically regardless, but railroad ties are an entirely different story, especially when the maintenance has been less than desirable. I brought plenty of water, you will need that, a good snack would be something worth bringing along as well. I started my way up the trail, and soon realized this would be a serious challenge for not only the knees, but the legs as well. There were people of all ages and shapes walking up and down the train, some were literally running up and down which I thought was impressive to say the least. I made my way up slowly, keeping in mind the same distance would have to be traveled on the way back. I found out quickly the distance of the "steps" differed based on age detonation and poor maintenance of the old railroad ties. I made my way halfway up the trail, I was not willing to go further at that point, the view from where I stopped was absolutely beautiful. This is definitely a "gym" for the locals and select tourists who take the time to do the research. It was something I would highly recommend for anyone visiting the island, you will NOT be disappointed and the price point finalizes the deal. Cheers!
WOW! This is an awesome hike! I must admit that I only made it half way up - - not because it was too strenuous, but because I was intimidated by the height of the whole thing. I made it just past the bridge (but took the trail around it). I'm just a scaredy cat when it comes to heights and it got REALLY steep after the bridge. I can handle the heights, but only if trees, etc. block my view from what is below. This one was beautiful but intense for someone afraid of heights. Pretty rugged workout though and I had fun on the trail. Just sorry I didn't make it to the top to enjoy the awesome view!
Driving around KoKo Head area today and I needed to use the restroom so I stopped at KoKo Head District Park. Unbelievable one of the most well manicured public park I ever seen and used . Shout out to the park custodian who takes care of the park . The Men's bathroom very clean no smell and also has a door with toilet paper LOL. I've been to many public restrooms in my lifetime and it's all gross . Here at KoKo Head no graffiti and no rubbish anywhere I can see . Nice basketball courts along with a baseball field . I'm sure on the weekend this District Park is heavily used so if you're in the area and need to use the restroom it's safe to say you can stop by at this park . read more
3 months ago
2 years ago
This is an awesome park! You can play sports here basketball, baseball, tennis. You can also hike the koko head trail or the hanauma bay trail. For families, children, and athletes this is a well rounded clean safe park. read more
2 years ago
Dripping sweat!!! If you want to work your mind body and soul then this is the hike for you. The incline trek will take you to some amazing views!!!!! Personally, I was huffing and puffing all the way up. I took several breaks (at each numbered marker). There are 25 markers that are yellow blocks on the right side. FYI I'm not the most athletic or fit. I do incline walking on a treadmill and lift weights. Tips: -hydrate before, during and after hike -stretch -go at your own pace -take breaks when needed and lower your heart rate -wear and reapply sunscreen -wear sun protecting clothing ( I'm fair-skinned and take extra caution) -wear sneakers/running shoes - I wore keens -make sure to step to the side when taking a break so others can pass I saw all types of people at different physical levels and saw people wear all different types of clothing so know yourself and your limits. **have fun and remember it's the journey that counts, but really the views are beautiful so try your best to finish lol Other: -bathrooms available at the park -plenty of parking -park at the parking lot pass the bathrooms read more
This review is just for the Koko Head hike. It's not easy even if you are in shape but doable with rest and patience. I am out of shape. The views from the top are why you should climb it. Pro-Tips: 1) Go early to avoid the sun. Not much shade on climb. 2) It's about a $25-30 Uber ride each way with tip from/to Waikiki. 3) Parking is free as is access to hike. 4) Stretch your calves for the climb up. Stretch your quads for the descent. 5) Bring water and a towel for sweat. 6) When you get to the top of the stairs, you need to go a bit further and climb up and over to see the views from the other side. My legs are still sore from the climb (more the coming down quicker part) and it's been about 36 hours so maybe bring some Advil too? read more
I don't know why decided to do Diamond Head and Koko Head back to back in same morning. This is a very challenging hike of stairs and is the stair master of death. You'll hate it going up and down but the views on top are incredible. Take your time as it gets crowded with people going up and down. The heat will get you so bring lots of water. Free parking in the lots No fee to go in read more
3 years ago
Not for first time hikers like me so, please wear shoes that wont hurt your feet, and bring water. Not gonna lie i almost fainted and lost balance when i wouldnt drink my water. other than that for me the view was worth my red face and sweaty legs because the breeze cooled me down soo well. also : I AM SO SORE read more
4 years ago
I hiked this & many other trails on 09/08 during my first visit to Hawai'i & posted a vlog! Search "Nikko Gandia Travels" on YT. The trail felt moderate to me. The incline is abrupt, take breaks when needed and enjoy the views. Consider bringing a walking pole or stick, going back down may be more difficult for some. Small section towards the top without ground coverage - take Murphy's bypass to avoid this (look for sign). Great views of north, east, and south O'ahu at the summit. read more
4 years ago
2 years ago
This was so much fun! The view was beautiful. I highly recommend wearing tennis shoes! The hill is very steep and there are two areas where you walk up the tracks without ground underneath you which was a little scary if you're afraid of heights, but it was worth it at the top! read more
This is not a hike, it's a workout. There is plenty of parking at the base which I appreciated not having to stress over as with some locations. We went with a group as this was our first time, although going with a group is immaterial since you climb at your own pace. There is definitely an "aww crap" moment when you're at the base and follow the rail with your eyes straight up in front of you to the top and realize there are over 1,000 steps to climb. However, you put your head down and take it one step at a time while looking around to admire the beauty of the area as you climb. Despite the narrow trail, there is enough space to stand off to the side and rest your tired legs for a bit before moving on. The climb is an old rail system, so steel rail on the left and right as with train tracks and a wood beam across the rail. Most of the trail is pretty stable but there are some spots that are slick, steep, or where there is a gap of land below the path. Some get down on all fours for assurance but those are confident and well-balanced can easily walk it upright. The top has a few pillboxes that are good for capturing the moment with pictures of the water and land in the background. We started at 6:30am which wasn't easy on a weekend, but it was light out and cool. We didn't use sunscreen given the time but recommend taking plenty of water for breaks along the way. I'd likely take snacks and some cold drinks in a backback next time just to hang out at the top and enjoy the scenery. Some of my friends asked if it's kid friendly and I wasn't sure since I didn't see any and it's physically demanding. I told them yes, but be ready with bribes along the way as you will likely take numerous breaks and hear plenty of complaints. It takes motivation and drive to get to the top. read more
6 years ago
Oh man. This right here is quite the adventure for those who want some active time outdoors. As fun and unique as this hike is, it also comes with its fair shares of do's and don'ts, so please research accordingly before bringing yourself or your group here! OUR EXPERIENCE: (that I recommend) - I got to Koko Head with some friends very early in the morning when it was still dark. We hiked to the top and caught a great time-lapse of the sunrise. It wasn't crowded as most people weren't on the trail yet, and the temperature was perfectly cool with a light breeze as the sun wasn't up yet. We got to rest for a bit and enjoy the beautiful views before coming back down as it rained. We took our time both ways (about 50min each way) as it was dark on the way up and slippery on the way down from the rain. WHAT: - This is a hike up a steep incline, which is covered by one set of old railroad tracks from bottom to top. - Getting to the top can take you from 30m - 60m depending on fitness level - There are small sections where you can step off to catch a breath or let people going the other direction pass by DO: - Bring shoes with grip! I went with someone who wore old shoes and was sliding around quite a bit to the point of falling down, making it pretty stressful. - Prepare accordingly for weather conditions. It's Hawaii so expect sudden showers. Apparently it can be quite windy on other days, too. - Start at the right time of the day. If you don't do well in heat or want to catch the sunrise, start early in the morning to avoid the sun and catch the sunrise at the top. - For visibility, make sure you have a flashlight or phone with bright light if you're hiking before sunrise or after sunset - Carry a light bag that can hold your stuff so you have both hands free- it's helpful as you may need your hands to keep balance or hold on during the more vertical parts - Stretch and use the bathroom near the parking lot (near tennis courts) before you go up to prevent injuries and having to go - Bring water to stay hydrated and snacks if needed - If you're afraid of heights, there's a section where the tracks are elevated above the ground underneath. Note that there's an alternative path to the right of the tracks at this point that you can choose to use that requires you to get off the tracks DON'T: - Bring small kids or those who aren't down for some good exercise. - Go without bringing water - Go when it's super hot in the middle of the day unless you want to roast (there's no shade) - Carry anything heavy (giant water jug, a baby, big tripod, etc) as it will throw off your balance and occupy a hand you may need to grip If you plan ahead, you will have a great adventure hiking and also be rewarded with some beautiful views at the top. The feeling looking down at the beautiful city below is such a fulfilling one and worth every calorie burned to get there! read more
Great workout! Would recommend for people visiting if you want some great views. The hike is a little over a thousand steps, but is pretty intense. It's on an old railroad track and all of the steps are uneven and over time have become man made with cement blocks, rocks, etc. There comes a point where it's just wood steps with nothing below you except the hill, grass, weeds, so crossing those definitely made me nervous. There is a safe path to the right side to avoid these steps, which I would recommend taking if you don't feel comfortable. I took that way down and probably would've taken that path up had I seen it sooner. It took about 45 minutes to reach the top and the view was worth it! There was a nice breeze at the top so we sat and enjoyed the view for a while before heading down. I definitely recommend shoes with good support and definitely bring water. read more
8 years ago
If your into Hiking...Good View...This is a good One Remember to Bring Water..Good Hiking Shoe..Most of all Come here Early ( Noon Can be Harsh coz its HOT) Came here early 8am..Just good enough to look for a good Parking(later means Parking could be Hard) Just around the Baseball field is the start of the trail...I prefer to just casually walk as you'll be needing those adrenaline on you way UP..Believe me... Its a treck going up..what used to be a rail track goin up the hill (Straight Up) Midway..I could feel my sweat starts to come out...(Water) as you reach the Peak ...most of us would just clim 3 to 4 steps and stop ..Do it again and again..If you have Height problem like me..Id rather not look back...The rewarding part is when you reach to top...You'll see an awesome view of Diamond Head...Hawaii Kai...Honolulu and the Vicinity...Its worth the Early Hike Heading down is almost the same as Heading up.. Enjoy the Hike as its AWESOME when you reach to TOP read more
2 years ago
We had some time to kill and heard about this old set of train tracks, now used as a hiking trail, built by the military to deliver supplies up to the radio tower during WWII. We drove through a very nice residential district in order to make our way to the public park which lies at the base of this trail. It is a bit of a walk to get to the base of the trail, slab known as the "stairway to heaven". Koko head is definitely a challenge regardless of what condition your in or what age you are. They describe it as a stairway but I describe it as a railroad. steps are manageable typically regardless, but railroad ties are an entirely different story, especially when the maintenance has been less than desirable. I brought plenty of water, you will need that, a good snack would be something worth bringing along as well. I started my way up the trail, and soon realized this would be a serious challenge for not only the knees, but the legs as well. There were people of all ages and shapes walking up and down the train, some were literally running up and down which I thought was impressive to say the least. I made my way up slowly, keeping in mind the same distance would have to be traveled on the way back. I found out quickly the distance of the "steps" differed based on age detonation and poor maintenance of the old railroad ties. I made my way halfway up the trail, I was not willing to go further at that point, the view from where I stopped was absolutely beautiful. This is definitely a "gym" for the locals and select tourists who take the time to do the research. It was something I would highly recommend for anyone visiting the island, you will NOT be disappointed and the price point finalizes the deal. Cheers! read more
WOW! This is an awesome hike! I must admit that I only made it half way up - - not because it was too strenuous, but because I was intimidated by the height of the whole thing. I made it just past the bridge (but took the trail around it). I'm just a scaredy cat when it comes to heights and it got REALLY steep after the bridge. I can handle the heights, but only if trees, etc. block my view from what is below. This one was beautiful but intense for someone afraid of heights. Pretty rugged workout though and I had fun on the trail. Just sorry I didn't make it to the top to enjoy the awesome view! read more
I have a love hate relationship with this hike but it's mostly on the love side. It's a 1048 railroad tracks steps to the top of this hike. This hike is a challenge so dont take it lightly. It can also be dangerous if you don't watch your footing. Pay attention, take it slowly and bring water so you can stay hydrated. Once at the top you will be rewarded with some of the best views on the island. Great views of Hanauma Bay directly across from Koko Head and as far as the west side. Great exercise and spectacular views but the coolest part is the prayer box at the top. You can write a note and leave it in the box your notes will be collected and prayers received. Highly recommend to go early like start at 0630, you will avoid the tourists and the masses of people that hit the hike about 8am. read more
What else can be said about Koko Head that hasn't been said? - An outdoor, natural STAIRMASTER! Not for the faint of heart! - 1,000+ railroad steps, with a steeper incline at the upper half! - Bridge portion at the upper half. No kidding, I chose to crawl both ways along the bridge! - Nothing wrong with taking breaks while climbing - The views on top make the whole climb worth it! Much more beautiful than Diamond Head's view :) - Climb down sideways to avoid tripping during descent - I was sore on my legs and left side for a record whopping three days! Would I do this again? YES! Best time to come here is around sunrise. Who would want to climb steep Koko Head in the basking afternoon heat? With that said, Koko Head does get crowded. Common courtesy is key. Casual hikers can stick with Diamond Head which also offers a killer view, but with pavement and fewer stair steps. Avid hikers owe it to themselves to hike Koko Head at least once. read more
9 years ago
This place is the STAIR MASTER KING!! Over 1000+ steps to a breathtaking view of Oahu. Worth it. Looks intimidating, but once you take your fist step -- you cant turn back. Very accomplishing. Take as many breaks as needed or take no breaks at all. A good amount of people hike this at the same time and dont worry they dont get in the way. plenty of parking about 1mile each way. Beautiful. read more
5 years ago
This was the best workout I got during my time on Oahu. It is like being on the stairmaster x100 as it is an intense workout! As you drive in to Koko Head, you can see the big mountain with the stairs in the distance and then you'll wonder what on earth you got yourself into. Koko Head is around 1000 steps up an abandoned railroad track. Some parts of the track are way steeper than others. There is one area where the land drops off and there is literally nothing underneath you, but there is a safe trail around this area if this makes you feel uncomfortable. Make sure you bring plenty of water. I brought two water bottles in my waist belt, but wish I brought more because I ended up running out by the time I reached the top. And be sure to wear sunscreen as most of the trail is exposed with very little shade. Once you reach the top, you are treated to to 360 degree views of Honolulu. The view is defiantly worth all the pain and sweat. Coming down is just the same as coming up. You need to be just as careful on the way down as someone can easily trip on the steps if you are careless. If you are reasonably fit, it takes around 40 minutes to get up, and around 30 minutes to get down. If you are looking for an intense workout on Oahu, I would defiantly suggest checking out Koko Head. :) read more
I underestimated this hike's difficulty. In my head, I just thought it was just like doing stairs and going up a steep incline for a mile and then back. It is, but not quite. The stairs portion wasn't straight forward. There were times the railroad suspended in the air, so if you're not comfortable with heights, there is a side way you can climb up and down next to it. Some of the wood was gone, so you would have to hold onto the rails to get yourself up. Luckily there were some cylinder blocks and rocks that were placed to help you in some sections. The view from the top was pretty amazing and so worth it. There's some abandoned areas to take pictures viewing Haunama Bay and Diamond Head and in the back you can see even more ocean views. Be prepared to have sore glutes and quads the next day! read more
7 years ago
Koko Head-The crater on the east side of Oahu in Hawaii. Only one of the best hikes I've ever done. The trail isn't very long but was very challenging when the elevation is a steep climb of 1,200 feet. Started from the bottom, now we're here, started from the bottom now my whole teams here. Warning this trail is a rail track all the way to the top, which makes the hike difficult if you have short legs lol The tracks are abandoned railroad track that was once used by the military to transport supplies to a lookout shelter at the top. Going down is the hardest because there is only way out while oncoming people are trying to go up. Best time to go is early in the morning before the sun rises. This hike can get very crowded, especially on weekends. At the very top-expect to find the best scenic, breath taking views of Hanauma bay, Sandy beach, and the view of Hawaii Kai. Would I do it all over again? In a heart beat!!! no question about that. read more
The closest thing to achieving nirvana if you climb as fast as you can and sit on the metal landing at the top, either at dawn or dusk. My personal best: 15:42 up. 12:03 down. Approach at sunrise or sunset unless you enjoy passing out. Why do people bring their dogs on this trail? Poor things. 1048 is the magic number. Tip: if you're having trouble at the railroad tracks, keep looking just one step ahead. Any more and you'll lose your balance, especially if you're afraid of heights. read more
I'm currently in a transitional period of my life & I feel like I'm experiencing a "second puberty." I haven't felt this insecure, nervous with anticipation, excited about the possibilities & uncertain about the future, since middle school; it's times like these, I feel compelled to get out of my own head & challenge myself. Hiking Koko Head Crater Trail seemed like the perfect solution, I'd finally be able to cross this hike off my bucket list & complete an "impossible" task. When I arrived at the base of Koko Head Crater, I was immediately intimidated & wasn't sure whether I had the physical/mental willpower to climb all 1,048 steps. Honestly, I couldn't focus on the top of the mountain, because no matter how many steps I took, it felt like I wasn't making any progress. Halfway into the hike, I reached a bridge & I'm not embarrassed to admit, I was on all four to slowly make my way across (I probably looked like a baby gorilla learning to walk). Despite complaining about the amount of steps I had left (which was every 10 - 15 minutes) & constant doubt about whether the panoramic view would be worth tomorrow's pain, I made it to the top of the mountain. By the way, the view is worth every step! As I climbed each deteriorating railroad step, I realized this hike was a visual representation of my current life. Throughout the hike, I needed to look back on the amount progress I made, which encouraged me to take another step & focus on what was in front of me. Sometimes, I struggle with focusing my energy on reaching my goals, since the destination always feels just out of reach. However, after hiking Koko Head Crater Trail, I feel like I can conquer whatever obstacles come my way; I just need to remind myself the journey is just as important as the destination. read more
Did these stairs the day after doing haiku stairs (also known as stairway to heaven). Was my second time doing this hike, it was hard but seemed easier this time around. We were frolicking around enjoying poke at lanikai beach when it started raining so we ended "beach day" early and being a pretty active bunch, got bored out of our minds and decided to do koko head last minute to try and catch the sunset. It was a beautiful evening to do the hike, we started at about 515, sunset was close to 6 so we didn't have much time to get up there. We put our game faces on and started hustling. Stairs are actually an old railroad track. The first 15min in I was red faced, pushing hard and gasping for air, lol. There's a section where the steps are really wide and there's nothing below, there is a route to go around this section if you are uncomfortable. Stairs are really far apart in most sections but there's either a concrete slab or dirt to step on. About 3/4 of the way up there's a place to stop and catch some views before continuing to the top. You can also step off the stairs and step to the side if you get tired :) Once at the top there's a pillbox similar to lanikai pillbox but different view, different hike. You will see some coastline and at sunset catch the city lights. It's absolutely beautiful and the hike is well worth sunrise and sunset times in my opinion. If you have bad knees or ankles I do not recommend this hike, it will take a toll on your ankles and knees especially on the way down. It took us about 90min to do the hike with quick stops to catch our breath and take pictures (I am not a local :) By the time we started descending it got pretty dark and we couldn't really see, had to use the flashlight on our phones so if you do an evening hike be prepared. We saw some rats too, ughhhhh lol. As we were leaving we saw lots of kittens and cats in the parking lot! Being a cat owner it tugged at my heart strings the amount of cats and kittens we saw. Please be careful leaving the parking lot and hope that something is being done or someone is watching over these little guys :) So why 4 and not 5 stars? As I mentioned above, I did this the day after doing haiku stairs. There's no comparison to the 2 and that one literally took my breath away BUT overall koko head is challenging enough to call a workout and beautiful payoff once at the top :) read more
Guess I won't break the 5 star chain. I used to come here pretty much every Saturday morning around 8, but it's been a bit more difficult now that the weather has changed. So, I've been going on random days. Some people have the same ritual so it's really cool to see the same people once in a while. Hikers on this island are almost always open to conversation as well. So, don't be afraid to talk to us (the regular people, I mean). Estimated time for one who is in fair shape and good mindset: 25 minutes or less. Estimated time for one who is in fair shape and great mindset: 20 minutes or less. Estimated time for someone who works their legs out and is strong willed: 17 minutes or less If you take longer than 45 minutes you are: (1) out of shape (2) taking too many breaks and/or (3) a tourist (who tends to take a lot of pictures). This place is great to watch the sunrise from. You will need to start hiking when it's still dark though, however. Bring a flashlight if needed. Generally, this trail will look easier than people expect and catch them off guard about 1/4 or 1/2 of the way. There is indeed a part of the trail we call, "the bridge." Not all the wooden blocks are sturdy. This hike has the same concept of life. Some people will wisely choose to take breaks in between and "smell the roses." Others rush through because they know once they reach the top, it's nothing short of a great view. Then, there are the others who are just lazy. People who will leave half way through or whine the whole way up. Pros of this hike: Great view, short hike, and nice people. Cons: Slippery loose dirt/floor boards, no shade until you get to the top. read more
Definitely one of the most unique hikes I've done. If you like doing the StairMaster workout at the gym of like stairs in general, this hike is for you. If you don't, you will suffer like I did. So, the "steps" are actual railroad tracks. So you can imagine that the steps you will be taking are a bit longer than what you are used to. If you are counting, there are 1048 steps. Once you get to the top, you will have an amazing view of Hanauma Bay and Oahu in general. My GF and I are in decent shape and took us about 40min to get up and only like 15min on the way down. If you don't watch your step, you might fall so definitely be careful. There's a section in the hike where the railroad is off the ground so definitely be careful there! Great hike, great workout. read more
8 years ago
My husband and I decided to do this hike while on vacation. We were definitely unprepared for the torture that was to come. We are both reasonably fit but I have gotten a little out of shape in the past year. Our first mistake was not doing this first thing in the morning when the temperature is the coolest. My second mistake was trying to keep up with my husband in the beginning. By the time I finally asked to take a break I was so winded and overheated. I definitely recommend taking breaks. Anyway, this is a really hard trail! It's basically just steps straight up the entire way, so it gets pretty monotonous. The steps aren't real steps but railroad ties so there is nothing like a railing to hold onto. They also aren't very maintained or evenly spaced so you really need to watch your footing. This hike just feels dangerous, i'm surprised no one has died doing it. Right before the trail gets insanely hard, the railroad ties turn into a suspended bridge for a section. That was scary and made me shake. There is a side trail that goes around it, we ended up doing that on the way down which was much better. After the bridge, the stairs get extremely steep. I gave up not long after this. I am a little disappointed I didn't finish but honestly the last part looked way harder than the rest. My husband finished and said coming down from the top part was horrible. But, the views at the top were amazing. Overall, I would recommend this hike to fit people and drink lots of water, wear good hiking shoes, and start early. read more
5 years ago
BEST workout ever! My family and I hiked Koko Head Mountain and it was the most exhilarating hike! We climbed all 1,080 steps to the summit to see the most breathtaking views in Hawaii. A must-do while in Hawaii! read more
This is a stair-master/ ass-kicker kind of hike. Go early in the morning because it's a dry, uncovered hike. Hawaii's afternoon sun can be unforgiving! My friend showed me the ridge hike going down the backside of Koko Head. Dunno if I'll ever muster up the courage to ever do it - it looks kind of dangerous - but it's nice to have options for different scenic routes. Brought my doggy and he did really well. All the dogs on the trail were unleashed and very friendly, albeit probably too exhausted to be mean or want to play. Bring lots of water!! Ample parking, easy to find. Love the 360 degree views at the top. Gorgeous views! read more
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More info about Koko Head District Park
423 Kaumakani St
Honolulu, HI 96825
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(808) 395-3096
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Ask the Community - Koko Head District Park
When and what time is the tail chi class at Koko head district park?
Aloha JY. The classes the park staff offers are online in the "activities" section of pros.hnl.info…
Is koko head climb still open?
Aloha Caroline. Yes, the Koko Crater Tramway is open during regular park open hours. In fact, the Kokonut Koalition just finished their initial round of repairs to the stairs last month. Follow this link for more information:…
Is Koko head trail closed?
Aloha Mike. We hope you are staying healthy. Yes, the tramway is closed as it is located within a park which is closed. Take care.
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