A Local’s Guide to Hiking Koko Head Trail on Oahu
If you’re thinking about hiking the Koko Head Trail on Oahu, you’re in for an adventure that’s as challenging as rewarding.
As a local with extensive experience on Hawaii’s trails, Koko Head is definitely one of the best hikes you can do on the island if you are up for the challenge.
This hike isn’t just a walk in the park; it’s a journey that tests your limits and rewards you with stunning views.
In this blog post, I’ll share my insights and tips to help you navigate this iconic climb. We will discuss everything from what to expect on the trail, the best time to hike, what to bring, and more.
Note: This trail is officially called the Koko Crater Tramway, but we will refer to it as Koko Head in this article because that’s what most people call it.
Koko Head Quick Facts
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 1.6 miles (roundtrip)
Elevation Gain: 885 feet
Terrain: Steps, loose dirt, steep
Admission Fee: Free
Duration: 1-2 Hours
What to Expect Hiking Koko Head
Hiking Koko Head is an adventure that demands both physical and mental stamina. This hike offers more than just a path through nature; it’s a steep trail that challenges you with every step. If you’re considering taking on this trail, here’s what you need to know to prepare.
To get to the top of the summit, you will need to climb about 1,048 railroad stairs. These stairs are part of an old military railway from World War II, making the hike a physical challenge and a walk through history.
The constant uphill climb makes it a challenging workout from start to finish, but the views are worth it.
Missing Stairs
Continuing up the trail, you’ll quickly notice that it’s more than just the steep climb that presents a challenge. In some sections, stairs are missing, creating uneven gaps that require careful navigation. This adds an extra layer of adventure to your hike, reminding you to constantly watch your step and take care.
2024 Missing Stairs Update
Since 2021, some of the missing and damaged stairs have been replaced, and the trail is in better shape than before. These efforts were done to prolong the life of the stairs and make the route safer for the hundreds of hikers that ascend and descend it every day. The metal viewing platform at the top was also replaced with a safer platform!
While the condition of the stairs has improved, there is still a lot of work to be done. As the Tramway’s popularity grows, so does the need for ongoing maintenance. Please donate here to help with volunteer efforts to maintain the trail. Mahalo!
Continuing on the Trail
About halfway up, you’ll reach a notable section of the trail – the tram line bridge. This part of the hike features a 10-foot drop beneath the tracks, making it a daunting obstacle for many.
Personally, I always opt for the bypass route that skirts around this section. There’s no shame in playing it safe, and thankfully, clear signage will guide you to this alternative path, making sure that you can continue your hike without having to cross directly over the bridge.
Having hiked the Koko Crater Tramway numerous times, I’ve learned that each journey to the top becomes easier. But don’t be mistaken; it never feels like a walk in the park.
My biggest piece of advice for newcomers is to pace yourself. It’s tempting to try and keep up with the locals who sprint up and down the stairs easily, some even doing it multiple times as part of their workout routine. But remember, this hike isn’t a competition.
The true reward lies in reaching the summit at your own pace, soaking in the breathtaking views, and enjoying the personal satisfaction of overcoming the challenge.
Side Note: The views along the trail are stunning, even if you don’t make it to the summit. I often see people deciding to turn back halfway, and I always respect those who listen to their bodies and know their limits. If you feel the need to stop or wait for your group to finish and return, that’s perfectly okay. Reaching the top is not a requirement for a rewarding experience.
Honest Thoughts After the First Half
I won’t sugarcoat it—the trail becomes significantly steeper after the bypass section. This is where I always find myself struggling, as the incline becomes much more challenging.
I pace myself and take frequent breaks as needed. That’s why I always advise people not to rush through the first half of the hike, as it becomes much tougher after the bypass. Remember, slow and steady wins the race!
Prepare For the Hike
The trail offers little shade, exposing you to the full force of the sun. We always recommend hiking in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid some of the heat.
We also always bring a hat, reef-safe sunscreen, and more water than we think we will need.
Good hiking shoes are also helpful to safely navigate the trail’s uneven and sometimes missing steps. We have seen multiple people, including tourists, hike this trail with flip-flops, and we don’t recommend it, especially after rainfall.
Views at the Top of the Koko Head Trail
Reaching the summit of Koko Head is an achievement that comes with a prize: the views from the top are simply out of this world. After the challenging climb, you’re rewarded with spectacular views that make every drop of sweat worth it.
You can see Waikiki, Hanauma Bay, Hawaii Kai, Sandy Beach, and the iconic Diamond Head Crater. You can also see Honolulu’s skyline in the distance.
On the backside of the hike, you can see the Koko Crater Botanical Garden inside the extinct volcano’s crater. Further off, Makapu’u Point’s rugged outline is visible on the eastern tip of Oahu.
At the top, alongside the breathtaking views, you’ll come across a few old military bunkers. These World War II remnants are interesting markers of the island’s history.
Make sure to relax at the top and soak in the views before making your way back down. Your body will thank you for doing so.
Hiking Down Koko Head
You have two options heading down from the summit, but going back on the same stairs is the most popular option.
Going down is easier on the lungs but can be surprisingly tough on your legs, especially after the challenging hike up the stairs.
Take it slow, and don’t rush. It’s not a race, and watching your step is key here. Also, be respectful and make room for the hikers heading up. They’re in the thick of the climb, so a little courtesy goes a long way.
There’s another route down via the Koko Crater Rim Trail. I’ve tried the South Rim once, and, honestly, it’s not something I’d do again. It looks tempting if you’re up for more adventure, but it has its fair share of narrow sections, sharp drops, and loose rocks.
It’s not worth the extra stress in my book. Sticking to the stairs might seem less exciting, but it’s a safer bet, and you’ll still get plenty of beautiful views on the way down.
Best Time to Hike Koko Head
From personal experience, aiming for an early morning hike before the sun becomes too hot or later in the afternoon, closer to sunset, is the way to go. The main reason? The heat. This trail only offers little shade.
We learned this the hard way our first time hiking Koko Head. We decided to start our hike at 2:00 pm; not a smart move. The heat was almost too much to handle.
Sure, we reached the top, but only by taking many breaks and moving at a snail’s pace. It wasn’t the most enjoyable and had us questioning our decision.
So, take it from us: If you want to make the most of your Koko Head hike, plan for the cooler parts of the day.
If you are hiking this trail for the first time, we recommend doing so when it is brighter out so you can get a good feel of the trail before hiking it in the dark. This will give you a good sense of what to expect and allow you to plan accordingly for your next adventure.
Koko Head Sunrise
Watching the sunrise from the top of Koko Head is one of our favorite things on Oahu. We usually go to Koko Head or the Lanikai Pillbox Trail for the best sunrise hikes on Oahu.
Note: If you’re a local, you can take a different route called the Lanikai Pillbox Trail backway. This trail is longer than the main one that most people use, and we only recommend it for locals.
Hiking up in the cool early morning before the sun peeks over the horizon has its charm despite the trail not being any less crowded.
When the sun begins to rise over the ocean and the volcanic crater, it’s a sight you won’t forget. The warm colors of the sunrise against the backdrop of the deep blue ocean and lush green landscape make for an incredible photo opportunity.
We always aim to reach the summit at least 20 minutes before sunset or sunrise to give us enough time to catch our breath and find a spot.
Koko Head Sunset
If you are not a morning person, don’t worry, the sunset views from Koko Head are just as breathtaking.
The trail may be a bit more crowded in the evening, but trust us, it’s worth it. With the sun slowly setting and casting a golden glow over everything around you, it’s hard not to feel at peace and in awe of this beautiful island.
How Long is the Koko Head Trail?
While the trail is only 1.6 miles round trip, don’t be fooled by the short distance. The hike is a steep climb up to reach the summit. The first time we hiked this trail, it took us about 1 hour to reach the top.
This is because we hiked in the afternoon, and it was extremely hot, so we needed to make multiple stops. Now, it takes us anywhere from 30-45 minutes, depending on our pace and the time of day. We also do this trail often, which has become easier over the years.
On average, it takes most people around 1 to 2 hours roundtrip to complete the Koko Head Trail.
However, everyone’s fitness level is different, so it may take longer or shorter. So don’t feel discouraged if it takes a little longer; enjoy the journey and the beautiful views.
Is Koko Head a Hard Hike?
It depends on who you ask, but given that we have hiked this trail multiple times, we would say yes, it is a challenging hike. The steep incline makes for a strenuous climb.
The best way to tackle this trail is to take breaks when needed and pace yourself. If you feel like you are struggling, take a moment to rest and catch your breath.
That said, we wouldn’t recommend this trail to anyone with knee or ankle problems. If you decide to take your kids, make sure they are ready for the challenge, and keep an eye on them the entire way.
If you are looking for an easy hike on Oahu, try the Waimea Valley or Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse trails. These hikes are fully paved and perfect for families.
Is Koko Head Better than Diamond Head?
Having hiked Diamond Head and Koko Head numerous times, we can confidently say that they offer unique and rewarding experiences.
Diamond Head is a much easier trail with a more gradual incline, while Koko Head is much steeper and more challenging. The distance is about the same for both trails.
Diamond Head is also well maintained compared to Koko Head, which has a more rugged feel.
They both have stunning views at the top, but the scenery along the way differs. Koko Head rewards you with gorgeous views of Hanauma Bay, Hawaii Kai, Sandy Beach, and Diamond Head Crater.
Diamond Head offers spectacular views of Waikiki and the Honolulu skyline. Diamond Head is also probably the most popular hike in Hawaii to the point where reservations are now required.
Whether Koko Head is better than Diamond Head is subjective, but we highly recommend trying both and deciding for yourself if your fitness level allows it!
Are Reservations Required at Koko Head?
Luckily, reservations are not required for Koko Head. This hike is open to the public and free of charge.
Koko Head Hours
The trail is open 24 hours. However, the parking lot is open from 6:30 am to 11:00 pm. We usually park along the street by the tennis court when we hike the trail for sunrise.
Koko Head Facilities
Free parking is available next to the Koko Head District Park baseball field, where the trailhead is located. However, be warned that it can get crowded on busy days and weekends. The park also has restrooms and water fountains.
Getting to the Koko Head Trail
The best way to get to Koko Head is by car. From Waikiki, it takes about 23 minutes to drive to the trailhead.
It can easily be found on Google Maps by searching “Koko Head District Park.” If you don’t have a car, you can also take an Uber or Lyft.
Other people recommend taking the bus, but it does take longer (about 45 minutes) and you would need to walk about 15 minutes to the trailhead from the nearest bus stop.
The start of the trail is located behind the baseball field, towards Koko Head. Usually, other hikers are heading in that direction, so it’s easy to find. There is also a Koko Crater Tramway sign, making locating it easier.
Tips to Hiking the Koko Head Trail
Here are some tips to help you have a successful and enjoyable hike:
Do not leave valuables in your car: Unfortunately, car break-ins are common on Oahu and have been reported at the trailhead parking lot. Leaving any valuable items at home or out of site is best. Never make the mistake of hiding things in your trunk once you get to the parking lot. This is easily noticeable by would-be thieves.
Pace yourself and take breaks if needed:
- Remember, it’s not a race, and everyone goes at their own pace.
- Take breaks whenever you need to catch your breath or enjoy the scenery.
- Assess your fitness level before attempting the trail, and always listen to your body.
Wear comfortable shoes: This is a steep hike with uneven steps, so wear sturdy and comfortable shoes with good grip.
Bring water and snacks: Staying hydrated is important on any hike. Make sure to bring enough water and some snacks to keep your energy up. We usually bring granola or protein bars with us.
Protect yourself from the sun: Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the strong Hawaiian sun.
Be mindful of others: The trail can get crowded, so be courteous and share the space with other hikers. Let faster hikers pass you if needed.
Leave no trace: Respect the environment by not leaving any trash behind. Pack out what you bring in and leave the trail cleaner than you found it.
Bring a light jacket if you get cold easily: If hiking for sunrise, it might be chilly in the morning hours. I always bring a light jacket and appreciate it when sitting on the summit waiting for the sunrise.
