Koko Crater Arch Trail Reviews

I didn't make it to the summit - only about halfway up - my back just said -"no thank you" so after getting about half way up (that's my story) I had to give it up - but i did get some good pictures from where I did get to of the Marina and a portion of the Haunama Bay Nature reserve . which was closed at the time,

Extremely challenging but completely worth pushing through the blood, sweat and tears for the view! The way down was a little more challenging then going up, everyone in our group of 5 had a stack.

This trail is difficult but 100% worth the view! Come early to avoid the heat and crowds. Also don’t follow maps instead park at the baseball fields near by the trailhead start.

Bring lots of water, wear hiking shoes - best time to go - mid afternoon.

This hike was recommended to us by the Hawaiian Free Tours group as an alternative to Diamond Head. Be prepared for a really steep track which you may need to climb up / down crab style. There is a section that goes over a ravine - another reviewer mentioned that there is a path along side the track for those who may be afraid of heights. I took that "path" going up ... and decided - no way was I going to going down. I took the track going down and took my time, letting those faster than me to pass. I rarely hike - it was definitely scary at times because of the steepness - but worth it! And I didn't even make it to the top! As long as you go slow - you will make it. My sons 23 and 19 both made it to the top and took great pictures (they are 40 years younger than me). My husband only 3/4 of the way. We both said one day we would return to Hawaii and with the right shoes - tackle the mountain again!

I know this is America. There are guns around. But a firing range, right in the base of this hard difficult trail, that ruins it for me.

This is not a casual hike. Our group of 6 are all avid hikers and it was a push for all of us. It's 1048 steps and at some points the incline is impressive. Bring water and I would recommend going in the morning to avoid the heat. There is little shade. Polls would be helpful on the way down, which can be as tricky as going up. The views at the top were amazing. Plan to take breaks and that your legs may be sore the next day. I would not recommend this for folks who are not in shape.

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.

My husband and I were hesitant to do this because we are not in the best shape, but we took our time a total of 4 hours up and down. Incredible, is the only word to describe the view from the top and the journey. I recommend going early because the sun hits the side of the crater and makes the trek harder.

The climate, the energy, contact with nature, a practically indescribable paradise, a sensational and even sensorial vibe!

This is a tough trail, especially if it's hot. Do this early morning and take lots of water. I quit part way up but the rest continued. Everyone told us it was worth the climb and the pictures prove it. The Bus can drop you off right at the road. Also if you need more water walk down into the ball fields and there is a fountain by the washroom building. No regrets

This hike is not for the faint at heart; it is aggressive. I would say that the last 1/3 of the hike it is more of a ladder vs. a hike; it is pretty vertical. With that being said, WOW - the photos at the top cannot be beat. Bring tons of water - you will need it!

Great hike with lots of stairs! The views are worth the stair climb to the top. If you have time, work with the volunteers to maintain the trail.

The historic railroad track that this trail follows was a big draw for this hike, and despite the challenging climb, it was well worth it. As both an outdoor enthusiast and railroad nerd, the hike was a must do! The narrow trail is not long in distance, but the terrain is uneven in areas and does become steeper closer to the top. (Allow up to 1 hour each way with intermittent stopping.) The panoramic views at the top were beautiful.

Absolutely amazing views on the top .Difficult to go down as to go up .You have to be physically prepared.Very steep and uneven hike .

I’m in pretty good shape and found myself second guessing my decision to venture to the top. There are many stops along the way which helps with the long hike. My wife couldn’t make it and turned around with a few friends well before the halfway point. Once I got to the top I was glad I made it. The view is wonderful and there is an awesome breeze to cool you off.

Bring water and a snack to help with going up and down because it takes a lot out of you! I would recommend for those that are up for the challenge but listen to your body if you don’t think you can make it.

This hike will kick your butt and then some. Be prepared for that and you’ll be fine. Not for someone who doesn’t have an established fitness routine with cardio and endurance. You’ll hear such folks (myself included) questioning their choices on the way up! Did not make it to the top, the last 90 feet are nearly vertical, just brutal, I couldn’t do it and tapped out. But even the view from there was fabulous! No regrets.

Located about 30 minutes out of Waikiki is the iconic Koko Crater Railway Trail. Apparently the city/county has replaced a number of the railroad ties during the pandemic so the trail has been improved. Nevertheless the trail is a 1.4 mile grueling workout with a steep incline that will have you doubting whether you will be able to make it to the top where you will have 360 degree views of the island. Along the route there are number markers that provide you with information on your progress. When you reach #45 you are at the top. The trail is a WWII relic constructed by the military to transport supplies and soldiers. Although some sites claim that you can ascent the climb in 30 minutes I find that not to be true. Most of the other 30-40 year old climbers I spoke with took one hour. I am 80, in good shape, and took two hours to reach the top. The descent will take about 30-45 minutes to reach the bottom. Definitely take water with you, Definitely have good climbing shoes (not sandals or flip flops), Definitely go in the morning to beat the crowds and the hot weather. Definitely take a hat with you. Make sure that you go all the way to the top for the 360 view although it has a few more rocks to climb over. As you climb there are many opportunities to sit on the railways ties to rest and many of the scrub brushes along the route provide some shade. Just be careful--paramedics are up there on a regular basis rescuing injured hikers.

If we can drag our 40 something, no regular physical activity a$$es up there—you can too! Go slow and stop every 10-20 steps, but don’t sit down!! We went an hour before sunset. Not so hot and we enjoyed the sunset on the way down. Go to Kona brewing and bubbies ice cream afterwards! :)

To quote City Slickers (and date myself)...it was both the worst and best day of my life (or at least our recent trip to Oahu). The climb was physically & mentally challenging, especially in the afternoon heat. The descent was good until the rain made the railroad ties slick. My wife took a nasty fall in the section without earth beneath it (hint: take the side trail for that section). With an immense view and sense of personal accomplishment, it was worth the agony.

This was a moderate workout amazing hike. But beautiful view worth every drop of sweat.

Don’t try to hike it in 20 min if you are not in optimal condition take your time and enjoy the view

This was very interesting to see. We saw it off the road when we were going to snorkel. Chose to hike diamond head instead but for those hard core hikers it looks awesome.

This was quite the adventure! It's not your traditional hike in Hawaii, but I'm SO glad we did it! 1 person inour group was in great cardio shape, and her legs got tired. 1 person in our group was in great muscular/strenght training shape, and her lungs got tired. The other person in our group isn't into health and fitness, so she was tired all around, but she made it up and back, and had to foam roll because she was so sore the next day! So expect a workout!!! When you get to the top, explore around a bit - the views are breathtaking! Not just looking down the way you came, there is so much more at the top! I wouldn't call this a family friendly hike, unless your plan is to only go 1/3 or maybe 1/2 way up. My best advice: GO EARLY! And bring plenty of water! There is no shade and it gets hot early - I can't imagine going up in the heat of the afternoon. It's really tough but it's really worth it, esp. if you have a quiet beach day planned (or nothing rigorous)

Very physical hike, with little shade. We've had several breaks. Plan plenty of water and good shoes. The passage over the mid-term void is impressive, and the descent is no easier. But the view upstairs is really breathtaking. What to do if you like challenges!

I became aware of this hike via YouTube videos of Oahu – the effort required was obvious from these videos, but it looked like an interesting experience. Being 60yo, I understood it would be folly to attempt this particular climb without some sort of physical conditioning, so I practised by frequently climbing up stairwells in the weeks leading up to my trip from Australia.

I chose to get there on The Bus – route 22 from Waikiki. About a 40-minute trip on a fairly regular service. From the bus stop at the Hanauma Bay entrance it’s about a 10-minute walk which takes you past a rifle range. Great for those who wish to experience the cacophony of automatic weapons.

Arriving at the base of the trail I noticed some graffiti riddled signs with some rather solemn warnings about the safety of the trail. The signs mention the possibilities of falls causing injury and the need for hydration. Having come this far, I gave the warnings due respect but proceeded nonetheless.

The showery weather on the day did play a part – both good and bad. The ‘good’ was that there was no direct sun – this trail is naturally sheltered from the easterly trade winds until you reach the top so direct sun would be uncomfortable. The ‘bad’ was that the trail was disconcertingly slippery.

The first 10 minutes was as expected but I realised after that I had actually underestimated the difficulty of the trail. It wasn’t so much the steepness, considerable as it is, but more about the traction of my shoes and the need for good balance. The old rail sleepers are not flat surfaces and it’s very easy to slip unexpectedly and it doesn’t help at all to walk on the ground beside the old track as this is also steep and slippery. Also, during the climb, I also had the sensation of potentially falling backwards once or twice.

Because of these issues I felt it best to climb particularly slowly – as did others.

The bridge section is mentally challenging as the gaps are wide enough to fall through as well as being steep and slippery. At times I found myself progressing on all fours – as were others.

The last third of the climb is physically exhausting. I needed to stop frequently (about every 20 metres) to catch my breath and thankful for the preparation I did. Finally, at the top you are welcomed by spectacular views, a refreshing breeze and a hand painted sign saying ‘which I will leave as a surprise for you’. It’s definitely worth the effort.

It was worthwhile to hang out at the top and take the time to fully recover because the descent requires concentration all the way to the bottom on this greasy trail.

A couple of footnotes:

I did not notice any bees on my trip but the reported issues with swarming bees in the vicinity of the bridge only came to my attention after the hike.

There are no restrooms anywhere on the trail. There are some near the car park and it would be a good idea to use them before you start

The most brutal hike I’ve done. Length isn’t that bad, but it’s up a railway trail straight up a hill, so you’re walking on uneven railway ties at steeper and steeper angles, all deteriorating, because it’s not maintained, and covered in slippery dust (NEVER try this in the rain). The youngsters made it fine, though, even they said it was an extremely strenuous hike up and down. I’m 60 and I work out five times per week, and I found it extremely difficult after the first thirty minutes, which is how long I’ll spend on the stair master or elliptical at the gym before weights. At the 3/4 way up point I stopped for a couple to a few minutes about every twenty steps, and that with drinking a 20 oz. Gatorade bottle on the way. If you really want to challenge yourself physically, young or old, this is a great place to do it. There was a platoon of Marines going up at the time I went and they were working pretty hard too, though, they made it it to the top with very few stops at all. One Marine was wearing a 45 pound pack. Wow! If you’re in tip top shape, then this makes for an interesting challenge. If you’re not, why bother. I’m glad I did it, and the view at the top is beautiful. Do try to avoid going up mid day, as the sun made an already difficult hike up much harder on everyone, young and old.

I hike quite a bit but something about this scared me. Not being one to not do what I set out to do off i went- I’m so glad I did. The view from the top is gorgeous even on a somewhat overcast morning. The trail up not as scary as it looks, challenging yes. And the last 100ish steps are steep ( worse coming down).
I have a decent level of fitness, but can’t fly down stairs like I did in my 20-40s. So the trip down was a little slower than going up. 40 minutes up an hour down. I stopped plenty going up, there is no shame. Your fellow hikers will cheer you on, it is a wonderful way to spend an early morning. For a cool down I hiked Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail.
You won’t be disappointed don’t skip this hike.

Well, this is a burner! Be prepared with good shoes and water- or at least be hydrated before heading up. It is a long ascent with tricky and challenging parts so anyone with physical limitations should not attempt this. It gets warm there fast so make sure you don't have sunscreen that will run into your eyes as you will be looking down most of the time! It is a cool experience and I am glad we did it. I had a wonderful Navy man behind me on the way down just talking and talking which made the experience even better as I got a real history lesson of the trail and the island, as well as about Pearl Harbor. He made the descent go quickly even though it was harder than going up. So many other nice people on the trail. Not recommended for running, serious injury can and does occur, even people needing to be lifted off by helicopter, so just walk up and down.

Going up is not an easy thing to do. I recommend hiking/running shoes. The climb up is challenging but difinitly woth it once you reach the top. The view over Hawaii Kai is really beautiful. If it's a clear day you can also see the west shores from the island of Moloka'i. We went at around 4.30 pm and it took us around 45 minutes to get up. I would recommend to go down before the sunset unless you have a good flashlight with you to get down.

It took us 45 minutes to get up there (we were stopping every few minutes) and around half an hour to get down. We are all around 25 years old and none of us does any sport (except hikes sometimes) so it's not impossible to do it if you are young and healthy. It's a great achievement but be prepared - take at least 1 liter of water and something to cover your head because it gets really hot and hard.

My Husband and I tackled 3 hike our last day in Hawaii. Unfortunately this was the 3rd one and I was a little overwhelmed when I saw the stairs.

My husband make it to the top in 25 minutes he’s in great shape. He even did it in hey dude shoes since his other shoes were stolen on the previous hike. I struggled a little but made it to the top in 45 minutes. I had to stop quit a few times near the top. The view was amazing. Going down was super easy for me. Bring lots of water, no joke I went through 2 large bottles. This is not a easy hike and we even saw a guy that needed help getting down. I would for sure do it again!

A few locals mentioned this was a beautiful view from the top. I live in Colorado and am used to inclines at altitude but this was a challenge - very steep and if you are short the railway ties are not conveniently spaced. Dress appropriately and bring water - go early before the heat. I can now say I've done it and won't likely do it again. My legs hurt for day after the descent. Hanauma Bay is just across the street so you can walk over there afterwards to snorkle and cool down.

It’s a great hike if you are in moderate shape. Do not try this hike if you have knee problems or cannot climb at a high altitude This hike starts at a 30’ angle and ends at a 50’ angle. It’s a heart pounder on the way up and a quad buster on on the way down. My best time is under 24 mins at 61 years young.

I would say this is a moderate hike given the rapid incline in such a short distance. We hiked this for a sunrise hike. We had a bit later of an ideal start time but two young and in shape adults got to the top for the sunrise in 30 minutes. This hike reminded me a lot of “The Incline” in Colorado Springs but not as steep. It is railroad steps up to the top. Some people were wearing flipflops which I would not recommend. Some areas are uneven and can be slick depending on weather conditions. Be sure to bring plenty of water. Coming down was a bit tricky on the knee so be sure to pay attention. This was a nice and quick hike to start the day that didn’t take up the whole day. We had no issues with parking but we parked at 5am.

Out of the 6 hikes we did on 2 islands, my husband and I say, we should have skipped this one. Even though we made it to the top, it was a VERY HARD, steep hike. We would walk up 10-15 steps and get tired. We are in decent shape and work out 2-3 times a week and are in our early 30's. There is part of the trail that is like a bridge...so you will be on all 4's going slowing. There are PLENTY of spots along the hill hike that you can go to the side and rest for a bit. Bring plenty of water/snacks/sunscreen/hat. This hike is not for elderly people or little kids. Total time up and down=about 2 hours. Not a paved trail. There is a park next to this parking lot which has bathrooms. There is free parking and plenty of parking. If this parking lot gets full, park at the park next to it. No food/drinks sold around here. We went to Hanauma bay beach after to cool off which is 5 mins away. You will see this beach/bay at the top, if you make it.

I decided to do this climb one morning while my sister was at work. I was glad that I had read some of the reviews of this trail before going. I got to the trail at 7 am and was so glad I did because it was already warm. Bring sunscreen- I didn’t bc it was only 7am and regretted my decision later bc I was sunburned. I also brought my camelback so I wouldn’t have to carry a water bottle, so glad I did that since I drank all two liters it holds. Took me 40 minutes to climb to the top, and I’m in good physical shape and 30 to come down.
On this trail I saw a total of 5 kids under the age of 10, they didn’t make it to the top. I wouldn’t bring my young children on this trail bc it was very difficult. I would bring my 12 & 14 yr old however, but they didn’t get to go to Hawaii with me.
Wear tennis shoes or hiking boots, DO NOT wear sandals. I saw a lady slip and twist her ankle bc she had on sandals.
Be careful when coming down, even when dry, the gravel and dirt were slippery, I slipped a couple of times.
Take breaks whenever you need to and don’t feel bad about it!
I would definitely do this again!

Super challenging but worth it! Take your time and stop along the way. There are great views as you go up to enjoy while you are resting. Just be sure to move to the side as people pass you as the stairs are quite narrow. The stairs are un evenly spaced, so even though it says there is a little over 1,000 stairs, it really is probably double that. There is a portion that is a bridge over a drop off below. The stairs are more evenly spaced here, but could be a little unnerving if heights make you nervous. You can walk around through the brush on the side of this portion. The dirt can be quite slippery, I wouldn’t want to do this hike in the rain. Wear sturdy shoes, start early before the sun gets hot, bring a hat (there’s no shade) and at least 40 ounces of water. It would be helpful to have a lightweight back pack to keep your water and other gear in so your hands are free for the steep portions. The views at the top are spectacular, so keep pushing to the top. There’s also a refreshing breeze at the top!

We hiked up to the top of Koko Crater on Tuesday at around 8 am. The trail was not too busy this early in the morning. And the sun is not as intense as later on in the day. It took us around 35 minutes to reach the top. We made several 1-2 minute stops to enjoy the views and take pictures. The steps are well maintained. Wear sport/hiking shoes with good support and grip. Steps are higher than standard stairs. It's safer to hike on a dry day. I suspect it can get slippery when the steps and loose gravel are wet. The best rewards when reaching the top are the awesome views. We hiked down after about 20 minutes. The hike down was faster. Watch your steps and be careful on the way down. There is no need to rush. We stepped aside to let people pass. Parking is free. There are bathrooms at the park but none on the trail. It's good to bring water and stay hydrated.

We searched for Koko crater and it took us to crater ridge and botanical gardens, rather than the 1000+ railroad steps.
I’m Maps look for “Koko Head Rim Park” which is in a park with tennis courts, basketball, shooting range, etc. Good parking for a 100+ cars. If In ok shape it could an hour up and back. Plan a little more if you take it slow or need more time. This is a leg burner!! (Fairly secluded, so I’d expect to take your valuables with you)

Tables and rudimentary restrooms at bottoms (they flush but no soap or towels)

Went to koko today via bus ! It’s a pretty long walk from the bus stop so be prepared with water hat sunnies and sunscreen ! No shops on the way ! Bus number 23 from waikiki (No bus 22 since Covid)/ it’s a $3 each way no more transfer option so take correct money ! When you alight the bus close to Koko it’s about 1km walk you will see the local high school (Kaser ) keep walking and you take a left and ask a local when you get close but you will find it heh heh Good luck ! We loved it
Remember the hike is arduous so take plenty of stops and wear decent shoes , since Covid the railway sleepers have been replaced so it’s a lot safer than previous years !!!

Koko Crater Trail, also known as the Koko Head Stairs, has become a regular tradition for tourists.

With 1,048 steps to the top, the trail follows the steep hill that rises 1,200 feet above Kawaii Kai and overlooks Hanauma Bay. Great view, but can be dangerous. Do not go at noon. Sun is brutal. We enjoyed our hike.

Let's put it this way...It is NOT a hike, it's more like a workout! The view at the top is amazing! It was not easy, but it definitely made you feel awesome when you got to the top!

Go early!!! We got there about 8am and the sun was strong. We are pretty fit and we found it a challenge. Definitely wear active wear and sneakers, take plenty of water with you.

Just go at your own pace and take breaks when needed, the view at the top is just amazing. There is a section where you can walk on the track which has a drop beneath it or if balance is an issue you can go the dirt track way. There is massive nest of bees on this section (apparently it has been reduced)- I got stung - so if allergic go the dirt track way!!

Once up top head to the right hand side and climb up a bit more and the view is incredible.

You will hear gun shots but don't be alarmed as there is a firing range near by.

Everyone on the track was very friendly and you would just move out of the way when needed. Coming down is more interesting that going up.

Some of the locals are machines who do it more than once!!

I'm not a hiker but in moderately decent shape. This was challenging but very worth it! I did this hike with 3 others, all in our early 30s (vs Diamond head, did with whole family including parents). It took us about 45min up, 35min down, spent about 30min on top taking pictures and enjoying the view. Up is harder physically, down is harder mentally (really worried we would fall!). These are not steps, there are areas where the steps are about 2ft apart and 20in in height. There is ~50ft where there is no ground under the steps. The "bypass trail" to get past this requires you to use a rope to help yourself up the mountain.

Some tips:
1. Definitely wear sunscreen, regardless of when you go
2. Go early- we went about 730A, still hot
3. Have everyone carry at least one water bottle and bring some sort of backpack (we used a lightweight drawstring satchel). There are places where you'll need both hands to hike
4. No bathrooms or waters on the trail, bathrooms at the bottom
5. Hike is free but we donated money to the group fixing up the trail

If you are athletic this will be easy for you.
I got tired mid climb and had to rest.
There should be a rail to hang on to especially going down.
The trail needs restoration even though a lot of peopke go up and down it with no problem.

...otherwise this trail will BBQ you on the way to the top.
Trail starts moderately but ascents quite heavily the closer you get to the top. For those afraid of heights (like me) the "Secure Bypath" is a highly recommended option ca. at mid-trail.

We did this walk today. It took us about an hour to get up and 45 minutes to get down.

There is a free parking lot next to the baseball field. We overheard people saying there are people looking to break into your vehicles, so do not leave anything valuables things behind.

Trail is very rough and challenging. I do not recommend this trail to anyone that has legs our knee problems, bring lots of water to drink and maybe a granola bar or trail mix. During our walk, we came across a fellow who was having a heat stroke. Having said that, come prepared.

The view is magnificant! Worth every steps!

Wow! We loved Koko Head Trail! We stood at the bottom and thought, there is no way! However, we dove right in and were so psyched when we made it to the top. The views are spectacular and well worth the climb. Make sure you continue to the other side when you reach the top of the stairs. You will look right into Koko Head Crater. Took some awesome pictures before making the trek down. We all felt the way down was more challenging than going up. If you misstep on the way down you can do a header down the stairs. I took a lot of the stairs sidestepping. That helped. It would also be helpful to have shoes that are grippy on the bottom. Our sneakers were a little worn and made it a little more difficult. Also, look for the go around if you don't want to do the bridge where you can see right through the railway stairs. My biggest suggestion for this hike is to get there very early...we started at 6am. The sun is not all the way up yet and there are not as many people climbing yet. We were finished before the hot sun was overhead. I don't suggest you try this hike midday.

Had a broken arm and still did it, it was very nice to do. I would say a MUST. Be sure to have a good physical condition cause it can be dangerous for example we saw an old man injured and the ambulance had to come. Take also good shoes cause it's very slippery.

My wife saw this interesting hike while we were recently in Hawaii and decided to do it with our friends. It was more Difficult than we expected and some of us did not finish. However those that did enjoyed the view from the top and the satisfaction of completing it.It was a great challenge to us and I would recommend if you have a reasonable fitness that you do this one!

Incredible view from the top! I am 59 and my husband is 62. We both felt dizzy and nauseous at times, but with frequent stops and water breaks we slowly made our way up. I work out moderately daily and it was still a push for me! Take a hat, wear sunscreen, and definitely take plenty of water! This is a strenuous hike for all ages. The teens and twenty something’s usually zip up and down, but older folks and those with children need longer. Up and down took a total of 3 hours for us. It was totally worth the climb! Note the dad toting his toddler, it’s not a hike I would recommend for young children or anyone with a fear of heights. The route is straight UP. You need very sturdy hiking or walking shoes.

I wanted to do Koko Head early to see the sunrise. Many people had the same idea. I had my headlamp on to see the path well. No problem until we got to the train tracks and got attacked by a swarm of angry bees. I got stung 11 times and at one point had 20+ bees on me!! Not a great situation while trying to Navigate the train tracks in the dark!! Great workout and great view if you don’t get attacked.

This is a very doable yet challenging hike. It’s all ascending and steep and there is a section where I’d advise taking the “alternate route” instead of going over the railway. With that said, plenty of people didn’t take the alternate route and you’ll see others literally running up/down without missing a step. If you’re on vacation, don’t ruin your vacation getting hurt. There are plenty of other hikes you want to stay healthy and injury free for.

With that said, I saw plenty of people in flip flops. Don’t do this. Most of the people that get hurt on these trails do not come even a little bit prepared. If you’re a Teva user, no these aren’t hiking shoes. There’s lot of dry dirt at Koko and in most of the Oahu trails and Tevas roll right over the dirt causing you to lose your footing.

You’re doing this hike for the thrill and the challenge for sure. There are some decent views at the top, but the summit itself isn’t all that nice. I’d recommend it in the early morning or time it for sunset. If you go during sunset, be prepared to sweat a lot and pack lots of water!Also, if you do it for sunset, you’ll likely be doing a portion of the hike back down in the dark. You’ll be in good company, but be extra careful and even consider a flashlight.

Every time I go to Oahu I try to do something a bit challenging! Well, I found it this time at KoKo Head Crater! If you plan on going, go early, bring lots of water and plan to take it slow, the first half of the hike is pretty good and the second half will kick your butt! Lots of people get freaked out 1/2 way and turn around, DON'T, the view from the top is amazingly beautiful, take your time, stop, breathe, rest up and take it 10 steps at a time. Im 65 and had a heart attack and was able to make it. Some of the younger folks hiking the trail just wimp out, haha! YOU CAN DO IT!

More of a ladder than a hike. It became very vertical toward the top. Take your time getting to the top. I paced myself by doing 30-50 stairs at a time, then stepped off to the side for a water/shade break. Look back to see how far you've come up. It's a great motivator. The toughest part of the hike is toward the top. VERY steep. Go early if you can. There is no shade. I went at 11 am and the heat just makes the hike that much harder. Bring lots of water. No water available on the trail. There's a restroom not too far from the parking lot. Plenty of parking. Once you reach the top you'll be rewarded with magnificent views of Hanauma Bay, Honolulu and the island of Kauai. Make sure to go around the back once you reach the top. That's where the views are. There are also some World War Two ruins up top with interesting military history. If you are looking for a great test of your physical strength and endurance, you must do this hike!

It was a great and new experience for me and my son. Hiking up was tough, but the view on the top of the mountain was great. Hiking down was the worst part. We had to crawl down almost all the way down. it was somewhat scary, but the achievement after finishing was much more than that of other short hiking. I don't recommend it to elders who have knee issue.

It's a very good exercise! Don’t go there in flip-flops; you will certainly regret it. The view is incredible at every spot.

Avoid this if you have knee problems or if it's raining. It could get very slippery.

There’s a gun range at the base of the crater and it echos through the whole area like a loud speaker. The entire hike you can hear it echoing of shots firing. It is so loud you can’t think.
The whole hike was challenging and beautiful, such a disappointment to have that ruin the hike.

Crazy busy hike. We decided to do this as a sunrise hike on a Sunday. We were not the only ones. We got there just after 6am and there were probably 20 other cars there too. Brought headlamps and started climbing. No need for hiking poles but would recommend hiking gloves as I was constantly grabbing the rails to help get up or down. Going at a slow steady pace we only had to stop a few times. I used the "safe way" around the bridge section, my husband did the bridge section. Most the rails were normal step height there were definitely some that were massive. We got to the summit around 645am. There were some locals that knew better and were already going down. Look at the nautical sunrise time if you want to see the sun peak over the horizon. We were up top exploring for almost an hour. Each side of the top has such different view. I believe this trail can continue down to Koko Arch too (but we didn't do that). Took us 45 min to get down at that point there were people coming up too. I can't imagine how busy this hike is during peak tourism season. If you don't have time for a 4 hour hike but want some views this one is a good one. We had a dry sunny day, would not recommend if wet and would recommend early in the day as there is NO shade

Most difficult hike I’ve done and first time doing Koko Head. You definitely need appropriate shoes to climb up these old railway stairs. Take it easy and go slowly because the view is worth it. And definitely take your time going down if this is your first time. Otherwise, a definite must do if you come to Oahu.

If you’re going to attempt this moderate to hard trail (in my unfit opinion) then get as early a start as you can because this can take up most of your morning and you will want to avoid the heat. Wear good shoes as you are literally hiking up an old railway track and there is a point part way up where you have to balance because the track goes over a part where there is nothing but air under your fit. When you do get to the top the views are breathtak8ng. Make sure you take water, a hat, sunnnies and sunscreen. I found the trek back down harder. At one point I was on hands and knees to get across a certain point. Slow and steady was the best way I found to do this.

So my nerves got the best of me before this hike. I was reading all the reviews and getting really nervous about what I was getting myself into..
Basically... everyone is right... it’s very difficult..

But that being said.. it’s doable. I do barre 5 times a week, and still became winded pretty quickly. I’m also 5ft , so some of the wider steps were a bit challenging. Even my super athletic husband was drenched in sweat by the top of the crater.

I ended up taking a quick water break about 4 times on the way up. It definitely helped.

I also underestimated the agility to took on the way down. I wiped out hard on a patch of loose dirt.

Overall, go early while it’s still shaded. Bring water. Go slow and take breaks. Wear proper shoes. I honestly would not recommend this for someone with average fitness levels because of some of the agility aspects and coordination it took getting up and down some of the worn out steps.

But yes, the views are definitely worth it.

Not for the faint of heart. This is a super challenging trail. Take LOTS of water, take LOTS of rests, take your time! It WILL be very, very hot. Well worth it, but you will definitely have to earn those 360 views. Someone really needs to put a tiki bar at the top! Hiking poles would be a hinderance, rather than helpful.

Hiking quite difficult, especially for Sunday athletes! It took me an hour to get upstairs, taking a lot of breaks!
But there seen from the top is definitely worth it!!!!
Remember to take water and sunscreen and put back cream several times because even with the cream I took a very big sunburn!
I recommend it is worth it!!!

Absolutely recommend going there! Better be there early because it is an exhausting trail (even for fit people) and you better go there when it is not too hot (6-8 am). It takes about one hour to reach the top and 30 minutes to go downstairs. Bring water and wear proper shoes which may get dirty. Enjoy!

A challenging hike- and a rare opportunity. I was concerned about doing this hike after reading some of the reviews, however, it is totally do-able.. though do it no later than mid morning, for sure. I just took my time and stopped when needed, along with plenty of water. Wear good gripping shoes. Great experience! The view at the top is a absolutely amazing!! Don’t stop once you reach the top of the stairs - follow the dirt trail and go to the top of the mountain!! Breathtaking!!

My 7 year old son and I did this just after sunrise. It took about an hour up, we spent a half hour or so at the top, and took less than an hour coming down. You do want to go slow coming down, it’s actually a little trickier. It is closed for some repairs I think in April, but check it out when you’re there. It’s a lot of stairs. People can get hurt, we watched a lady get airlifted after hurting her wrist. It’s ok to do, just be safe and go your own pace. If you do go there’s a Kokonut koalition charity that accepts donations to keep the stairs safe , consider a small donation

During our trip my group decided to do KoKo Head trail. Plenty of parking, but earlier you get there the better, heat, humid and hiking, don't always mix well together. I was sick this particular morning (maybe something to do with the night prior 🤮) I do not recommend the night prior activity..LOL. But I said I was going to do it and I did. The climb is steep and you definitely need to watch your step. There are parts along this "railhead" you could acually fall through and really hurt yourself.

It is a tough but doable climb, I was complaining about my sickness until I saw a lady breeze by me while carrying a baby on this hike...DAMN. After that, yep, no more complaining. At the top is a great view of Honolulu and most of the east side of the island. This would be anyone's idea for a prime sunset or sunrise photo opportunity.

If you do go during limited visibility hours take some light with you, it can be dangerous during the day and likely treacherous footing in limited visibility. At the top of the climb is a pillbox, go down into it, its pretty cool.

Not necessarily a "Must do thing" but if you are going to hike while in Hawaii, THIS is the "tough visitor" hike to complete while you are here.

I arrived to this trek approximately 30 mins before official sunrise, which is the perfect time to do it. But be warned it is difficult. I am 38, male and average fitness. I almost gave up at 80% of the way up. I was cheered on and felt accomplished upon reaching the top. Coming down us much easier. There were some young girls - 10, 12 and 14 years of age who completed it, but I felt it to be a bit unsafe for children because of the tracks you have to balance on while walking. Do NOT do this during the daytime!!!!!!

Parking:
Plenty of free parking. Park near the single large baseball diamond. This is closest to the trailhead.

Normal running shoes are fine on this trail. The rail ties and rocks can get dusty so grippy shoes will be helpful. Sunscreen and a hat are recommended. The trail itself does not have a lot of shade until you reach the top. Bring plenty of water to hydrate and for cooling off.

After parking, take the sidewalk leading you to the baseball field. You may notice a lot of loud bangs nearby. Next door is a shooting range so don’t be alarmed. You can exit the sidewalk up the path to the elevated paved path overlooking the baseball field. If you continue on the sidewalk to the dugouts, you can also find a dirt path leading up the hill. Both of these paths lead to the same place. Follow the paved trail over an old bridge and you will see a few more unmarked dirt paths on your right. These all lead through the trees to the bottom of the railway trailhead.

This .7 mile trail is semi-maintained with 1048 steps. There are a lot of rotted and warn-down railroad ties. You will also find some cement blocks between some of the wider gapped steps.

The first half is fairly straightforward. You climb steps going up. Near the halfway point, it does flatten out to where railroad becomes a bridge. This is the infamous drop off. You will be walking over a 40 foot drop. It’s an easy section but the challenge is knowing and seeing that there is nothing below you. When I was there, this section was also the home to an active wasp nest nearby. I didn’t see the nest but they were flying all around a 5 foot section of the bridge. As long as you walked swiftly past, then there was nothing to worry about.

I found the next half of the trail a little more challenging. The steps were more uneven and the angle of ascent was sharper. I was also catching up to those who were slowing down and taking more breaks, which caused a little more traffic as I headed up. The railway ends with a buffer stop but that is not the end. There is a lookout that you can climb to the left of this stop. To the right, the trail continues for another 100 yards to what looks like a shack that’s built into the top of the mountain. I’ve seen people rest and have lunch in there. Otherwise, you can climb up on the roof of metal grates and enjoy the view from up there. It gets very windy up here so be careful. From here, you get a 360 degree view of the entire island.

Going down is the same route as coming up. Be careful not to descend too quickly as there are many opportunities to twist an ankle.

Make sure you bring really good walking shoes. The walk is really steep and trail is uneven. Its worth it.

Tough trail but definitely worth it. The view is simply incredible. Make sure you go early in the morning as the whole trail is in the sun and there aren't too many people around early in the morning.

We are so glad we did this! It was a lot of fun but pretty tough. I wouldn't recommend it if you aren't used to hiking, and definitely do it early in the day because of the heat! :)

I've been on hikes before, but nothing like this one. My cousins were dead set on doing this hike, so I figured I'd to give it a try. 1048 steps up an old railway trail? Holy crap... what did I get myself into?!
All I can say is pace yourself, don't be afraid to take multiple breaks along the way, bring some sunblock and water, and be careful! I watched multiple hikers slip along the way, and you don't want to go tumbling down and end up hurting yourself.
You definitely see the difficulty increase as the incline goes up. I'm not sure what degree it is, but people were literally climbing it like a ladder at some points. The steps are what get tricky, because the railroad ties are all different...from being worn, damaged, or even non-existent. So trying to get a good footing becomes super important. I saw numerous people slip on the dirt areas between the ties, or on the dirt areas on the sides of the railway. I even say a guy hiking up and down in slippas! What a freakin' beast, but that's something I wouldn't do. We also saw a couple with an infant that was maybe a few months old. They didn't even have the baby in a carrier. I thought they were crazy to bring a baby on a dangerous hike like that, but to each their own.
In the end, the hike is totally worth it once you make it to the top. The view was pretty awesome, and there's a nice strong wind up there to cool you off. Just don't forget to bring your camera!

Make sure you don’t wear a dress or skirt. Saw some people attempting this in a long dress. Just no. This is a hard walk but worth it. Ultimate leg day. Beautiful view.

It is not easy by any means. My family and I did this and we were pretty sore the next day. My kids (age: 11 & 6) would say going up was fine but coming down was hard.

We made this "hiking" with our 12 year old daughter, we had to remotivate her a little along the route and take breaks but what pride for everyone once at the top, of course the view is superb

An awesome and unique challenge! Doable with lots of breaks going up. Mind over matter and steady footing on the way down.

This is pretty extreme! We are pretty fit and do a lot of walking (including stairs) but this was very tough. Go early as it’s really hot and you need to take water with you (recommend in a backpack as you need your hands free for some of it). There are some scary parts where you are walking across sleepers which are about a foot and a half apart and there is a drop underneath. Also extremely steep for the last 50-100 metres.

This hike is a must do! It is challenging but not too long so it is very doable. It was so fun and the view at the top is absolutely stunning. I recommend going earlier in the day since there is not much shade on the trail once the sun is fully out.

This I would rate more as a workout vs a hike as to me a hike you take in nature as you do it and can also let your mind go a bit and just enjoy the moment.. this “hike” you really have to be mentally on at all times.. one slip or mess up can be pretty detrimental. I can say it was not relaxing at all until you reach the very top. The panoramic view from up top makes the 1 mile vertical elliptical workout worth it. The views are stunning of north shore beach and neighborhoods. It is much cooler/windy up too so that definitely helps bring your body core temp down. We saw a few geckos and centipedes up top too, so be careful where you sit on rocks. Cool military history here!
Definitely take your time going up as well as coming down. You may want to wear a camelback first water vs carrying a water bottle so your hands are free to grab the train rails for help if needed. Definitely recommend to have water though especially if in the mid day as you won’t be blessed by the shade on this one.
This is a great workout for sure and we saw all ages and types of fitness levels making it.. one ..step ..at ..a ..time.. 💪

Bring water, apply sunscreen, and stretch out before you step onto the trail. It's not a long hike, but it is brutal and you will feel it. The hike is on an old rail line, so you're stepping from railroad tie to railroad tie. I found myself often scooting along, using a hand for balance, and in one section, it's over a short bridge.. The trail can also be quite crowded, so take your time and be patient with other groups/hikers.
I think it's helpful if you're relatively fit - but we saw all fitness levels out there and all ages. We also saw a hiker being med-evac'd (helicopters came in for her) - so seriously, bring your water and know your own abilities.
BUT - the end result is a beautiful, panoramic view. And on clear days, you can see other islands!

An amazing physical challenge both up and back. Specular views from the top. Shade is sparse and take water. Hard on your knees on the way down.

We loved this hike a lot. Views on top of it are astonishing. Hiking up is easier than coming down, even though both way are incredible way to hike. We have done this every time we go to Honolulu and every time is a new experience. Koko head is a must while you are in Honolulu 😍😍

Diamondhead gets all the hype, but Kokohead is ten times better for those who want a little bit of a challenge, amazing views, and a sense of accomplishment.

Couple key pieces of advice:

1) Get to the trail early. We started at 0830 and it was beautiful all the way up, but the temp was pretty hot when we descended the trail (after spending 45 mins at the top). I would recommend starting your hike by 0800 if not a little earlier.

2). Bring liquids! Water is good, something with electrolytes is highly recommended.

3). Wear sunscreen! There is no shade! A hat and sunglasses are also highly recommended.

4). Go at your own pace. Some people ascend to the top in 15 minutes (hard to believe, but watched someone do it), and others take 90 mins. Either pace will get you to the top, and that is all that matters. Plenty of places to pull off the side of the steps to take a breather.

5). Take photos and videos and enjoy the views all they way up and down.

We took Lyft from downtown Waikiki and the drive took approximately 30 mins and cost about $28. I and told you could take the bus system for about $3 and travel time would take approximately 90 mins.

After the hike, we walked a quarter mile (all flat and downhill) to the local shopping center and had lunch. Tons of food options and Kona Brewing has a location so you can soak up some well deserved tasty suds after your glorious hike.

We were a party of four, and two members were heavily on the fence about doing the hike with concerns over fitness level and endurance. Everyone was extremely happy post-hike and all agreed it was one of the highlights of the trip.

Furthermore, the first relatively easy section from the middle is very steep but the view is worth it, there is no service at all (drinks, food, etc., yes bathrooms).

This trail is only for the most hearty. Difficult but well worth it when you finally get there. Great views. Be sure to wear a hat and bring some water.

My 11yo daughter and I did Koko Head in June ‘22.

This is a nice “hike” to start out a day full of activities in Hawaii. It is a workout more than a hike as it is nothing more than a steep step-climb up an abandoned Army rail line up a mountain.

Due to limited parking and working out in cooler temps, I recommend going by 7:30am…we arrived at 6:30am and the parking lot was almost half full on a Monday morning.

The walk from the parking area to the first rail step at the foot of the mountain is approx 0.5mi. From there, the actual climb is approx another 0.5mi to the top. The first 0.30mi is reasonably steep and will fatigue you as most people likely pace poorly here…this is important because the last 0.20mi becomes even steeper just when your legs, butt and lungs are “feeling” it.

Many people simply sit on a rail or stand along the side to rest - be careful not to block access though.

The top is a small area where you can take in the views and catch your breath. It’s a short climb, but not an easy one, so take your time and pace well.

Very challenging hike if you don't pace yourself. It's a great workout and best done when the sun is barely out.

As others may have said, bring water and maybe some snacks, take your time and be careful not to injure yourself. While there's no running water to catch your eye like on other nearby hikes, finishing this trail has a reward in itself.

Great views at the top at sunrise. You can also see Hanauma bay, the edge of the crater and even a pillbox from the last World War.

Best advice is to go early (I started at 6am) so you don't have to really lookout for people on the way down and the sun doesn't have much of a chance to burn you.

Took taxi to Koko Head from Waikiki ($$) arrived by 10am. Lots of other hikers. I was nervous about completing this hike but just took it slow and steady. Lots of places to step off trail which I did frequently. Being railroad ties and not actual steps was def interesting! I didn't cross "bridge" part went around. Felt incredibly proud of myself when I reached the top! I kept hiking up dirt trail to metal platform at very top and wow the views. Loved looking into crater and towards Waikiki. I spent a hour at top just sitting on platform and enjoying views. Going back down I was very careful and mindful of every step. I actually went sideways AND held on to railway metal rail lol. I didn't care how I looked! Yes it was steep from top. When I felt more comfortable I let go of rail and still went sideways. I made sure I moved aside for everyone passing me. Yes some were running...up and down...wow. This is a challenging but doable hike. Go for it! I took bus back to Waikiki. Walked to plaza, took a bus to transfer station then #23. Was about a hour to get back to Waikiki

This hike is hard with so many stairs. Make sure you wear appropriate foot wear and bring water. At one point you’re stepping on train tracks with a drop underneath. Fabulous views from the top. Worth the hike! Only for experienced hikers.

This is an epic leg workout. The footing can be a little uneven and/or slippery at times on the railroad ties. But the views at the top make it worthwhile.

The Koko Crater trail is very steep, and not for people that have any balance issues. You also need to be in good aerobic shape to reach the top, unless you want to move to the side once in a while and catch your breath. For me, it was a good workout, but after doing it once, I don't think I will be doing it again anytime soon. It was super crowded, and I worried about slipping off the rails and breaking something during my vacation.

Beautiful hike. Beautiful view even on a rainy day. Any level (newbie or very experienced) hiker can do this hike and feel challenged.

I was very excited to try the Koko Head Crater Trail. You see the steep incline when you drive along the highway, but based on the reviews, it didn't seem THAT tough for someone of moderate fitness. For context, I exercise pretty regularly, I run, do spin classes and light weights probably 3-5 times a week. Also for context, I live in Vancouver and have done the Grouse Grind a few times. The Grouse Grind is tough, but also enjoyable once you get to the top.

Koko Head on the other hand was straight painful. The steep incline is difficult and the path on the side is very slippery so it's kind of dangerous. This coupled with the hot weather made it difficult for me to enjoy the hike. The views at the top are OK, but was not a highlight for me. The worst is going down...if you have bad knees which I do, this was killer. It is so steep going down that people literally sit down and go down the steps by scooting their butts down one step at a time. People saying you can do this in 20-30 minutes if you are moderately fit...I don't know who these people are. It took me an hour up and an hour down.

I mean, I guess I'm glad I checked this off my list but I would never go again.

Amazing views from the top!! Strenuous climb. And one area that’s just tracks above the ground, but certainly worth the hike! Loved it!!

This trail is definitely difficult, but absolutely worth it. Many times on the climb I questioned my sanity but once at the top, the view was amazing. do not do this hike without proper shoes and be sure you have water with you.

I love this hike but it is challenging if you aren’t in shape or aren’t active. Steps are oddly spaced and incline is steep. Risky hike. Also requires you to yield to other visitors. Views at the top are amazing. Trip back down can be difficult too.

The Koko Crater Railway Trail is an old railroad line that goes up Koko Head mountain in the Hawaii Kai area of Oahu. The trail is visible from miles around and it is easy to find. There is a park at the foot of the mountain with plenty of parking. The trail isn’t marked but you follow a dirt path before the baseball field and walk a little way before arriving at the bottom of the trail.

We arrived around 2 pm and didn’t intend on doing the whole trail. Really the idea was to see it and scout it for a future adventure. Even in October the heat in the middle of the day made it very challenging so certainly arriving early in the morning is the way to go. I probably did a little less than halfway up the trail before heading back down. The views were amazing from there and I can only imagine it from the top. We definitely plan on returning and will do so with cooler temps, adequate hydration and proper footwear.

I did this trail in the afternoon at 3.30pm when it was very hot. Despite the temperatures there were a few people (absolutely not crowded though).

Parking is free and just below.

The climb (and descent) are challenging, the climb is tough and in the descent you still have to be careful. I would recommend it only to young people or otherwise trained people.

It is essential to bring water to drink.

The view at the top is very beautiful.

When in doubt, don't go out!
Sunrise hike? Sign me up. I booked a sunrise hike tour via Discover Hawaii Tours, and I canceled it the next day. I saw some videos and photos, and I realized I wasn't prepared for it, yet.
It was a steep climb and some of the steps were not filled. I was concerned about my safety so, instinctively, I chickened out. It seemed very challenging and I didn't want to push past my comfort zone.
I wasn't ready for that.
I promise, next time I go to Honolulu, I will be physically more prepared and I will take the challenge.

I will be back

Approx 25 mins drive out of Waikiki. Need to drive or Uber there.
For the trail there is a car park right at the bottom. Around the crater is Koko head park which is mostly flat.
It is an old cable car / railway line from bottom to top so it can be challenging between the sleepers given it's age and the wear and tear. It is steep in parts and requires big step ups. Definitely a glute workout. Don't attempt after leg day at the gym!
Uphill is challenging, it is long, uneven and steep. The views are spectacular from the top.
Downhill is harder in some respects and we were warned that people often slip coming down. Just take your time and be careful.
A great adventure for those with moderate fitness who want to combine a work out with a challenge and to see the great views from the top!
It takes most people between 20-30 mins up to the top and the same back down.

ADVICE:
TAKE WATER!! THERE IS NO SHOP AT THE TOP OR BOTTOM.
WEAR SUNSCREEN AND A CAP/ HAT.
FOR A MORE MANAGABLE TEMPERATURE AND LESS PEOPLE TO NAVIGATE ON THE WAY UP AND DOWN GO EARLY (opens from 6:30am).

Better be in good shape for this one. Gets steep near the top and footing is most important. wide steps at points. Great view when you make it to the top. If you make it to the top. Do It!!!

Once at the top - great all-round visibility!
The way's got it all. The higher the steeper it gets.
Solid footwear recommended.

What I did right on this hike: Arrived early, before 7 a.m. to beat crowds. What I did wrong: Choose to hike on a rainy, misty day when all the stairs were damp and slippery. Eeek!

This hike is very challenging, folks. You're going up stairs a mile long and there is little room to step off to the side. That and the stairs get harder, more spaced apart and steeper as you go, meaning you require more effort to get to the top later on, once you're already tired. It also requires strength to get back down safely so I really recommend taking a nice break at the top for at least 15-20min.

Also, you should know this hike has lots of potential hazards, the rails can be slippery or tilted and there is a 20 foot bridge you'll have to climb with a large gap beneath you and the ground. I had to crawl on my hands and knees quite a bit in places. (Seriously, no shame about the hands and knees. Do whatever increases your sense of balance on this one.)

Only consider this if you are in relatively decent fitness and bring appropriate footwear, water and snacks. Possibly a first aid kit just in case.

well, i was not expecting this.....i go long walks and climb a lot at home but this was something else, i was nearly sock half way, the heat the steepness......once we were at the top the views are to die for, 360 degrees and truly amazing, if you are going to do this then be prepared, it is not easy, take water and rest lots on the way up, its also quite intense coming down, would i do this agian, not sure ;-)

Took us 45 minute to get to the top, 0.7miles. Stairs are sleep. First half is easier, you get to the middle and there were orange cones. You'll know you are at the middle when you have 2 options, to continue the same way up railroad tracks (where there is no ground underneath and you can see below) or you can take the bypass (which is to the right a trail hike). If you go straight you need to pay attention where you are walking and stay on the planks, or you could fall through. After this section, it goes back to previously where the plnaks are on the ground and you can't fall through but it gets even steeper. Distance narrows between steps, steeper incline all the way to the top. Again took me about 45 min to the top with me stopping, but my brother was a little quicker than me so was ahead of me. In my 30s, go to the gym a few times a week. If you go bring a small backpack to put your stuff in so you are hands free so you can climb and use your hands I'd needed vs carrying a water bottle. Bring a granola bar and enjoy it at the top which is an overlook of the city. The weather that days was breezy so there was nice winds and some cloud. It's not shaded so go in the AM. We were there around 10am and parking lot was packed so it seems like there might have been an 8am or early crowd and a 10am crowd. Bathrooms at the parking lot entrance before you go up (no where to go once you start). Wear good shoes. You'll be sweating and huffing and puffing, but worth it at the top!

This hike follows old railway tracks pretty much straight up! It is an extremely difficult hike. Honestly I only made it halfway! The kids went to the top and their view was fabulous! Sneakers or hiking boot are recommended. Bring water & your camera!

I'll start by saying that I am out of shape, unfit, overweight and had no expectation that I'd make it to the top, so I'm going to write this review for people that might be in the same position I was in. Fit people will have no trouble with this hike.

The hike is hard, strenuous, steep, uneven, and often crowded. Don't let this put you off though. Just go slow, take a lot of rests (towards the top I was resting after every 10-15 sleepers!) and stay hydrated - take lots of water.

Take your time, stop and chat to other hikers, admire the views, and just go with the flow. There's no prize for being the fastest up the hill so just take it easy and you should hopefully make it to the top. Most of all - listen to your body and don't be ashamed to head back down if you just can't go on. (You still got off your butt and gave it a go and should be proud of that!)

As you get near the top, a sense of excitement builds as you begin to realise you might actually get to the top - and trust me once you get to the top and take in those views and the beautiful cooling sea breeze, it makes the climb totally worth it.

Be very cautious on the way back down. Your legs may still be aching from the climb, but you'll need to be on your game during the descent so that you don't trip over a sleeper or step down too quickly and allow your momentum to send you tumbling and rolling down several sleepers. Step carefully, control your speed and most of all just take the time and patience that you used on the way up.

So even if you're unfit and overweight like me, I recommend giving it a try. Just take your time.

This bike is no joke! When you see it from the bottom it looks like it is going up at a straight angle to the sky. The "steps" are old railroad tracks that are spaced apart so you need to take big steps to get up. It is a real workout especially if it's hot out. We climbed it just in time for the sunset. You get a full view from the top of Diamond Head and southern Oahu, and up over the east side of Oahu into a crater.

this was a very difficult hike. but it's worth it at the top. 1st-time hikers, even if you're in shape, this was so hard. but the top has amazing views. there is an old bunker on the top. the railway trail is safe, you can also take the trail on the side of the crater to hike up or down. taking it down is quieter and not much traffic. i'd love to hike this again.

Hopping from railroad tie to railroad tie up this scenic mountain was an extreme challenge for this 60-ish climber, leaving me with sore muscles for a few days--but worth it. Free access with effectively no facilities. Parking is close. Diamondhead climb better option for those not prepared for an adventurous climb.

Pros: Views (and breeze) at the top were great. Short hike compared to some others on the island, and near Honolulu.

Cons: Very busy, felt like we were constantly moving out of the way to let people come down or runners come up. Stairs are slippery - wear proper footwear, saw a few slip. No shade - go on a cloudy day or early morning / late afternoon. Also there's a shooting range below so it's not the most "peaceful" or "serene" hike.

Giving this a 4 because the views were pretty nice at the top, and if you exercise frequently / want to stay in shape during your vacay this gives you a good workout!

This is an amazing, difficult hike. Anyone that says it is easy is not being realistic! The incline is nothing to take lightly and you need to watch where you put each foot, each step. Is it doable, yes! But don't plan to rush it, take your time! Once at the top you will find a beautiful panoramic view of of Honolulu. Certainly worth it! People do fall or slip and get hurt on this hike so be careful. A young Navy man had to be airlifted from the trail due to bad fall, and they hike this trail weekly! Have fun, be careful and take in that sense of pride once you reach the summit!

This is the coolest and hardest hike I have ever done! Coming down isn't any easier. The view from the top is totally worth it so just take your time going up.

We’ve wanted to check this one off, but haven’t on other trips so we were excited to do it this one. All of the reviews will tell you how strenuous the climb is...and it REALLY is! It’s doable, but definitely be prepared to be tired and sore after. We took some breaks, were prepared with water and made it to the top. Coming down is as challenging on the joints as going up is on the cardiovascular system. But, it is great to be able to say you did it, and the views are spectacular! If comfortable with the physical challenge, I’d definitely recommend working this in to your plans on a visit to Oahu! And...a well-deserved treat tastes even better after something like that!

This is quite the climb... have good shoes and take breaks as you climb... the view is worth it! Gorgeous photo spot.

This is by far a very mixed review. The view is extraordinary when you get up there, but its getting up there that is a nightmare! Be warned, to get up those stairs, you need to pack light, and bring tons of water! I had a backpack filled with supplies, and ditched it half way up in the bushes because it got heavy. The stairs may not look "that bad" when you are at the bottom, but don't be fooled, they are a lot tougher than they look. Just be prepared for your legs to go to jell-o, because they will!

If you like a challenge, and want a view of the entire island, then do it! But if you are not a "scenery person" this trail might not be for you. My wife and I both agree that it was a great one time hike, but we would probably never do the hike again.

Broke a nice sweat and knees were a bit sore on the way down, but totally worth it. Great incline hike with views that are worth the effort. People on the trail were polite - moving over if you were going at a faster pace.

I’m 30, not overweight but also not in the best shape. This was a challenging hike for me, but totally doable if you pace yourself and take breaks.

The husband and I made it up in under 40 minutes. We stopped every 100 steps or so for a rest and to look at the view behind us. Once we got closer to the top, it was easier to “bear crawl” instead of step up and our rest breaks became more frequent.

The view from the top is amazing and the breezes were a welcome relief. We spent about 30 or 40 minutes at the top, resting and taking in the view before heading back down.

The trek back down wasn’t as hard, but was still challenging because our legs were tired. It also had rained the night before, so things were pretty slippery and we had to concentrate a bit harder on our footing.

Bring some water for the climb up and a small snack at the top. And although I’ve heard some folks do the climb in flip flops, I think that’s nuts. Wear tennis shoes or hiking boots—something with a bit of grip and stability.

This is not a cake walk. This trail is intense, steep and not 100% safe. Said that, if you are willing, I would recommend 100% for you to go. The views are just incredible and the sense of “accomplishment” it’s kind o nice.
This is not an official trail, and they recommend you go at your own risk. The rails are not maintained and it really quite steep.

My 15 year old son and I hiked to the top to see the sunrise. Amazing experience. I am an experienced hiker and have climbed Mt. Whitney and many other mountains, but this was a challenge. It is short, but intense. Even at 6 AM in November, it was pretty hot and I was drenched in sweat by halfway up. I'm in awe of the people who run this, because, on the steep part, I was catching my breath after every 20 or so stairs. One recommendation, if you are at all afraid of heights, take the Murphy Cutoff instead of doing the section where there is no ground between the rails. It's kind of scary. The view from the top is absolutely beautiful. This was a memorable hike that I recommend to anyone in good hiking shape.

This is a hard hike, but definitely worth it at the top.
Do not recommend if you're in bad shape. Wear the right hiking shoes, and bring a lot of water and a hat.
I saw a lot of people walking in flip-flops and so, definitely not the right shoe choice for this hike!

The trail was fairly hard work - even though we are all pretty fit. It is totally worth it though. Once you get to the top the views are spectacular. Everyone who did it agreed it was one of the best things we did on our trip to Oahu

This hike was super challenging. It is a steep incline essentially the whole way up. There are some steps that are falling apart and if you are not wearing sneakers with good traction, you could easily slip. Many many people are totally winded the whole hike (I’m talking fully panting) and take breaks often. ALL THAT BEING SAID: do it! The views are worth it.

As I suffer from a fear of heights, I was afraid of it for a long time, but my curiosity got the better of me.

As there is no direct stop for the island hop-on hop-offs, you either need your own car to get there or, like us, take the bus and walk about 20 minutes to the crater entrance. The visitors who have already descended can seem daunting at first. You can clearly see from their faces that they are not leaving their mark.... But if you have made it this far, you should take on the challenge - it really is an indescribable experience!!

The climb is very arduous and you should pack enough to drink, but you have to lug everything up the 1000 steps, which cannot be compared to normal stairs. The railway sleepers are laid at a great distance and are sometimes filled with solid earth, sometimes with gravel, or sometimes even free-floating. There are always "alternative routes" to the side, but they are no easier. It gets very hot there at midday, so you should plan to climb early or in the morning.
I was very impressed by an older couple who conquered the hike with walking sticks!!!
Beautiful 360-degree view, great air and an incredibly good feeling for self-confidence!!

This is a unique and interesting strenuous hike . You will sweat and bring water. The view at the top is worth the hike. I would recommend wearing hiking shoes for traction. Interesting and unique hike that will wear out a 42 year old.

About 1,000 feet straight up some stairs to some epic views. I am almost 50 and I’m in OK shape and I did this hike with my wife in about 2.5 hours. Took about 1:15 going up, hung out for 30 minutes at the top then 45 minutes to come back down. Down is almost as tough as the way up so take it easy. Bring lots of water and start before 9:00 AM. We started at 8 AM and that was perfect. Wear light hiking boots with ankle support vs sneakers if you can. There are some pretty cool WW2 era bunkers at the summit which is why the railroad ties and rails are there in the first place. They pulled supplies and building materials for the post up most likely using a motor. There is a firing range near the base of the climb so you will hear constant gunfire on the hike. It is not annoying but it is prevalent. It actually gets louder as you get higher. There is also a group of locals called the KoKo nuts that apparently climb the trail once a day and several times a day on the weekend. We met a few and they were super nice and fun. Almost anyone can do the hike it you just take it slow and steady. There is another, easier hike called Hanauma very close by if you are worried that this hike might be too much.

I thought I was reasonably fit, but boy did this hike put me in my place! It's really just a seemingly endless set of steps formed by old railway planks which become quite steep in certain sections. And there's no shade! Bring lots of water and don't forget to wear sunscreen. Also don't do as I did and eat a heavy breakfast before coming here. I nearly threw up! The views are second to none up top and make the climb worth it.

If you can make it to the top it is a great view. It is a strenuous hike but with frequent breaks you can make it to the top. Be careful coming down, it can get slippery and it is very steep.

This was a personal test and I’m so proud to do it! From my awesome Uber driver Misa who got me there, the awesome people who helped cheer me on and helped keep me safe and the encouragement and support from family, friends, colleagues, this should be on your “must-do!” Shout out to the folks wearing rucks and weights who flew past me but still managed to slow down and called me “sir” in the nicest way, without saying “move over boomer” 😆 and for the folks my senior who reminded me how far I have to go, rock on!!

I have wanted to this hike since I heard about it. I’m a sucker for some good views. I’m very active and fit and as all other reviews say— this hike is HARD but an extremely fun challenge. I went around 8am, didn’t bring water (10/10 don’t recommend that), made it up to the top in 15 minutes (humble brag), snapped some pictures and made my way back down. There are two parts of the track that are off of the ground and that was slightly terrifying on the way up and down but doable.

Take water, go early, rest if you need to, but it’s gorgeous at the top. Do it for the gram.

Really nice workout, u think u never gonna reach the top. U do. Amazing views at top. U survive whitout water & s

Amazing views from the top. Steep and many steps, but you can rest to the side on the way up as frequently as you need.
No shade, so recommend early in the day or cloudy day.
Worth the climb!

If you die (and go to heaven) this is your view. So beautiful, so amazing, so perfect.
Rent a car and make this drive up Hwy 83. You WILL NOT regret it.

If you're any kind of fit, you will love this! Its a great workout and a wonderful way to start any day. We listened to the other reviews and brought lots of water! We applied sunscreen at the bottom and then again at the top.

There was the part that has the bridge, where it kind of drops off and you have to scale the tracks over the big ditch. Its not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. And Im pretty scared of heights. I honestly just got on all 4's and bear crawled it. And I didn't look down. It was pretty quick. Don't be a wimp and take the walk around! Just bear crawl it if you're scared!

Top had some epic views. This was totally worth it! Be prepared to sweat!

About 30 minutes east of Waikiki driving and using GPS easy to find the parking lot. Make sure you have proper footwear and have some water. It is not a long hike in terms of distance, but it is pretty much straight up the crater. There are around 3000 steps and some are difficult to navigate both up and down. You will find this to be a test of your fitness and stamina. The views at the top are incredible and there are about three places at the top to view the surrounding area. Take your camera/smartphone. Coming down can be arduous for many people. Parking is free. Definitely recommend this hike especially on an overcast non-beach day.

It is truly an amazing accomplishment to get to tackle this hike. It was so nice to experience people being kind and uplifting to other people. We all wanted to finish this hike. Definitely worth your time and effort to get to see the views from the top. Loved the renovations they have done to make the trail safer.

We started hiking this trail in the dark with flashlights and we took our time, so we missed the sunrise by 14 minutes. We are both overweight but had been exercising a few months prior in preparation to complete this hike. My husband has a fear of heights and I have a fear of falling but we completed it and were so proud of ourselves. The views up top are amazing. Upon reaching the "three quarters of the way there", we felt like giving up but two amazing local ladies said, "You're three quarters of the way there." I just needed that encouragement. We encountered some great people along the way. Be careful on the decent. It is quite the workout going up but we really had to be careful going down. I slipped and scraped the back of my leg early on during our way down and just took it very slow from that point, even sitting on my butt at times and I would wait to the side for my husband, who has a fear of heights and took a while to get down but we finished and we were so glad we did! The steps are uneven with varying heights and some areas are washed out. It is a workout for sure. There were a few younger people who made it look easy but there were several "fit looking people" who were demonstrating labored breathing and that made us feel more normal. It can be done for sure but please be careful and enjoy the views!

Depending on when you go, make sure that you carry enough water for your group. It is a great workout with very rewarding views, however the hike does get crowded at times.

Go before sunrise!!! It is a brutal hike but so rewarding. Bring lots of water because you will sweat a lot.

Koko Head Trail is a must do hike place for people seeking physical activity while visiting Honolulu. The whole trail is basically a set of stairs repurposed from leftover tram track up the crater. It is less than a mile long, but pretty steep, especially the top one third. It is a strenuous climb up to the top of the crater for some amazing views of Honolulu. The views of Diamond Head Crater and Hanauma Bay are fantastic. Go early in the morning or late in afternoon to avoid the mid-day heat. No shade is available on the trail. It would be good if you have a pair of gloves to protect hands while scrambling up and down at some places.

I did not find much information displayed at the trailhead parking lot, and in fact there was no signage to the start of the trail from the parking lot. I just followed the trail of other hikers. There is a rest room at the parking lot. Do not miss going on this amazing trail (listed as 1,050 stair treads).

This is a short trail in terms on miles you actually do, but the elevation makes it hard. It’s definitely not for everyone. But, with a couple of break stops and with determination you can do it!!! The view you have when get to the summit is amazing! You won’t regret it

Koko Crater offers some beautiful views of the Hawaiian paradise, but you have to earn them!

The railroad base is located in a neighborhood park with ample parking. My wife and I had no problems finding parking in the lot. Even on a Tuesday morning in late April, many climbers headed up the railway. Make sure you bring water, and ideally do the climb in the early morning hours on a day with some cloud cover. It gets really hot during the climb!

Visitors climb on old railroad tracks that lead to the summit - built by the military in the past to bring supplies to the top. You basically step from wooden tie to wooden tie which is a bit awkward given the distance between them. You can step on the ground between the ties except over one portion in the middle where the ties are suspended about 12 feet above the ground which unsettled some climbers. There is a very short bypass track around the bridge so if the heights bother you, use it.

It’s a fairly steep grade and gets steeper as you get closer to the top. Pull to the side and take breaks. I think a slow and deliberate pace is helpful - it was surprising to see some seniors make their way upward seemingly without difficulty yet some really cut athletic guys look like their going to collapse at the side of the trail. I’m a regular runner and found the climb to be quite challenging - it took my wife and I 40 minutes to ascend with increasingly frequent breaks nearing the top.

The views on top are spectacular. You need to be very careful while taking pictures. Apparently, Hawaii does not invest a lot of money in safety barriers and one could easily fall off the summit while trying to take the perfect selfie.

Descending is quite a challenge as well - it is less work but the awkward distance between ties and steep angle put a lot of stress on one’s legs. I would imagine more than a few twisted ankles have been caused by missteps.

Great place for a unique run. You need to almost hop from one railroad tie to the next as you climb the insanely steep hill. Definitely not recommended in the dark. I saw someone fall while running and compound-fracture their leg. Requires full focus on where you’re stepping. If you make it to the top you’re rewarded by some nice views. I did sunset and it was beautiful, but dangerous going down in the dark because a flashlight casts shadows that makes it even more challenging.

This challenging trail has beautiful views at the top. Get there early before the heat and crowds. Ensure you have water and decent walking shoes.

Really good workout. We headed up at 0630 in the morning. Lots of steep steps but reaching the summit was totally worth it!

I decided to do this hike with a couple of friends on my last day in O'ahu and the only time we could do it was at 2pm on a 31 degree day (celsius); not ideal, but we managed.

It's a tough hike and I would recommend wearing appropriate hiking/walking shoes and taking bottles of water. The hike is steep and challenging at times, that being said there were also locals there that were running up it and others doing it in thongs (flip-flops) so you might just find this a breeze.

It took my friends and I about 45 minutes to get up to the top and that was taking a few breaks. The view at the top is 100% worth it and the steep climb brings a great sense of achievement for the day.

If you have the time I would recommend doing this climb!

Went into this knowing it would be a challenge. I just didn’t realize how much of a challenge it was actually going to be. 1000 steep steps (both ways) approximately 1.8 miles round trip. I’m in good shape and I found myself stopping for water and a breather. This hike was a challenge but the views at the top are unreal and made the struggle worth it. It’s a must do in my opinion, just be prepared for a steep climb, balancing on rail ties and scooting on your butt to get down. DONT FORGET WATER AND SNACKS

After that, we went to Diamond Head, but gave up on trekking to the top because we had to make a reservation, so we went to our neighbor COCO HEAD!
Officially known as the Coco Crater Railway Trail, it stretches straight to the top of the abandoned railway line used in World War II
This is an advanced trail with over 1000 steep steps!
Sixty years old, this time I couldn't make it to the top, and I gave up halfway, but next time I'm going to get revenge...

Prepare to sweat!

What a rewarding hike - we (two adults with a 7 and 10 year old) did this hike for sunrise. I'm a fairly fit guy (I cycle for 100km bike rides) and made it up in 25 minutes and down in 11 minutes (according to Strava). Wife and kids took just under an hour to ascend.

I was surprised to see so many people there at 5:30am! There were a heap of locals who seem to make multiple ascents at a time.

The first section is relatively moderate, and after 5 minutes you're sweating. Then, there's a small section over a small chasm so you have to take extra care your foot doesn't miss the step. The last section is a very steep ascent where I found myself stopping after 100 or so steps to catch my breath.

The trail itself is well maintained with lots of sleepers and gravel in between to provide a solid walking surface.

The view from the top is breathtaking! Took my drone and caught some amazing shots.

Almost 1100 steps straight up abandoned railway ties is about as accurate as it gets. Tricky for sure - the bridge section is a little terrifying, but if you are in good shape, it’s a must-do. We started the ascent around 4:30 AM (needed to find parking outside the park gates, since they don’t open until 6:30) and had some of the most breathtaking views we’ve ever seen at sunrise. This is not for everyone. Our hiking boots came in handy for some of the more eroded stretches. Bring a head-mounted lamp if you’re doing a sunrise hike - holding a flashlight is pretty unsafe and the extra light is absolutely needed. Public bathrooms can be found next to the public parking lots.

Absolutely worth it to hike up the straight railway. From the bottom it doesn‘t look that far, but it‘s hard and sweaty to get up, especially if youre scared of hight, because theres a small part on the railway with some meters of absolutely nothing underneath it. But i liked the challenge and the view.

There’s a bit of skill in this! The hike is somewhat crowded. The kids were having a ball fortunately no one was hurt and all was well. Do bring water ( lot’s and lot’s ) it’s definitely needed!

Better known as Koko Head Stairs, offers a rewarding panoramic view up top. The hike will test your endurance and strength. As challenging as it sounds, hiking the Koko Head trail is a fun and very popular hike on Oahu.

The military created lookout pillbox bunkers during WWII. A railway was created on the Koko Crater trail, and used to haul supplies to the top. Today the abandoned railway is used as hiking stairs to reach the old military bunkers and ridgeline.

We passed by this on our way to Hanauma Bay, and it caught our attention. The next day, friends brought it up, and suggested we go there. It’s a challenge, and it’s not for everyone! It’s a tough climb; being old rail road type track, with the old wooden RR ties being well worn and many in bad shape, and spaced well apart. It becomes quite steep. At the top-if you made it, the views can be stunning, to include over looking Oahu, and several out laying islands.

take lots water and be ready to climb this amazing trail. the view is fantastic, steep, but worth it

The views are amazing and cannot be beat but the effort to get up the 1048 railway steps make this a 4/5. My wife and I are 51 and are in good shape. We run and bike most days. This was much more difficult than we thought. The steps are not regular steps but railway ties with gaps between most of them. Make sure you take some water. A snack would be good also because it may take you longer than you think.

When you are done drive over to the Moana Cafe for a delicious breakfast or lunch.

The view is worth the hike! Once you get to the top you can keep going up towards the left and take pictures from both sides of the island.Morning is best so its not too hot

I consider myself to be in top physical condition for a 40 something. I work out 5 times a week and play competitive sports. This hike really kicked my butt! My son was able to do the hike to the top in under 30 minutes. I (like many others) had to stop and rest. If you aren't in shape don't try this hike! We saw several people who were sick and struggling. Make sure to bring lots of water too! We went through 2.5 litres and wish we had more. Totally worth it when you make it to the top!

Fabulous walk up the old railway track. Only 2.6km round trip but steep climb. It is so worth it for the views. There were lots of people walking when we were there, all ages and abilities. The views at the top were spectacular. Wear sensible shoes to do it - things were not the best choice for some people and they ended up barefoot on the way down - not a favourable choice in view of the terrain. Only took an hour in total.

The climb up is something that needs to be done in the morning before it gets too hot. The view at the top is breathtaking, well worth the effort. Beware on your way down however as it is easy to slip and tumble (my wife did and got banged up). Took us 1h40mins to get up going slowly and taking multiple breaks. Bring lots of water and snacks as there is nothing available at the top....

Koko head is right across Hanauma bay in the southeastern part of Oahu.
Parking beneath is free at a huge parking lot, though difficult to find spaces on weekends when we've visited.
From the bottom you see the cut path going straight up through lush greenery. It looks both, scary and challenging.
It took us around 40 min to reach the summit with very often breaks (I am 55).
Imo, it's more a challenge and adventure of personal satisfaction than for the views. Views are nice, but better are from both, Diamond Head and Tantalus lookout (the latter you reach comfortably in your car).
However, if this is your cup of tea do it, specially because I've read they're going to dismantle the stairs. Personally, I wouldn't do it again.

Was amazing view worth every step very very steep and make sure you have a light to come down with if you are staying past sunset.

If you are on Oahu and are good on your feet, you shouldn't miss this viewpoint. Just climbing up the old train tracks is something special. In some places the steps are even 2-3 m above the ground. You should do it either in the morning or evening because of the warmth and sunlight. Once you get to the top, you will find the remains of the old bunker system and the technology of the track's winch in addition to the 360° view.
I can only recommend this hike.

Really tough due to the relentless incline, you’ll need proper shoes (not flip flops!). Hardest bit is at the top where it is the steepest.

Also a challenge coming back down especially for short legs, you’ll feel it the day after. There’s a raised section which I had to use the bypass for going down. The shooting range ruins the mood with relentless gunfire, but the views at the top really are worth it.

Go early, take lots of water and expect lots of people.

This one is a toughie. Exercise, hydrate and don't skip breakfast for this one. Pack some energy bars, bring plenty of water and stretch before the hike. Not recommended if you have bad knees, ankles or back. Eventhough is a rough trail the views from the top make up for it! Challenge yourself and enjoy the beautiful sights of O'ahu from above. Happy Hike!

Be forewarned that this is a tough hike. I have climbed the Manitou Incline twice, which is almost 3 times as many stairs and this felt more difficult. It is extremely steep and the steps are very inconsistent in their spacing and height. Many of the steps have had the dirt around them washed out or are broken. This hike could definitely use some maintenance because the views from the top are worth it! And coming down the steps may actually be more difficult than going up!

Tough and brutal at times but well worth it. The views are amazing and when all said and done, a perfect way to help work off the calories from all of the amazing Hawaiian food.

Tough hike up an old military tramway. Lots of places with no ties to walk up and washed out rock beneath ties. Excellent exercise though and excellent views.

It's definitely a challenge! The railroad ties aren't evenly spaced and are at an angle, so I wouldn't even consider them steps. I have short legs and had to take lots of breaks. It was a hard hike, straight up! Don't forget the water and sunscreen; the sun is relentless, with almost zero shade. I loved the challenge and lots of friendly people going up and down the whole way. I felt very safe hiking alone.

I had intended to do this with my 2 kids, wife, father, and mother in law but they all pulled out except my father. Well as fate has it, they would never have made it anywhere near the top. My father pulled out aboiut 1/4 of the way up. I made it to the top in 30 minutes flat, but it was one of the hardest things I've ever done and it didn't help that we decided to do it at about 11am. Stupid.
Honestly, the view and statisfaction is worth geting to the top, but dont do what we did and basically didnt listen to anyones advice.
Go slow, take water and go early. And be careful.
A lady slipped and smacked her head not far from me and its not good, espcially in the sun and heat.
I'm glad I did this, even if my legs were sore for the next 5 days!

The railroad ties of the old railway serve as steps up the mountain. We attempted it last summer when we were there, but started too late in the morning. So, it was hot, my son and I were both out of shape, and we didn't make it to the top. However, this fall we planned for it and worked out leading up to the trip. The park does not officially open until 6:30 which is right about sunrise that time of year. We arrived at 4:45, parked on a residential street, and hiked into the park along with some locals. I HIGHLY recommend the headband flashlights if arriving before sunrise. We used the flashlights on our phones. We took some amazing pics. Absolutely spectacular. I lost my footing on the way down and took a spill that resulted in some cuts, scrapes, and bruises, and it was still worth it. Initially I resigned myself to the fact that I had simply chosen the wrong shoes for the trek (running shoes). However, on the way down, I was passed by a local literally running up the mountain wearing flip flops and then another who was bare foot. I don't recommend either of those options for tourists. What I personally didn't think through was the fact that the climb is just as steep on the way down as it was on the way up. Reserve some energy for the trek down and do a LOT of stairs or the StairMaster as part of your workout before making this trek. HOWEVER, I DO recommend taking this trek... just start by 8am and you should be up and back down before the heat of the day.

The challenges: Finding a lyft/Uber after the trek. Best to keep the trolley timetable handy or account for the wait time.
Two of the ticket kiosks were broken so we had to wait.
There is a ticket checker at the entrance of the trail.
Pros: rewarding views on a sunny day.
This trek is nice but if you miss it, you wont miss out. There are plenty of more rewarding walks around the world.

Whilst regarding myself “quite fit” this is a very tough hike. There’s not a person in town that works there so if anything to happen you’ve got to find your way down. The site is desperate for some safety enhancement given the amount of visitors, it’s jam packed and people climbing all over each other. Many locals run up and down and ask you to clear their way, and many tourists struggling up makes a dangerous combo. My partner slipped and fell slightly, a lot of the railway sleepers are loose.

Whilst the views are impressive at the top, it’s a bit of a risk going up. We cringed slightly after realising what we did, it’s quite dangerous and desperately needs some investment to put a handrail or secure some of the loose steps.

Hike is very strenuous, mostly if you are not in a very good “cardio game”
At some point, it does get a little bit scary, but you can climb the little bypass and that makes it easier and less scary.
Take at least a bottle of water… not sure if you wanna eat at the top, as it gets really windy and it is not the type of hike in which you will just enjoy your food lol but a small snack will make you feel energized again.
It is a total of 1048 steps, so be prepared for incline and a lot of steps

The Koko Crater Railway Trail is not for the weak of heart! It is a demanding hike, BUT the payoff at the top is amazing. The exercise is intense and the view from the top and spectacular. If you are into vigorous activities with a view, this is a must!

54 year old moderately fit female solo hiker. It took me 40 minutes to go up, taking it slow paced and many breaks to take pics and sips of water. It is definitely a good idea to go early. I got there at 8 on a Saturday and parking was easy. The coolness of early morning definitely helps. I found the way down to be much harder than going up. At the top the steepness of the steps was a bit scary for me going down, so I really took my time. It took me as long to get down as it did to go up. About halfway it is much less steep, so I could go faster like regular steps. The views at the top are absolutely worth it! So glad I did it!

I kept hearing about Koko head the entire time i was there and all people told me was that its for 'health freaks'. I dont think its ONLY for health freaks-everyone needs to relax, but you do need to know one thing: you WILL suffer. Regardless of how fit you are, this is going to hurt. I did Diamond Head and Manoa Falls and they simply dont compare. Diamond Head is more of an easy stroll and Manoa is something else altogether but this is an actual climb and you need to be prepared for the pain. It is quite steep and it will take some time to get up there, it took us about 25 minutes to get up and some time to climb down. Some people will tell you the way down is harder, dont listen to them, the way up is definitely more difficult. The way down is only hard because the way UP was so hard and people's legs arent used to the agony but if you do it slowly and pace yourself both the way up and down is do-able. Some people were carrying their infant children up there so its not impossible. There are difficult parts to the trek where the railroad may be too intimidating for some people, there is an alternative on the side that people can walk up instead, in fact i think you can climb the whole thing parallel to the railroad tracks but i didnt take this option so i dont know for sure. Bring water, and wear comfy clothing, there is nothing to buy up there so make sure you are ready for falls and dehydration. The view from the top is worth it and its quite beautiful. If anything, do it for the challenge, the worst that can happen is that you'll get tired. Once again though, prepare for some pain.

This is a difficult hike. Take lots of water and take your time. I broke 2 toes half way up (stepped awkwardly on a sharp rock) but finished the hike. It was well worth it! Would not recommend for kids and/or older or inexperienced hikers.

We did this hike with my 7 and 9 year old kids. My husband is very fit and did the entire thing (up and down) in 38 minutes. He said where the incline really increased it was challenging, but there were people with babies doing it so it is not impossible. My 9 year old could have completed it, but my 7 year old was not a fan so we turned around when it became significantly steeper. I struggle with balance issues, but as long as I watched where to place my feet I had no issues. We are all a decently fit family, I could see how less fit individuals would struggle with this hike.

The tour is great, but you should ration your energy: many people sprint at the bottom and give up halfway through... and you should definitely put cream on your neck and ears ;) the sun beats down right on your back... the view is worth it, and you should bring enough drinks with you. We set off first thing in the morning, as there aren't that many people out and about at that time... beautiful - but definitely challenging

I saw it from afar and I said let’s try to do it I trek I’m lightly trained it’s over 1000 degrees inside the rails quite challenging I took 28 minutes but the view pays off the effort

Amazing <3 but hard, better to go in the morning otherwise your head will boil :D Do not forget to bring water with you!!!!

The hike was very hard because of the hot and wet weather , but it’s worth it because of the views.Take a lot of water and sunscreen

While we had trouble getting the once an hour bus#22 this morning, we eventually got to just above Hanauma Bay, walked over to the trail and did the climb in 35 and 22 minutes, me and my partner. Some freaky parts of the railway ties and super slippery from the rain, but met people from many parts of the world.
The view literally took my breath away, and we got some nice panoramic shots from the top.we were able to catch the bus back with no problems, but got delayed again because of a reported shooting.
Exciting day. Gorgeous place. So glad I did this hike.

You may want to consider an early start to try the Koko Crater Railway stairs to minimize the effects of the heat and be sure to bring water. The Koko Crater railway trail is one that is used frequently by hikers has an elevation gain of about 1200 feet. The trail has been broken down over the years through use and lack of maintenance. The steps were originally built as a railway during WW2 and now has missing sections, broken ties and has bypasses along the trail. The trail has incredible views of the area so bring a camera or use your cellphone.
ONE FINAL NOTE: If you have any balance, hip, knee, ankle or back problems, this is NOT a hike for you... it is minimally maintained and has sections where you could be seriously injured.

So we tried to hike this trail but it took us to the garden part which was still pretty long I think about 2 miles but it was very pretty so it was still a win.

Very nice view of the island and Honolulu. But the way up is not easy without endurance and fitness. Parking is easily possible and water should definitely be taken with you. There are a lot of people here on weekends.

This was high on my list of things to do. The day we went was quite hot. There’s no shade there so a hat and lots of water is a must. Some steps are a little wonky so be careful on the way down. Going up, it isn’t an issue.

We overheard someone on the plane talk about this and it is a hike straight up steps about a mile so take your time but very much worth the trip. Great views, sore legs, do before other hikes or will be beat. Would do again!

Wow! What a great workout! My husband and I did this trail when we visited - it was worth it because the view was amazing. You definitely need strong knees and be ok with heights. Also going up was easier than going down - I know kind of counter intuitive. There has also been a lot of rehab work down to the tracks to make it safer.

Awesome hike up Kokohead. The parking is easy to find. Is it hard? To some people It might. Everyone is sweating and breathing heavy to get to the top so you won’t be the only one. It does get tricky towards the top where the tracks start to have a gap with about 6 ft drop😅 Just don’t look down and take it slow! Definitely wear hiking shoes or sneakers on this hike, and ALL of the hikes in Oahu! And remember ALWAYS bring water. 🤙🏼

Challenging but worth it at the top! Breathtaking views of the entire island.. definitely bring plenty of water, go early morning, wears LOTS of sunscreen!

I hiked Koko head on my last day in Hawaii. Koko head is pretty challenging but the view from top is worth the hike. Definitely hike at your own pace and bring water. Best time to hike is early morning or during sunset. Aloha

This was on our list to do and the more we read and talked to others, we really doubted whether or not we could do this! haha. We traveled as a family with a 17 year old son and almost 14 year old son. We are all pretty active in our daily life and this was still TOUGH! We went as early in the morning as we could per recommendations. We had to rent a car and the rental car shop didn’t open until 8, so I’d say we didn’t get to Koko until 9 or so. We packed plenty of snacks and water and brought a light backpack and wore plenty of sunscreen. This was a brutal hike from the first stair. My husband didn’t make it more than halfway. He was afraid of injuring himself. My sons and I made it to the top, but needed to take several breaks along the way. There is plenty of step offs. The views from the top were breathtaking and worth the climb. But it was really hard. I would do it again, especially since I know what to expect now. I would still recommend going early in the day and taking fruit/nuts/water to eat along the way up or at the top before you come back down. Great experience! and it is FREE!

This is a difficult and challenging hike, but completely worth it! Dedicate a few hours for this, you'll want to spend time at the top. It took me about an hour to hike up, I spent an hour at the top. Going down is harder than you'd expect as the footing is a challenge and the loose sand/dirt makes some of the treads slippery. Go Early!

This was hands down the most physically demanding and mentally challenging hike I’ve ever done, but the views at the top made it worth EVERY bit of suffering! The key things to keep in mind are to take it slow, bring and drink LOTS of water, go EARLY to avoid the heat, and pay attention to where you’re walking. This would not be a good hike in wind or rain. There are lots of places to pull off the trail to take breaks and there is a section that is pretty sketchy with exposed drop between the rail ties, but there is a bypass if you want to play it safe!

The hardest hike I have ever done, until I did the stairway to heaven. Need flashlight or headlight, go early around 0500 to make to the top for sunrise. GREAT GREAT

This hike is easy to find, with adequate parking. Over the years I’ve been coming here, the wooden tyes are now in really bad shape. They have placed stones and bricks to help with the walk, but the crowds and runners make it a challenge. No real cover on the way up, but plenty of rest areas. I found the down just as challenging.

Once on top, the views are amazing! 360-degrees of water and mountain and coast.

There is a walk along ridge line which is rarely taken. It leads to the botanical garden within the crater. Some narrow areas, and watch for loose rocks. I would recommend long pants as the low lying branches can cut you up.

We stopped at view point and took a look. Nope. Very intense looking hike. Straight up the mountain. Not for the faint of heart. Amazing history though of the train that delivered military supplies.

LOVED, LOVED, LOVED THIS HIKE!! It was super challenging and looks intimidating at first but we took many breaks to help us make it to the top. Everyone we met on the way up and down were super nice and encouraging. We loved the positive energy and the views made the whole thing worth it! Wear lots of sunscreen and bring water!

Many other reviews say that you shouldn't go in the afternoon as it will be really hot. I guess if you go in the morning it's true that you won't be burning under the sun the whole time and you'll have a nice chill weather, however I started the hike at 1pm and I was fine.

If you don't mind the heat, nothing stops you from going in the afternoon. The sun is hot, you will get a tan, bring lots of water, and you will be fine.

I don't consider myself being in an amazing shape and it took me one hour to get to the top, with multiple stops for water. For me the main issue was to go down. But you take your time, watch your step, and you will be fine.

The view is incredible and totally worth it.

A steep trail, but if you have average fitness it should not be a problem. The view to all sides on the top is worth the effort. Bring enough water, there is no water available.

This is my fourth trip to Oahu in the last five years and the 2nd consecutive time that I have climbed Koko Crater. We usually stay 1-2 nights in Honolulu before heading to Turtle Bay on the North Shore for the rest of our stay. I do this hike on my first full morning in Hawaii. Because of the five hour time difference this allows me to wake up around 4 am Hawaii time in order to complete this hike in time to see the sunrise at the top. The park is located about 20-25 minutes from Waikiki Beach and the gates no longer open until 6:30 am. The sun rises around 6 am, so in order to reach the top by sunrise you must park along the street in the adjoining neighborhood. This make your walk to the start of the trail about 5 minutes longer. This hike starts out steep and uneven as you must climb old broken railway ties to the top. About halfway up the trail, the ground gives way for about a thirty yard trestle above a ravine. One misstep at this point will result in a painful injury. You can walk around the trestle on a path located at the side. Once you cross the bridge, then the rails go straight up at a more severe angle. The railway ties are old, often broken or missing, and are not evenly placed. Do not rush this hike unless you have done Koko Crater many times before. Wear good shoes (hiking boots or tennis shoes). Do not wear flip flops or sandals. You will regret the decision. Bring at least two bottles of water; more if you’re climbing in the middle of the day. I brought a flashlight so I could see to climb in the dark. If you go when I did, then you will be almost alone on the trail. But once the gates open, then there are dozens of hikers going up and down this trail. The view from the top is spectacular of Maui, Lanai, Hanaumana Bay, Honolulu, etc. and well worth the climb. If you are overweight or out of shape, then do not do this hike. It can be done by being moderately in shape, but you will have to stop several times and your quads and calves will be sore for a few days. Take the challenge and climb. You will, and you won’t regret it.

This is a great hike, the views from the top are excellent. The climb is hard work you need to be prepared with decent footwear, water and sunscreen. It does get steep at the top so you need to be careful with your footing and you need a level of fitness as it is hard work.

Once you get to the top carry on going to the headland as the views up there are fab... well worth the effort

Hands down Koko head will pump your adrenaline. It tom me under 1hrs with multiple short stops or breaks, but i felt the repercussions for 2 days. Know ypur limits beforw you attempt Koko head. Bring like 2 bottles of 💧. Start early morning preferably. 1048 steps all the way up
Some parts are very sketchy but there are signs for by pass. Highly recommend to by pass the sketchy area.

It was a very challenging hike to me at least. I’m an occasionally hiker, but all this steps on this hike was dreadful. Make sure you bring a water bottle!! The view was very peaceful and rewarding.

Very steep steps to top of Koko Head; if you have any issues wit heights or not very fit this may not be for you. If you make it to the top (30-90 minutes depending on pace) you are rewarded with a great workout and views. There is plenty of room to pull off to side and rest if needed.

This is not for those that are out of shape!!! Also, not for families with young kids. Without a doubt, it is a serious hike and you got to carry a lot of water. If you don’t, you will be in trouble. You also need proper shoes. Flip flops or sandals will get you in trouble. The “steps” are railroad ties that have been cut to a step in some places. Others are not cut. It is a solid hour to the top with stops. Down is about the same. There is very little shade so do it early or you will cook… and take plenty of water. At the top is beautiful as you can see Maui! Worth it at the top without a doubt!

Also, if Google Maps takes you to the botanical garden, you are at the wrong place! That happened to us…Apple Maps got us there no issues…

Koko Cráter Personal challenge.. wonderful views to Hanauma Bay and Hawaii Kai .. sort hike but very inclined! Is a physical challenge! 7 miles (1208 feet above the sea level/1.048 steps that will have you gasping for breath!! The reward: the amazing views.. start around noon .. slow pace ..enjoying.. took 3 hour up and down … unforgiving hike!!

Great workout - stair master 5000! It's not a 'hike' IMO and you DON'T need hiking shoes like some people here will tell you. Runners are just fine but would avoid anything less like sandals. That said, shoes with at least a little grip will help on the way down, especially if there's any rain.

My partner and I are by no means athletes, but both casual hikers (38yo from Vancouver, Canada). Going up took us 22-25mins, going down was around the same. My calves were burning for days after the descent :P

Great views from the top. We did it not long after sun rise and before our 9am reservation at Hanauma Bay (which I wouldn't recommend but that's another review). The weather was wet, windy, cloudy, then sunny so glad we both had rain shells with us as it made a more comfortable time at the top.

Beautiful place for sunset and sunrise 🌄 the view so amazing 😉 you can spend all day here !! It’s far from Waikiki need a car to get here

We went to this trail in Koko and we really loved it, it is a super emotional work of body, mind and spirit since you work a lot on emotions and you are very perceptive and the awareness of the need to understand situations in our lives is opened, the truth is I recommend it is beautiful and I recommend it as a life experience, I recommend it 100%

This railway trail is not a joke and definitely not for those with fear of heights. But for fitness junkies and those up for a challenge, Koko Crater Trail will absolutely be your cup of tea. After overcoming all the uneven steps with moderate to steep incline, sometimes with gaps too far and a drop at some point, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views. Take note, you can avoid the part with a drop in between the slabs of wood. Just make a slight detour to the right and it’ll lead you right back to the tracks. I must say, Hanauma Bay is quite the sight from up there. You just need to work for it first. And remember, what goes up, must come down. Don’t beat yourself up, take as many breaks as you can and soak up all the views you can get.

There’s plenty of free parking available and the trailhead is just a short walk behind the baseball field. I would go early morning or late afternoon when the sun is not too intense as there is no shade at any part of this hike. That said, hydrate well and make sure you wear sunscreen. Good luck and enjoy the climb!

Don't make the same mistake as me, as I arrived almost noon using public transport from Waikiki in addition to walking from the bus-stop to acces the Koko Head District Park ... it can be really exhausting with the direct sun and not many shade along the stairs .

No food or drink stalls in the vicinity, so better be prepared.

But once you are at the top, not only the view is amazing, is super windy too.

This trail is not fun. It's a slog, both going up and down. Going down is probably more dangerous, as the last third to the summit is STEEP! While the views are amazing from the top, I'd never do it again. If you're looking for a challenge, go ahead. But don't try it wearing sandals or flip flops.

The KOKO Crater hike is not for everyone. This is a great hike with a definite sense of accomplishment at the peak and believe it or not, after making it back down in one piece. The railroad ties are worn is some spots.
The second half of the hike is demanding given the steep incline and need to be aware of every step. I did see several hikers turn around at the half way point. This is unfortunate because the view is incredible. The trek down is technically more challenging. Take your time and pay attention to footing. This is for hikers in moderate shape. Definitely worth the climb

This is a very unique hiking experience. Its a steep and sometimes near vertical railway from WWII that leads to the top of Koko Head. There is a spooky bridge over a ravine that may be too much for some hikers, but there is a bypass that you can safely take. Bring water, there is no water at the trail and there is also no shade. I think opinions on this hike are split, but I was glad we did it.

We are family of four from New Zealand. We have two boys age 8 and 10. We made it to the top.

Before we went, I have been searching for long time about this trail. There is not much information about family/kids. But I saw so many young kids there, and many of them made it to the top - of course, it takes a lot more responsibility for the parents.

First, definitely go there in the morning. We uber to the bottom of the trail directly from Waikiki, and it costed about $20+. We arrived about 9am, and many people already finished.

Second, we didn't aim to finish, because we didn't know how hard it is. People say it is 10 times harder than Diamond Head. I disagree. It is not that super hard. maybe 5 times. We took lots of small breaks, and we went slow. A few of the super fit people were running up and down. I know. Lol... crazy... Most people went very slow. And you can come back down anytime you want.

Third, bring some water and refreshment.

Last but least, think about your whole trip. I was okay with the trail on the day, but the next few days I was very tried. I wish I had a massage or spa right after the trail. Therefore, if next time, I am just stopover a few days at Honolulu, and going to have another long-haul flight, I don't think i will do it again.

Anyway, it was a such beautiful family time.

Over 1000 steps straight up the side of Koko crater. If you’re looking for a good workout, this could be right for you. The trail does become steeper the higher up you get and can be quite tough on your knees on the way down so I might avoid this trail if you’re having knee problems. Though the view at the top is beautiful, it is not my favorite in terms of hiking as it is 1) an exposed trail, which can get very hot on the hike up and 2) not as nice as other hiking trails around the island in terms of how beautiful the trail itself can be. Furthermore, has mentioned earlier, this trail does become steeper the higher up you get and can become sketchy in some places, especially along the bridge section that is open below. There is a bypass route that you can take. I would recommend it if you have a fear of heights or poor balance. Overall, a solid trail for exercise, however, as far as hiking for enjoyment, and to simply be out in nature, there are far better trails.
5 stars as a workout
3 stars as a hike

The views at the top are gorgeous, but this is a tough hike of 1000+ stairs. Don't be ashamed to take breaks, everyone but the fitness freaks took breaks every 20-30 steps as you get farther up. Steps are steeper higher up than the top. But worth it!

super hard "hike"! you basically are climbing up rail ties for the second half of it, not for small children or people in poor health... but a great way to get a great work out in and soak up amazing views!

Hiked this trail about 5 years ago. Loved it then and was happy to go back with another couple and show them this amazing hike and experience. The stairs are hectic and a lot of people that do the hike are not fit enough. It was an extremely busy day this year with lots of small children and grandparents attempting the steep trek to the top and honestly they just get in the way. Definitely worth doing but not for the faint hearted. A lot of people take back packs with food and water, really not necessary it’s much easier to travel lightly and rehydrate back down the bottom. Try to go on a quiet day.

Great hike but a bit scary in some places. 360 degree view from the top is spectacular even on a rainy day!

This is the second time I tried it. The first time I made it to the trestle.
This time there was no stopping me. Made it to the top in just under 37 minutes. Very tough hike but the reward at the top with the stunning views is so worth it.
Be prepared. Bring water. There is virtually no shade either so time your walk up accordingly.
Enjoy. It is something else.

This was my first trip Koko Head trail. It took me 90 minutes to make it to the top.The rail road ties are uneven and some places there are holes and missing ties. Bring water the view is great from the top and be careful coming down because the forward momentum can overcome you. Take I slow going across the tracks hat go over a void below. Good climb have fun.

We attempted this our first full day in Hawaii. My husband made it all the way to the top, I stopped about half way up because of how steep it is to come back down. If you want a challenge this is where to find it.

I loved the idea of hiking this whole thing, but we decided to be sensible and not put ourselves in a dangerous position for coming back down.

View is gorgeous no matter how high you hike.

This is an intense hike (think stair master from hades with over 1200 steps!) and takes a lot of leg power going up and down. You are going to be sore, you may not make it all the way, be okay with that. Even the part way we climbed was worth it and I am glad we didn't push and go all the way because my legs would have been jelly coming down! They were super sore the next day as it was.

If you are super fit, you will probably be okay the whole way, sort of fit, you might get half way, not very fit, go a quarter of the way, look at the view and turn around for safety! And be sure to stretch after!

Basically a straight shoot up old railways tracks that have been converted to stairs. It is a great initiation hike into Oahu if you plan to do other hikes. This will be taxing on the quads and triceps to help break you in to real hikes that require a lot more effort.

Some will say this is a 'medium' or 'difficult' hike but that couldn't be further than the truth. Don't go 12pm onwards unless you want to have the sun beating down on you relentlessly.

You get the best leg workout of your life!! A 20-30 minute straight up climb. There is a portion of the trail that is open so be careful -you can fall through...no one ever mentioned that part! It’s an abandoned railroad track used in WWII to haul supplies and cargo up to the lookout pillbox bunkers. You’re stepping on the wooden ties and cement blocks. I recommend going before sunrise, take a headlamp and you will be rewarded with the most breathtaking panoramic view of Oahu, Hawaii!

Be ready for a difficult hike! Take lots of water, wear good shoes and light clothing. The views from the top are amazing. There are steep parts where you kind of have to crawl on the ties.

I would suggest doing this hike early in the morning when it isn't scorching hot. It's a short trail but very steep and you need to watch where you're stepping. I absolutely loved it. The view at the top is unreal. Completely worth the hike!

Trail is an exceptional workout. However, if you are out of shape this will be a very challenging trail. It was easy for me completed within 30 minutes, however I workout everyday at the gym. Over 1100 steps to go up. Once you reach the top spectacular views of the city and the beach. Take a water container, hat. Recommend trail for early morning or late afternoon to see the sunset

Challenging and very rewarding Hike ....views are spectacular! Take water especially if it is a warmer day . We went when there was cloud cover and only took 1 bottle with and that was enough . Going back down I think was more challenging being I am afraid of heights but so worth it!

Had to come back and do this one again. Definitely worth it for the views. It is hard but doesn’t take too long. All kinds of people and very busy. Bring water and wear sunscreen. Definitely give it a try.

This was a very tough hike. I went with a group of friends and only half of us made it to the top. When going make sure you do this as your first (or only) activity of the day because my friends did Hanauma Bay beforehand so we were exhausted before the hike. It is a great one-time experience because I prefer rocky hikes over stairs.

We were turned away at Diamond Head because we didn't have a registration # & what a blessing! If your like me, and you revel in a short, challenging and unique hike with a fantastic view... Then this is for you! Old railway track that was used to transport amo/equipment up the mountain offers the uniqueness. We climbed up in 30 min. including time for pics. I would recommend this hike to people who are not in great aerobic shape... Take your time & you'll eventually make it.

This was the hardest hike I’ve ever been on but the most rewarding! How often can a person say they climbed a volcano in paradise?! You do not have to be in the best shape because I wasn’t and I made it to the top-just bring water,snacks, and take your time. Also be very careful because the tracks are at some points gone or eroded and it’s easy to slip. Also thank you to the woman from Koko Koalition (fixing the tracks) who encouraged me on my way up struggling to keep going! I will be donating bc they are doing great work preserving it 😎🤙🏽

I consider myself a bit acrophobic (can never ride those crazy roller coasters) and after reading all the negative reviews, I almost gave up the idea of going to Koko Crater if not for my husband. Well, I'm glad he insisted. It turned out to be quite a fun hike! Yes,it is definitely not for everybody, but completely doable for most healthy folks. I finished the climbing in less than 20 minutes and even the elevated stairs were not so scared as I imagined - they were just a very short distance from the ground and even you fall, it doesn't look like you'll die or get seriously injured. The view on top was truly beautiful! We started from a bit after 6 am and were back to the parking lot before 7 am. It was cool throughout the hike and still not much crowded. BTW, I do CrossFit and didn't feel a thing after the hike. 100 burpees are way more exhausting;P

Nice to make your way to the top, after a short drive from the east side of the island. Wear appropriate shoes, and you are stepping, climbing up old railroad ties.

Yes, this is a tough 1.5 miles hike. We started between 730-8a and it took us maybe 40 or 45 mins to get to the top. My 7 year old rocked it. Views at the top were amazing.... that is the payoff. Coming down took us longer, we moved to side for faster hikers and our kiddo needing rest. There was/is a small beehive on one part of the tracks. Would definitely do this again.

Myself and my much fitter than me wife hikes koko crater in April 2019. We started the hike at about 640 am and got to the top in about 45 mins.

I have very average fitness and stopped maybe 5-6 times for a minute or so. The day we went was pretty windy but the views were amazing and we shared the track with other eager tourists and locals.

For us it was a once in a lifetime hike and we loved it. The top allows for great photos and the sun started beaming down on us at about 720 am and I would have hated to have had that beaming sun on us on the way up.

I actually found going down more taxing on the body then on the way up and 12 hrs post hike my quads are throbbing!

It was an amazing hike and highly recommend!

I went with my son and daughter. My son is the only one who made it to the top! It is a pretty steep climb which doesn't bother me but the ground is not well maintained so tough to navigate. There are railroad ties to hop on but they are spaced widely and some are broken so it gets a little scary for amateurs. The part I quit at was when the ground no longer was under the tracks! It was about 6-8 feet below! I figured if I slipped off the track I would plummet and injure myself! That is when my son left us and continued up. He reached the summit and said the view was amazing!!! Mind you, I saw other skilled athletes in bare feet or flip flops working this trail like it was the sidewalk in Honolulu! Crazy!! I would say just know you skill and limits!

This is NOT A WALK IN THE PARK! It is a hike in the beginning, but about 60% of the way up turns into more of a steep hike/climb. Not for fat and out of shape people like me, but I made it.
1) I took about 10 breaks going up.
2) Thank God I brought a liter of water.
3) About half-way through it turns into a bridge for approx. 40 feet where you can slip between the railroad ties, fall 10-15 feet, and break you leg. There are apparently ways of going underneath or to the side of this bridge-like area, but I did not explore those options.
4) I would go in early AM to watch sunrise and avoid sun and crowd.

Amazing hike - not for the faint of heart. Get there early to beat the crowd and take your time!!! It’s steep and difficult but we thought it was an awesome challenge with gorgeous views at the top. Definitely recommend if you’re a good hiker. I would NOT recommend going when it’s raining as the stairs get pretty slippery - all the more reason to go super early and catch the good weather/small crowds.

I live here in Oahu and this is my favorite hike/workout in the island. I always take my friends here visiting from the mainland and most of the time they question me why, why, why I’d take them here but I always tell them, it is so worth it when we get to the top (and I love seeing their smiling faces when we reach the top). Most of my friends that I bring here had the hardest time at the bridge, this is the infamous drop off. You will be walking over a 40-foot drop. So what I usually recommend if you decide to carry on, go on all 4’s and bear crawl it. There is also an alternative path around to the right side if you are scared of heights.

The trail itself does not have a lot of shade so bring plenty of water to hydrate and for cooling off. Go early in the morning or late in afternoon to avoid mid-day heat. I prefer sunrise hike, less crowded and weather’s perfect. Once on top, the views are amazing, 360-degrees view of water, mountain and coast.

It was definitely a great challenge which I knew wouldn’t be easy but definitely achievable average time to complete between 30 minutes to an hour. My wife and I completed the hike in 48 minutes.

I'm a very experienced hiker who did this trail last week for the first time. I do NOT recommend this hike for kids or younger teenagers, because the downhill portion is so steep that if you miss your foot placement on the railroad ties on the downhill, especially during the section where the wooden ties are about 10 to 12 feet above ground level, a sprained ankle would be a lucky outcome. The day I did it, March 25th, they were air-lifting a young person I later heard was 12 years old who went too fast on the downhill, tumbled, and broke multiple bones, including his leg. A medical rescue helicopter was hovering for about 10 minutes before they lifted him off the hill.

As for older people (over 60, like myself ), or people are not so physically active who are thinking about doing this, carefully consider your fitness and agility level. You can and probably will take rests on the steep uphill, but some parts of the downhill don't lend themselves to stopping easily. It basically requires about 1000 controlled lunges on the downhill for anyone who isn't long-legged or who (like me) no longer has youthful flexibility.

My friends and I decided to do Koko Head as something light to do in the morning before our helicopter tour in the afternoon (Hawaii first-timers). Things I wish I had known:

1) This hike is extremely physically challenging. I am a 37 year old relatively fit, tall man and was exhausted half way through.

2) You will MOSTLY be in the sun (unless you take time to step aside if you're lucky enough to find some shade), so GO EARLY (prior to 9am) so you don't burn and get overheated before having to come down.

3) Bring a gatorade (not just water) for the end or during the hike...I ate a big breakfast (mistake) and only brought water because, again, I didn't realize I was about to do the stair master for an hour. But also bring lots of water.

BUT, the views are AMAZING at the top, so it is worth it to do once, but I doubt I'll do it again because Hawaii is full of trails and we did not even scratch the surface.

We did this at 5am for sunrise, highly recommend to beat the heat and the people we were 4 out of only 6 people on the mountain to enjoy the sunrise so it was incredible. Its a tough climb with uneven steps so plenty of water and good shoes is a must, the climb is hard but so rewarding! such a beautiful view and peaceful looking over the mountains and ocean

I heard over and over again about what a challenge it is to climb this crater. So I had to try it. I huffed and puffed my way up, stopped a number of times to rest.

Meanwhile there was this guy who ran up passed me and ran down passed me again. Thinking he must do this every day.

The prize is the 360 digress view and of course a great work out

Just beware of the scary bridge with missing steps. You can go around it which is what I did going up but ended up on the bridge on the way back down. After two steps I realized that next step was missing and I had zero energy in my legs to make a jump. That’s when I noticed a young couple butt scooting over and figured there is no shame to do the same.

We went up right away in the morning to catch the sunrise colors. It is definitely a bit of a workout but the views are worth it. It took us about an hour and a half with plenty of time at the top taking lots of pictures. Once we got to the bottom my mom wanted to turn around and go back up already :)

Probably the toughest short hike I’ve ever done! Great feeling on reaching the summit and the views are amazing. You need to have a reasonable level of fitness and wear appropriate footwear!

Great hike! Start early, park opens at 6:30 am. Wear sunscreen and take water, water, water. The views are fabulous and the hike is so worth it! Considered hard. 1.8 mi. Enjoy!

Great hike in beautiful this natural Island paradise! Good for all ages, but a ridge trail is a bit steep at times for young children. The valley trail has great vistas and the ridge trail provides wonderful birds and vegetation. Ridge trail view from top may be impeded by clouds but it’s worth it to spend a few hours above Honolulu and out of the busy traffic and tourism! Aloha

One of the few free, but awesome adventures on Oahu. As everyone says...go early, take water, and for any weekend warriors..take your time and rest often, to make sure you get to the top. The look out is great.

Two days later, and my calves and quads are still burning, buy worth it.

Bring lots of water and a camera to take some beautiful pictures at sunrise or sunset. Have a decent pair of shoes so you don't slip. Also smile and enjoy the effort

At first glance the climb is very intimidating. However, once we applied ourselves mentally and started the climb we realized we could do. The best part of the climb is the amazing views at the top. Absolutely breathtaking!

Best View after a great Cardio!! The views were amazing! Water is a must. The way up is challenging depending on your athletic level. Don't recommend it for small children. Make sure its sunny. We were going to go when it was a bit dark and changed our plans. This would be dangerous if it's wet. If you are scared of heights make sure you think twice before going.

As someone mentioned, whe you do it once you will not want to do it again but it's sooo worth it! Definitely try to do it in the early morning. We started around 10:30am and it took us good 3hrs ...walking down was much more challenging than going up especially since by the time we were going down there was no shade and it was very dry and hot. Make sure to bring a LOT of water with you and some sports drinks- it helps! There is one part of the hike where wooden beams hang in the air and you can fall through them so be careful, just take your time and you will be fine! Views are awesome and it's super rewarding. We did it as our last hike for the trip and I am glad we did it this way as we probably would not bother with other hikes after this one. Definitely most challenging hike we did and we also did Pillbox and Diamond Head.

GO EARLY! The sun is glaring down on you the whole time. Saw people coming at noon and thought they were insane.
BRING WATER! At a couple points we felt like we might pass out. This is definitely not a walk in the park, it’s a serious workout.
GO AT A STEADY PACE! Someone told me this after the fact and I wish I followed it. It’s easier to go the same slow pace the whole time instead of rushing and stopping for breaks. It took us about an hour to get to the top, might take more or less time for others.
ENJOY THE VIEW! Even though we were miserable, we had a ton of fun and the view was worth it in the end.

My 16 year old and I were up for the challenge of this hike, but WOW, it was MUCH harder than expected. First, we went in the heat of the day (1 p.m.) ... would definitely recommend earlier or later. Second, we didn't have enough water (bring a few bottles). Third, we followed recommendations to park at Hanauma Bay State Park -- we were there snorkeling in the morning, so we thought we would just walk over -- but this added A LOT of extra steps that we should have reserved for the steep climb. There was plenty of parking in the lot right by the trail. The going was hard both ways. It took me more than an hour to get up 3/4 of the way (lots of breaks to catch my breath). My daughter made it to the top, but the last was the steepest and it took her about the same amount of time. Going down was a leg shaker (literally, our legs were trembling from the workout). Would I do it again??? No ... once was definitely enough.

The climb is definitely worth the effort. From below it looks worse than it is. We walked up in about 30 minutes at a normal pace (with short breaks). Personally, I found it much nicer than Diamond Head.

This is a fantastic hike but totally brutal. I'm in good shape and it was very challenging. Approximately a half mile hike with a 1000 foot gain in elevation walking on uneven railroad ties. Plan for at least a 25-50 minute hike up depending on you fitness level and those in your group. There is a convenient bus from Waikiki to Hanauma Bay that will get you very close to the start of the trail. Go early and then walk across the highway to Hanauma Bay for snorkeling.

This is for serious hikers only. It is over 1,000 steps and there are no facilities or concession stands. Take your time and bring water with you.

Very enjoyable hike. Fantastic views from the top. Challenging near the top so give yourself time and take a break while you enjoy the views. BRING WATER.

Short Review:

This hike is terrible!!!!

Long Review:

This hike is easily the worst hike on this wonderful island. Please don’t waste your time hiking 1,048 “stairs” (extremely slippery, loose, disgusting train tracks) just to see an overrated view. Even if you do survive the horrific hike to the summit, you will be so exhausted, sweaty and hot, that you won’t be physically capable of taking in the view. Not to mention, the view is overrated and not even remotely stunning compared to other views on other hikes. The worst part of this hike was realizing that I just wasted two hours of my life physically exerting myself to see nothing even remotely breathtaking. I work out 6 days a week, and this hike proved to be a strenuous, monotonous, and grueling challenge even for me. I can’t emphasize this enough: this hike is the most physically demanding hike and least rewarding hike at the same time - a dangerous combo you should avoid at all costs. Unfortunately, I will be waddling around tomorrow because of the extreme pain I’ll have in my legs and I will have to remind myself that this hike was all for nothing. Make sure you don’t make the same mistake I did by even considering to “take on” this terrible hike because even if you do complete it, you will realize that the hike defeated you because you just wasted two hours of your life.

Was it hard? - yes.
Was it worth it? YES!!
Walking this trail was one of the most challenging things I have done in quite some time.
I was excited to accomplish it!

Demanding trail is more difficult than it first appears. The base starts fine but further up it can get difficult with the climb and the trail condition. Uneven footing with the rail ties deteriorating. Saw some locals running it, but they are more athletic than you realize.
Beautiful view from the top as well as some WW II ruins.

Difficult and very steep at the top. My wife stopped 1/4 way up and was glad she did. Make sure and take the bypass if you don't like walking over open areas with a drop below. Impressive view from top. Go early and take sports drinks. Not suitable for small children.

Partly writing a review to warn others to be prepared before going up! My husband had to turn back as he wasn't wearing good footwear and it's a really challenging route. The distance isn't very far but it gets quite steep and the railroad tracks are really uneven in places (I slipped over a couple of times...) There isn't really any shade either so really important to take sunscreen and lots of water. Despite that, it's a huge sense of achievement to get to the top and the views were incredible!

Thoroughly enjoyed it. Haven't hiked in years but managed- just. Partner chose to stay midway as it does get much steeper as you get closer to the top. Definitely take water and good shoes and was extremely windy off the main tracks at the top by the cliff edge. Highley recommend.

My husband wanted to tame this hill, while I sat and waited--Hey, I'm ON vacation!
We got there around 10 am and it was already very warm. This park is quite primitive for those who wish to wait for hikers and there wasn't any place to sit other than on the lawn under a small shade tree. I brought a hat and umbrella and towel to spread out with magazines.
Bathrooms I heard were 'down the hill' and there is limited free parking.
You should be in good shape for this hike/climb. I heard the ties are falling apart in some areas. And a woman who came down complained to me she was hot, dizzy and exhausted. You are on your own in this area...and its right next to a gun range where you will hear bullets going off all day long.
You should have: Sunscreen, hat, large amount of liquid, (NO FLIP FLOPS), good shoes for climbing and wicking clothing should be worn (to cool you) rather than a cotton tee shirt. The bus literally drops you off across the street at Hananuma Bay (before it goes into the parking lot)...so get off at the top and cross the street. There is a small sign posted: Koko Crater, and you travel down a worn asphalt road to the trailhead.

My son’s family lives near Koko head and impulsively I went one midday. I didn’t feel all that well at about 900’ (of 1,000’) so I didn’t finish and just came back down. I’m short so the stairs were tougher for me then, say a switch back trail. Also, I felt insecurity with footing and had to be cautious, otherwise I envisioned slipping and damaging a knee or worse. Because I didn’t get to the top I can’t really give it a proper review, but I can say that the next time I’m over there, I’m bringing hiking pole(s). What I liked best was the exertion level by time as it has the right amount of both for me.

It's a set of abandoned railroad tracks the army used to winch supplies to the top of the crater, so the "steps" are actually over 1000 railroad ties - and they are spaced farther apart than a normal set of stairs.
About a third of the way up, you'll see a sign on the right that says "Safe Bypass." Don't take it; scrambling back onto the track is more difficult than staying on the rails.
Be sure you have water. I would suggest an energy bar, but you must have water.

You get a breathtaking view when you have walked the almost 1100 steps. This trail is not for small children, people with a fear of heights (there are sections where the old rails go over a kind of "ravine") or problems with the legs and hips.
The steps become very steep very quickly and as a result the trail is very strenuous. Once you reach the top, there is a platform from which you get a great view of Waikiki, the coast and Hanauma Bay. Selfiespot included. Even a little higher you can also look at the other coastline.
The bike is best outside of the heat times, so rather in the morning or afternoon. Ample parking is available at the trailhead. Plenty of water and sufficient time should be allowed.

It was a tough hike up. We went in the afternoon around 2.30 because we were around the area and didn’t want to wait till sunset. My sweat was dripping all over the tramway lol.

The views at the top and also on the way down were amazing. Totally worth the difficult hike in my opinion. The sun was behind the clouds when we started hiking down so if you want more shade, go around 4pm

I went there in an afternoon and soon realized that this is not the correct time to come here , you should be here early morning or late afternoon in order to avoid the sun.
This is a very difficult trial for people who are attempting it for the first time, u will feel u have achieved something after reaching the top of the trial.
Must visit trial for everyone.

Very nice trail with absolutely gigantic views from above. Some fitness, sturdy shoes and enough water should be brought. In the midday heat it is very exhausting. The view is worth it!

This is a great hike up KoKo head Trail to the top the vistas are amazing But be where the steps are treacherous these are old railway ties which supported railway tracks for these trolleys that would take munitions up to the big guns for the military back during world war two days if you’re not 100% up for the hike don’t do it . The fire department is up there once a week extracting people with ankle injuries .now they’re charging $1000 per person for extraction. 🤙🏼

This is strenuous! This is worth it! This is a hard trail. The views at the top and the accomplishment is worth it. Morning worked out as some of the hike will be shaded. Bring plenty of fluids and take breaks as needed.

It took me 3 hours up and down. The view on top is amazing. Take your time and rest frequently. Remember to bring enough energy drinks and wear a pair of good hiking shoes.

A workout. Totally worth it. One of the great quick hikes.

Do it at sunset. walk down in the dark.
Took me 20 mins and had to stop twice. About 100 other people doing it at sunset in October. It would be busy in peak season.

It was a lot of work getting to the top but it's manageable and worth the effort. You just need a couple hours to make it happen. Great views from the top!!

I don't hike very often and this hike definitely pushed my abilities but it was totally worth it. The views at the top of the trail were beautiful and it was cool to see some of the bunkers that were left.

This was worth every one of the 1,000-plus steps it took to get to the top. It wasn’t easy and I’m midway through a marathon training block right now. However, at the top you could see Maui, Lanai, and Molokai in the distance because the skies were so clear and the height we were at allowed it. If you’re physically able, 10/10 recommend it.

Go there early in the morning or later in the afternoon just when the sun is about to set. The trail can get pretty busy during the day as this seems to be a local and tourist attraction. There will be sections of the trail that are quite steep so ensure you wear comfortable shoes and bring at least 1L of water.

This hike was the most difficult one i've ever done. It's best to go early in the morning as I can't imagine what it would be like with the late morning / afternoon sun beaming down. However, this hike is worth EVERY SINGLE STEP. The views from the top will take your breath away. It's a great sense of accomplishment. Wear comfortable footing, wear a hat and bring lots of water and some snacks. Watch your footing and go slow. You'll feel great when you've finished!

Don't attempt this one unless you are in shape. Railroad trestles are sometimes far apart. But the view from the top is exceptional. Best I saw in Hawaii.

It was really unique and worthwhile! My partner and I couldn’t help but laugh at the ridiculousness of taking stairs up a mountain. It was challenging but a lot of fun

This is a different kind of hike, if you can call it that - mostly climbing over and balancing on railroad ties, which is fine going up, but one has to pay more attention coming down. The day we went it was quite crowded, but the views at the top were well worth it.

Are you up for challenge? This hike is one of my favorite for sunrise hike. The park is open 6a so need to park outside if planning to come earlier than that. Don’t forget to bring your flash light. It is approximately just over a mile round trip with a 1180 feet gain elevation to the summit. The stairs is about over 1 thousand steps and once you pass the bridge, the incline becomes more steeper. This will test your stamina and endurance. Good for cardio workout. Though, once you reach to top, it is very rewarding. Panoramic view of the windward side including Hawaii Kai up to Diamond Head. Just about 360 degrees view rather. Stunning view of the sunrise. Just a reminder, always stay safe and pay attention to your surroundings; don’t get too close to the edge. When climbing the stairs, pace yourself; you’ll get to the top eventually. And hydrate.

I went to visit my daughter and we had a great bonding and work out experience. Will do it again. Beautiful views.

Free hike. INTENSE! Do not plan to do this hike unless you are active and prepared. Not family friendly. Straight up. Steep and unstable ground. AMAZING Views! This will take you about an hour to go up and 30 min to get down.

This is a tough hike but WORTH the view at the top. I would say if you are not in shape don’t try it.

A challenging hike up many railroad ties, but well worth it. The views are amazing. about 1 mile up and took about 45 minutes....maybe 30 minutes coming down. Coming down was much easier, but a bit more terrifying as it is very steep. There is one point where it is more of a bridge and nothing underneath....I crawled with my hands on the tracks and feet on the ties....on the way back down, I noticed a sign that said this "bridge" was closed and to go around. There was no such sign going up.....

There were many people on the trail, but all was polite when passing or when you pass them. Most offer words of encouragement. Spoke with a lady that does this climb once a week as part of her exercise regimen. And, a younger man was going up for his 4th time as we were going down!

My family and I spent 12 days in Oahu and Big Island in June 2025. Our Koko Crater hike is definitely a top highlight, something we will be talking about for a long time! It took my kids (ages 16, 19, and 21) about 25 minutes to hike the 1000+ steps to the top. It took my husband and I about 40 minutes – which was my fault, I stopped often to rest, take photos, etc. (a.k.a. use taking photos as an excuse to rest more!) Some have reviewed this as a quick, easy hike. Those people would be perhaps locals who are used to it, and/or athletes in excellent physical condition. Some have reviewed it as “pure torture.” I wouldn’t go that far, but it’s definitely not easy. I would not recommend it if you do not regularly exercise. Most of the people I saw climbing Koko were young and fit. Those who were not struggled, even teens. I’m 48 years old and am more active than most people my age, just with bike riding and walking 25+ miles per week, and I did ok. But the first thing I saw at the top of Koko was a woman sitting crying. And the first thing I saw at the bottom on our way out was a fire truck and ambulance just arrived to help someone who had fallen and been hurt. A local nearby told us they average 3 rescues per day, and I believe it! Know what you are getting into. The 1000+ stairs are not true stairs, they are beams of wood spaced unevenly. And a couple of sections have beams of wood without ground in between them – just open air with a 20-30 foot drop down. There are no railings anywhere. Sometimes I needed 2 steps to do 1 “stair” just because of how far apart the beams were spaced, and I am 5’ 8” tall. The hike down is easier than up, but still difficult – you have to get into a rhythm. The view is spectacular!! I was excited to see cacti at the top! We could see the beautiful bay where we snorkeled that day, and the Koko parking lot was handy for us to walk from to snorkeling – we had a snorkeling reservation but their parking lot was full. I’m definitely glad I did this hike (I consider it a feat for a 48-year old woman!) but not sure I would do it again. Guess it depends how soon into the future I get the chance!

Wow! This was incredible! We went for sunrise and it felt amazing to be there and watch the sun comeuppance over the city and water. The views were amazing and we felt very proud of our hike. My husband considers this the highlight of the entire trip.

The downside was that it was not an easy hike. We hike in the Rocky Mountains in Canada and thought how hard can this be. LOL. The rocky mountains have switch backs. This is 1200 steps straight up. My husband who I have now accepted is in better shape than me got up in 25 minutes. I sent him up with the camera gear just in case I missed sunrise. For me it took about 45 minutes and I was tired at the top. I treated it like interval training taking breaks. Just consider your fitness level before going and allow for breaks. I basically treated it as a walk 2 minutes, rest 1 minute (hence why I took longer). Then plan for how much time you think you should get up If you are going at sunrise.

Overall it was worth every step! I made it for the sunrise and it took our breath away. The camera did not do it justice. Hope if you are a photographer you get some amazing shots!

I like to push myself on certain hikes and this a great one to test you. That said, I believe anyone can do it, but you just need to pace yourself and rush. Just turn around when you are out of gas and enjoy the view, then March on. They have pullouts to rest and sit if needed. One water bottle is enough, but a cool drink waiting for you in the car….🙏🏻👊🏼

I you are not afraid of heights and can focus well, take the railroad ties all the way up and down. If not, take the dirt trail pull-out for the section where the ties have a 40-50 drop underneath the gaps.

Once at the top, explore the different paths for the plethora of views.

It was the most brutal hike I have ever experienced. First half of uphill or trail was bearable. However the last half to the top was brutal. Some people were crawling and on their hands and knees.

The view from the top was excellent. Some people said it was well worth the brutal hike. The view was great but not worth the torture.

This is all my family did for that day. We went there early. We were so tired from the hike.

It’s hard to find. You need to search “Koko Head District Park” or 423 Kaumakani St, Honolulu, HI 96825