Walking Between Koko Head and Hanauma Bay?

Question

Hello - we are thinking of trying to do the Koko Head Rail Trail for sunrise and then check out b Hanauma Bay Friday morning before boarding NCL Pride of America Saturday am.

They look reasonably close on a map. Wondering if we Uber to the trailhead and hike up and down for the sunrise if we can walk over to Hanauma Bay if we are able to score reservations.

Thanks for any advice.

John

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Answer

Hi John,

It’s great that you're planning to do the Koko Head Rail Trail for sunrise — the views are incredible! As for walking from Koko Head to Hanauma Bay, here's what you should know:

The distance between the Koko Head Rail Trail and Hanauma Bay is about 1.5 miles (2.4 km), and while it’s not an overly long walk, it is important to consider a few factors:

Walking Distance: The walk itself from the Koko Head trailhead to Hanauma Bay can be done, but it's a bit of a trek, especially after hiking up and down Koko Head. The path is mainly along a road with no sidewalk for much of the way, so it’s not the most pedestrian-friendly, especially if it’s sunny and hot in the morning.
Time Consideration: It would likely take you around 30–40 minutes to walk from the Koko Head trailhead to Hanauma Bay, depending on your pace. However, after the strenuous hike up and down Koko Head, you might find it more tiring than you expect.
Road Conditions: The road between Koko Head and Hanauma Bay is a regular, fairly narrow road with no designated pedestrian pathway, so it's important to stay cautious of traffic. There are limited areas for pedestrians to walk comfortably.
Hanauma Bay Reservations: Make sure you have your reservations for Hanauma Bay before heading over, as they are required and often book up quickly. If you’re lucky enough to secure a spot, you should have plenty of time to enjoy the bay after your hike.

If you're set on walking, I would suggest checking the time it takes for your hike to see if you can fit it in. However, it might be more practical and less exhausting to take an Uber or a short drive from the Koko Head trailhead to Hanauma Bay after your sunrise hike. That way, you'll be able to relax and enjoy the bay without worrying about getting too tired before your day continues.

Overall, it's definitely possible to walk, but the practicality of it depends on how much time and energy you have after the strenuous Koko Head hike. Taking an Uber is probably your best bet if you're looking to save energy for the bay and your upcoming plans with the cruise.

Enjoy your trip to Oahu, and have a fantastic time at both Koko Head and Hanauma Bay!