Koko Head Hike

Location: 800 Kalanianaole Hwy Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96825
Distance: 0.7 miles
Elevation: 1208 ft
Number of times hiked: 2

Koko Crater is on the east side of Oahu in the Hawaii Kai neighborhood. The hike takes your from the Koko Head District Park at the bottom of Koko Crater to it's summit. The trail isn't very long, about 1K (1100 yards) but the challenge is the elevation rise of 1,200 feet. The top of Koko Crater provides an awesome 360deg view of eastern Oahu and the Pacific which makes the hike worth the effort. There is a rail track going up the entire trail and hikers walk on the rail cross ties. There is also a 30 foot rail bridge that can be tricky for some. Koko Crater is often mistaken for Koko Head which is actually at another location close to the Hanauma Bay and Portlock area of Hawaii Kai and tops out at 640 feet. Parking at the name of the park called Koko "HEAD"
District Park compounds this confusion.

A view from Kalanianaole Hwy

Along the paved road that leads to the stairway to hell.

At the bottom.
A view from 200th step.

The dreaded bridge - Bridge-like portion of the Koko Head Trail Hike.

A view from the top of the stairs

Hikers on top of the used to be a heliport.

A view of the Hanauma Bay

A view of the botanical garden inside the crater.

A view of Hawaii Kai

Going back down -it was easier than coming up but way scarier.

Going through the bridge

And we are done--my daughter was ecstatic that it was finally over.

Don't let the height of the stairs scare you. Anybody can do it, we saw a 4 year old did it, just take your time! The first time I hiked Koko Head, I probably stopped more than 10 times and I enjoyed it. I was tired and in pain but that didn't stop me from doing it again 2 weeks after with my cousin.

Rest and sit down when you are tired and enjoy the view. Always give way to the hikers that are coming down, this will also give you another reason to stop and rest :). Don't forget to bring water and make sure you alternate legs when coming down other wise you will have one leg that is more painful than the other one the next day.

Kaena Point - Best offshore hiking on the island

On the western tip of Oahu is Kaena Point. This dramatic lava shoreline is said to be the place where souls of ancient Hawaiians would jump off into the spirit world and meet the souls of their ancestors. With scenic views of the Waianae coast to the south, Mokuleia to the north, and the vast Pacific, it's easy to see why this point was deemed so sacred.

The only way to get to Kaena Point is by hiking. There are two trailheads: From the south side, or Leeward Coast side, begin your hike from Kaena Beach State Park. From the north side, or Mokuleia side, drive to the very end of Farrington Highway and park at the trailhead. This is a long and notoriously hot hike, so bring plenty of sunscreen and water. Hazardous conditions make any water activities extremely dangerous and are highly discouraged.

Above: Monk Seals resting at the tip of Kaena Point.

Above: Ka'ena State Point Park

Above: The parking lot. We were the first ones to get there. We wanted to start the hike early tp avoid the heat.

Above: The view of the mountains as soon as we got out of the car.

Above: Very muddy trail, it rained the night before so make sure you wear appropriate shoes (i.e. old running shoes). I wasn't very happy wearing my running shoes.

Above: Hidden beach, a mile from the parking lot. This was a big surprise for us.

Above: Hidden Beach (not so hidden anymore, you will see litter everywhere).

Above: Our second stop-- a cove.

Above: The reason why you have to wear appropriate shoes. They were too many of them left lying around.

Above: It got drier as we got closer to the point.

Above: Another stop.

Above: There is a big and long fence protecting the animals at Kaena Point. Dogs are prohibited.

Above: We had to go through a double door before we can get in the coastal reserve.

Above: You will find animal traps to protect the protected wildlife inside the coastal reserve.

Above: Tip of the point

Above: White rocks and lava rocks.

Above: Heading back.

Above: Plenty of car parts are left at the trail due to off road driving.