Koko Crater Railway Trailhead image

Koko Crater Railway Trailhead

Tourist attraction Hiking area

One of the Best Places To Visits in East Honolulu


Address

7604 Koko Head Park Rd #7602, Honolulu, HI 96825, United States

Website

noahlangphotography.com

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (1.4K reviews)

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Working Hours

  • Saturday: 6:30 am to 11 pm
  • Sunday: 6:30 am to 11 pm
  • Monday: (Washington's Birthday), 6:30 am to 11 pm, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: 6:30 am to 11 pm
  • Wednesday: 6:30 am to 11 pm
  • Thursday: 6:30 am to 11 pm
  • Friday: 6:30 am to 11 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: hike (43) trail (21) views (17) challenging (15) water (15) view (15) worth (13) time (12) recommend (11) steep (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Noah 1 year ago on Google
    The pictures don’t do it justice, it’s STEEP. You could experience vertigo. Overall: Delightfully challenging. And by that I mean excruciatingly difficult. Good grief was this ever a tough “hike”. Short in distance but long in duration, it can take hours to ascend if you aren’t already an athlete or strong of will. At even a reasonable fitness level this is HARD. I don’t understand people bringing children and babies to this trail. It’s the most arduous physical exertion you can find on a public trail on the island that is legal to access. It’s also free, yay. DO NOT ATTEMPT without water and a strong will. Yes super athletes can summit in just 15 minutes. It took us around 2 hours pacing ourselves and resting 16 times. There’s no Sun cover and there are dangerous abandoned structures at the top of the route. Don’t stand on them. Enjoy the view though because it’s magnificent. And don’t worry if clouds appear or it rains. Just wait a half hour and then it’ll be clear again! Going up between 7-11am is best to avoid the sun. Bring a light rain coat if you want to be mega prepared. Good hiking boots are NOT optional. So again in list form: -7-11am -water -camera/phone -light rain coat or stoic attitude -high quality hiking boots and socks -maybe even gloves if you want to do any scrambling on all fours as this makes it easier to ascend! -don’t bring your baby or young kids unless they’re super athletes. -NOT accessible or disability friendly in any way at all -parking is easy and free -you can donate to help conservation efforts by a QR code placed on the trail. Please other reviewers stop calling this easy. You are way above average fitness. I’m average fitness. It’s hard. Very hard. :)
    40 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 cody p. 1 year ago on Google
    What a challenging great hike. It's such a unique hike that will get you sweating quick. You can do it! Just take your time. Ive now done this hike mid day and this last time for sunrise. Sunrise was a cool experience. Hiking up in the dark was fun, I'd recommend a headlamp which I had. It was cool seeing the stars and hearing all the rosters go crazy off in the distance. Took me about an hour to get to the top I think, but I took a lot of breaks. Make sure you have water! I'd say 45mins to an hour is probably normal. Going down is obviously a lot faster. Sunrise was awesome. After this hike you will feel so accomplished!
    30 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Justin N. 2 years ago on Google
    I completed this hike a tad drunk and hungover from the night before. I did the hike in 24 minutes and 43 seconds. I am not a hiker (3-5 hikes a year), I was just really determined. This was my first sunrise hike and it was a very memorable experience. The view was amazing. I recommend bringing a solid flashlight and water for this hike (if you are also doing a sunrise hike). Half of my group didn't make it up the trail. I believe that if I can do it with tequila in my system, you can do it too! Highly recommend this trail.
    28 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sabrina H. 1 month ago on Google • 572 reviews New
    There is a free parking lot with about 20-30 parking spaces, about 5 minutes walk from entrance, more parking spaces at Koko head district park, about 10-ish minutes walk from entrance. For the people who don’t have strong legs like me, it took me about 70 minutes to go upstairs with lots of breaks and half hour to go downstairs. For my strong friend who exercises regularly, it only took him like 15 minutes for each way. With a hiking rod, it will be much easier, but I didn’t. The views at top on the right side were astounding, don’t miss it. I went hiking from 3:30pm to 5pm on Feb 11, it was pretty hot, not much shade all the way upstairs. Don’t forget to wear a hat or apply sufficient sunblock. If you are a fast hiker, it’s recommended to go there around 5pm, less hot.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Omar R. 2 months ago on Google • 326 reviews New
    Great stunning views and a killer hike. Definitely worth the work and effort. Arrive before 7 am and bring a flashlight because it is dark. There are small markers on the side of the trail (26) I believe. It took me a while to get to the top because I had to do a lot of stops but it was well worth it. The views were stunning. Free parking, no fees, just make sure to carry your own trash down with you.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Greecian K. 1 year ago on Google
    Wear a good pair of sneakers! I'm happy I did this! This was a challenging hike but the view from the top is worth it! I'm in good shape and exercise frequently but how steep this is, it worked me out. I had to take multiple breaks going up with how hot it was. Id bring 2-3 waters for hydration. My recommendation, eat a good breakfast and do this earlier in the day before it gets too humid. I felt so accomplished when I got to the top. The panoramic views were absolutely stunning and I felt like I was in top of the world. Going up was not a issue for me, but going down took longer as I used the steps like a ladder to get down. Plan on spending a couple hours here if you want to take your time.
    14 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jimmy A. 2 years ago on Google
    I underestimated this hike as it was a little more challenging than I thought but so worth it. The views at the top are amazing. Many people that walked by us are really friendly. You won’t regret going!
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Robert L. 2 months ago on Google • 99 reviews New
    A hard trail with a breathtaking view at the top. The trail is very steep, especially after the broken bridge (you can actually see the slope change from the bottom). Be prepared, wear the right shoes (hiking shoes highly recommend), and bring a lot of water. The trail is mostly unshaded so go early to avoid the scorching sun in the afternoon. The round trip takes ~1.5 - 2 hours There’s a broken bridge around the middle of the trail where the wooden planks are basically hanging in the air with no support. You could walk on them (it’s a short bridge) but I’d recommend going through the bypass right next to it. The view at the top is amazing and you can see both the south and east shore. The hike down is much easier. Avoid going on Saturday because there’s a shooting range near by and it’s only open on Saturday. You’ll hear the shooting sound throughout your entire hike even at the top. This is a pretty popular trail so expect to see a lot of people on the trail and spend some time to find parking. No entry fee or parking fee as this trail is within a recreational park Bonus (for reading my long review): The nearby Heavenly Island Style restaurant actually has a $2 off promotion for their lemonade if you show them pictures of your hike on that day
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andy S. 1 year ago on Google
    If you go to O'ahu and are at least reasonably fit, this is a must do experience. A really fit person could do it in an hour, I am reasonably fit and it took me two, with lots of picture taking at the top. This is a real experience and for me, once in a lifetime. It was well worth doing, both for the overall experience and the views at the top. There were a lot of people doing this from kids to retirees. I would suggest starting before 8am and make sure you have a hat and water.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael C. 1 year ago on Google
    Visited Oahu this past week and hiking Koko Crater was on my bucket list. This was one of the best hikes and experiences I’ve ever had. We arrived around 8 am and found parking by the baseball fields. Walking up to the tracks and looking up was intimidating, but we knew we could do it. The hike is challenging and you will break a sweat, even if you are in good shape. The tracks though are in really good condition for climbing. In one section there are just tracks and you can see an 8-10 foot drop. It is still safe but if you’re scared there is a dirt path you can take to go around. We took the tracks the whole way up. Made a few pullover stops for H2O, but eventually made it to the top. The views were breathtaking! I HIGHLY recommend if you are on Oahu, you do this hike! And don’t forget to look to the backside of the crater when you’re on top— the view on the back is so incredible too!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel T. 3 months ago on Google • 129 reviews New
    Visit: November 2023 An amazing fire at the top. It's 1000 steps to get up, where it gets quite steep at the top half. Definitely worth the hike though. There's also a strange mine shaft. As well, you can walk along the Crater, which I didn't know you could do, so if you hike to the top, make sure you do that as well! Took about 40 minutes for me to go up, and about 15 minutes down. Be careful on a rainy day
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Valeria C. 2 months ago on Google • 19 reviews New
    Breathe taking views from the top, but 10/10 physically challenging. I did it while carrying my 10 month old! The earlier you get here the better parking you get, it fills up pretty quickly. It’s a challenging hike up the stairs but take your time, water, and make sure to enjoy your surroundings. Also recommend getting an early start to avoid direct sunlight since it’s not shaded - best advice I read from another review. (Started at 5:45am and got to the top at 6:45am per picture time stamps)
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christina S. 7 months ago on Google
    Oh my gosh this is a fabulous hiking trail, especially if you enjoy Stairmaster training. Fun fact every 100 steps there’s a marker on the rail, total steps 1044 according to avid hikers. The views are breathtaking which is expected for HI. I consider this easy on a scale of 1-10, it would be a 3 or 4 for difficulty. If diamond head is considered challenging for you then this would crush your soul. There are folks who do this trail 2-5 times in a row!! Great workout for sure😊
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michelle K. 5 months ago on Google
    It's a challenging hike, but definitely doable! My husband and I went up and down carrying our little 2.5 year old daughter who is about 13 kg. On the way up we traded back n forth, which was the hardest of the hike. He held her in him arms as I piggy backed her up. On the way down I held her. And it wasn't that challenging, just have to side step majority of the way down for safety. Definitely took the little bypass ;)
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Pras M. 1 year ago on Google
    Great workout but boy did I underestimate how steep this was. It's not ideal if you have vertigo or scared of heights but it's such a good hike that's guaranteed to get your body working and sweating all those calories off. Make sure you have enough water and get an early start to avoid the crowds and heat. The views from the top is just oh so rewarding.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Erin J. 6 months ago on Google
    What an experience! 1,000 steps to breathtaking views of downtown Waikiki and the beach. Aim to go earlier in the morning as there is little to no coverage from the sun. Bring lots of water too! Expect a steep incline towards the top - last 200ish steps. These are not stairs, but railroad tracks up the side of a mountain.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Russ L. 1 year ago on Google
    Koko Head Trail is a popular and the ultimate stair master workout. It's a steep way up and absolutely brutal to your legs. But like most hikes in Hawaii, the views on tip will make this hike worth it. You will have a full panoramic view of Hanauma Bay, the eastern side of Oahu and Diamond Head. I recommend to hike the trail in the morning, otherwise it's gets too hot. It's a popular hike, it does gets very busy especially on weekends.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Murray M. 2 months ago on Google • 101 reviews New
    Amazing hike, very difficult though as it’s a strenuous hike with the heat. I did this mid day during the most intense heat. I’d recommend doing it during cooler hours. You should be in good shape with no health issues. Bring lots of water and electrolytes. Views at the top are incredible.

  • 5/5 Ravi T. 3 months ago on Google • 94 reviews New
    The hike is hard, but the views are definitely worth it. Take enough breaks if needed and just go at your own pace. In the end, you get to see the most beautiful view that Oahu has to offer. This was our best hike on the island of Oahu.

  • 5/5 Frieda T. 1 year ago on Google
    Great view at the top! Going up is much harder than going down, so don’t get discouraged when you climb up. ✔️Bring a lot water ✔️Wear a pair of proper shoes ✔️Starting the climb as early as possible In the morning, there is shade before 8 am for the sun hasn’t turned to the railroad side yet, so early climb is much more comfortable.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vicky N. 2 years ago on Google
    The hike lives up to it’s name. It definitely challenging. Most take between 20 mins to an hour depending on your fitness . But if you do it few times it gets easier each time. The trail gets busier by the time also tougher with sun. So, I recommend doing it early.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mark H. 1 month ago on Google • 49 reviews New
    Great hike with spectacular view at the top. The hike is short but demanding. Make sure to spend some time at the top and seeing the coastline and ocean. Great photo spots just off from the main vantage point. I was surprised how many people went up 95% of the way but didn't really enjoy the panoramic view at the top!

  • 5/5 Gabrielle S. 1 month ago on Google • 47 reviews New
    Very challenging hike, only slightly easier on the way down but still very steep. It would be very difficult for anyone not used to working out on the stair master! I would not take small children. The views were incredible and worth it. My husband and I were up and down in about 1.5 hours stopping at the top for pictures.

  • 5/5 German R (. 2 years ago on Google
    Challenging but the view is worth it. Remember there's no shame if you have to take a few steps and then take a break I know I did. It was fun and enjoyable I went with running shoes so wear confortable shoes, take a cap for the sun and even sunscreen lotion and water. Going up & down there's a part where it's off the ground I took the bypass since it felt like a safer option. Once up there enjoy the scenery.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 William E. 1 month ago on Google • 41 reviews New
    Always have loved this hike. Make sure you stretch. Get ready for a natural stair master. The hike begins at a low slant and then quickly increases in incline. Eventually it will feel as if you are just going up. Going down may seem easy, but it also is challenging on your knees and calves. My wife had to climb down backwards and crab walk in other areas because her legs were shaking. Be ready! The views are worth it though! So take your time.

  • 5/5 Paige F. 4 months ago on Google
    Please don’t bring your kids … I watched a few couples turn around with screaming/tired and terrified toddlers. It gets very steep- and if not for their sake, for the courtesy of others who have to wait- watch or help you . This view from the top is gorgeous and worth every step! Bring sun screen and water. Enjoy!

  • 4/5 Krausey 4 months ago on Google
    A shorter hike, took me 17 to jog. Is made up of wood steps held up by railway tracks. Is steep in some places, there is a bridge that you have to avoid 2/3 of the way up which is clearly marked and the bypass is to the right (clearly marked) To get the very top there is a short sketchy bridge which is the most intimidating part but everyone there did complete it including the older folks. Amazing views from up top, of not just the crater but of 30% of the shore surrounding the island and the small cities. Make sure to bring water, does get quite hot on the trail even on cooler days. I went on a Tuesday and 2:20 and only maybe 20 people on the entire trail.

  • 5/5 Erica K. 4 months ago on Google
    This is a great workout. 1k stairs straight up. It does get very crowded and parking will fill up. It can be steep in some sections and there are several bridges. Make sure you have plenty of water as there is a lot of sun exposure. The modifications that were made to secure the trail are good but the viewing platform at the top is a joke and a waste of money.

  • 5/5 Ted S. 5 months ago on Google
    Overall the trail was a little difficult. If you’re in fairly decent shape you should not have that much difficulty getting up. At some point it gets pretty steep and that’s when it is really challenging. If you can push yourself to get to the very top it is absolutely worth it. The view was amazing.

  • 5/5 Albert V. 1 year ago on Google
    I hate and love this hike because it was difficult and rewarding (the view at the top was breathtaking) at the same time. Make sure you wear proper shoes (not crocs or flip-flops) and bring a lot of water and snacks (to refuel at the peak). I recommend you go early when the sun is not completely out (bring a hat or wet sport towel) because the heat can make the hike more difficult.

  • 5/5 Crystal D. 1 year ago on Google
    Great sunrise hike. It is a challenging hike that I had to do twice. On the first day I only made it halfway. I turned around once I saw the railroad tracks with nothing underneath. Looked like a 10ft free fall drop to me, but probably only 5ft. I chickened out, turned and went back to the hotel. Then I decided to go back again and complete the hike. I’m so glad I did. The views were amazing, the sunrise was breathtaking, it’s free and it wasn’t crowded at all. There is a bridge bypass you can take besides the hallow railroad. Which is what I took coming back down. Going up the railroad tracks when its dark didn’t seem as scary the second time. This should definitely be on your list if you’re in Honolulu!


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Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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