Hanauma Bay Ridge Hike image

Hanauma Bay Ridge Hike

Tourist attraction Hiking area

👍 This hike is known to some as Kokohead Ridge Hike (always confused with Koko Crater Stairs). It is technically illegal and you could receive a ticket but I haven't heard of anyone receiving one in many years. If not for that, I'd give it 5 stars. It's a challenging hike with many ups and downs if... People often mention hike, Hanauma, easy, views, Koko, paved,


Address

7381 Kalanianaʻole Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96825

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (215 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 6:30 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: 6:30 AM to 5 PM
  • Tuesday: 6:30 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 6:30 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 6:30 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 6:30 AM to 5 PM
  • Saturday: 6:30 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: hike (24) Hanauma (10) easy (8) views (8) Koko (7) paved (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Michelle L. 4 years ago on Google
    This hike is known to some as Kokohead Ridge Hike (always confused with Koko Crater Stairs). It is technically illegal and you could receive a ticket but I haven't heard of anyone receiving one in many years. If not for that, I'd give it 5 stars. It's a challenging hike with many ups and downs if you do the entire loop. At the point furthest toward the point, you can go down and find the lava bridge but ONLY in low tides and calm surf. Otherwise you can go look but do not get near, as others have died trying to make it over the bridge. You follow a nice paved path until near the top where you veer off on a old lava flow down the mountain. It's easy to follow and there are a few routes but most lead to the same place. Parking is easiest at Hanauma Bay or down the hill.
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chris S. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice paved trail all the way to the top of the ridge. If you want to do the complete loop out to the ocean, it's quite steep and rigged - bring plenty of water and good hiking shoes. Beautiful views.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Leah O. 1 year ago on Google
    This was a really nice paved hike. A lot of uphill walking, bring lots of water because there is no shade! Parking was a hot mess but we ended up parking in the neighborhood before Hanauma Bay. It was also very windy, our daughter was in our backpack carrier and I could tell the wind was bothering her eyes. I would not recommend a stroller for this hike because of the incline.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Allison S. 4 years ago on Google
    Okay, so we were using the AllTrails app to do this hike. Now, the app has the loop marked in red like all the other hikes, but this one took us all the way to the edge of the cliff, with no way to cross to the other side. We did find notches in the cliff with ropes on the ground, so we're assuming those were to climb up to the other side. We knew we were going off of the paved course before we started, but we weren't expecting what we got. That said, it was absolutely beautiful. We saw honu, birds, cacti, flowers, etc. Take lots of water, sunscreen, and wear good shoes.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael H. 2 years ago on Google
    We hiked down to the Rock bridge and it was super worth it. I would suggest bringing hiking sticks if you are going to attempt the rockbridge portion. Other than that, it's a easy hike with a few steep portions but mostly quite navigable.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sarah J. 1 year ago on Google
    Good hike about 2.5 miles if you go down all the way to the water. There are some really steep parts, but the view is beautiful! Its not super hard took about 3 hours, it was a little hard for the adults, but the 6 year old did great, so most people should be able to make it. It’s a fun hike overall l would recommend.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Phil O. 2 years ago on Google
    Easy hike. Parking is tough. Lovely views.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cheryl H. 1 year ago on Google
    This is an semi easy hike that has the most gorgeous views!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vitali H. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful hike. If you go the cyclic route, it will take around 2 hours. We parked at Nawiliwili st and went up the hill till the chained road. The trail is to the left of the chain. Be careful, there is a sign saying that this is a government's property and trespassing is prohibited. We noticed it only on our way back. It seems like the only way to go on the hike legally is going from the official Hanauma Bay parking which you need reserve in advance.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Syd D. 6 years ago on Google
    This hike is incredible! My boyfriend and I were just walking around Koko Head area and found this trail. This hike is mostly elevated on the way up but way easier than Koko Head! This place is amazing for sunrise or sunset. I wouldn’t recommend it for during the day since it can get very hot and Hanauma Bay beach is usually very crowded (not great for pictures). You can see so many different points of the island from there it’s amazing! Definitely one of my favorite easy hikes on Oahu!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dan G. 3 years ago on Google
    This is a restricted area due to the cell phone towers at the top. Many people still go there and have treated it respectfully. The hike itself is rather steep and quite enjoyable; round trip from the Koko Head district park is about 4 and 1/2 mi if you do the loop that takes you down by the ocean. Last time I was there we saw several whales and some local bird species that I could not identify. Good fun
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 take t. 7 months ago on Google
    Beautiful vistas. Perfect for sunrise or sunset. Wide asphalt to gravel. Not too hard but not easy either. Take the side trails to the cliff areas and reconnect at the summit for a loop hike. Good solid workout and lasting memorable views. Good for hiking with pals.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sandhya M. 2 years ago on Google
    Visited Saturday, 29th January 2022 The hike was fairly easy; it can be done in 30-45 minutes round trip. There is a bit of an incline but nothing too strenuous. We had same-day reservations to Hanauma Bay Preserve beach, so we parked in that parking lot and walked to the "trailhead" located at the intersection of the main road and Hanauma Bay access road. Upon entry, there are warning signs that caution 'Government Property, No Trespassing' yet EVERYONE avoids those signs. The trail itself is not anything magnificent. However, at various spots, there are amazing views of Hanauma Bay, Koko Head, and Hawaii Kai.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Shawn S. 5 months ago on Google
    An easy family friendly hike. Best to hike in the morning before the sun gets to high in the sky. Bring some water too. The hike is all up hill on a paved, single lane service road. Hike up about 20-30 minutes or so & you'll start seeing beautiful ocean views overlooking Hanauma Bay. You can park at Koko Head District Park after they open at 7am and walk up their service road toward Hanauma Bay. Cross Kalaniana'ole Hwy in the designated cross walk. It's only 2 lanes but, it can busy! If you hike before sunrise, you'll need flashlights!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 jason p. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing hike with a view that keeps beginning more impressive the further you walk along. It's paved for the first half, and rocky for the second half. Lots of great photo ops. Parking is a challenge so time yourself wisely.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Noah 1 year ago on Google
    Far easier than the stairs just a quick skip to the north, the Ridge provides a lovely set of views without destroying your knees and ankles and will to live.

  • 5/5 Raquel M. 5 months ago on Google
    I've done this hike two times now. This hike is very easy just in direct sunlight, so it can be hot. I've done it in the summer and in November as well. And it was windy both times, which is nice. It is an inclined walk on a pathed path. Beautiful views of Hanauma Bay, Koko crater, Hawaii Kai, and Diamond head.


Open on Google Maps

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Tourist attractions nearby

Diamond Head State Monument image
1
Diamond Head State Monument
Park
A trail leads visitors to the summit of this volcanic tuff cone & former fort with panoramic views.
4.70 (15K reviews)
Koko Head District Park image
2
Koko Head District Park
Park
Sprawling collection of sports fields, gardens, picnic areas & stairs climbing a volcanic crater.
4.70 (7.2K reviews)
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve image
3
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Nature preserve
Known for it’s snorkeling, this beachfront protected park offers a coral reef & diverse marine life.
4.60 (6.6K reviews)
Halona Blowhole Lookout image
4
Halona Blowhole Lookout
Tourist attraction
From this lookout, visitors can see ocean water shoot 30 feet into the air from a lava tube.
4.70 (5.2K reviews)
Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden image
5
Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden
Botanical garden
400 acres of tropical plants along with a man-made freshwater lake, hiking trails & camping.
4.70 (5.1K reviews)
Last updated:
()