Is Koko Head Trail Worth it? A guide for one of the best hikes on Oahu

Koko Head Trail is 1,048 railroad tie steps up the side of a volcanic crater in southeast Oahu. It’s steep, fully exposed, and usually hot taking most people about an hour round trip. At the top you get 360-degree views of Hanauma Bay, the windward coast, Diamond Head, and on a clear day, the neighboring islands. It’s free, no reservation needed, and the parking lot opens at 4:00 am for people who want to catch sunrise. The short answer to whether it’s worth it: yes, obviously, but go early and bring more water than you think you need.

To hike Koko Head trail or not to hike?

It was late in the day. To emphasize just how late, the sun was already starting to put on a particularly dramatic show of warm golden tones muted by a light smattering of clouds. That meant less than an hour until sunset and sunset in Hawaii doesn’t linger. It was officially too late to Koko Head trail. A hike that was estimated to take an hour and a half. We hesitated, but it was New Year’s Day, and a first-day-hike is tradition. After finishing our last errand (aka dropping children off at their various activities), we rushed to the Koko Head trail head to see how far we could get. It loomed over us from the parking lot looking impossibly steep – maybe half way?

Is Koko Head Trail Worth it?

In the parking lot a harried mother frantically ushering two small children approached a couple just returning from their hike. “Is Koko Head trail worth it?” she implored. It seemed they were getting a late start as well and were looking for an excuse to turn back. The German couple stoically replied that “it was, perhaps, the best hike on Oahu”. Hearing that, we picked up the pace and hurried to the trailhead.

About Koko Head Trail

The Koko Head trail hike is an out and back hike that follows an abandoned railway up the side of Koko Head Crater. The trail consists of just over 1,000 “steps” made from wooden railroad ties, forming a steep incline leading to the summit where you’re rewarded with 360° views.

A Bit of History

This unexpected tramway was built during World War II by the U.S. Army which used it to access a defense installation at the summit. It changed hands and purpose over the years before being deactivated and abandoned in 1966. Ever since it has gained popularity as a unique hiking trail in Oahu.

Is Koko Head Trail Dangerous?

Without maintenance, Koko Head tramway fell into disrepair making it a dangerous hiking trail. As the trail continued to increase in popularity, so did the injuries and rescues. In 2020, a local Koko-Head-trail-loving group formed a non-profit called Kokonut Koalition. They planned, organized and raised money for repairs making the trail much safer. However, rescues are still common; primarily for 2 reasons –

1. It’s an intense cardio workout and some people over-estimate their abilities.
2. The trail is fully exposed and usually very hot under the blazing tropical sun.

Preparing for a hike up Koko Head Trail

How to Get to Koko Head Trail

Koko Head trail is located in southeast Oahu, Hawaii about a 20 minute drive from Waikiki. Ample, free parking is available inside Koko Head District Park. In late 2023, they installed automated park gates allowing early parking access (now 4:00 am) for pre-dawn hikes.

• Koko Head District Park: 423 Kaumakani St., Honolulu

Koko Head Trail – All the Details

• Parking lot hours: 4:00 am – 11:00 pm
• Bathrooms: Yes, well maintained bathrooms in the park
• Fee: Free, no reservations needed
• Distance: about 1.6 miles roundtrip; 1,048 “steps”
• Average time: About 1-2 hours roundtrip
• Elevation gain: About 1,000 feet
• Conditions: Fully exposed, hot, crowded
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Restrictions: No dogs allowed

When to Go

Although Koko Head Trail is open year-round, I think it’s best in winter when temperatures are a little cooler. Better yet, make the hike at sunset (or sunrise) for even cooler conditions and better views. Don’t forget your camera! Avoid hiking in the rain (or after rains) when the trail can be slippery.

What to Pack

Go light. This is a short hike but a hot one. Water is the non-negotiable — bring more than you think you need, especially if you’re going midday or in summer. Good shoes matter more than people expect: the railroad ties are uneven and the spacing is irregular, so anything with a real sole beats sandals. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, a sun shirt) is essential since the trail is fully exposed from bottom to top. Bring a headlamp if you’re hiking before dawn or after sunset — the parking lot opens at 4:00 am and sunrise crowds are real. Snacks for the summit are worth it. That’s it. Don’t overpack.

Safety

Hiking can be dangerous, and not every trail is a good idea for every person. Keep your personal fitness and skill levels in mind, and always take proper precautions when venturing off road. Heed “no trespassing” and other warning signs.

On the Trail

A dirt path leads from the parking area to the foot of Koko Head trail. Immediately, you’re greeted by the railroad ties that will act as your stairs to the summit. Take it easy, stepping off to the side to let others pass.

The Tramline Bridge and Murphy’s Bypass

About a third of the way up the trail you’ll run into the tramline bridge, a section of the railway that passes over a ravine. The railroad ties are still there, but there’s nothing under them but air. It’s not a big drop and not a long stretch but if you want to avoid it, follow the signage for “Murphy’s Bypass”.

A Delightful Camaraderie

As you approach the summit your ascent becomes steeper and sweatier. Numbered coconuts along the trail will give you a morale boost by letting you know you’re getting close. Take breaks often and encourage those around you.

Koko Head trail is one of the most popular hikes on Oahu (second to Diamond Head) with 275,000 hikers annually so you won’t be alone. It’s about an equal mix of visitors and locals spanning a wide range of ages. A surprising number of families make the trek to the summit including babies and toddlers on backs. You will see parents encouraging their children to keep going as well as children encouraging their parents to keep moving. But the trail isn’t just for the young. One 70-year-old woman I met on the trail told me she hikes the trail every weekend.

The trail is equally varied in fitness. Some use the hike as a training ground, sprinting up and down Koko Head trail; often with weighted packs. In contrast, the trail was littered with hikers who were abandoned at various points along the trail while their more enthusiastic partner carried on. Most, slowly sweat their way to the summit but the overall feeling on the trail is positive. It feels as if we’re all in this together.

At the Summit

Starting so late, I didn’t think we would actually make it to the summit, but even with breaks and moving slowly it only took 25 minutes (sprinters can do it in under 10 minutes). We were immediately greeted by a festive atmosphere. People were sprawled out along summit taking in the sunset views. Someone had carried a Christmas tree up earlier and secured it to the new viewing platform. Delighted hikers took turns taking photos with it.

From the summit you can see –

• Maunalua Valley
• Diamond Head and downtown Waikiki
• Hanauma Bay
• Inside Koko Head Crater
• The windward coast including Makapu’u Point Lighthouse
• On a clear day you can see Mokokai, Lanai, and sometimes even Maui and Hawaii Islands

As we explored toward the inside of the crater, we witnessed a rain squall form in the valley below. It traveled into the valley and when it met the setting sun over Kamehame Ridge it formed a brilliant double rainbow. But our time was up. We had kids to pick up so we raced back down the crater – at least as fast as my old knees could manage. Surprisingly, there was a lot of post-sunset traffic hiking up to the summit for moonrise. Despite the strenuous climb, it’s well worth the rewards.

Tasty Eats Nearby

• Sprout makes a tasty sandwich. You can even order your sandwich online from the parking lot, swing by to pick it up and enjoy it at a nearby Waialae Beach Park or Diamond Head Beach.
• Boarded Up by Chubbies. This adorable burger diner offers simplicity nostalgia and the best fries I have ever eaten. Bonus, they’re open late so it’s a great post-sunset hike dinner.

Explore More – Beyond Koko Head Trail

• If you want to hike more of Oahu, check out these family-friendly hikes near Waikiki.
• To explore the inside of the crater you viewed from above head to Koko Head Botanical Garden.
• Or try an alternative crater with Koko Head views at the less crowded Hanauma Bay Ridge Hike.
• Cool off at the beach at nearby Sandy Beach Park or Halona Cove.
• Adventurous families and couples are the most fun to photograph! Let Little Bird Photography + Films customize a fun photo session for you making memories under the warm Hawaiian sun.

Family Photos Near Koko Head

The southeast corner of Oahu doesn’t get as much attention for photo sessions as Kailua or the North Shore, but it’s worth considering. The coastline from Koko Head down to Halona Cove is dramatic in a way that’s different from anywhere else on the island. If you’re spending time in this part of Oahu and want to turn it into something you’ll keep, I’d love to hear about your family.

Koko Head FAQs

Q: How hard is the Koko Head Trail?

A: It’s steep and fully exposed, but not technically difficult. The 1,048 steps are made from old railroad ties at irregular intervals — it’s more of a stair climb than a hike. Most people complete the 1.6-mile round trip in 1 to 2 hours. Rescues happen regularly, primarily due to heat and dehydration rather than falls, so bring plenty of water and pace yourself.

Q: What time is best to hike Koko Head Trail?

A: Sunrise and sunset for cooler temperatures and the best light. The parking lot opens at 4:00 am. Midday in summer is brutal and not recommended. Winter mornings are the sweet spot.

Q: Is Koko Head Trail free?

A: Yes. No entry fee, no reservation required. The park is open from 4:00 am to 11:00 pm. Free parking inside Koko Head District Park at 423 Kaumakani St., Honolulu.

Q: What can you see from the Koko Head summit?

A: Hanauma Bay, Diamond Head and Waikiki, the windward coast to Makapuʻu Lighthouse, inside Koko Head Crater, and on a clear day Molokaʻi, Lanaʻi, and sometimes Maui and the Big Island.

Q: Are dogs allowed on Koko Head Trail?

A: No. Dogs are not permitted on the trail (but I have seen a corgi being carried in a baby-bjorn-style backpack).