Hiking the Koko Crater Rail Trail in Honolulu

I wasn’t sure if our family was going to enjoy the Koko Crater Rail Trail hike in Honolulu, but it turned out to be awesome. And a challenge. Located just east of Honolulu past Hawaii Kai, the Koko Crater Rail Trail is a challenging uphill Trek to a viewpoint that allows you to take in Hanauma Bay, Hawaii, Kai, Diamond Head, and the Koko Crater itself. It’s beautiful.

Are you looking for the challenging hike when you visit Honolulu? if so, maybe this is the one for you. we’ve got the full scoop on what to expect when you hiked the Koko Crater Rail Trail and how you can plan for it so it doesn’t overwhelm you. if you have any questions about this hike or any others in the Honolulu area, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re happy to share more and talk about hiking on any of the islands and we’re always happy to help you plan an awesome aloha trip.

Highlights of Hiking the Koko Crater

I was trying to think of what I really loved about hiking the Koko Crater Rail Trail and I just keep on coming back to really loving the challenge of it. It’s hard. At no point in the hike did I ever take a breath and exclaim “This is so much easier now.” Nope, the whole thing is a challenge and it’s actually really fun. As you’re hiking the Koko Crater Rail Trail, you’re with tons of other people, most of whom are struggling to climb just like I was. Despite the challenge everyone faces, it oddly feels like a team effort. There’s actual comradery as you’re hiking, and everyone is encouraging everyone else. I love it.

As you ascend the Koko Crater and you get above the vegetation, the views really open up. To the west you have Hawaii Kai Lagoon and the beaches, and then Diamond Head Crater, and then Honolulu just beyond. Directly south of you have Hanauma Bay Preserve and one of the prettiest beaches on Oahu. Once you make it to the top of the Koko Crater Rail Trail you’ll be able to look down into the Koko Crater Botanical Garden and beyond to Makapu’u Point, Waimanalo and the rest of the coast. It’s just beautiful and so much more of an epic view than you might expect.

Tips for a Fun Hike at Koko Crater Rail Trail

Take your time as you hike the Koko Crater Rail Trail. It’s not a race (despite the many people you’ll see running up the mountain). Be sure of your footing and take all the breaks you need. Most hiking trails alternate between a little elevation gain and then some level areas, but that’s not the case on this hike. Once you’ve begun your hike, you’ll see that the Koko Crater Rail Trail is straight up the mountain with no variation in the trail. Literally it’s the steam donkey tracks up to the bunkers at the top. Take plenty of breaks as you hike and be aware of other hikers. This is a favorite that locals use for fitness, so share the trail respectfully and give the trail runners space to safely navigate their footing.

On your descent, I feel that it’s actually more difficult than the climb up. The Koko Crater has steep slopes and the rail trail, while it does have steps basically, it’s really hard on your knees and calves. Be mindful of fatigue in your legs as you head back down the mountain and be smart about staying safe in terms of protecting your joints. You don’t want to ruin your trip to Oahu by injuring yourself on a hike.

At the top of the Koko Crater Rail Trail, be sure to check out all the view points. This is why you’re doing the hike, so enjoy it. You’ll see that the military bunkers and structures at the top are not well maintained, so be cautious if you’re climbing on them, especially if you have kids with you. And it can be really windy at the top, so be careful to not lose your hat.

Being Prepared for Hiking the Koko Crater Rail Trail

I think the Koko Crater Rail Trail is good to do in gym shoes or hiking sandals. 95% of the trail is on wooden railroad ties with just one spur that is a dirt trail, so you’ll be fine as long as you have sure-footed shoes. Dress for a workout, because you’re going to sweat as you ascend the mountain. Also, a hat and sunglasses are helpful, as the whole trail is quite exposed. If you’re wearing sunblock (which I recommend) be sure that it’s a sport sunscreen that’s sweat resistant, otherwise it’s going to get in your eyes.

Bring enough water for each person in your group, and when you’re done with the hike you can refill your bottles in the park below the crater. And snacks; pack snacks for taking a break at the top, for sure if you’re hiking with kids or people who get hangry.

I always hike with my big camera because you just never know when you’re going to see something amazing. I will say, the views as you hike the Koko Crater Rail Trail are amazing and the ability to get closer makes for great photos. As you hike you’ll also see a lot of birds, mainly the Brazilian cardinal and the white tern (they’re kind of dive-bomber birds). The environment on the Koko Crater is very different from where you might normally see these birds, so you’ll get some interesting shots. If you are feeling artsy with your camera, at the top you’ll have some bunkers and cactus to work into your photos too, so keep an artful eye out.

Parking for Hiking Koko Crater

As you head out of Honolulu to start your adventure, you’ll drive past Hawaii Kai and eventually make it to Koko Head District Park. This is where the trailhead is. If you head to the end of the parking area you’ll get to the trailhead, but unless you’re one of the first people here you likely won’t get parking so close. Take whatever parking you can get and if it’s crowded and there’s nowhere to park in the lot, there is street parking but you’ll need to be mindful of the signs and respectful of the residential neighborhood.