Hiking Koko Crater Stairs

Located on the southeastern tip of Oʻahu, the Koko Crater Stairs trail — officially known by its Hawaiian name, Kohelepelepe — follows the abandoned remnants of a military tramway built during World War II. The "steps" are not steps, but 1,048 wooden railroad ties — rectangular planks arranged perpendicular to the rails — that once carried military supplies to a lookout post at the summit of the crater.

The hike is approximately 1.6 miles round trip with a summit reaching 1,208 feet. There is no shade, no switchbacks and no easy way up. It's a nearly vertical climb. Luckily, the view at the top is worth every step and its community of devout regulars can tell you exactly how rewarding Koko Crater can be.

What to Expect

The climb begins gently enough, rising at a manageable angle through the lower section of the trail. The views of Hawaiʻi Kai and the surrounding coastline open up quickly, and it is easy to feel a false sense of confidence in the first few minutes. Then comes the bridge.

Halfway up the crater, the railroad ties disappear into a narrow wooden bridge suspended over a steep drop. For advanced hikers, who have been hiking this trail for years, this will barely break their stride. For hikers with a fear of heights, this is the hike's defining moment. Some slow down here, some crawl across on hands and knees and some skip it entirely by taking the bypass path to the right, which rejoins the main trail on steady ground just past the gap. There is no shame in any of these choices. Just know it is coming.

Past the bridge, the trail steepens dramatically. The angle becomes nearly vertical and the ties narrow as the crater rises sharply toward the summit. This is where pace becomes everything. Take it slow, rest if you need to and resist the urge to race anyone around you.

At the top you can see the interior bowl of this ancient volcanic tuff surrounded by ridgeline. On a clear morning, you also have panoramic views of Hawaiʻi Kai, Hanauma Bay, Lēʻahi (Diamond Head), the Honolulu skyline and the ocean.

Going down takes roughly a third of the time. Many hikers run it.

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From an Expert Perspective

Few people know Koko Crater the way Jackie Gocobachi does. She has been hiking it for six years — daily for four of those years. Going daily means she's experienced the trail during all seasons and in all kinds of weather

"Koko Head is the most consistent thing on this island in my opinion," she said. "From temperature to terrain to the times that you go. In the morning it's cool, in the afternoon it's hot, sunset it's cool. The [only] difference is just if it's raining or not. It's like that all throughout the year. That's why I love Koko Head, because she stays the same and you don't. You show up with a different mood, different want, every day a different damn need. And she's just like, 'all right, hit me.'"

For advanced hikers, Jackie estimates the climb takes 12 to 16 minutes on a typical morning, with the descent in four to five and a half minutes — the full round trip takes her under 22 minutes. When she was first starting out it took her 24 minutes to get up. "And then on my way down I saw someone running and I remember telling myself, like, I want to be that person. And now I'm that person."

Her personal records speak to the trail's addictive nature. On Christmas Eve 2024, she hiked the trail 10 times in four and a half hours. The following year she got up to 12 times in eight hours.

She is not the only Koko Crater diehard. "There's a whole community there of people who go every day," she said. "People doing it three times every single day. There's people older than me who are my inspiration." Jackie said there is a woman there every day for sunrise, who hikes up and down three times. "All of us are just like, 'How does she wake up every day like that?' It's an amazing place to not just do a great workout hike, but for community, too."

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Before You Go: Need-to-Know Details

Difficulty: Strenuous. The nearly vertical grade and lack of shade make this a demanding hike even for fit hikers. Not recommended for young children or those with knee or joint issues.

Distance: Approximately 1.6 miles round trip.

Elevation gain: ~1,200 feet.

Steps: 1,048 railroad ties.

Time: First-timers should plan for 45 minutes to an hour round trip. Advanced hikers complete it in 20 to 30 minutes.

Open: 24 hours a day, year-round.

Cost: Free.

Shade: None. The trail is fully exposed from bottom to top.

Heat: Present at all times of year, even when it rains. Plan accordingly.

Best Time to Go

Early morning is the most popular time with cooler temperatures, better light and the regular community of hikers who treat the trail as a daily ritual. It is also the most crowded.

Sunset is another strong option. The heat breaks, the light turns golden and the views from the summit at dusk are exceptional.

Midday is the least crowded period. We encourage hikers to go during this off-peak period, but it does get very hot so bring extra water.

Weekends and summer mornings are the most congested. If your schedule allows, choose an afternoon or sunset hike.

Getting There and Parking

Driving along Kalanianaole Highway from the Honolulu direction, look left past Hanauma Bay and you'll see Koko Crater towering over the surrounding neighborhood, with its railroad tracks running up the side.

Parking is available at Koko Head District Park, a short walk from the trailhead. The free lot is open 4 a.m. to 11 p.m. The park also has restrooms, water fountains, tennis and pickleball courts and baseball fields.

The parking lot fills early on weekend and summer mornings. Do not park in the surrounding residential neighborhoods. A rideshare is the most considerate option if you are visiting during peak hours. Note that there is no direct bus route from Waikīkī to the trailhead.

A Note on Responsible Hiking

Koko Crater draws a large number of visitors every day. The community has strong concerns about overcrowding and the environmental impact this has on the crater. The trail is built on ancient volcanic tuff, which is a fragile landscape with cultural significance that predates the military tramway by centuries.

The Hawaiian name for this crater is Kohelepelepe, and its name carries a moʻolelo — a traditional Hawaiian story — that is worth seeking out before you visit.

Stay on the designated hiking path. Avoid shortcuts off the railroad ties. Use the parking lot. Come during off-peak hours when you can. Pack out everything you pack in, and bring a refillable water bottle rather than single-use plastic.

Trailhead address: Koko Head District Park, 423 Portlock Road, Honolulu

Parking: Free, open 4 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Facilities: Restrooms and water fountains at the park

Cost: Free

Open: 24 hours

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