科科角徒步小道

My husband (67 yrs. old) climbed the 1,028 ft. high mountain and it took him 2:20 hrs. Younger people can go up in 17 min. That's what several people in great shape told us. It was a challenge for him and when he got back down he said "If I ever say I want to do anything like that again, just slap the crap out of me!" Ha He wanted to quit several times and other hikers kept telling him that he could do it, just rest. He loved the view from the top and made some friends up there.

I really enjoyed this climb and the views from the top are amazing!!Word to the wise tho!...... this is a difficult climb, it's steep , strenuous and can be quite dangerous in parts due to rubble, broken steps etc. I'm a reasonably fit 50 year old and I struggled my way to the top, take plenty of rests ( every telegraph pole was my goal ) bottle of water and wear good shoes/joggers.Do not attempt this when it has been raining ...too dangerous, or in the hot midday sun ....you will dehydrate and burn!To get there, from Waikiki take the Bus No 23 to Hawaii Kai and Sea Life Park and get off at the entrance to The Hanauma Bay Nature Reserve ( ask the bus driver to let you know). When you get off the bus you will be on the opposite side of the road to the entrance to the park, this is the side you want to be on. You will see a metal swing gate on this side, go through and follow the bitumen road down about 400m to the start of the trail.Have fun.......and Jelly legs for the 2 days after! LOL

Koko Crater Trail is the site of an old US military lookout outpost. There was an inclined railroad system (funicular) that took supplies to the top of the Crater. The "train car" and mechanism have long ago been removed but the tracks remain and are now the only way to hike/climb to the top. The Trail Head is located in Koko Head District Park and there is plenty of parking by the baseball diamonds. There are bathrooms and water fountains by the baseball diamonds and you should use them before beginning the "climb" as there are no facilities once you get on the trail. This is a strenuous hike/climb but you can do it at your own pace. There were young, old, men, women, young children and even a few dogs making the trek. There were also a number of soldiers carrying 50 pound back packs doing the trail. To do the hike, you should bring at least one bottle of water or a hydration drink (not alcohol or coffee!!), a snack (granola bar, trail mix, candy bar or even a sandwich), sunscreen (very little shade throughout the climb), wear sturdy shoes (not flip flops or sandals), a hat and a camera or camera phone. Morning is the best time to do the climb although it always seems to be crowded. This is basically a climb of "stairs" (1,050 steps) up irregularly spaced steps, the higher you get the more steep the incline. Remember to stay hydrated and to rest if you feel you need to (just step to the side so others can get by you). There is also a short bridge about 2/3 the way up that you have to cross where the bottom drops out and you literally see the ravine below you. If you have vertigo or are afraid of heights there is a bypass on the right side so you don't have to cross the bridge, it rejoins the trail at the end of the bridge. After the bridge, the incline becomes more steep and it seems like you are climbing straight up! At the top of the "stairs" you reach the "mechanical room" for the tram and have a short hike over rocks to get to the top. There are fantastic views into the Crater and a 360 degree panorama around the entire area. It is definitely worth the climb. I mentioned to someone that you should get a medal for reaching the top and he said "The view is the medal" and he was right. There is generally a breeze at the top and it is a great place to have your snack if you haven't already done so. Once you have taken all your pictures and have recovered from the climb, it is time to head back down. You would think that going down would be easy but it provides its own set of challenges. Some people try to run down the stairs but it requires great balance and good control over your body to maintain a good pace and not get out of control. It is also dangerous to both those going up and coming back down, so be especially careful if you decide to try to run.Both going up and coming back down, I would recommend alternating legs every ten to fifteen steps so you provide an equal workout to both legs and don't over tire one or the other. Also on the way down try to step down with a bent knee (not locked) to cushion the impact on your leg and knee joints. Technically the uphill hiker has the right of way but just use common sense as many hikers don't know or don't believe there is any "proper etiquette" when hiking a trail. If you need a break on the way up it is not improper to yield to the downhill hiker. You should always yield to larger groups regardless of whether they are going up or coming down. If you want to pass someone just say "On your left" and they should move over or stop so you can pass them. If there is no convenient place for them to move over, be patient until they reach a spot where they are comfortable moving over.Take your time and you will definitely enjoy this hike and the views it offers!

Go early in the morning, as there is no shade and can get extremely hot. Also, bring water/camel pack, as there are no water fountains. Amazing views of Honolulu and Bay areas.

We got their about 11 am and it was a hot and humid day - low 80's. I am 52 and in decent shape as I completed a 1/2 marathon in early February. This hike kicked my butt! It is strenous, steep and the railroad steps are often broken, cracked or missing. This is a dangerous hike, be very careful and don't fall. With that said the views at the top are spectacular! Bring water and take breaks on the way up. It is also very difficult on the way down because the steps are far aprt (not a normal step). If you have any issues with bad knees, feet, etc don't attemp it.

Magnificent views from up there. It's a little strenous getting up there in the heat of the day, as we did (mad dogs and Englishmen and such), and it can be a little precarious getting down, but it's well worth the effort.

This was the toughest hike we did the entire time we were in Hawaii, but definitely worth it. The views were spectacular although the way up was intimidating. Bring plenty of water and go as early in the day as possible to avoid the heat!

Make sure that you are in shape for this one, and go early cause the heat is on! This is not a hike its more of a work out. Enjoy dont rush, we hike for fun not to hurt ourselves. The views are beyond beauty and make sure to hike out all you hike in please!

Great hard climbing...you must be well trained to face it...and at the peak...the most stunning view of honolulu you can have...

A good long hike straight up koko head. Take your time and bring lots of water and healthy snacks. The view from the top is worth it. One of my favorite hikes to do.

If You Want an Easy Hike, Go to DiamondHead, this trail is definitely challenging, and it will take a while, but the view is SO worth it. There are some parts along the way that made me a little nervous, like the tracks where there's no ground underneath, but over all a safe hike. I saw a few people with dogs, some locals there just to work out, but mostly seemed like tourists. It wasn't overly crowded when we went on a weekday. When we got to the top there were only about 4-5 other people there. Compared to Diamondhead this hike is easier and seems a little less "tourist-y"

This is not for the meek or timid ... I'm 60, wife is 51, lots of panting went on, lots of over-the-top heart pounding ... and after about 50 stops on the way, we finally made it ... was an incredible view ... was it worth it ... definitely something off the bucket list.

My wife and I did this hike in early January. We got a late start, around 11 AM, and definitely paid for it during the hike. I wouldn't even call it a hike. It's more like climbing 1000 steps. Like other reviewers said start as early as possible when the air is cool. We're both active and in fairly good condition, but the heat and steepness challenged my wife. I looked up at the trail before my first step and mentally divided it into 3 segments of increasing steepness. Pace yourself and carry plenty of water, especially if you tire easily and perspire a lot. The latter part of the hike might be unsettling for those with acrophobia.There is a bridge about midway. If you aren't sure-footed then take the bypass on solid ground. Oh, as others mentioned, there is a bee nest at the upper end of the bridge and bypass. Just walk quickly past it, and the bees won't bother you.After reaching the top, the highest point is the broken metal roof of an old shelter. From here you get a 360 degree view. Honolulu and Diamond Head are to the southwest. Hanauma Bay is to the south. Koko crater is to the north. A narrow trail on the crater rim's ridge goes to the east. A wide angle lens or panoramic photo will capture the views nicely. If you want selfies without strangers in the background you can find isolated areas on some of the short trails at the top. No need to fight for space on the roof of the shelter.The descent is hard on the knees. Wear good shoes and take your time.

IT is the most epic hiking trail eve. The reward for your effort is one of the most spectacular views in Hawaii. If you can haul your sorry butt up the hill you should do it. You won't be disappointed.

The hike is a bit challenging especially towards the end, but it is completely worth it once you the top! Wear good running shoes & bring lots of water! Also, take your time when hiking up the crater. The views are absolutely breathtaking. It was so amazing I did it twice!