Originally used by the US military to transport supplies and equipment to the summit, the stairs comprise 1,048 railroad ties, though some have eroded over the years. Although the 1.4-mile (2.2-kilometer) round-trip trail starts gently, it gets steep, with a pitch of 50 degrees at some points. There’s also a railway bridge halfway up that hovers over a ravine, though a bypass is available. At the top, find graffiti-covered bunkers and some of the best views on Oahu. Some Oahu sightseeing tours will pass by Koko Crater. Guided hikes are also available.
The trailhead for Koko Crater is located on the north end of Koko Head Park Road, off of Kalanianaole Highway, around 13 miles (21 kilometers) away from Honolulu. Parking can be found near the baseball field in Koko Head District Park. Additional parking lots can be found elsewhere in the park.
Given the lack of shade, it’s best to attempt the trail when it’s cool outside, in the early morning or evening. These are also the most popular times to hike the trail, especially over the summer. It can take 30 to 90 minutes to complete the hike, depending on how often you stop to rest. Some parts of the trek can be slippery, so it’s best to avoid it during or after it rains.
Nestled inside Koko Crater, the Koko Crater Botanical Garden spans 60 acres (24 hectares). In addition to native Hawaiian plants, it’s home to plants from Africa, Madagascar, and the Americas, dryland palms, cacti, succulents, and other unusual plants. Don’t miss the plumeria grove. It’s free to enter the botanical garden, which is open year-round, except on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
