Not for the faint or weak hearted! An extremely challenging hill to climb, but a must for folks that are relatively fit and have no physical ailments. The train track route is very steep and is a smoker... A true natural stair climber. It is even harder on the way down. If you are a runner, it is a fantastic workout. I really enjoyed the jog up and must admit there were a few times I had to pause to catch my breath. At the top you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the surrounding landmarks. A wonderful experience that I will cherish and would gladly go through the pain again. This is a great walk to incorporate with a visit to Hanauma Bay! read more

Koko Head District Park - Me and my buddies after trek up. In the background is Hamauma Bay. - Parks Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this trail! This is a great way to get your heart pumping while enjoying the beautiful scenery Hawaii has to offer. I'm a former athlete at a decent level of fitness, and I made it up the trail in 40 minutes my first time. It's pretty much a giant stairmaster with varying step sizes, which makes things interesting as well as challenging. The entire trail is a bunch of old railroad tracks going up the side of the mountain. There is a gap in the middle, or the bridge, as I call it, where the tracks are probably at least a good 10 feet from the ground, and the adventurous may climb up the tracks while the cautious can go around the bush on the right and climb on and off the rocks. Once you get to the top you have an amazing view of the side of the island. The area is not big enough to have a picnic with a group of friends, but you can stop and enjoy the scenery before heading back down. Going down the mountain took me about half an hour. When climbing down, you need to be careful of banging your knees as you go down every step. If you want to be really safe about either your knees or your fear of heights, I would advise stepping sideways. If you're really used to stairs, you can run your way down like a lot of the crazy regulars. I've only been here twice, but I will definitely come again. I like to go to the Costco nearby after hiking and eating lunch at the food court. I only wish that this place in Hawaii Kai weren't so far from where I live! read more

Awesome hike, i loved it! I will tell you, those steps were killing my legs but the hike i have legs of steel!!!! read more

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When you're at the bottom, Koko Head sure looks easy to hike but once you start going straight up, then you'll find that it is really hard, but it is doable. Even when you do workout and stretch a lot on a regular basis, this hike will absolutely kill your feet and legs (make sure you get some pain relief cream!) and deprive you of your energy in a hurry. Basically, you're going up a large number of steps and technically what used to be a railroad track going straight up the mountain. Make sure you bring plenty of water and maybe even some energy/protein bars. For me, it took about 35-40 minutes to get to the top of the stairs, and one thing you should know is that it gets steeper as you approach the summit. Oh yeah, and as much as you'll want to look back and see all the spectacular views of the island and ocean, make sure you don't fall and slip backwards, as that could be one of the worst fears when hiking. But when you finally get to the top of Koko Head, my goodness, you will not be disappointed with the spectacular views that await you. Yes, it is so worth doing this tough but great hike. But please, don't try what Steve McGarrett and Lori Weston in Hawaii Five-0 did, which was racing each other from the base of the staircase (and if you saw one of the Season 2 episodes, Lori badly hurt herself and needed a rescue team to help her). Now as far as going back down, my advice is to take it easy and do not rush down as you will most likely slip and fall and take a huge tumble down the stairs. I had a few close calls where I nearly slipped. Of course, when you get back down to your car (or however you get here), make sure you refresh yourself with plenty of food and liquids. Overall, Koko Head is a great challenge and you will have fun! read more

My favorite hike in the island. We didn't get the views we wanted due to heavy down pours, but that made it more of an experience for us. Especially making it past the 69 steps in the middle of the hike of pure adrenaline pumping sketchiness. Lol. There's a side path, on the right when going up and on left if going down,but it's only 69 steps and it's definitely worth it the risk. Lol. read more

Koko Head District Park - Great morning hike. More pics on Instagram @mmorante - Parks Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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They have all sorts of courts to play in and plenty of parking space. Let alone the cool hiking trail. Great spot. read more

Koko Head District Park - Parks Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

"I'm never doing this again! This is my last time climbing Koko's!" On my fourth hike, this is what I said (lol)! The start isn't so bad. Your adrenaline is rushing & you're just pumped once you start off, but once you get mid-way to the top..... your face starts turning red from the lack of energy you have, you start breathing harder, and overall you start having these thoughts like, "okay I went this far, this is good enough." I'm so glad I always go either with a group or even my son, husband or brother. Otherwise I'd actually talk my way out of not completing the hike. Once I'm at the last step at the top of the stairs, I'm running up the hill just to get that amazing fresh air & beautiful view! 4 stars Bc I always forget to bring a bottle of water with me & low key take it out on the government as to why they don't install water fountains half way up the hike haha. All in all though, if you're looking for a challenge but worth it view........ Koko head is it! read more

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No Pain, no Gain!! It's a steep hike up but the view once you get to the top is amazing!! Coming to Oahu the number of times I've had, never did this hike till this last visit. Make sure you drink a gallon of water before you hit this hike and try not to carry anything because parts of the hike if very steep where you maybe using your hands for support as you climb up. Plan your time accordingly b/c on our way down the sunset and we were hiking back down 1/3 of the way in the dark - luckily we had some moonlight to guide us. Great hike and excellent exercise esp for all the yummy hawaiian food I've been eating! read more

Koko Head District Park - View from Koko Head - Parks Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This hike is a beast, but I tamed it....twice!! The first time was 6 months ago, we hiked up and down the steps. Today we took the ridge trail from behind the crater (park at the blowhole parking lot, cross the street and head up the side of it), got to the top, and headed down the stairs. Some tips: *Go early to avoid the intensity of the sun, it gets HOT, with minimal shade *Wear sun screen if you burn *Wear good shoes (especially if you take the ridge trail, you need grip) *Bring LOTS of water, you'll need it *Bring a camera, you get spectacular views from the top *If you do the ridge hike, take two cars- park one at the koko head park entrance and one at the blowhole so you don't have to walk all the way back- not only will you be exhausted and your legs will feel like Jello, but it is dangerous with the traffic and roads there) Everyone's reviews on here about how tough it is are pretty legit. Mind you, I am not in peak physical condition, but this is an excellent workout for those of us working towards becoming more fit. The only thing that would make this better is if there were a zip line going down, that would be awesome ;) read more

Koko Head District Park - View of Hanauma Bay from the top! - Parks Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

After I finished this hike I went to club addiction. On my way there I fell face forward. Why!? Because this hike was wild. My body was so tired after doing it I couldn't even wear heels without falling. My flight back to NY was the next day and boy did I regret it. My legs were so sore and it kept cramping during this ten hour flight I thought I was going to die. (BTW Stretch Stretch STRETCH) Anyway I went around 2PM (I'm retarded I know) and it was blazing. The sun was so hot and bright I almost turned around half way up. These stairs were so steep and so wide apart. After breathing every step I took I finally made it to the top, it felt like an AC up there and it was absolutely breathtaking. I wanted to fly. On my way down it was pretty scary, I couldn't trust gravity so I went down side ways, for a second I caught my foot on one of the steps and almost flew face forward. Overall it was amazing and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. This time not before a club, ha! read more

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One of the classic trails on the island. It started as an amusement park project in the early days by investors from the mainland to build a tram line along the Koko Head crater. The project was later abandoned leaving the tram tracks on the ridge and it turned into a hiking attraction for locals and visitors. The trail has no shade and it is a continuous path of steps from the foot of the crater to the top and it takes about 30-60 minutes one way. Views from the crater top is spectacular and rewarding. Like Hanauma Bay Crater hike, it is one of the few hikes that takes only one or two hours to finish. Great for hikers with other plans for the rest of the day. Besides, it's free. read more

Koko Head District Park - Parks Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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You want a good workout- you do this hike, climb, whatever you want to call it. Expect your legs to be wiggly afterwards and to work up a good sweat. We did things a little differently than most of the reviews I've skimmed. We did a bit of a loop by going up the stairs and then hiking along the ridge to the right before making our way down: http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1602872 The hike along the ridge and making our way down the back of the ridge is what bumped this up to a five star for me and next time I hope to go up the back and down the stairs. We saw whales frolicking in the ocean from the ridgeline and the way down was virtually deserted (the same cannot be said of the stairs). If we had not had the app above, I would have never known there was a path down the back of the ridge. We kind of made our own and there is one semi-treacherous part where you go down a pretty smooth rock face. When we turned and looked back up, we realized we had scrambled over a natural stone arch in the landscape. I've seen other postings online refering to this, so although there didn't seem to be a "trail", I guess we went the right way! My only gripe with going this way is that you have to hike back along the road and then through a live gun range to get back to your car. You come out near Fisherman's Shrine (which was neat) and then have to walk along the busy, curvy highway, practically clinging to the guard rail so you don't get hit by a car gawking at the beautiful views of the ocean. That's right- I'll clamber up high peaks and scramble down steep rock faces with no ropes, but cars scare me! Next time I would leave a car at the bottom to prevent that. Not gonna lie- the stairs were tough and took about 30 minutes to get up. I couldn't tell whether I needed to faint or throw up when I finally got to the top (I'm in reasonable shape). Luckily, I did neither, and I think a big part of the problem was that I had only had a Naked smoothie to eat that day. It was a perfect excuse to head to the Kona Brewery Pub afterwards and have them make me a Stout Float! (stout + vanilla ice cream) read more

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Perfect way to start any morning. Good hike up. He views are amazing especially when Honolulu is socked in. The winds from the east side keep this area amazingly clear. read more

Koko Head District Park - Vista of the east coast of Oahu. - Parks Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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When planning our trip to Oahu, instead of playing golf for the day decided to see if I could get a couple of our travel companions to go on an adventure to Koko Head. We headed over around 9 and go to the base at about 10 am. It was a bit warm and not a great deal of breeze. I had read up on the reviews so we had plenty of water, shoes with grip and an attitude for making it to the top. The beginning of the climb was not too bad, but the heat was a little bit more than we had anticipated. We weren't in a hurry so we made several stops, sometimes in the little shade provided, sometimes in the sun(periodic clouds were appreciated). Once I crossed the bridge, and the steps got steeper, we decided to do 20 to 30 steps at a time, but after doing that twice, I decided to just plod ahead until I got to the top. We passed, and met several nice people, including two students from U of H, and a friend of thiers, all wearing sandals. I wouldn't recommend the sandals, but they all made it up and down the climb. All the people coming down assured us that the climb was worth the view at the top. They weren't kidding. Make sure when you get to the top of the stairs you take the time to climb a little farther to get the full effect. I am still feeling the climb in my legs a couple day later, but it was a good experience. Met several people along the trail, including local students and visitors. I wore my Riverside Community College Swimming shirt which lead to a bonding of sorts on the trail, and increased the group of those trying to make it to the top together. read more

Koko Head District Park - Victorious climbers. - Parks Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Hands down my favorite hike to go on! Although it's really far from where I live, it's always worth the drive. The hike is conveniently located within a park with a restroom and it's close to the Koko Marina Shopping Center. The stairs may seem endless and you might even be tempted to turn back but don't! The view is amazing especially at sunrise. It always takes me a little longer going down because I'm scared I'll slip. Wear shoes with good grip. I've seen people do this hike in slippers and even barefoot. Props to them! I wouldn't dare. read more

Koko Head District Park is definitely the place to go to if you're looking to tackle that mountain aptly nicknamed, the Koko Head Stairs of Doom! Besides that grueling attraction of a mountain, there is a baseball field, basketball courts, tennis courts, and more. Restrooms are available, though they were closed the last time I went. Lots of parking is to be had with dozens of stalls. During peak times, it can get tough to find a stall, even with so many. People tend to make their own stalls on the grassy areas when this happens. I like how large this park is. You're able to do a variety of activities though my favorite is hiking the Stairmaster from Hell. The views are amazing! read more

The challenge of Koko Head is what the essence of hiking is all about: cheering on strangers who are suffering with you, cussing under your breath, trying to look back at your progress and forgetting that you're not even halfway to the top yet, taking a silent vow to start eating better and exercising more (yet simultaneously thinking about a big bowl of ice cream), and catching that magnificent view that makes you remember how freaking lucky you are to be living on Oahu. It's hard, my friends. It'll make your head spin. And in my case, my head was spinning with fear walking over the railroad bridge. If you chicken out like me coming back down, go take the detour to the left (looking down, or to the right, looking up) and be proud of your decision to take the scenic route. No shame in it. You'll be happy you weren't the person scooting down the railroad ties on their butt... All the basics apply--bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sweat band! (Or perhaps a small towel depending on your sweat glands). If you can manage, bring a camera, because while the view is breathtaking...as you try to catch your breath...you might not know when you'll make the venture back up this steep mountain. But if this was the year for eating right and working out more, maybe Koko Head was just the thing to kick your glutes into gear. read more

I did this hike on 1/11/2014 for the first time, being in not the best shape or even good shape I'm very proud to say I did it! I completed it in 48 minutes on the way up and about 20 on the way down, probably stopped every 20-30 railroad ties, bear crawled up the bridge, and went around on the way down. But I'm still proud! To some people this is simple, like my new hero - lady who was on her 4th of 5 rounds for the day. Still if you can't go as fast as other don't worry! Most people I met on the way up were super encouraging and lots that were first timers like me! If it takes you two hours to get up, do it! The sense of accomplishment on the top is immense! Some Spartan Race people were here to advertise the race and were giving out flyers. I told them that I'm already signed up. This trail will be a weekly hike for me in order to get ready for the Spartan Race in the Aloha Stadium. Wish me luck! Today will be my second day! Tips: - go to the side for any breaks - bring lots and lots of water - I recommend hiking shoes or at least tennis shoes with traction - coming down, try not to step on the cement pieces, they can easily be slick - I side stepped on the way down, your legs will be shaky if they aren't used to the intensity. - Don't be afraid to get down on all fours for the bridge! - FINISH! So worth it! read more

I have an embarrassing confession... The first time I did this hike, I got stupid drunk the night before. I didn't set my alarm. I didn't change into pajamas. I didn't wash the shame off my face. I woke up late to my brother calling me. He lives on the East Coast! It was like 5:30 AM here...He called me and was like HEY SHE IS WAITING FOR YOU! GO OUTSIDE! My friend, who I met through my brother, called my brother when she couldn't reach me who in turn called me, ultimately resulting in me finally stumbling out of bed. To say I was hungover would be putting it lightly!! I quickly threw on clothes, forgetting the most crucial piece. I'll let you figure that one out. Let's just say it's something you probably need if you are hiking UP stairs for awhile and want to remain dignified. Anyway, the eager, beautiful pre-hike face I thought I was going to take with me on my first hike in Hawaii was anything but. Driving towards the mountain and the stairway taunted me. Oh god nooooo...can't change my mind now!! We got to the base and so it began. I charged up the stairs, taking a few breaks for water and a couple clementines. The former helped the nausea, the latter, did not. LOL. At the top, hungover or not, it was all worth it! My first big panoramic view of Hawaii and I could see forever! Plus I met this beautiful dog and owner at the top: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz9PPJ88-8o Definitely felt a burn in my buns the next couple of days, but it was all worth it for that view. read more

Koko Head trail is not so much of a hike as it is an evil, torturous form of exercise. I think of it as a last resort when I don't have enough time to do a decent hike but I need to exercise and I don't want to go to the gym. Koko Head is a steep neverending stairway to hell, like nature's cruel way of saying "F you" when you start to get a little cocky because you can handle 30 minutes at level 20 on the Stairmaster. Hiking the Koko Head trail is a great way to punish yourself for being fat and/or for being an asshole. Don't get me wrong, it's a great workout, but once I'm past the bridge area but not even close to the top, I always feel like passing out and I begin to regret eating all those damn cheetos. I try to make deals with myself like, "If I stop now I promise to give up drinking" or "I promise I won't be a dick to small children if I can stop right now." Amazingly, I've always managed to get to the top, but it's not a pretty sight. Furthermore, the view at the top of Koko Head isn't all that great. Hiking Mariner's Ridge or the Kuliouou trail would be much more enjoyable and the views are better in my opinion. If you're in decent shape it should take 20-25 minutes to reach the top, and don't be surprised if every muscle from your waist down hurts like a bitch the next day. I recommend wearing hiking shoes and going early in the morning or late afternoon/early evening to avoid the heat. read more

omfg. if you hate the stairs masters, turn around and do not attempt this hike. this hike murdered my calfs, legs and whole lower body. i was in pain and my whole shirt was drenched with sweat. this may have happened because i am totally out of shape, but i think for fit people, it'll still kick your ass. anyways, we woke up at 5am to drive from our airbnb and get here to hike up to watch the sunrise. if you come in the early morning, i highly recommend getting a strong flashlight and using that all the way up. your led flashlight on your phone might help, but a powerful flashlight might be safer, and on top of that you can save your batteries on your phone. i think there are roughly 1k+ steps to get to the top, and each steps get harder and harder. but once you get to the top, you are rewarded with an excellent view of Honolulu. the day we went, it was kinda cloudy so we didn't see a breathtaking sunrise, but i still enjoyed the views. bring a jacket, cuz the winds up at the top are strong. if you decide to take a picture on top of that metal platform, be careful... its slippery from the morning dew. read more

A little disclosure... I haven't done cardio in quite awhile. I'm not a couch potato either - I am a nurse and walk around and lift a good amount. I have some history of powerlifting training, but never really much cardio. This. Took. Me. Forever. We used the bathroom near the baseball diamond before going up. Rolling up in the car was a little petrifying... You know like when your backside puckers a little because you're scared? Yeah... That. Ok... Walking the small path to the bottom of the railroad track. I. Can. Do. This. I start out strong, get about 1/4 of the way up then start to get a little winded. What the hell? I'm 28... There are dudes 2-2.5x my age (albeit fit) attacking this thing like it's nothing. Meanwhile, I'm here struggling to breathe every twenty steps. Ok, reached the bridge... Not that scary (heights don't freak me out though). Traversed across it, no issues. The next quarter of the path was the worst. Every ten steps, I was about to toss my biscuits (throw up). I stopped every so often on the side like an 85 year old grandma with copd, struggling to get air into my lungs while trying not to vomit all over the beautiful foliage. I ate a couple of sour gummies, thinking I needed a little sugar boost. Every time I sat down, the nausea subsided so I kept going. At about 75% of the way up, I suddenly felt the nausea sweep over me. I turned toward my husband and said I couldn't do it. I proceeded to sit down, head feeling heavy and legs weak. This time, the nausea wouldn't subside. I stood up and leaned over towards a bush and proceeded to throw up the little bit of water and tasty sweet/sour gummy that was in my stomach. I must admit, it was the best vomit I've ever had. No lingering acid or nasty taste in my mouth. Would do again. After I threw up, I felt a billion times better and eventually got to the top. The views... Insane. It started to rain while we were up there, which was a welcome feeling after being so hot and throwing up my guts. I took a billion pictures though, because I probably won't be doing it again. Was it worth it? I think so... Especially if you've never done it. It's day one after going up koko head and my muscles are most definitely pissed at me. read more

I will start by admitting that after the first time I hiked Kokohead, I vowed I would NEVER go back! I was a little over zealous and not as in shape, so I was dying when I finished. But with that said, I have been back to Kokohead quite a few times and actually want to make it part of a regular routine! Kokohead hike is different in it literally being a steep, ascending set of stairs up the side of a mountain. Can we say, amazing lower body workout? Haha. It used to be a railroad track, and that adds to the uniqueness of the hike. It's not really that far in distance, but especially towards the end, the incline slows you down. It's almost like you're climbing directly up. Kokohead is a challenging hike, and I would suggest doing it the morning before the sweltering heat and to bring water and sunscreen with you. Once you reach the top, you are definitely rewarded with beautiful views and the best breeze after being so hot. Last time I went though, there were a ton of gnats everywhere so I couldn't enjoy too long of a break or eating the orange I had with me, in fear I'd ingest more protein than I wanted. Just a heads up. I think everyone should hike Kokohead. Do be mindful of your fitness level, but I have seen everything from kids and dogs climbing to little old korean ladies basically running up and down this mountain, hopping precisely from each step. Just know, at one point in the hike, it is solely the railroad, no ground underneath. If it freaks you out too much, there is a little path on the side you can take. Don't be shamed, just finish! ;) read more

This hike is tough. That's the number one thing you should know before tackling koko head. The thing is, this "hike" is not a hike at all...it's a series of "stairs" made out of the wooden planks of an old train track. You start off alright in the beginning but then it gets steeper and you start to feel your thighs and legs cursing you for even thinking of doing this to them. You will then reach the part of the track with NO GROUND underneath! You can be like those pros who run across the tracks like nothing, but the smarter thing to do if this is your first time is to crab or bear walk your way across. Don't worry about shame! Everyone on this hike knows to help each other out and will offer words of encouragement. BUT if you don't like the idea of falling to your death through those open gaps, there is a side trail you take to your right that lets you avoid that part of the hike altogether. However, once you cross that bridge, that's when it gets crazy steep. Just don't push yourself too hard and rest on the side of the tracks if you need to. Also please move to the side of the tracks for others who are faster than you and for those who are going down the tracks. Yes, you might see a little kid walking up those stairs like nothing and you might feel your pride being crushed a little but DON'T WORRY ABOUT THAT. Little kids are little pop rocks of energy, and tiny...so their bound to have more energy than us older bigger folks haha Also don't give up! You'll feel great once you reach the top~! Rest as much as you want and make sure to rehydrate yourself before your hike back down. Going down can be pretty dangerous if you're not careful as there is a greater chance of slipping, so take your time and make sure to step in the dirt "dents" that the stairs create for better traction. REMEMBER TO KEEP HYDRATED AT ALL TIMES. Also your muscles will be sore for a few days afterwards, so I wouldn't do this hike if you have to do a lot of walking (or walking up and down stairs) the next day. read more

STAIRMASTERS at the gym? Why there, when you can go do Kokohead. Plus, at the end of this hike, you get a beautiful view of Diamond Head, Honolulu, and the Kokohead Crater. This hike is located near the baseball field of this park. There are 1000+ stairs you need to do to reach the top. A few stairs after the 300th mark stair, there is a section where there is a ravine underneath the stairs. There are 2 methods of getting across: (!) just walk across or (2) go on all 4s (which was me when going back down because my legs were like jello). The last few stairs are the hardest because they are a bit steeper. Recommendations: -Bring water. -Use sunscreen or wear a hat. -Wear shoes that have grip. -Take your time. -Go to see the sunrise or sunset. At the end, you should reward yourself with some shave ice. read more

Definitely NOT an easy hike...quite possibly one of the most physically challenging hikes I've ever been on. I'd say it's equivalent to doing over 1000 lunges...each step is like double the steepness of your ordinary house's stairs. Especially towards the top, it gets much worse. But don't let all my b**ching discourage you, you DO NOT wanna miss the amazing views at the top! Pretty short but intensive hike overall, I think it took us about 40 minutes to reach the top, with a few quick breaks in between...okay maybe more than a few 0:)... Going down was the challenging part for me; partly cause I've got bad knees and I just hate going down steep ass stairs. There's a part, I'd say about a third of the way up from the bottom, which is open below and probably a good 5-10 feet from the surface...this part, is a b**ch to go down! I have absolutely no shame, so I got on all fours and climbed down that mess crab style, it's quick too and soooo much safer. I'm embarassed to share how long it took me to get down...we'll just say I'm alive and well :). Go early; anytime around sunrise is probably ideal. There's still a bit of a crowd but you will avoid the scorching sun. Enjoy suckkkas...I mean... have fun ;)! read more

The hike up the stairs is grueling, but you feel so accomplished! Be careful of loose "steps". It's actually a railway line that took supplied up the steep mountainside during the war. read more

AWESOME way to get some exercise, great views, and super awesome when it's windy at the top (esp if you go when it's sunny and hot). this hike is literally all stairs so be prepared to get those quads into shape!!! there is a little bridge in the middle, but you can also veer off to the right and take the other route if you fear you might fall. this hike is for ANYBODY. i've seen young, old, skinny, fat, slipper wearing hikers, and even girls wearing heels!!! i wouldn't suggest wearing slippers or heels, but whatever floats your boat. word to the wise: the people going down have the right of way so just step on the side please :) read more

This was the 3rd and last hike I did in Hawaii, definitely the most physically demanding. First off, things to keep in mind (as others have said): - Go early, there's no shade anywhere so when the sun is shining on the hill, it gets HOT! - Anyone can do this, it will just take shorter or longer depending on your fitness level. - The bridge part can be a bit hairy if you're afraid of heights. - The steps are not stairs, they're higher and not all even and consist of wood planks on dirt. - Be careful going down as it's more challenging not to injure yourself. Took me longer to go down. - It's all worth it at the top, GORGEOUS VIEW! I did it at a steady pace and did it in about 25 minutes or so, so fun! If I lived in Hawaii, I'd do it weekly if I could! Loved it, 5 stars for me, definitely more of a workout type deal than "hiking". read more

A great workout! I am not the most in shape person(borderline obese), but was able to do this hike with ~4 stops and 45mins. I have however hiked other "difficult" hikes in Yosemite and Lake Berryessa,CA so I am used to pushing my weight up a hill. It is all about taking it slow and stopping only to catch your breath and drink water. DONT SIT DOWN! You will lose momentum and will feel dizzy when you stand. Pacing is key. A bunch of high school kids ran up the stairs and were pooped 1/3 of the way in...They didn't get to the top until 25mins after I did. Don't get discouraged when you see people running past you, a lot of locals use this trail for training and have been running it for years. Also, be polite to people coming down the bridge, they have it harder as they have more momentum coming down the steps. If you can, yield to people coming down. Bring a backpack with some light snacks and plenty of water. Also a Hat and sunglasses always helps. It is possible to do this hike with flip flops, but you are more likely to slip since there are portions where the dirt makes the steps slippery. The bridge is scary for a lot of people. Like many have said, if you don't feel comfortable crossing, just go around. Its a short detour and you won't fall behind if you are in a party of people. Overall the view is great, the scenery on the way up is not particularly exciting. If you are looking for more scenery/tropical feel, I suggest doing Manoa falls(easy hike) and the Aihualama trail(medium-hard, muddy and long) that starts at the end of the Manoa falls trail. read more

What would make a person want to climb more than 1000 railroad ties at a brutally steep incline that makes your heart beat so fast you want to tear it from your chest, Temple of Doom style? Well, the view from the top of Koko Head is pretty good compensation for going through what I just described. I don't really see the need to recommend a certain fitness level for people wanting to try this hike. After all, the entire tramway trail is visible from the bottom and when you see it, you will know whether you're in good enough shape to do it. Just realize that the final stretch is the most intense because the incline sharpens greatly after you cross the bridge. This is the part that had me stopping repeatedly as every red blood cell in my body cursed me. I do recommend taking a LOT of water. I took 4 liters, and drank 3 of them. Many people doing the hike seemed parched, which they might have avoided by taking more than a tiny bottle of Aquafina, but hey who am I to judge. Once you reach the final step and recover, climb just a little more and you will receive your reward; the view from the top is incredible. You have a great view of Hawaii Kai and the marina, Honolulu, and Hanauma Bay. If you walk to the other side, you'll see the volcanic crater as well as Makapu'u Point and the beautiful blue Pacific. I screwed up on parking, and ended up having to park in Hanauma Bay's lot. What you want to do, if you're coming from Honolulu on the 72, is turn left at the light after the marina on to Lunalilo Home Road. Then turn right on Anapalau Street which turns into Koko Head road. You'll see a baseball field there next to the parking lot, which usually has plenty of space. read more

Awesome hike. Not easy if you're not in shape. VERY STEEP. I've hiked this mountain probably a dozen times. Each time gets easier, trust me:) I think my favorite time to do it is sunrise...no one is really there, it's cooler outside and you get to see the sunrise over the ocean from a mountain...doesn't get much better. BRING WATER. Don't wear nice shoes; it's dusty. Wear shoes with some tread on them. PS: The scary part is the bridge. There is a trail to the right of it---MUCH easier. Also, there is a bee hive to the left of the bridge, so be careful. read more

I have heard from my colleagues to: 1. go early in the morning 2. bring water 3. wear sunscreen 4. be prepped to do stair-master workout all the way up. I have seen the pictures and was so anxious to do this climb up the stairs!!! But my non-work, tourist friends from Japan are not as athletic and they were not willing to do this with me!!! Damn it! Finally, a yoga instructor friend of mine was willing to do this with me! Yippy! I told her we need to get up early, don't forget water, don't forget to wear sunscreen, and showed her the pictures of what we were about to conquer. Even after seeing the pictures, my friend was willing to do this!! OK, so finally I get to the bottom of this trail early morning and am sooo excited! This was early morning, like 6am but omg we were sweating like crazy mid-way! Really a good workout. 1048 steps to the top and as many have mentioned before, there is a short bridge-like section where the trail is above the ground. That part was scary...especially coming down...but there seems to be an alternate route, so I will try to find that next time. The view from the top is worth it. Especially on a nice, clear day. I will go again, and again, and again!! read more

I hiked this last week ,and I can still feel my calves when I go down stairs! This hike is intense but manageable. The steps lead you from the base to the top of the head- a part of Koko Crater. The top views are panoramic and gorgeous- they include the Bay, the lush greens, towns, and beaches. FYI's~ * There is a very short portion of the trail where it is just railway tyes with no ground below them- being that I have no balance I took the beaten side (easy) path around this section * The way up was harder for me with my fear of heights then the way down * It is almost easiest to take the way down at almost a run/leap for step to step- OR sidestepping with switching back and forth * Many hikers are littered along the narrow path taking breaks going either direction * Most people are polite and will let you pass or quietly pass you * Overcast is the best weather for this climb- The heat/sun combined with the intensity might be too much * Have water for the top read more

I loved this hike. About 1.5 miles round trip. It took me 50 minutes with about 5-10 minutes up on top. There is a lot of parking at the bottom. The trail starts off paved and curves around the ball fields. You veer off to the right and start hiking up a dirt path. Soon after that, you meet the rail road ties. They go straight up the mountain. They are in varying stages of decay. Some are solid, some are worn down and broken up. You do have a small bridge to cross over. It is about 50 feet long and 1/3 of the way up. Once you get to the end of the railroad ties, keep going. Climb up to the very top for the great views of both sides. read more

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OHMYGODOHMYGOD. I just died a little because my legs feel like jello, but it's all for my healthy lifestyle. I can already begin to feel the pain that will be forthcoming. I'm a petite person at 5'1" so some of the steps were a little challenging for me. It felt like I was consistently doing lunges which was really uncool. There are some parts that are missing wooden tracks so there are gaps that cause differences in step climbing. Be prepared--this is not really the Stairmaster people are claiming. Initially the steps are close together, but then they get further and further apart as the grade increases. Halfway up, there is a bridge which is difficult coming down on because you can gain too much speed and the momentum you bring with you could result in a trip to the hospital. I highly suggest doing a crab walk with your feet guiding you first because it's more stable and some of the tracks are a little loose. I learned going up gradually that it is crucial to pace yourself. Sure, initially 1,048 steps doesn't seem THAT bad. I was just deluding myself. It's an arduous, grueling hike at times especially if you're doing it mid-day, which was what I did. The heat can get to you, but honestly, I've been in worse. It gets breezier as you get to the top and sometimes you can feel a nice gust of wind as you're making your way up. Coming to the top gives you views of Hawaii Kai to Makapu'u, and in the distance you can see Hanauma and Waikiki. Awesome. Bring plenty of water and lather up on that sunscreen. There are no bathrooms along the trail nor are their water fountains. I consistently saw people bring up one or two 16.8oz water bottles and trust me, that is not enough. You should bring more than you think you will! We ran into a guy who asked if we had any extra water, and luckily, one of the other guys I was with did. In my opinion, the trip coming down is harder than coming up. You constantly have to watch your footing and are looking down, plus it is EXTREMELY hard on your knees. And please, don't trash the place. Bring back what you brought with you. This site has great tips: http://www.everytrail.com/guide/koko-head-crater-trail Park at the Koko Head Regional Park and park in the the furthest parking lot where there are signs that tell you than an open road is actually closed. This lot looks fairly new, and there is a concrete walkway that will lead you to a paved gravel road that then leads to the head of the trail. read more

Great workout! Want to get your squats on??? Climbing up 1,048 stairs will give you more than a workout. Ok for kids, some areas are a bit dangerous if you don't watch you foot placement and some areas require a pretty good "Go Go Gadget" leg stretch to get across. The areas that have a drop beneath the railroad ties can be avoided by talking a fairly clear path to the right side. Breathtaking views from the top will give the muscle burn in your legs a worthwhile break. Good hike/climb for the novice. read more

Gorgeous view. Unbeatable. Definitely worth the climb. Notes on Difficulty: The stairs are challenging. I am a regular runner, have run a couple half marathons and am currently in the middle of training for a marathon. I definitely worked up a sweat and had heavier breathing, but was never out of control or gasping for air. My husband also climbed. He is just started training for a half marathon as a novice runner, longest distance 5 miles so far. He had a bit more trouble and had to stop a few times to rest. Fear of heights: There is one short section of tracks that are across a crevice and you can see between the tracks to the ground below. It is a bit disconcerting to feel like your leg could slip through, and there are a couple weaker steps, but it mostly feels secure. Take it slow and you'll be fine. read more

I like this hike. It's rare it will be muddy or slippery. It's pretty much a stairmaster with way better scenery. It's clear where you are going. There are even numbers every now and then to let you know how much further you have to go. I had heard a lot of hype but it really didn't turn out to be nearly as brutal as everyone claimed it to be. If it wasn't clear across the island from where I live, I'd frequent this much more often. read more

If you're looking for a fun and easy hike - this is not for you! If you're looking for a workout - this is definitely for you! I've done it twice and the first time was NOT a good time. I recommend stretching REALLY well before and after the hike (don't be like me and hurt for a week after). The second time, surprisingly, I did not hurt at all. Koko Head is basically a stairmaster on crack. I believe it's 1,048 steps up. The view is amazing, definitely worth the pain and sweat. read more