The Koko Crater hike is the remnants of a military railway tram track that was used to haul supplies to the military bunkers on top of the crater during WW2. The trail itself is located in Koko Head District Park. To get to the trail, enter the park and park in the last parking lot. Walk around the right side of the baseball field and you will find a dirt trail that will lead to a paved road that will take you to the trailhead. Start early to beat the sun and crowds.
All aboard the Koko Head railroad
Only 1,048 railroad ties or “steps” to the top of Koko Crater.
The "Bridge"
The railroad tracks span this 10-15 foot deep gully, forming a bridge of sorts and also marks the approximate half-way point of the hike. For those less sure-footed of themselves, there is a trail to the right that goes around the gully. This would also be a good time to drink a lot of water.
View of Hanauma Bay
Here you can see the Koko Head Shooting Complex in the foreground. Back in 2008, the city attempted to close the trail to the public, citing potential gunfire from the nearby range. Fortunately, it’s still open to the public. You can also see Hanauma Bay in the distance.
Railroad dog
Some folks bring their dogs to the hike, like this pooped pooch. He looks a little long in the tooth to be doing this type of hiking. Coming down, hikers and dogs 
have the right of way and you should step to the side to allow them passage.
Almost to the top
This is the steepest part of the hike. Some folks run up and down! Who needs a stairmaster when you have Koko Crater?
End of the tracks
Top of the world, or at least top of the summit at 1,028 feet. The beautiful, panaromic views that await you make this strenous (for some) hike all worthwhile.
Winch and cable
This was the old winch and cable used to haul up the supplies to the top. Sitting on top of the winch is the old heliport. Can’t believe helicopters used to land up here as it gets very windy.
View from the top
This is the view from on top of the heliport. You can see Hawaii Kai and Diamond Head in the distance.
Rainbow and rain showers
Another view from the heliport. You can see a rainbow and rain showers off the waters to the right of Hanauma Bay.
Grafitti marked observation posts
Jumping off the heliport, you can take a dirt trail leading up to these old military bunkers or observation posts. On the other side of these bunkers is a fantastic view of the botanical garden inside of the crater.
View of the botanical garden inside the crater
This vantage point allows you a birds eye view of the botanical garden inside of Koko Crater. You can also see Makapu’u Point in the distance.
Another view from an observation post
Here is another view from an observation post peering into the many Hawaii Kai residential areas that populate the valleys and ridges.
Koko Head District Park
Open: Daily, 4am to 11pm
Cost: Free
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
The only comment I have is who would be so stupid as to bring their dog????????????????????
Actually a lot of owners bring their dogs to this hike, especially the smaller dogs such as terriers. This dog was too big and old IMHO. The owner was ahead of her dog and her dog had to sit down every so often and catch his breath. Poor doggy!
There was a study done at UCLA about the IQ of dog owners.
Should I post it?
The lower the IQ, the more dogs they had….sorry Dog owners. It’s the truth.
Wow, John Brighthouse, this is interesting. I’m certainly going to let the doctors and nurses that I work and hike with know about this. Many of them have at least 2 or more dogs. So if you’re correct, well, these people work at 3 different hospitals. So be weary of your medical care. Best bet, stay away from the emergency room, operating room, nephrology, oncology, and cardiology departments. Most of the professionals I know who love and have dogs work in those areas. I know what you’re thinking; I left out the neurology department. Actually no, they have dogs too but they don’t hang out, most of them are just weird. Guess the smarter you are, the stranger and less social you become.
Hiked the trail this week. It was worth every step. That leads to my question: how many steps (railroad ties) are there?
I came all the way from Brooklyn. I will do it again next time I’m here.
Hi Wallace,
There are about 1,048 railroad ties. Glad you enjoyed the hike.
Mahalo
I grew up on Hanakapiai St. I have climbed the crater 10+ times in the 80’s and 90’s. A friend of mine Dean & I spent a fourth of July up there camped under the helicopter landing pad w/ a tarp covering it.
We barbequed and drank a case of beer. We shot rockets off of there too. Climbed through the window in the sealed doors to the tunnel that led to the offices below. What a great spot and many fond memories:)
Aloha, Mark
I was told a story of the remnant railway there to the top of Koko Crater, that after Pearl Harbor, they used interred Japanese to line up along the trail and pull the cable by hand to get the rig up and down. But if there is a winch and pulley, that would seem ridiculous, and abusive if true. Does anyone know if there is any truth to that?
Hi Taz,
Nope, never heard that story about the interred Japanese. As you mentioned, it would be ridiculous being that there was a winch and pulley. Maybe it’s just an urban myth, anybody else heard about that story?
Mahalo
Hi Mark,
Thanks for sharing your memories! Didn’t know they have a tunnel that leads to the offices. I wonder if it still exists? I have been up there at least half a dozen times, maybe next time I’ll go poke around.
Mahalo