Hiking Koko Head Stairs

Koko Railway Trail, also known as Koko Head Stairs (or even Koko Crater Trail), is one of the toughest and best hikes on Oahu.  This hike is short but steep, consisting of 1,048 steps of railroad ties with a spectacular view at the top.  Interestingly, this old railway was used during World War II to transport supplies on a tram to a lookout post at the summit! Read the following tips before your hike up Koko Head Stairs to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible!

Come Early

I suggest coming early as you will be more likely to find parking easily.  Most importantly, this hike is much easier to do when it is isn’t as hot and humid.  It will also be less busy if you go in the morning.

Directions

Type “Koko Crater Trailhead Parking” into Google Maps or your GPS.  This will bring you to a parking lot near a baseball field, where you can park.  You will then take a short walk to the base of Koko Head Stairs and will begin your hike.

If you are coming from visiting Hanauma Bay, you can walk from the Hanauma Bay parking lot to Koko Head stairs!  Follow the signs in the Hanauma Bay parking lot for “Kalanianole Highway” and it will only be a half-mile walk.  You will end up walking across the highway (don’t worry, there’s a crosswalk!) and will end up walking on a paved road.  You may see a sign that says “Keep Out” but that is only for cars.

Cost

Parking is free at the Koko Crater Railhead Parking and there is no cost to hike the Koko Head Stairs.

Other Helpful Tips

There is a small portion of the stairs that is open, meaning that you could fall through several feet if you misstep.  For this section you can take a “Safe Bypass” next to the stairs, which is a small, rocky dirt trail if you don’t feel comfortable navigating those open stairs.

It took us a little over an hour to hike up the stairs, take photos, rest for a few minutes, and to hike down.  I would give yourself more time depending on the weather and your physical ability.  Likewise, there were some very fit people running up and down the stairs, passing us multiple times!  No thank you, once was enough for me!

I love the Koko Head Stairs hike for its history and for its difficulty.  It also makes the beautiful view at the top even nicer because you worked for it!