The koko head stairs trail is one of the most popular hikes on the island of Oahu. You’ll often see locals speeding up the stairs for an intense cardio workout right alongside tourists who are leisurely snapping photos on their way up.
With zero shade coverage and quick elevation gain, this can be a brutal hike to do in the middle of the day, so it’s best done in the early morning or late afternoon.
Location: Koko head regional park
Trailhead: Starts in the back of the park behind the baseball fields
Distance: 1.8 miles round trip from the parking lot
Elevation Gain: 930 feet / 283 meters
Popularity: Extreme
Hours: Parking is open from 4 AM to 11 PM.
When to go: Early morning or late afternoon.
Parking: Park in the back/top lots of koko head regional park.
Dogs: Not allowed.
What we call koko head stairs today was once part of an incline tram system that the military used during World War 2. The system brought supplies and personnel from the base to a bunker/post at the summit of the crater. Then, in 1966 the area was passed to the City and County of Honolulu and was re-named Koko head regional park.
Lucky for us, the abandoned railroad ties have been refurbished recently by a non-profit organization known as kokonut koalition. This restoration project was actually the biggest volunteer led public works project in the history of the state!
When getting to the hike, map to Koko head district park and attempt to find a stall in the upper most lot next to the baseball field . The parking lot is open from 4 a.m. – 11 p.m.
From the parking lot, head down the path towards the base of koko head crater. There will likely be many other hikers going to/from the trailhead, so you won’t miss it.
Head down the sidewalk that wraps around the right siode of the baseball field
This area of the island is very dry and hot
Looking up to the summit while standing at the base of the 1,048 stairs can be a bit daunting but know that you can always step to the side and take a water break on the way up if you need it.
Base of Koko Head Stairs
You’ll quickly notice that the stairs are an awkward distance apart from one another, which will either force you to take multiple steps per stair or lunge up the stairs. As you get closer to the summit, the stairs will get closer together and much steeper.
About 1/3 of the way up koko head stairs
About halfway up the stairs you will reach a “bridge” section in which you’ll need to cross the wood beams with nothing to catch you in between.
Note that bees/wasps are common in this area of the trail! So it’s best to pass as fast as you can
The wooden beams in this section are fairly close together so you can cross pretty quickly as long as you’re not afraid of heights.
Murphy’s Bypass
If you prefer to skip the bridge all together, an alternative path to the right of the stairs has been added called Murphy’s Bypass.
This will divert you around the bridge section and bring you back to the trail when the stairs return to normal.
The last section of koko head stairs is the hardest and the steepest, so just keep pushing!
Be sure to turn around once and a while on the stairs to enjoy the view!
New Viewing platform at the summit
Once you’re at the summit there will be a bunch of different view points to check out.
View of Hanauma Bay
On clear days you may even be able to see Molokai and Lana’i from the summit!
View of Hawaii Kai
This metal viewing platform is fairly new and one of the highest view points you can get while on the summit.
Descending the 1st notch
Don’t forget to check out the view off the backside of the summit as well!
looking out towards waimanalo
The views looking the opposite direction into the crater are just as beautiful in my opinion and often skipped by tourists!
Koko head Crater View
To me the descent back down the koko head stairs is worse than coming up because it puts so much stress on my knees. If you’re the same, take your time going down.
Yes! The koko head stairs hike is longer, steeper and much hotter than the diamond head summit trail.
There are park bathrooms in koko head regional park but not designated bathrooms at the trailhead.
If you are in reasonable shape you will be able to finish the trail in 1-2 hours despite the elevation.
No, koko head stairs is a maintained and legal hiking trail.
Sunset! You’ll be able to see the sun sink into the ocean horizon in front of you. Just remember to bring a head lamp for the way down! Sunrise is nice too, but the sun will be off to the side.
This website, Aloha Adrian, shall not be held responsible for any legal issues, injuries, or lost individuals arising from the use of information provided. This information is not meant to give specific advice nor encourage persons to attempt the trail. You accept all consequences should you proceed to hike this closed trail.
Post photos were taken in collaboration with Matt Tonokawa.
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