Koko Head Crater - A Famous Tourist Attraction
Koko Crater is a favorite destination for locals who want to get in a decent exercise, and it's also a famous tourist attraction because of the breathtaking views that can be seen from the peak. To get to the summit, you'll have to climb the 1,048 stairs that run in a straight line up the mountainside. The stairs themselves are made of railroad ties that were leftover from World War II, and although the first half of the steps are fairly steep, it's the last push to the 1,100-foot peak that truly makes your legs feel like they're being pushed.
The reward for reaching the summit, on the other hand, is an uninterrupted 360-degree view over the southeastern part of the island of O'ahu. Look down towards Hanauma Bay and the turquoise waters of the crater, and watch as the waves crash along Sandy Beach, forming frothy ribbons of white foam. Across the water, Diamond Head rises in the distance to the west, flanked by Honolulu, while the island of Moloka'i—and sometimes Lana'i—floats on the horizon to the east. Instead of trekking to the summit of Koko Crater, the Koko Crater.
Botanical Garden provides self-guided tours of the 60-acre basin and its colourful dryland environment, which are a great alternative to climbing to the top.
There is no better feeling than conquering those Koko Head Stairs and reaching the top! Climb above old military bunker. Get your fill of amazing views from Diamond Head to Makapu’u Pt…the payoff will be worth it too!
The best time to visit Koko Crater
Coming at sunrise
One of the best way to enjoy a sunrise is by being at the top of the mountain when it happens. This will make you feel like you are in another world and also give an amazing view that can't be seen anywhere else!
Coming before 8 am to avoid the heat
If you don't feel like going up for dawn, climbing up early in the morning before the heat may be fascinating. This advice is particularly important from May through November when the mornings are rapidly heated. This tip is particularly important from May through November, when the mornings are rapidly heated.
Because the top portion of the walk is in the midst of bushes, the freshness lasts a bit longer. Starting the walk no later than 8:00 a.m. should enable you to enjoy the freshness in this area before the heat becomes unbearable.
