The Koko Crater Trail is an abandoned railroad track leading through rolling green hills and offering vast, panoramic views of the surrounding city and wilds. The trail has been dubbed the Stairs of Doom and Nature's StairMaster over the years, and it was built during World War II to supply pillbox bunkers in the hills. It was later converted to an Air Force station, which was decommissioned in 1966.
Following its decommission, the station was converted into the walking trail it is today. It presents a very challenging hike that covers more than 1,100 feet in elevation in just under a mile's walk.
Koko Crater Railway Trailhead - one of the highlights of 10 Best Hiking Trails in Honolulu (Read all about Honolulu here)
Highlights and features of the Koko Crater Trail
The rickety railroad track that forms the bulk of the trail can both help you climb the steep hill, and, at places, hinder you and create risks, as it has become decayed with time. A group called the Kokonut Koalition works to preserve the trail as best it can. Overall, the tracks form 1,048 stairs.
Halfway up, a railway bridge spans over a ravine, which can be scary if you're afraid of heights, though a safe bypass is offered here. The trail ends at the Koko Head Crater, from which you can see landmarks like the Hanauma Bay, the Port Lock Peninsula, and even the city below.
Good things to know about the Koko Crater Trail
The Koko Crater Trail is not generally accessible to people with limited mobility because of the sheer nature of the steep hike and rickety, dust-covered stairs. The climb itself can be treacherous as a result, and care is advised for all climbers and hikers. For some, early morning or evening hikes are possible. For these, it's advised that you bring a flashlight or headlamp.
Public parking is available and generally, plenty of spaces can be found. The trailhead is accessible by following a walking path from the parking lot behind a baseball diamond.
Koko Crater Railway Trailhead
Location: 7604 Koko Head Park Rd #7602, Honolulu, HI 96825, USA
Open: Monday–Sunday from 6.30 am to 11 pm