Koko Crater Hike, Oahu

  Want a serious, thigh burning, leg shaking hike here on Oahu, then look no further than the infamous climb to the summit of Koko Crater. The summit is just over 1200ft, and the climb follows an old tramway straight up the southern slope.

  The beginning of the hike is located behind the baseball field at Koko Crater Park. Shoes dangling from the power lines tell tales of previous hikers' stories of success lending inspiration to those who follow. A warning sign of steep trail ahead and dangerous conditions rattles your nerves as you take your first step...with the knowledge of over 1000 more to come!
   The steps themselves were spaced for the old tramway the powered lookouts to the top of the crater in the old days. So not only are there a lot of stairs, but they are steep and far apart. About halfway up the stairs become airborn over a ravine. It's pretty safe...as long as you don't fall through. Going up is pretty tough here, but coming down over the ravine while your legs are shaking is when you really have to watch it. I've seen someone slip through the cracks here once, as well as rescue helicopters flying up to the summit to grab people off the crater.

   This trail does combine an incredible workout with an amazing view. From the top you have 360° of view over the southeast corner of Oahu. On one side you can look down into Koko Crater all the way to the Makapuu Headlands, while on the other side you have Hanauma Bay and Hawaiikai all the way to Diamond Head. Some of the old structures are still at the top, covered in graffiti. And if you look hard enough you can find a hanging box for prayers of all the proud summiters.

  Before heading down I had to snap a picture of these boys resting high above the city up at the summit. Then one last picture of the daunting trip down and off I went...for a quick surf session at the Diamond Head cliffs!