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Hiking KoKo Head What you need to know

Hiking Koko Head Crater Trail and What you need to Know

The allure of Hawaii isn’t just in its sun-kissed beaches and volcanic landscapes; it’s in the trails that claw their way up, offering more than just a view—it’s a challenge, a rite of passage. My own pilgrimage led me to the infamous Koko Head Trail Hike. I didn’t bother to check the difficulty—my focus was on cramming every minute of my days with adventure. An old Army buddy, Neal Lang, and his girlfriend, Jenn, offered up their place for us to stay during our trip. Neal, a 1st Sergeant with one of the units on a nearby Army base, and his girlfriend Jen, both adrenaline junkies and outdoor enthusiasts, were the perfect hosts. They provided me with a list of their favorite hikes; I tackled four grueling hikes in six days. But let me zero in on the beast: Koko Head.

A Challenging Hike

They say Koko Head Trail Hike is supposably a 45-minute stroll, maybe if you’re an Olympic athlete. I was about to find out just how much of a fib that is. My friend Patrick Allen, a fellow soldier stationed on the island, had a good laugh when I told him my plan. “Oh, I have to see this. I’m coming with you,” he said. He knows me all too well.

I might not be the picture of peak physical fitness, but after two decades in the Army, I can endure. We parked at the near by baseball field parking lot, surrounded by a parade of stunning physiques. Of course, I felt like the reigning king of ugly. With my bag of what I thought was ample hydration, we set out for the Koko Head Trail Hike.

Allen and McGill
Walking to hike Koko Head

Navigating the Terrain

The trail starts innocuously enough with asphalt that turns to rock and then to the old WWII railway tracks, now relics of a bygone era. These tracks, used to haul equipment up the hill, still offer some semblance of footing. People passed us like it was a stroll in the park, giving me ample opportunities to catch my breath. But this trail doesn’t mess around—it quickly turns brutal. My thighs protested like they were on strike.

The real heart-stopper was a section where the ground had eroded beneath the tracks, leaving a nerve-wracking 10-foot drop. You either balance across or take a detour that feels like you’re tiptoeing around a cliff. Allen, seasoned and fearless, leaped across like it was nothing. Me? I watched people crawl across like they were auditioning for a circus act. Somehow, I pushed through, taking breaks and praying for the end.

Cart tracks on Koko Head

Reaching the Summit and Reflecting

At the summit, Neal’s female commander reportedly does the whole hike in under 25 minutes. Neal, ever the beast, even vomited at the top. But let me tell you, the wooden platform up there offers a view that makes every ounce of suffering worth it. You look out over Honolulu and the ocean, and for a moment, you’re overwhelmed with gratitude. I snapped photos of my family, and the Koko Head Trail Hike felt like a victory.

WWII History: The Observation Point

Allen suggested we check out the WWII observation point nearby. More stunning views awaited, though this spot is not for the faint-hearted, perched precariously over a sheer cliff. The cooler breeze was a welcome relief, and I took a moment with my oldest son to soak in the scenery. I imagined soldiers stationed here during WWII, scanning the skies for enemy aircraft. The old engines that once hauled carts up the trail stood as solemn reminders of their sacrifice.

A scenic view Honolulu Hawaii from the top of Koko Head in Hawaii overlooking Honolulu with clear blue skies and some clouds. In the foreground, there is rusted wench that sit atop Koko Head that was used in WW II to pull Soldiers and Equipment to the observation post on , possibly part of an old winch or hoisting system, set on a concrete base with graffiti. The middle ground reveals a lush green landscape that slopes down towards the coast. The coastline features an urban area with buildings densely packed together, leading to a harbor with several boats and ships. Beyond the urban area, the ocean extends to the horizon where it meets the sky.
The group overlooking the top of Koko Heads cliff

Descending the Trail

The descent was a different beast. Far quicker but still daunting, with people coming up who seemed impervious to the terrain. I joked, “Save yourself, it’s not worth it!” as I clung to tree branches, making my way down. By the time we hit the bottom, I craved nothing more than a beer. Fortunately, the cooler from our diving trip was stocked. Allen and I celebrated with cold beers, the perfect end to the Koko Head Trail Hike.

A scenic view from hiking down Koko Head trail. In the foreground, an individual stands on train tracks, facing away from the camera and looking out towards the landscape. Another person in pink attire is ascending the trail. The surrounding vegetation is lush and green, and in the distance, there’s a panoramic view of a Honolulu leading up to an expansive ocean under a clear blue sky.

Final Thoughts: Reflecting on the Adventure

Would I tackle the Koko Head Trail Hike again? Probably not. Yet, I urge you to take it on. This hike was the most challenging of my Honolulu adventures, so save it for the end. The views are worth every grueling step, and the experience lingers longer than the others. Reconnecting with an old Army buddy added a layer of nostalgia that only military friendships can bring—picking up right where you left off, no matter the years apart. If you would like to meet up or travel together, let me know here at TravelingAmerican.org

Allen and the boys enjoying the view of Koko Head

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