My son’s family lives near Koko head and impulsively I went one midday. I didn’t feel all that well at about 900’ (of 1,000’) so I didn’t finish and just came back down. I’m short so the stairs were tougher for me then, say a switch back trail. Also, I felt insecurity with footing and had to be cautious, otherwise I envisioned slipping and damaging a knee or worse. Because I didn’t get to the top I can’t really give it a proper review, but I can say that the next time I’m over there, I’m bringing hiking pole(s). What I liked best was the exertion level by time as it has the right amount of both for me.

This was hands down the most physically demanding and mentally challenging hike I’ve ever done, but the views at the top made it worth EVERY bit of suffering! The key things to keep in mind are to take it slow, bring and drink LOTS of water, go EARLY to avoid the heat, and pay attention to where you’re walking. This would not be a good hike in wind or rain. There are lots of places to pull off the trail to take breaks and there is a section that is pretty sketchy with exposed drop between the rail ties, but there is a bypass if you want to play it safe!

I like to push myself on certain hikes and this a great one to test you. That said, I believe anyone can do it, but you just need to pace yourself and rush. Just turn around when you are out of gas and enjoy the view, then March on. They have pullouts to rest and sit if needed. One water bottle is enough, but a cool drink waiting for you in the car….🙏🏻👊🏼 I you are not afraid of heights and can focus well, take the railroad ties all the way up and down. If not, take the dirt trail pull-out for the section where the ties have a 40-50 drop underneath the gaps. Once at the top, explore the different paths for the plethora of views.

We hiked up to the top of Koko Crater on Tuesday at around 8 am. The trail was not too busy this early in the morning. And the sun is not as intense as later on in the day. It took us around 35 minutes to reach the top. We made several 1-2 minute stops to enjoy the views and take pictures. The steps are well maintained. Wear sport/hiking shoes with good support and grip. Steps are higher than standard stairs. It's safer to hike on a dry day. I suspect it can get slippery when the steps and loose gravel are wet. The best rewards when reaching the top are the awesome views. We hiked down after about 20 minutes. The hike down was faster. Watch your steps and be careful on the way down. There is no need to rush. We stepped aside to let people pass. Parking is free. There are bathrooms at the park but none on the trail. It's good to bring water and stay hydrated.

It is truly an amazing accomplishment to get to tackle this hike. It was so nice to experience people being kind and uplifting to other people. We all wanted to finish this hike. Definitely worth your time and effort to get to see the views from the top. Loved the renovations they have done to make the trail safer.

One of the few free, but awesome adventures on Oahu. As everyone says...go early, take water, and for any weekend warriors..take your time and rest often, to make sure you get to the top. The look out is great. Two days later, and my calves and quads are still burning, buy worth it.

This was on our list to do and the more we read and talked to others, we really doubted whether or not we could do this! haha. We traveled as a family with a 17 year old son and almost 14 year old son. We are all pretty active in our daily life and this was still TOUGH! We went as early in the morning as we could per recommendations. We had to rent a car and the rental car shop didn’t open until 8, so I’d say we didn’t get to Koko until 9 or so. We packed plenty of snacks and water and brought a light backpack and wore plenty of sunscreen. This was a brutal hike from the first stair. My husband didn’t make it more than halfway. He was afraid of injuring himself. My sons and I made it to the top, but needed to take several breaks along the way. There is plenty of step offs. The views from the top were breathtaking and worth the climb. But it was really hard. I would do it again, especially since I know what to expect now. I would still recommend going early in the day and taking fruit/nuts/water to eat along the way up or at the top before you come back down. Great experience! and it is FREE!

Thoroughly enjoyed it. Haven't hiked in years but managed- just. Partner chose to stay midway as it does get much steeper as you get closer to the top. Definitely take water and good shoes and was extremely windy off the main tracks at the top by the cliff edge. Highley recommend.

I have wanted to this hike since I heard about it. I’m a sucker for some good views. I’m very active and fit and as all other reviews say— this hike is HARD but an extremely fun challenge. I went around 8am, didn’t bring water (10/10 don’t recommend that), made it up to the top in 15 minutes (humble brag), snapped some pictures and made my way back down. There are two parts of the track that are off of the ground and that was slightly terrifying on the way up and down but doable. Take water, go early, rest if you need to, but it’s gorgeous at the top. Do it for the gram.

This was a personal test and I’m so proud to do it! From my awesome Uber driver Misa who got me there, the awesome people who helped cheer me on and helped keep me safe and the encouragement and support from family, friends, colleagues, this should be on your “must-do!” Shout out to the folks wearing rucks and weights who flew past me but still managed to slow down and called me “sir” in the nicest way, without saying “move over boomer” 😆 and for the folks my senior who reminded me how far I have to go, rock on!!