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!!

This trail is difficult but 100% worth the view! Come early to avoid the heat and crowds. Also don’t follow maps instead park at the baseball fields near by the trailhead start.

The views at the top are gorgeous, but this is a tough hike of 1000+ stairs. Don't be ashamed to take breaks, everyone but the fitness freaks took breaks every 20-30 steps as you get farther up. Steps are steeper higher up than the top. But worth it!

Koko head is right across Hanauma bay in the southeastern part of Oahu. Parking beneath is free at a huge parking lot, though difficult to find spaces on weekends when we've visited. From the bottom you see the cut path going straight up through lush greenery. It looks both, scary and challenging. It took us around 40 min to reach the summit with very often breaks (I am 55). Imo, it's more a challenge and adventure of personal satisfaction than for the views. Views are nice, but better are from both, Diamond Head and Tantalus lookout (the latter you reach comfortably in your car). However, if this is your cup of tea do it, specially because I've read they're going to dismantle the stairs. Personally, I wouldn't do it again.