Koko Crater Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Koko Crater. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Mahina Hawaii Full-Day Adventure
• Best of Oahu Full-Day Small-Group Island Tour
• Local Expert Private Tours
• Full-Day Guided Adventure in Koko Head Stairs and Southeast O’ahu
• 8 Hour Circle Island Jeep Tour

While the trail to the top of Koko Crater is free, many travelers hike with a guide. Full-day group tours start from US$80, including round-trip transport, and combine a hike along the Koko Head Trail with nearby sights including Makapu’u Point and Sandy Beach Park.

Koko Crater is an extinct volcanic crater formed over 7,000 years ago. It is known for the challenging Koko Head Trail that follows an old rail tramway built by the US Army during World War II, which transported people and equipment up to the Air Force station at the summit.

The Koko Head Trail is a moderately challenging hike with a steep incline and over 1,000 “steps”—the cross-ties of the old tramway. A moderate to good fitness level is required to comfortably tackle the ascent, so it’s not generally recommended for first-time hikers or young children.

While it’s not a long hike, summiting the Koko Crater is still a serious workout, so come prepared with proper hiking shoes, plenty of water, and snacks. The exposed trail has little shade and the heat can be intense, so a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen are essential.

The Koko Crater Trail is a 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) out-and-back hike and typically takes around 90 minutes to complete, depending on your pace​. Most hikers allow two hours for the hike to account for photo stops and time spent enjoying the views from the summit.