A good long hike straight up koko head. Take your time and bring lots of water and healthy snacks. The view from the top is worth it. One of my favorite hikes to do.
We got their about 11 am and it was a hot and humid day - low 80's. I am 52 and in decent shape as I completed a 1/2 marathon in early February. This hike kicked my butt! It is strenous, steep and the railroad steps are often broken, cracked or missing. This is a dangerous hike, be very careful and don't fall. With that said the views at the top are spectacular! Bring water and take breaks on the way up. It is also very difficult on the way down because the steps are far aprt (not a normal step). If you have any issues with bad knees, feet, etc don't attemp it.
The hike is a bit challenging especially towards the end, but it is completely worth it once you the top! Wear good running shoes & bring lots of water! Also, take your time when hiking up the crater. The views are absolutely breathtaking. It was so amazing I did it twice!
This is not for the meek or timid ... I'm 60, wife is 51, lots of panting went on, lots of over-the-top heart pounding ... and after about 50 stops on the way, we finally made it ... was an incredible view ... was it worth it ... definitely something off the bucket list.
My husband (67 yrs. old) climbed the 1,028 ft. high mountain and it took him 2:20 hrs. Younger people can go up in 17 min. That's what several people in great shape told us. It was a challenge for him and when he got back down he said "If I ever say I want to do anything like that again, just slap the crap out of me!" Ha He wanted to quit several times and other hikers kept telling him that he could do it, just rest. He loved the view from the top and made some friends up there.
Magnificent views from up there. It's a little strenous getting up there in the heat of the day, as we did (mad dogs and Englishmen and such), and it can be a little precarious getting down, but it's well worth the effort.
If You Want an Easy Hike, Go to DiamondHead, this trail is definitely challenging, and it will take a while, but the view is SO worth it. There are some parts along the way that made me a little nervous, like the tracks where there's no ground underneath, but over all a safe hike. I saw a few people with dogs, some locals there just to work out, but mostly seemed like tourists. It wasn't overly crowded when we went on a weekday. When we got to the top there were only about 4-5 other people there. Compared to Diamondhead this hike is easier and seems a little less "tourist-y"
Go early in the morning, as there is no shade and can get extremely hot. Also, bring water/camel pack, as there are no water fountains. Amazing views of Honolulu and Bay areas.
IT is the most epic hiking trail eve. The reward for your effort is one of the most spectacular views in Hawaii. If you can haul your sorry butt up the hill you should do it. You won't be disappointed.
I really enjoyed this climb and the views from the top are amazing!!Word to the wise tho!...... this is a difficult climb, it's steep , strenuous and can be quite dangerous in parts due to rubble, broken steps etc. I'm a reasonably fit 50 year old and I struggled my way to the top, take plenty of rests ( every telegraph pole was my goal ) bottle of water and wear good shoes/joggers.Do not attempt this when it has been raining ...too dangerous, or in the hot midday sun ....you will dehydrate and burn!To get there, from Waikiki take the Bus No 23 to Hawaii Kai and Sea Life Park and get off at the entrance to The Hanauma Bay Nature Reserve ( ask the bus driver to let you know). When you get off the bus you will be on the opposite side of the road to the entrance to the park, this is the side you want to be on. You will see a metal swing gate on this side, go through and follow the bitumen road down about 400m to the start of the trail.Have fun.......and Jelly legs for the 2 days after! LOL