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Koko Crater / Kohelepelepe

Trailhead


A prominent feature when entering the Hawaii Kai area, Koko Crater stands high above the bustling residential and tourist traffic below. Its highest point, Puu Mai, stands above Kohelepelepe - the Hawaiian name for Koko Crater. Come for the 360-degree views!


Description:
Puu Mai, the prominent 1,206-foot peak along Koko Crater's rim, is the terminus for about four different but commonly-used routes. The easiest of all four approaches is via the abandoned railroad on the crater's west side which this webpage describes. It's like a mountain-high stairmaster with a wooden bridge in the middle.


What to Expect:
The wooden ties under the tracks form approximately 1,106 steps to the top.

From "trailhead" to bridge: 585
Across bridge: 69
From bridge to top: 452



Trailhead Location:
The trailhead to the railroad tracks is one of the three approaches to the top of Koko Crater/Puu Mai. It is behind the most mauka building in the dilapidated complex of structures that was, for several decades, the Hawaii Kai Job Corps. The short, asphalt road to the woodsy, abandoned Job Corps lot can be found at the far end (mauka) of the Hawaii Kai District Park accessible from either Kaumakani Street or Kalanianaole Hwy (across from the Hanauma Bay entrance).


Accessing the Trail:
No significant barriers to entry from railroad side. The same applies for the entry near the Blowhole Lookout. Unfortunately, entry from within the crater (Koko Crater Stables / Botanical Garden) has been restricted by local security guards.


Property/Access:
Government Owned, Unofficial/Unmaintained Access
Landowner: City & County of Honolulu

Verified with City & County of Honolulu public records June 27, 2002.
It is your responsibility to obtain permission from proper landowners.

For detailed "property/access" info, click More Info.


Dangers/Other Considerations:
Be careful when crossing the wooden bridge. It stands quite high over a ravine halfway up the mountain. Also, use extreme caution in the vicinity of the abandoned facility atop Puu Mai. The structures are not maintained and in dilapidated condition from years of inattention.


Makapuu View
Koko Crater from Afar
(view from Makapuu Lthse Rd)
Mariners View
Koko Crater from Afar
(view from Mariner's Ridge)
Railroad Bridge
Tracks to the Summit
(mid-trail bridge)
Winch Controls
Structures atop Puu Mai
(elev. 1,206 ft)
Honolulu View
View from Puu Mai
(West toward Diamond Head)
Hawaii Kai View
Bunker / View from Puu Mai
(down toward Hawaii Kai)



What the books say...
Hawaiian Hiking Trails
Craig Chisholm		 Not listed
Hawaii's Best Hiking Trails
Robert Smith		Not listed
The Hikers Guide to O'ahu
Stuart Ball		 Danger: Medium
Skill: Intermediate