On Friday morning, August 2, we decided to hike up Koko Crater to catch the sunrise. The sunrise was set for 6am, and we arrived a bit late, around 5:10am. Despite our tardiness, there was still plenty of parking available. Because who doesn’t love rolling in fashionably late?
Contents
Hiking Details:
One-way distance: 0.7 miles
Round trip distance: 1.4 miles
Elevation gain: 1,200 feet
The Start
Even in the early hours, there were already a few locals on the trail, hiking in the dark with headlamps. Clearly, these people had their lives together. Cathy and I, on the other hand, aren’t big on cardio, so we had to take numerous breaks along the way. The one-way distance to the top is approximately 0.7 miles, making the round trip about 1.4 miles, with an elevation gain of around 1,200 feet. Fun times for our out-of-shape selves.
There are no handrails on the trail, but there are shoulders where you can stop and question your life choices. As we climbed, we were treated to views of the sunrise over the bay, which was a highlight. Even if you don’t feel like it, take pictures as you go up because there are fewer people on the stairs at that time and you might as well document your suffering. Plus when you go down, you just want it to end.
The Climb
One challenging part of the hike is a sketchy bridge over a ravine, which can be downright terrifying if you’re afraid of heights. You know, for that extra adrenaline rush you didn’t ask for. Alternatively, you can take Murphy’s Bypass, which is not difficult at all and avoids the bridge.
As we continued, there were plenty of platforms to take in the views at the top. Be sure to check out the ocean side, not just the views of the hike itself. It’s like a reward for not dying on the way up.
At the Top
I also flew my drone at the top. It was a bit windy, but my Mavic Mini 4 Pro handled it without a hitch. There’s also an extended hike closer to the ocean side where you can walk along the tops of the peaks. We weren’t sure how far out you could go, but it looked interesting.
The Finish
We finished the hike around 8:45am. By then, the parking lot was starting to empty out, but it had been filled during our hike. People were starting to park on the shoulder and in the distant park parking lots. Given that this is a legal hike, its popularity is quite high. This is pretty different from our experience hiking Stairway to Heaven!
Final Thoughts
If you’re in good cardio shape, enjoy the Stairmaster, or don’t mind the strain on your muscles and knees, this hike is worth it for the photos. We don’t regret the effort because of the stunning pictures we were able to capture. For the best experience, go at sunrise or sunset to avoid the crowds and enjoy the best lighting. If you go early in the morning, make sure to bring a headlamp.
