Koko Crater Arch to the Peak is a 1.7-mile trail with 1,059-foot elevation gain near Hawaii Kai on Oahu. Koko Crater Arch trail is a shorter hike that is a little over 1-mile to the arch and back. This trail is rated as moderate due to a steep climb along a rocky path.
Getting There & Tips
There are two main ways to access the trail, and there are a few variations of the trail length. The easiest way to access the trailhead is to park at the Halona Blowhole Parking lot or find street parking along the highway. Once parked, you will walk to mile marker 15, enter over the guard rail, and safely climb up the rocks to the ridgeline. Once on the ridgeline, you will quickly see the rock arch.
Another option to access the trailhead is to park at the Halona Blowhole Parking lot, walk down to Halona Blowhole Cove (aka Cockroach Cove), and walk/crawl through a small tunnel in the rocks to the other side of the highway.
Once you are on the ridgeline, continue to ascend towards the rock arch. Just before the arch begins, there is a small path on the left-hand side that will take you below the arch. Some hikers choose to stop at the arch and then descend back down the way they came; others may continue to the peak of the ridge and descend back down the way they came, or more ambitious hikers will climb the peak to the Koko Head Stairs trail and climb down the stairs to end their adventure.
This trail is unshaded and gets hot very quickly! Be sure to hike in the morning or evening, pack plenty of water, wear appropriate sun protection, and wear proper hiking footwear as the rocky path is slippery and steep in some sections.
Our Koko Crater Arch Hiking Adventure
A small group of us headed out in the early morning to hike the Koko Crater Arch trail. We kept it simple and found parking along the highway, and began our quick climb up towards the arch. As you approach the rock arch, be sure to keep an eye out for the trail turn-off to the left of the arch; otherwise, you will continue to climb on top of the arch.
While ascending along the steep rocky path, we were stunned at the coastline's sweeping views and how deep blue the water was. Although we missed sunrise during our adventure, this is a great sunrise hike, as it is a quick climb up to some incredible views. Our group enjoyed a quick snack once at the arch and took some fun pictures inside the arch before heading back down.
Other things to do in the area:
If you are looking for other things to do nearby, check out the Halona Blowhole lookout, and take the quick walk down to check out Halona Beach Cove. Eternity Beach, Finding Ohana, and several other movies have been filmed in this location! Another great option just up the highway is the Makapu'u Lighthouse lookout and Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail.
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