A more distant alternative to Diamond Head is another volcanic crater, Koko Head. Located just outside of town, you'll feel more at home in nature, and the views from here are equally spectacular.

Climb Koko Head

The climb to the top is on tracks that are laid out in an interesting way (they are reinforced with sleepers that you climb up like stairs). However, expect a lot of elevation gain and a total of 1,048 steps, wear good footwear and allow at least 2 hours.

The tracks were stretched during World War II to facilitate access to the top, where military bunkers were built.

The crater and botanical garden

The crater itself is then partly filled with a nice botanical garden, which is accessed from the other side than the tracks that you climb to the top.

The botanical garden takes advantage of the drier microclimate of the crater and offers interesting and rare dry-loving vegetation. Admission to the botanical garden is free.

How to get there

Koko Head is most easily reached by car. From Honolulu, take Highway 72 east, turn left at the intersection with Lunalilo Home Road, and after about 300 yards turn right onto Anapalau Street, which will take you to the free parking lot.

From there, there is already a signposted route towards Koko Head. See the route map from Honolulu.

The nearest bus stop for the Line 1 bus is on Lunalilo Home Road, about 2 km from the trailhead.

Book a car at Honolulu Airport