ALOHA!
The Koko Crater Railway Trail, commonly called the Koko Head Hike, is known for being able to get you breathing hard, and for that reason it’s also called nature’s stairmaster!
And it’s called a stairmaster, because you are basically taking stairs all the way up to the summit.
This also gives it the name Koko Head Stairs.
Learn more about the Koko Head Hike here.
The Koko Crater is easy to reach by bus from Waikiki.
For the quick directions, here they are!
Be sure to change the departure time and starting point for more accuracy.
Bus routes can change, so be sure to confirm with google maps for the latest updates.
Waikiki Travel Guide:
- 2 mile walk on Waikiki Beach
- Best snorkeling spot in Waikiki
- Best hike near Waikiki
- Bike rental in Waikiki
- Free hula show in Waikiki
- Getting around by bus from Waikiki
- Best unforgettable adventures on Oahu
what to pack for hiking in hawaii >> what to wear hiking – best shoes for hiking
near koko head hike >> things to do on east side of oahu
The bus can take you directly from Waikiki to Koko Head
You’ll be able to take a single bus to get to Koko Head without getting any bus transfers.
The bus from Waikiki to Koko Head takes about 45 minutes, depending on where in Waikiki your departure point is.
Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!
Get off at the bus stop in front of the Hanauma Bay sign
To get to Koko Head, you’ll want to get off at the bus stop in front of the Hanauma Bay sign.
There are 2 bus stops that say “Hanauma Bay,” and you’ll want to get off at the first one.
There’s one bus stop that’s called “Kalanianaole Hwy + Hanauma Bay Rd” and the other bus stop is called “Hanauma Bay Nature Park.”
If you miss the first bus stop, no problem!
Just get off at the next Hanauma Bay bus stop, and you’ll just have to walk an extra 10 minutes or so to get you back to that bus stop you missed.
Directly across the bus stop is the road to get to Koko Head
Once you get off the bus in front of the Hanauma Bay sign, you’ll look across the street, and there begins your hike!
Here is your starting point when you’re getting to Koko Head Trail by bus:
This is not the official start of the trail, but it’ll lead you there.
The road may be blocked to be off limits to cars, but if you’re walking, you can take the road to get you to Koko Head Trail.
It may be a crowded bus ride to Koko Head
Since Hanauma Bay is a popular tourist attraction, the bus ride to Hanauma Bay, and thus to Koko Head, can become crowded.
That means that you may be standing until it’s time for you to get off the bus if you go at a busy time.
So if you have a choice between 2 bus stops in Waikiki, go for the earlier one!
Google Maps public transit directions are amazing for getting to Koko Head by bus
Use Google Maps public transit directions to help plan your trip to Koko Head by bus!
If you look at Google Maps and it’s saying you need to transfer buses from Waikiki, it could be the time of day you’re looking at it.
In this case, change the “leave now” option to “depart at” some time in the morning or early afternoon.
Best short hikes with scenic views on Oahu
- Diamond Head Hike
- Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
- Manoa Falls Trail
- Koko Head Hike
- Lanikai Pillbox Hike
- Puu Maelieli Trail
- North Shore Pillbox Hike
Bring your own food and water to Koko Head!
It’s even more important to make sure you have adequate supply of snacks and water when you’re getting to Koko Head by bus!
This is because taking the bus means that the time is even longer between you leaving and returning to your Waikiki hotel!
And the only emergency food you can turn to if you start to feel faint on the trail from the strenuous workout Koko Head gives you is what you have packed in your backpack!
If you’re not carrying a backpack, at the very least, carry an energy bar or two in your pocket.
This hiking backpack, pictured below at the Koko Head trail summit, is perfect!
Places to eat after your Koko Head hike
If you’re looking for a post-workout meal for after that Koko Head workout, there is a snack stand at Hanauma Bay across the street.
There’s one before the entry point to the bay, and there are a number of picnic tables around.
But even better than that…
Paina Cafe
Down the road in the direction that you came from towards Waikiki, there’s the Koko Marina Shopping Center.
That’s a 20 minute walk, or you can wait for the bus to take you a mile down the road. (But the walk can be a good cool down after the hike. ;))
In the shopping center is Paina Cafe where you can have a taste of the traditional Hawaiian dish known as the poke bowl!
PERFECT post-meal workout at a Hawaiian style restaurant! They have plate lunches, sandwiches, and salads too, if you don’t want to go for the poke bowl.
You can take a look at the Koko Marina Paina Cafe menu here.
HAPPY KOKO HEAD HIKING!
what to wear in hawaii >> what to wear hiking – what to wear snorkeling
more things to do on oahu | map >> more things to do on east side of oahu
beginner’s guide to taking the bus on oahu
There are affiliate links on this page. Among other partners, as an Amazon Associate, I may receive a commission.
🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel:
- walking sandals:
I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling
📌 Pin this post for later! Save on Pinterest! 👈📌