At first glance the climb is very intimidating. However, once we applied ourselves mentally and started the climb we realized we could do. The best part of the climb is the amazing views at the top. Absolutely breathtaking!

Very challenging hike if you don't pace yourself. It's a great workout and best done when the sun is barely out. As others may have said, bring water and maybe some snacks, take your time and be careful not to injure yourself. While there's no running water to catch your eye like on other nearby hikes, finishing this trail has a reward in itself. Great views at the top at sunrise. You can also see Hanauma bay, the edge of the crater and even a pillbox from the last World War. Best advice is to go early (I started at 6am) so you don't have to really lookout for people on the way down and the sun doesn't have much of a chance to burn you.

I hike quite a bit but something about this scared me. Not being one to not do what I set out to do off i went- I’m so glad I did. The view from the top is gorgeous even on a somewhat overcast morning. The trail up not as scary as it looks, challenging yes. And the last 100ish steps are steep ( worse coming down). I have a decent level of fitness, but can’t fly down stairs like I did in my 20-40s. So the trip down was a little slower than going up. 40 minutes up an hour down. I stopped plenty going up, there is no shame. Your fellow hikers will cheer you on, it is a wonderful way to spend an early morning. For a cool down I hiked Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail. You won’t be disappointed don’t skip this hike.

A challenging hike- and a rare opportunity. I was concerned about doing this hike after reading some of the reviews, however, it is totally do-able.. though do it no later than mid morning, for sure. I just took my time and stopped when needed, along with plenty of water. Wear good gripping shoes. Great experience! The view at the top is a absolutely amazing!! Don’t stop once you reach the top of the stairs - follow the dirt trail and go to the top of the mountain!! Breathtaking!!

Great workout - stair master 5000! It's not a 'hike' IMO and you DON'T need hiking shoes like some people here will tell you. Runners are just fine but would avoid anything less like sandals. That said, shoes with at least a little grip will help on the way down, especially if there's any rain. My partner and I are by no means athletes, but both casual hikers (38yo from Vancouver, Canada). Going up took us 22-25mins, going down was around the same. My calves were burning for days after the descent :P Great views from the top. We did it not long after sun rise and before our 9am reservation at Hanauma Bay (which I wouldn't recommend but that's another review). The weather was wet, windy, cloudy, then sunny so glad we both had rain shells with us as it made a more comfortable time at the top.

I hiked this & many other trails on 09/08 during my first visit to Hawai'i & posted a vlog! Search "Nikko Gandia Travels" on YT. The trail felt moderate to me. The incline is abrupt, take breaks when needed and enjoy the views. Consider bringing a walking pole or stick, going back down may be more difficult for some. Small section towards the top without ground coverage - take Murphy's bypass to avoid this (look for sign). Great views of north, east, and south O'ahu at the summit.

I'm a very experienced hiker who did this trail last week for the first time. I do NOT recommend this hike for kids or younger teenagers, because the downhill portion is so steep that if you miss your foot placement on the railroad ties on the downhill, especially during the section where the wooden ties are about 10 to 12 feet above ground level, a sprained ankle would be a lucky outcome. The day I did it, March 25th, they were air-lifting a young person I later heard was 12 years old who went too fast on the downhill, tumbled, and broke multiple bones, including his leg. A medical rescue helicopter was hovering for about 10 minutes before they lifted him off the hill. As for older people (over 60, like myself ), or people are not so physically active who are thinking about doing this, carefully consider your fitness and agility level. You can and probably will take rests on the steep uphill, but some parts of the downhill don't lend themselves to stopping easily. It basically requires about 1000 controlled lunges on the downhill for anyone who isn't long-legged or who (like me) no longer has youthful flexibility.

Took taxi to Koko Head from Waikiki ($$) arrived by 10am. Lots of other hikers. I was nervous about completing this hike but just took it slow and steady. Lots of places to step off trail which I did frequently. Being railroad ties and not actual steps was def interesting! I didn't cross "bridge" part went around. Felt incredibly proud of myself when I reached the top! I kept hiking up dirt trail to metal platform at very top and wow the views. Loved looking into crater and towards Waikiki. I spent a hour at top just sitting on platform and enjoying views. Going back down I was very careful and mindful of every step. I actually went sideways AND held on to railway metal rail lol. I didn't care how I looked! Yes it was steep from top. When I felt more comfortable I let go of rail and still went sideways. I made sure I moved aside for everyone passing me. Yes some were running...up and down...wow. This is a challenging but doable hike. Go for it! I took bus back to Waikiki. Walked to plaza, took a bus to transfer station then #23. Was about a hour to get back to Waikiki

Very steep steps to top of Koko Head; if you have any issues wit heights or not very fit this may not be for you. If you make it to the top (30-90 minutes depending on pace) you are rewarded with a great workout and views. There is plenty of room to pull off to side and rest if needed.

This hike will kick your butt and then some. Be prepared for that and you’ll be fine. Not for someone who doesn’t have an established fitness routine with cardio and endurance. You’ll hear such folks (myself included) questioning their choices on the way up! Did not make it to the top, the last 90 feet are nearly vertical, just brutal, I couldn’t do it and tapped out. But even the view from there was fabulous! No regrets.