Conquering Koko Crater

Koko Crater.

From the moment I saw it on the far southeast side of Oahu, I knew I had to climb it--but it wasn't going to be an easy climb.  Jutting 1,208 ft into the air, this ancient cinder cone was used by the military as a defensive bunker in WWII.


To get the supplies up there, US Army built a railroad that ran along the southwest side.  Today, those tracks are used as hiking trail to the top.

 
At first the trail of 1,048 steps isn't too bad.  It's at a steep angle, but totally do-able.  And as long as you don't look too far ahead, you can keep that positive I-can-do-it! attitude pushing you forward.

One section spans a short trestle bridge that goes over a ravine.  There were no handrails and some of the ties are hollowed out by decay.  It made for an interesting crossing.

Someone said there was a side trail for people who were afraid of heights.

Unfortunately, I saw a couple of octogenarians cross it.  Deep breath.  If they can do it, I can do it.  On trembly legs, I crossed the bridge.

 

 After we ascended the final third of the 1,048-step trail with its near-vertical climb, we were rewarded with cool breezes and spectacular views.

Directly below us were two small crater depressions, then the world-famous Hanauma Bay.  In the distance is Koko Head which is a measly 642 ft. elevation.  Koko Head is a tuff cone.  Tuff is made up from sand and silt, and has the consistency of flour.

 

Koko Crater was a circular cinder cone.  It is made up of pumice and pyroclastics.  From up here, it is easy to imagine this once was a bubbling caldron.

A botanical garden now resides inside Koko Crater.
 



 

Gears that once pulled the train up the crater's side.






  

 

 To the left:  A remarkably beautiful cactus.

To the right:  Art or Graffiti?


 

Standing on top of the old gear shed, I am  hot, sweaty, and victorious!  Nothing beats the sense of accomplishment this hike gives you.