description Koko Crater Overview
Koko Crater is a volcanic tuff cone on the southeastern side of Oahu, Hawaii, within the Honolulu Volcanics. It was produced by explosive interactions involving magma and water, which accumulated fragmented volcanic material around a broad crater. The sheltered interior contains the Koko Crater Botanical Garden, while a steep former railway route on the outer slope is used as a hiking trail.
insights Ranking position
Koko Crater ranks #20 of 118 in the Tuff Cone ranking, behind Vulcan Island (Taal Lake), ahead of Laacher See.
help Koko Crater FAQ
Is the Koko Crater Railway Trail inside the crater?
No, the steep railway-tie trail climbs the outer slope to Koko Head's summit area. Koko Crater Botanical Garden occupies the sheltered basin inside the volcanic crater.
How difficult is the Koko Crater stairs hike?
The route climbs more than 1,000 old railway ties over a short, steep ascent with little shade. Heat, uneven footing, and the sustained incline make it strenuous despite its modest distance.
Why are railway tracks built up Koko Crater?
The incline was constructed for a military tramway serving lookout and communications facilities during World War II. Its surviving ties now form the route commonly called the Koko Crater stairs.
What grows in Koko Crater Botanical Garden?
The dry inner basin supports collections of plants suited to arid climates, including cacti, succulents, plumeria, and other tropical species. The garden uses the crater's hot, sheltered conditions as a natural setting.
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