What are the Kokohead Stairs

Kokohead crater is a volcanic tuff cone located in Hawaii on the island of Oahu. The crater is located within the Koko Crater Botanical Garden, which is a popular hiking destination. The crater was formed by explosive volcanic eruptions that occurred approximately 100,000 years ago. The tuff cone is approximately 1,200 feet tall and is composed of layers of ash, pumice, and other volcanic debris that were spewed out during the eruptions.

The Kokohead stairs, also known as the Kokohead Crater Stairs or the Koko Crater Stairs, are a popular hiking trail that leads to the top of the Kokohead crater. The trail consists of 1,048 steps that were built in 1943 by the U.S. military as a training facility. The stairs are mostly made of wood railroad ties leading up to approximately .7 mile in length (to the top).

The Kokohead crater and stairs are now a popular tourist attraction and are frequently visited by locals and tourists alike. The hike up the stairs is considered to be challenging due to the steep incline, but the views from the top of the crater are breathtaking. From the top of the crater, hikers can see panoramic views of the surrounding area, including Hanauma Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

Despite its popularity, the Kokohead crater and stairs have faced some controversy in recent years. The hike has been criticized for its potential impact on the environment and for the potential danger it poses to hikers. In response to these concerns, the City and County of Honolulu has implemented measures to improve the safety and sustainability of the hike, such as the installation of handrails and the implementation of a permit system to limit the number of hikers on the trail.

Overall, the Kokohead crater and stairs remain a popular and iconic tourist attraction in Hawaii, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the island and learn about its volcanic history.