Koko Crater Arch Trail

.9 miles 354ft elevation Out & Back Trail Moderate

The Koko Crater Arch Trail is a short but steep and adventurous hike on Oahu’s southeastern coast, featuring a massive natural rock arch with breathtaking ocean and coastline views. This off-the-beaten-path hike is perfect for those looking for a quick challenge with rewarding views without the crowds of nearby trails like Koko Crater Stairs or Makapuʻu Lighthouse. Important Notes: Not an official trail, requires some scrambling. Loose dirt and rocks make footing tricky. Steep drop-offs, not recommended for those afraid of heights. Entrance: Park along Kalanianaʻole Highway, about 0.5 miles past the Halona Blowhole Lookout (if coming from Honolulu). The trail begins on the mauka (mountain) side of the road, look for a worn dirt path leading uphill. The initial climb is steep and rocky, with loose gravel, hiking shoes with good grip are essential. Mid-Hike: The trail ascends quickly, gaining several hundred feet in elevation over a short distance. As you near the Koko Crater Arch, the terrain gets rockier and may require minor scrambling. The natural rock arch is massive, offering a stunning viewpoint of the coastline. You can walk across the top of the arch (only if comfortable with heights, there are steep drop-offs). Descent & Return: Carefully descend the same way you came up, the way down can be more challenging due to loose dirt and steep slopes. Total hiking time: 45 minutes – 1.5 hours, depending on how long you stay at the arch.

Tips for Hiking

Best Time: Morning or Late Afternoon,
Early Morning: Cooler temps, fewer people, epic sunrise lighting.
Midday: Hot & exposed.
Late Afternoon: Golden-hour lighting, but be careful descending before dark. Avoid hiking after rain: The trail is very slippery with loose gravel.
Parking: Park along Kalanianaʻole Highway, near mile marker 15 (look for a dirt pull-off area). Do not block traffic or park illegally, this is a busy road.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes: Loose gravel makes footing tricky.
Bring water: No shade, full sun exposure.
Use sun protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat recommended.
Be careful near the arch: Steep drop-offs on both sides.
Go early or late: Midday sun can make this hike brutally hot.
Best photo spots: Below the arch, looking up. On top of the arch, with the ocean in the background. Side angles, capturing the arch and the landscape.

Thoughts from my Hike

Part of this trail is by a busy road. The Halona Blowhole Lookout is a popular spot so parking may be an issue. You can actually park right across the street from the trailhead if you are lucky. There is room for 3-4 cars. After walking along the road you will begin to hike up the hillside up towards the arch. Some parts of the trail are rocky and loose and there is no shade. Although it is a short hike, you can get hot and tired quick.