Koko Crater Rim Loop Trail (June 19, 2011)

Since today is Father’s Day, The Lost Trailblazers opted to do a short ridge hike so that we could all go home to spend time with our families. Most of our hiking crew had not done the Koko Crater Rim loop trail, and therefore today was a great opportunity to check this one off our lists. Though not as intense as the Koko Crater Arch/blowhole route or Koko Crater Stairs (other short hikes one could do to reach the summit of the crater), I have been told that the loop can be completed in a little over an hour. To be honest, I was happy everyone was on board for this one, as my legs were pretty hammered from the Laie 18 hike the previous day.

Within Koko Crater Botanical Garden, the ridge can be accessed (not legally of course) from either the east or west ends.

The west route is far more intense/steep than the east route.

The Jens (Jen Castillo and Jen Liu) taking a break in scenic spot so that they can pose for the camera. haha.

Once at the top, the rim is very narrow, and if windy (like it was today), can be very dangerous.

Lost Trailblazers posing (Reanne Solomon, Jenenlyn Castillo, Jennifer Liu, Dale Acoba and Baron Yamamoto); Makapuu, Diamond Head and Hawaii Kai in the background.

Two of the sections where bouldering was involved. It is possible to contour around these rock faces… but the areas around the ridge are eroded and should not be taken lightly.

Baron, Jen Liu and Reanne pose on a narrow part of the rim. Note the color of Maunalua Bay in the background!

Two victory dances we do at the summit of a trail: Jump shots and Boddingtons toasts! Please use caution while consuming alcohol on hikes or any other physical activity. Alcohol can dehydrate you and affect your balance, as well as exhibit poor decision making.

The way down on the east rim (opposite side) is much easier than the west rim.

The crew posing for a picture on a large boulder, where much shenanigans take place. Note panoramic view from Makapuu Lighthouse to Hanauma Bay. Gorgeous day!

Me playin’ around on the boulder. Be careful when hanging from it, there are only a few crumbly holds

The girls jump on the boulder for a group shot before heading down the ridge.

Still posing for photos taken by Baron Yamamoto up front.

Panoramic view of Sandy Beach, Blow-hole lookout / Cockroach Cove and Koko Crater.

The girls posing in a notch on a narrow/steep part of the rim.

Sandy’s was definitely gorgeous that day.

I think we took twice as long on this trail because of the hundreds of pictures we were taking… However, people who have hiked with us before already know this, lol. I hope you enjoyed them!

I’d rate this trail as medium-intermediate trail. Though short, there are several narrow places and areas where climbing is involved. Regular hikers should have no problem doing this hike when good weather is available. I strongly suggest against doing this trail when windy or rainy (or at night). If you are unsure of your abilities, try going up the east rim first (easier side). If you like what you see, continue further… If you don’t, bail and go down the stairs.

To view this location on a Google Map also known as my “Adventure Map“, Click Here. For more adventures of the Lost Trailblazers, either look at my other blogposts and “Adventures with the Lost Trailblazers” photo gallery.