Koko Crater Arch – August 6, 2011

Though feeling as if I had just came back from Kalalau, another camping / backpacking trip was in the works… and only 2 weeks away. A handful of the Lost Trailblazers were fortunate enough to get invited by the infamous “Kaleo Landcaster” to Waimanu Valley on the North Kohala Coast (Hawaii Island). I have wanted to do this trail for some time, and heard it’s a 9-mile grinder, with more challenging switchbacks than Kalalau. Therefore, training on Koko Crater Stair Master 1100 was a must.

Rather than go up the stairs 2x like my hiking colleagues, David Chat and Reanne Solomon, I opted to go up the Koko Crater Arch to meet them at the summit and to join them on their second bout of stairs. The trail for the arch starts adjacent the Halona blowhole and Cockroach Cove (see first photo).

The trail is wide, though the substrate is fairly crumbly. Be careful and mind your footing as you go up the ridge.

One of the common flora you’ll encounter around Koko Crater, a Hairy Starfish Flower… Contrary to it’s lovely appearance, it is quite putrid. The girls in our group learned that the hard way when they put it behind their ears to take pictures on the Koko Crater Rim Loop hike a couple months ago, haha.

Panoramic of the trail coming up from the Halona Blowhole parking lot; you should be able to see it in the middle of the photo.

As you approach the arch, you will notice the grade start to steepen… probably 60-70 degrees.

There is a small contour trail if you want to walk around under the arch… but I was here to get workout and not site-see. hehe.

The trail past the arch is still well designated, and is still fairly steep.

However, don’t forget to look back to appreciate the view. There are nice panoramic views of the rocky shore and deep shoreline unique to this side of the island.

From here on out, you’ll see the same views as hiking on the crater rim trail.

As usual, the summit was packed with both locals and tourists… there must have been about 60 people scattered around the summit.

…which is why I almost always opt to hike here at night.

Even toddlers make the struggle up the stairs, whereas infants get dragged along for the ride.

Note the steps are traffic jam, both on weekdays and weekends. The people coming down the step have the right of way, so be courteous. The steps can be slick as well, so be careful going down. It not uncommon to see people crab-walking (on all fours, not squatting with arms up like pinchers) down.

I am REALLY not a fan of hiking the stairs during the day, let alone going up twice in a day. It’s a scorcher, especially if not in the early morning or evening. Make sure to stay well hydrated in the heat, and ready for a short, intense workout. The hike down can also be strenuous, so be prepared for the intensity by conditioning your quads and knees, and/or using a trekking pole. Or you can opt for boy pains the next day. Your choice, no pressure. 😉

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.