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Koko Crater Railway Trail-Honolulu, Hawaii

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When my friend Sarah of the popular Instagram SDFearless asked if I wanted to go on a “little” hike in Honolulu before we hit the beach I said sure. As we approached the Koko Crater Railway trailhead a woman walked briskly to her car panting that she needed water. An older woman approached us her face stoic, she said “If you can’t finish, it’s okay. Just pace yourself. It’s okay to give up.” Her words fueled my apprehension.

Stepping from rail to rail was easy at first. However as the trail became steeper and the sun beat down I began to doubt my ability to complete the hike. Suddenly there was a bridge with no railings to cross, the view of the ground below in between the railway ties was terrifying. I focused on the rail directly in front of me moving from rail to rail till I made it across. Sarah barely broke a sweat and ran up portions of the trail. The last stretch of the trail was excruciatingly steep. Even using my hands to pull myself up my knees were still burning. My head filled with dizziness and I felt nauseous.  I had to rest every ten feet until my head cleared and the nausea subsided. After ten feet or so it returned, the lack of shade was draining. My friend Sarah was very patient with me, she smiled and offered to call it day and go to the beach. I knew I would regret it if I didn’t make it to the top. Progress was slow, when we finally reached the top Sarah took a victory picture. I’ll let you look at the photos below-the scenery made up for every difficulty hiking up.

Koko Crater Railway Trail - Honolulu, HI Koko Crater Railway Trail - Honolulu, HI Koko Crater Railway Trail - Honolulu, HI Koko Crater Railway Trail - Honolulu, HI Koko Crater Railway Trail - Honolulu, HI 08-IMG_4499-001 Koko Crater Railway Trail - Honolulu, HI 11-IMG_4550-001 12-IMG_4562-001 07-IMG_4524-001 09-IMG_4548-001 10-IMG_4527-001 Koko Crater Railway Trail - Honolulu, HI Koko Crater Railway Trail - Honolulu, HI Koko Crater Railway Trail - Honolulu, HI Koko Crater Railway Trail - Honolulu, HI 16-IMG_4426-001 Koko Crater Railway Trail - Honolulu, HI Koko Crater Railway Trail - Honolulu, HI Koko Crater Railway Trail - Honolulu, HI Koko Crater Railway Trail - Honolulu, HI Koko Crater Railway Trail - Honolulu, HI Koko Crater Railway Trail - Honolulu, HI Koko Crater Railway Trail - Honolulu, HI

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0 Comments

  1. Afterglobe says:

    Nice work! You did it! Some of those hikes aren't easy. Of course, then you had to go back down, right?

  2. Paul Gravdahl says:

    That is such a cool hike! Bet the beach and a cold drink really was nice after that!

  3. George Powasnick says:

    Me and my friend Frank met you and Sarah at the top. I helped take a few photos of you and Sarah together.
    Good summary of the climb….it was VERY challenging. Interestingly most at the top felt a connection as they had achieved a rewarding personal goal and could relate in the euphoria most felt.
    Good luck in your travels!

  4. TammyOnTheMove says:

    My goodness, that looks steep. But what a view!

  5. Jasper says:

    Hey Anna, nice pictures! Do you know what the altitude difference for this hike is?

  6. tom says:

    This looks like such a sweet hike. I like how there is no messing and its just straight up no windy bends and stuff plus the views are definitely worth it.

    Mind you I’m not so sure flip flops were the best footwear 😉

  7. Franca says:

    It must have been pretty though, but the great feeling you had once you completed the hike and you were right at the top must have paid off surely! Well done!

  8. Tom says:

    Great photos and it must have been a great trip! I wish I could climb it… I hope some day!! Amazing views. You’ve got a great blog!

  9. Jennifer says:

    Wow, that looks like a steep hike. Way to go for not giving up and making it to the top. The views definitely look like it was worth it to push on.

  10. Jeff @ Go Travelzing says:

    That looks like a tough hike. Probably a little more difficult in flip flops.

  11. Megan Claire says:

    Lol “little” hike – Love it! You’re pictures are amazing, I can’t wait to get to Honolulu now just to do this hike. Great post Anna – thanks for sharing 🙂

  12. Jenna says:

    Looks like a pretty intense hike, but a fun one too! Congrats on making it to the top! The views look beautiful and it’s cool that the path is the tracks

  13. Samuel Jeffery says:

    I love the different vantage points you captured with this photo essay. That’s one intense looking hike!

  14. Bret @ GGT says:

    Looks like a beautiful hike! Wish I’d known about this when I went to Honolulu many years ago. Hard to believe a train could’ve gotten up that hill, but I’m guessing the ride back down would’ve been a blast!

  15. Jessica Bowers says:

    That is a crazy steep climb. I’m not sure I would have made it, but I am very impressed that you did!

  16. Hogga says:

    so steep!

  17. Darcy Vawser says:

    Wow! What a workout! Do you know why someone built the railway up a mountain side? 🙂

  18. Wendy says:

    High-fives for finishing the hike … actually, that accomplishment deserves high-tens! 😉 Love the AWESOME photos!

  19. Travelex Traveler says:

    It is going that extra mile, making it to the end that is most fulfilling! Well done!

  20. John J Donatelli says:

    OMG, that's just freaking awesome Anna, great job!

  21. Leo says:

    That looks fun! I know those stairs would have even kicked my ass! Great pics Anna! You must of have felt great getting to the top!

  22. Sean Patrick Gallagher says:

    awesome!

  23. Karla says:

    Wow! What an original trail & what a hike that was!

    Going up must be quite a challenge but you are rewarded with a fab view 😉

    Congrats on making it!

  24. Will Parsons says:

    HiAnna,
    Great story and excellent pictures. I too am fascinated by the railway track; did you find out what it was all about.
    When you come to New Zealand come and see us and share some of your stories,
    Cheers
    Will

  25. Lester Privott says:

    Excellent story! Looks like you had a great time, I am looking forward to future posts.

  26. Silvia says:

    This. Is amazing. I think the post alone has gotten me hooked on your blog!

  27. Ruth says:

    I can’t believe you did this hike in flip flops! I have done the Diamond Head hike in Honolulu. When I go back I want to do this one. Amazing views!

    1. Petra says:

      That was my thought too 😉 you made it extra hard by not wearing proper shoes but I bet you knew that already 😉

  28. sol says:

    Amazing Views! And glad to see having an adventure like that. I want to try it in the future.

  29. Lales Wanderlust says:

    Great view! Glad you made it to the top AND wearing flip flops! Those are the types of hikes that feel so hard going up, but going down is even worst

  30. Lales Wanderlust says:

    Great view! Glad you made it to the top AND wearing flip flops! Those are the types of hikes that feel so hard going up, but going down is even worst

  31. Ron | Active Planet Travels says:

    Wow that is a beautiful hike! I can’t believe I never went on it while living out there…next time for sure!

  32. Steven says:

    I have to go there.

    Thanks for sharing your amazing photos.

  33. A Thousand Miles RTW says:

    Oh wow! That trail looks absolutely fantastic! Yes, it really is steep. But, as the saying goes, 'no pain, no gain'. 🙂

    The view certainly looks like it was worth it. I am so going to have to do this!

  34. Jessie says:

    why are you hiking in flip lops? :O

    but the view looks great over there <3

  35. Hannah @GettingStamped says:

    What a steep long trail….with awesome view on top! Worth it!

  36. Holiday Bays says:

    Nice photos Anna! As always 🙂

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