Koko Crater

During Tiffany's visit in September 2008, we decided to climb to the top of Koko Crater. Koko Crater is a cinder cone remaining from the last active volcano that occurred on O'ahu approximately 10,000 years ago. This crater is the tallest tuff ring in Hawaii, measuring 1,207 feet in height. The Koko Crater summit contains the remains of an extensive bunker complex, dating from World War II. The bunkers were served by an inclined railway, pulled up by a heavy winch. The rail track is still in place, on the southwest side of the mountain, and is used for those who want to hike to the top of the crater.

Here we are at the base of the crater, near the parking lot.	Tiff is ready to get started.
Taking a break in the shade.	This bridge, about half way up, crosses a small ravine. Just don't look down. At this point we have completed the "easy" part of the trail (25-30 degree incline). As you can see in the background the rest of the climb is much steeper (50-55 degree incline).
A view from the bottom of the railway.	A view from the top of the railway.
This cart and railway is a short run to the very top of the crater. It is located to the left of the main railway and is approximately 50-60 feet long. This cart has a raised bed to make a level platform.	This is a view of Hanauma Bay (pronounced "ha-NAH-mah", in Hawaiian) from the top of the crater. This bay is a marine embayment formed within a volcanic cone or crater and located along the southeast coast.