JPG Magazine: Stories: Photo Essay: Koo Koo for Koko Head

Koo Koo for Koko Head

By Geoff Campbell

19 July 2008

I have lived on the island of Oahu, Hawaii for one year now, but I have only ever visited one of the volcanic craters on this island: the famous Diamond Head. Diamond Head is an easy crater that just about any tourist can ascend, athlete or not. You also get a great view of Waikiki Beach, with its luscious palm trees and beautiful skyline. However, Oahu's other crater, Koko Head, is not so easy a climb.

Nestled on the far east side of Oahu, Koko Head packs a 1,000+ step hike up to the peak of the crater, Kohelepelepe, which is approximately 1,200' high. Oh, those 1,000+ steps are on old railroad track, all the way to the top. While most of the track is planted on the dirt, a portion about half-way through the hike is just a bridge with open rungs, which you could fall through, so watching your step is key. The final quarter of the hike is the steepest, and will take most people a while to climb, especially when carrying a good amount of camera gear. Make sure to bring water: I only brought a small Gatorade, and that was the minimum to have.

Once you finally make it to the top of the crater, you will be amazed at the view you have of virtually the entire east coast of Oahu: you can see from Diamond Head to almost Kailua. There is history at the top as well. Old pill-boxes, landing pads, and equipment from the historical defensive positions of the island are still there, covered in graffiti from decades of visitation. The fortifications provide many opportunities for photographers to practice different shooting techniques and angles.

After taking some photos and resting from the climb, it was time to go back down. I do not know which was worse, climbing up or going down, but it is a challenge either way. I will visit this site again, before I leave Hawaii. If you want a good view, and are up for a climb, check out Koko Head. It is worth it.