Ka'au Crater

Overview

Ka'au Crater, also known as Ka'au Trail or Ka'au Crater Hike, is a scenic and challenging hiking trail located in the Palolo Valley of Honolulu, Oahu. This natural attraction offers a rewarding hike through lush vegetation and a dramatic volcanic crater, providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Ka'au Crater is a significant geological feature and a popular hiking destination that showcases the natural beauty and volcanic history of Oahu.

Hiking Trail Nature Reserve

Location

Address

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii

Neighborhood: Palolo Valley

Coordinates

21.383100, -157.856100

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

tuesday 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

wednesday 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

thursday 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

friday 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

saturday 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

sunday 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Admission

Adults

Free

Children

Free

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

October-May

Best Time of Day

Early morning

Fewer crowds and cooler temperatures

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1.5 hours

Recommended

3-4 hours

Full Experience

Half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild and pleasant

• Lush greenery
• Wildflowers

summer

Hot and humid

• Longer daylight hours

autumn

Pleasant and cool

• Cooler temperatures
• Clear views

winter

Mild and cool

• Rainfall can enhance greenery

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Wear appropriate hiking gear
Bring plenty of water
Check weather conditions

What to Bring

essential

Hiking shoes Water Sun protection

seasonal

Rain jacket Light layers

not allowed

Drones Pets

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate to high

• Steep and rocky terrain
• Limited shade

Medical facilities: First aid available at trailhead

Payment Information

Accepted

N/A

Currency

USD

Typical Costs

entry $0

parking $0

food $5-10

souvenirs $0

Dress Code

Hiking attire, Comfortable, breathable clothing, Hiking shoes or boots, Open-toed shoes, Flip-flops

Booking Tips

• Not required
• N/A
• N/A
• N/A

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Oahu Hiking Trails

Size: 30 MB

Features: Trail maps, Hiking tips, Weather updates

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Trailhead parking

Charging Stations: None

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport

Distance: 20 km

Travel Time: 30 minutes

taxi

$50 30 min

public_transport

$3 1 hour

From City Center

Distance: 10 km

bus

$3 25 min

taxi

$25 15 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Unique natural beauty and challenging hike

Historical Significance: Geological feature with cultural significance to Native Hawaiians

Insider Tips

Best views at sunrise
Avoid midday heat

Local Recommendations

• Visit nearby Palolo Valley
• Try local shave ice

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Aloha

thank_you Mahalo

where_is No hea

how_much Pehea wale

beautiful Nani

ticket Tiki

Guide Languages: English, Hawaiian

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Crater summit

Best Time: Sunrise or sunset

Tips: Wide-angle shots

Result: Stunning panoramic views

#KaauCrater #OahuHiking #HawaiiViews

Photography Rules

allowed areas All outdoor areas

prohibited areas None

flash photography Allowed

commercial photography Permit required

drone policy Prohibited without permit

tripod policy Allowed

selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

Diamond Head Crater

Distance: 5 km

Walking: 1 hour

Type: Hiking Trail

Koko Crater Railway Trail

Distance: 8 km

Walking: 1.5 hours