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Koko Crater Railway Trail Questions & Answers

Aiea, Hawaii

Has anybody done this hike with babies and small children??

over a year ago Answer

6 answers

Green Bay, Wisconsin
Helpful answer
3
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Not as helpful

I wouldn’t recommend it. At one point there is a large gap, and children can fall through. Also, the hike is very very physically demanding.

over a year ago
Helpful answer
1
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Not as helpful

Hi , I did this hike today carrying my 8 month old . No problem , yes you should be fit , I used to run it up and down , with the baby I took my time .

over a year ago
Newcastle, Australia
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1
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Not as helpful

I did see a few small kids doing the trail. I think it would be safe if you have a decent level of fitness and this isn't totally outside your ability. It will come down to what you are comfortable with. I wouldn't have any issues doing it with young children or babies, I would just take more time and care heading up and down.

over a year ago
Edmonton, Canada
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1
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Not as helpful

My recommendation would be to go to Manoa Falls instead. On Koko Crater, we saw crying kids and people with kids turning around. It’s so steep on descent and some ties are broken or missing. You need a big reach to get from one tie to the other in some parts - not easy if you are a kid. Wearing a baby is pretty dangerous since it takes one unsteady person to tumble and hit the person below (dude fell backwards when we did it and almost knocked my husband over). The part open to below is daunting. As a physically fit adult, I found the hike extremely steep and difficult on descent. Unless the kids are 9+ and they hike often, I would go with no.

over a year ago
United Kingdom
Helpful answer
1
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Not as helpful

It wouldn't feel safe doing it with babies. I assume you would use a baby backpack or similar? If you fall (and it is very easy to do so) as the surface is quite gravelly and therefore slippery, Id be worried about falling on the child. I wouldn't take small children either as the steps are the old sleepers from the original military rail that was used to cart goods and supplies up to the lookout at the top. They are uneven, some are broken and they would be very difficult to climb. As an adult there were times when I was having to really climb up a stair, using both hands. Their little legs probably wouldn't reach far enough.

When you get close to the top, the gradient suddenly gets very, very steep and going back down is more slippery again.

Another factor is that if it is a warm day, it will be very hot for little ones and you might not want them to get that much sun. I absolutely lathered myself in sunscreen and still as burnt at the end of the hike.

However one option is to do just a little bit of the walk. Because it is so steep, you can get great views even from a little way up. There is a path for some way before the sleepers start. Also it is right opposite Hanauma Bay so you could do a little bit of the walk, then head over to Hanauma Bay which would be a lovely day out.

over a year ago
Rapid City, South Dakota
Helpful answer
0
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Not as helpful

Sorry, I would definitely not recommend this for/with babies or small children.

over a year ago
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