Koko Crater facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Koko Crater |
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Koko Crater with the Koʻolau Range in the background
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,208 ft (368 m) |
| Geography | |
 Koko Crater
Location in Hawaii
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| Location | Honolulu County, Hawaii, United States |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Tuff cone |
| Volcanic arc | Hawaiian–Emperor seamount chain |
Koko Crater is a famous landmark on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. It's known by its Hawaiian names, Kohelepelepe or Puʻu Mai. This amazing natural feature is an extinct volcano, meaning it won't erupt again. You can find it near Hawaii Kai, a community in Honolulu County. It sits northeast of Hanauma Bay and south of the Koʻolau Range mountains.
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Discovering Koko Crater's Volcanic Past
Koko Crater is a special type of volcano called a tuff cone. Tuff cones are formed when hot magma mixes with water, causing explosive eruptions. These eruptions throw ash and rock fragments into the air. Over time, these materials pile up around the vent, creating a cone shape. Koko Crater is a great example of this process.
How Koko Crater Was Formed
Koko Crater is part of a group of volcanoes called the Honolulu Volcanics. These volcanoes formed during a later stage of activity from the much older Koʻolau Volcano. Think of it like the Koʻolau Volcano taking a break, and then having a few smaller, new eruptions. Other well-known places formed this way include Hanauma Bay and the famous Diamond Head crater.
The Koko Rift Zone
Koko Crater, along with Hanauma Bay and other nearby tuff cones, makes up the Koko Rift Zone. This zone shows the most recent volcanic activity on Oahu. Scientists believe the last eruption in this area happened about 7,000 years ago. Koko Crater stands tall at 1,208 feet (368 meters). This makes it the highest and best-preserved tuff cone in the whole area.
The Koko Crater Trail Adventure
Koko Crater is not just a cool geological site; it's also a popular spot for hikers! There's a unique trail that leads right to the top of the crater.
A Trail with History
During World War II, the US military built bunkers on top of Koko Crater. They even built a railroad to help transport supplies and people to the summit. This railroad was very important for their operations.
From Military Base to Park
In 1966, the US Air Force gave control of Koko Crater to the City of Honolulu. It was then renamed the Koko Head Regional Park. This meant the area could be enjoyed by everyone. The old, abandoned railroad tracks became the path for the Koko Crater Trail. This trail is about 1.8 miles long. It's a challenging climb, but the views from the top are absolutely amazing!
