Koko Head facts for kids
Koko Head is a famous landmark on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. It's a large piece of land that sticks out into the ocean, marking the eastern side of Maunalua Bay. On its western side, you'll find the community of Portlock, which is part of Hawaiʻi Kai.
Koko Head is actually an old volcano cone called a "tuff cone." It stands about 642 feet (196 meters) tall. Right next to it is an even bigger tuff cone called Koko Crater, which reaches 1208 feet (368 meters) high. Koko Head has three big dips or old openings from when it was active. The largest of these dips is now the beautiful Hanauma Bay. Koko Head last erupted a very long time ago, about 30,000 to 35,000 years ago. It's part of a group of volcanoes known as the Honolulu Volcanics.
This eastern part of Oahu is very beautiful. Most of the area is part of the Koko Head Regional Park. The City & County of Honolulu manages this park.
Exploring Koko Head Regional Park
Between Koko Head and the eastern tip of the island at Makapuʻu, you can find several interesting natural spots:
- Koko Crater: This is a huge tuff cone that you can see from far away. Inside the crater, there are horse stables and the Koko Crater Botanical Garden. This garden is special because it focuses on growing cacti and other plants called succulents.
- Hanauma Bay: This is a beautiful bay formed inside an old volcano crater that opened up to the ocean. It's a popular spot for snorkeling.
- Lānaʻi Lookout: This is a great place to stop and enjoy the view. On clear days, you might even see the island of Lānaʻi far off in the distance to the southeast. The island of Molokaʻi is closer and usually visible. This lookout is also where the ashes of Barack Obama's mother and maternal grandmother were scattered in 1995 and 2008.
- Hālona Blowhole: This is a cool natural feature where ocean waves push water through a hole in the rocks, making a "blowhole" effect. There's a parking area nearby.
- Sandy Beach: This beach is very popular for surfing. It's also a favorite spot for flying kites because the winds are usually strong and steady. The ocean here can be quite rough, so it's better for experienced swimmers and water sports.
Images for kids
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Koko Crater from the base of the old railway trail
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Koko Crater as seen from a boat, with Koko Crater and Makapu'u point
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The coastline, looking northwest, from Lanaʻi Lookout
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Sandy Beach from the Hālona Blowhole lookout. The far distant ridge is Makapuʻu Head, the eastern end of Oʻahu
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Koko Stairs hike up the side of Koko Crater
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Koko Crater South Rim with Hawaiʻi Kai in background
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The coastline, looking southeast, from Lanaʻi Lookout
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Aerial view of Lanaʻi Lookout, below Koko Crater
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View of Koko Crater (far left) over the Koʻolau Range.
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View of Koko Crater from the Kalanianaole Hwy
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View of Koko Crater from the Kalanianaole Hwy, stairs visible ascending the slope.
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A view of Koko Crater from the lookout point nearby.
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A view of Koko Crater from the park at the base of the mountain.
See also
In Spanish: Koko Head para niños
