Kauhakō Crater Crater
Volcanic crater on Molokaʻi with coastal cliffs
Kauhakō Crater at a Glance#
About Kauhakō Crater#
Kaʻau Crater is a volcanic crater on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, located within the eastern Koolau Range near Honolulu. The crater and its surrounding valleys form a popular hiking area accessed from the island’s windward side.
Hikers follow trails that pass through rainforest vegetation and lead to waterfalls, stream gullies and viewpoints over the Koolau cliffs and adjacent suburbs. Trail conditions are often steep, narrow and can be slippery.
The crater is a volcanic landform associated with the Koolau volcanic system and has been shaped by erosion and valley-forming processes since the main period of volcanism.
Kaʻau Crater lies on Oahu within Honolulu County, east of central Honolulu in the Koolau mountain area.
- Hiking notes: Known for a steep rainforest hiking route with waterfalls and viewpoints over the Koolau Range; trails can be muddy and challenging.
How to Get to Kauhakō Crater#
Kauhakō Crater is on Maui. Access is typically by car from nearby towns; roads to coastal craters can be steep and narrow. Use local maps or park authority guides for exact directions and permitted trails. A vehicle is recommended.
Tips for Visiting Kauhakō Crater#
- If hiking near the crater, check with local park authorities for trail closures and to learn about fragile native vegetation.
- Bring binoculars: the crater rim offers vistas of coastal wetlands and seabird colonies.
- Avoid walking on fragile native plants - the crater's ecosystem is sensitive to trampling.
Best Time to Visit Kauhakō Crater#
Best visited in the dry winter months for clearer visibility and calmer coastal conditions.
Weather & Climate near Kauhakō Crater#
Kauhakō Crater's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 18°C to 28°C. Moderate rainfall (799 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 18° - 25° | 22° | 193 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 18° - 25° | 21° | 83 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 19° - 25° | 22° | 102 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 19° - 25° | 22° | 58 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 20° - 26° | 23° | 25 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 21° - 27° | 24° | 27 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 21° - 27° | 24° | 9 mm | - | - | 5.4 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 22° - 28° | 25° | 12 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 22° - 28° | 25° | 19 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 21° - 28° | 25° | 59 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 20° - 27° | 23° | 94 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 19° - 26° | 22° | 118 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
