Kauhakō Crater

Crater Volcanic crater on Molokaʻi with coastal cliffs

Main image

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.
Kauhakō Crater
21.1879, -156.9656

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.

Winter dry season
Dec-Mar · 18-26°C (64-79°F)
Calmer seas and clearer air; good for hiking and coastal views.
Summer (trade wind season)
Jun-Aug · 22-28°C (72-82°F)
Stable weather but trade winds can be strong along exposed ridgelines.

Weather & Climate near Kauhakō Crater #

Climate

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.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
28°
Warmest Month
18°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 18°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (193 mm).

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
18° 25°

Weather

193 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
18° 25°

Weather

83 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
19° 25°

Weather

102 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm).

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
19° 25°

Weather

58 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
20° 26°

Weather

25 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 21°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
21° 27°

Weather

27 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is warm with highs of 27°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 9 mm.

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
21° 27°

Weather

9 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 22°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
22° 28°

Weather

12 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 22°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
22° 28°

Weather

19 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
21° 28°

Weather

59 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
20° 27°

Weather

94 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm).

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
19° 26°

Weather

118 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

Nearby Attractions to Kauhakō Crater