HONOLULU — Work to replace the Koko Crater Summit viewing platform is set to begin June 7, according to the Department of Parks and Recreation.

What You Need To Know

  • The Koko Crater Tramway trail and summit will be closed intermittently on June 7, 16, 26 and 29

  • A new steel structure will replace the current unstable metal grate

  • Throughout the project, the construction site atop the summit will be closed to the public

  • The tramway will be open for regular use when there are no helicopter flights

As a result, the Koko Crater Tramway trail and access to the summit will be closed intermittently on four days when a helicopter will be required to transport materials to and from Goeas Baseball Field in Koko Head District Park. Closure dates are June 7, 16, 26 and 29.

The project will entail demolishing and replacing the current unstable, metal grate platform that topped a WWII-era radar station. Since being decommissioned in 1966 and turned over to the City and County of Honolulu, the summit structure has been used as a platform offering hikers 360-degree views of Oahu’s southeast side.

A new steel structure designed for recreational use will replace the existing platform. The roughly 71 square feet of flat viewing area will have railings with access from an additional stairwell. The new structure will be placed on top of the existing concrete foundation, which remains usable.

Sitting atop the summit, the construction site will be closed to public use throughout the project for safety reasons, with completion estimated to finish at the end of the summer. The tramway will be open for regular use when there are no helicopter flights.

City officials consulted with members of the nonprofit Kokonut Koalition prior to the start of the $426,800 project. The group had previously worked to repair the stairs, volunteering nearly 6,000 hours to the effort.

This project is phase two of the agreed-upon resolution between the city and Kokonut Koalition regarding safety improvements at Koko Crater.

The project’s design consultant is SEY Engineers with Kaikor Construction Company as the primary contractor.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.