When a popular hiking trail in Oahu becomes a liability, the Hawaii governments typical response is to close it down completely instead of working with the community and trying to find a better solution. Make sure to wear proper hiking shoes to make sure your feet are protected. Honolulu House w/Shared Pool by Koko Crater! The trail can be accessed from 4:00 am to 11:00 pm. Make sure to enjoy the spectacular views at Halona Blowhole. The day I did it, March 25th, they were air-lifting a young person I later heard was 12 years old who went too fast on the downhill, tumbled, and broke multiple bones, including his leg. Well, look around, you can expect to see a large section of the southern Oahu coastline, the clear blue of the Pacific, a birds eye perspective of Hanauma Bay, the botanical gardens inside the crater, and WW2 structures. There are plenty of other hikes you want to stay healthy and injury free for. In the years since then, the Koko Crater trail has become a very popular hike in Oahu Hawaii, and as many as 500 to 1,000 people climb it every day for the thrills, the views, and the free workout. Taka e left onto Koko Head District Park where you'll find parking lots and a trailhead. Follow the sidewalk that wraps around the baseball diamond, and then go up the dirt hill through the trees to another paved road, which will take you to the trailhead (GPS here). Tough but awesome workout. A hat and sunscreen are also imperative if you hike Koko Crater during the day, because theres almost no shade at all on the trail. I would highly recommend hiking this in the daytime once or twice before you attempt it for sunset. Ive done the Koko Head stairs in sandals before, but its very awkward and I wouldnt recommend it. Gates close at 6:00 pm, so make sure to be out of the park before this time. Still, this hike is no joke. Written March 18, 2023. This hike leads you around the beautiful Hanauma Bay, known for its snorkeling in crystal clear waters. A non-profit volunteer group called Kokonut Koalition has been formed to maintain the trail and protect it from being closed by the Hawaiian government. Learn about the best time to visit Oahu . We attempted it last summer when we were there, but started too late in the morning. One option is taking an alternate route up or down from Koko Crater for a bit more of a challenge on the Koko Crater Arch Trail, which offers exciting rock formations and steep drop-offs. This is a very doable yet challenging hike. That is just a mere total of 1.4 miles for the round-trip. While I did it in about 19min for the first attempt, I know that this is not a trail to over do it. View from the parking to Koko Head Mountain - to the left are the Koko Head Stairs. Its all ascending and steep and there is a section where Id advise taking the alternate route instead of going over the railway. If you plan to hike before sunrise, you need to figure out parking arrangements and give yourself enough time to get there. It puts you through your paces and can be a challenge even for the fittest of the fit. You should see the trailhead about 100 yards from the parking lot. The Koko Head Hike railway "stairs" is a short drive from Diamond Head and Waikiki. Theyre a non-profit group that maintains the trail. The views at the summits are different, but great on both hikes. Leave the hiking boots home and go for a light running shoe. Trail Elevation Gain - 885 feet. This is your chance to walk along the rim of an extinct volcano crater! Yes, the Koko Crater Tramway is open during regular park open hours. There is a bus stop near Koko Marina Center. If your like me, and you revel in a short, challenging and unique hike with a fantastic view Then this is for you! . Below are some FAQs regarding hiking the Koko Hea: We recommend wearing proper hiking shoes or trail shoes to protect your feet. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Thanks and happy travels! You can take an alternate route (the one I took). The park does not officially open until 6:30 which is right about sunrise that time of year. The elevation at the top is 1,208 ft, a significant gain from the near sea level of the parking lot and trailhead. FromWaikiki, you will need to take the H-1 to HI- 72 to Lunalilo Home Road, then drive up to Anapalau Street. -The road to the parking lot is usually closed from the Highway and you have to go through residential area (west side) to park. According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Koko Crater Railway Trail: Hiking ShuttleMakapu'u Lighthouse Trail or Diamond Head (From 41.53) Oahu friendly hiking experience (From 207.65) Mahina Hawaii Full Day Adventure (From 245.03) 8 Hour Circle Island Jeep Tour (From 181.90) Overall, theyre both great hikes if you have time! If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. If you need a lot of rest breaks, itll take longer. The garden was built in 1958 and currently occupies 60 of the 200 . Parking is close. Mahalo! Most people rent a car in Oahu and drive to the Koko Crater trailhead. The last one-third of the Koko Head trail gets noticeably steeper and harder than before. Beautiful views. The Honolulu Fire Department rescues hurt hikers on this trail by helicopter several times per year. When you reach the end of the Koko Head stairs, you still have a little bit of walking to do to get to the top of the mountain. The trail felt moderate to me. Awesome. Great views of north, east & south O'ahu at the summit. 7430 Kalanianaole Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96825, USA. Visitors can drive around the crater to the opposite side to access the gardens. It will be about a 15-20 minute walk to the Koko Head trailhead. It is a two-mile hike but takes a good two hours or so to reach the waterfall. There is ample parking, and the trail is always open. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Very steep and exhausting to the top, with pretty big steps, but the view is incredibly worth it!! The stairs are challenging in the heat, but it's worth it. Koko is also better for seeing the sunrise or sunset. Oahu's most dangerous hike Between Jan. 1, 2021, and May 31, 2022, the stairs amassed 30 rescue calls to HFD, according to records obtained by SFGATE, more than any other trail on the island.. When it comes to visiting the Hawaiian capital of Honolulu, hiking the Koko Crater Trail, also known as the Koko Head Stairs, has become a regular tradition for tourists. Normally people hike to the arch on a short, easy trail that starts from the main coastal road by Halona Beach Cove, but you can also reach the arch from Koko Head via the Crater Rim trail. You might be thinking it sounds like one of the easiest hikes you've ever done but hold your judgement til you are 3/4 of the way to the top. Diamond Head Hours. The site has had many functions until it was finally passed onto the City of Honolulu and became Koko Head Regional Park in 1966. Since it gets pretty hot, consider wearing light-colored clothes made of light material. Also, because the trail is railroad tracks, there is no navigational difficulty, and the hike is relatively short at just under two miles long round trip. That makes for a butt kicking climb. Improve this listing Tours & experiences Explore different ways to experience this place. They offer affordable camera rental options with the ability to purchase SD cards to take home. You'll get to see landmarks like Koko Crater, Makapuu Beach, and even the offshore islands Molokai and Lanai on a clear day. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Ill share more details on the Koko Crater Rim trail later in this guide. It should be noted that the bus may be unavailable on Tuesdays as there are some park closures on this day of the week. We used the flashlights on our phones. If you are looking for aplace to snorkel with amazing marine life, head to Hanauma Bay. Catching up on your water during the hike is a bad idea. Once you make it through this area, it gets even steeper, but you are now more than halfway there. Ive done both hikes many times over the years, and I have to say there is really no comparison in terms of difficulty. Make a left on the ridge between the ball fields and the shooting park down below. Water, however, is an absolute must. Its not a dangerous hike and there havent been any falling deaths, but its a real fitness test and may not be enjoyable for everyone. If you're looking for a hard hike on Oahu, look no further than Koko Crater Trail . Hopping from railroad tie to railroad tie up this scenic mountain was an extreme challenge for this 60-ish climber, leaving me with sore muscles for a few days--but worth it. From the summit of Koko Head Crater is easy to recognise the nearby Hanauma Bay Nature Reserve, which is stunning. In fact, if you ever look up to Koko Head hiking trail before the sun has risen, you will see a line of small white lights slowly making their way up the trail. You will see multiple people (most-likely locals) hike this trail without shoes, but I would not do it myself. This trail is named after Oahu's most widely known landmark, Diamond Head, a massive chunk of volcanic rock situated on the Southwestern coast of the island. Ill update this guide if anything changes! I'm not a hiker but in moderately decent shape. About halfway through the hike, there is a bridge that you will have to cross. Its taxing cardio-wise and can be tough on the legs, knees, and feet. Follow this link for more information: more Dept. I do NOT recommend this hike for kids or younger teenagers, because the downhill portion is so steep that if you miss your foot placement on the railroad ties on the downhill, especially during the section where the wooden ties are about 10 to 12 feet above ground level, a sprained ankle would be a lucky outcome. In my opinion, I think it tops the famous Lanikai Pillbox Hike and the Koko Head Hike in terms of traffic. As an affiliate, I only recommend products and services that I feel are high quality and helpful to my readers. To be fair, theres one short section where the railway becomes a bridge with an unnerving 10 foot drop below it, but you can go around this bridge if you want to, and most people do. link to Waikiki 2020 Best Tips & Restaurant Favorites, link to Wayne's 2019 10 Day Ultimate Waikiki Itinerary. Wear a hat and sunglasses. Parking is free next to baseball field, crowded on weekends; don't leave valuables in the car. Definitely recommend if youre a good hiker. Koko Crater is a tuff cone created by Oahu's most recent volcanic activities. Some of the pages on my travel blog contain affiliate links. Yes, its helpful to be fit. This constitutes a twenty-five-minute drive from Waikiki Beach. The bridge is scarily degraded wood - take Murphys pass, If I lived in the vicinity, would do this at least once a fortnight for fitness. -Watch out for concrete parts of the trail. Therefore, we participate in affiliate programs to include, but not limited too, Google AdSense as a means to earn advertising fees to pay our bills. The railroad ties of the old railway serve as steps up the mountain. But the view at the very top is totally worth it! From the very start, you can already see the tiny hikers ascending the mountain, looking like ants in the distance. Local athletes use the trail as cardio training, and you will definitely feel the burn by the time you reach the top. Ive seen this in news reports and also seen it happen in person many times. Welcome to the Koko Crater Trail page. This one will make your legs sore the next day! How long is Koko Head Hike? Search "Nikko Gandia Travels" on YouTube. I would NOT recommend going when its raining as the stairs get pretty slippery - all the more reason to go super early and catch the good weather/small crowds. Waikiki 2020 Best Tips & Restaurant Favorites. To get to the trailhead, you can follow the path behind the baseball diamond near the parking lot. The Start of the Trail. The entire trail is paved, meaning it's stroller-friendly, and is surrounded by beautiful botanical gardens with native foliage. Whenever you buy something through one of these links, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you decide to go there after the hike note that there's a US$7.50 entrance fee to the reserve. Over the last eight years, weve spent countless hours doing research online and talking with locals to uncover the best tips and recommendations that we use on our trips. Both hikes are roughly the same distance roundtrip (1.6 vs 1.8 miles), and they take roughly the same amount of time to complete, but Koko Head has about 50% more elevation gain than Diamond Head. Here you will start seeing spectacular views of Honolulu and the surrounding area. If youre on vacation, dont ruin your vacation getting hurt. Witnessing the sunrise from the top of Koko Crater is definitely worth the early morning! Beautiful Sonrise service on the top of Koko. We always use Google Maps and type in Koko Head Trail for the driving directions. Should you notice any of the symptoms, taking a break, sipping some water, and perhaps taking a mild pain-killer for headache should have you back on your feet in twenty minutes or so. It was closed for 3 weeks of renovation in 2021, but its very rare for that to happen. 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Top ways to experience Koko Crater Railway Trail, Hiking ShuttleMakapu'u Lighthouse Trail or Diamond Head, Family-Friendly Private Circle Island Tour of Oahu, Amazing Oahu Adventure Bundle: 6 Epic Self-Guided Audio Tours, Oahu South Shore GPS Driving Beaches and Hiking Tour, Full Day Tour to Discover the Journey of Obama in Hawaii, Doors-Off Oahu Circle Island Experience from Kapolei. Go early. Description. Alternate from Waikiki: Take H1 east bound and you will see Koko Crater on the left side. The Koko Head Trail, officially known as Koko Crater Tramway, is one of the best hikes on Oahu. Challenging but not difficult. See this map in google maps. These stairs were actually built as part of a military railway during World War II, but theyve been used by hikers for many years, so clearly they work alright for that purpose too! Trail Difficulty - Moderate. This was such an awesome trail! It was then used as an air force station by the U.S. Air Force starting in 1947, but with advances in technology it eventually became obsolete for tracking aircraft. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 24 min to complete. Even seasoned hikers will be feeling intimidated when they arrive at the trailhead and see the gargantuan climb that awaits them. Even so, if youre up for the challenge then its a great way to do three hikes in one! Parking and hiking are both FREE for Kama'aina (all Hawaii residents) if you can show ID. As stated, the sun is out, and that means heat exhaustion and dehydration are possibilities, albeit very preventable ones. One last consideration would be that a small section of the hike consists of a railway bridge that may be bothersome to those with a fear of heights. At this point, you might even see some tired people climbing up the stairs on all fours, or scooting slowly on their butts as they go back down. Enjoy the view at the top and embrace the slow grind going up! Its also possible to get to Koko Head by bus, although that involves 15 minutes of extra walking since the closest bus stops are about 1/2 mile from the Koko Head entrance. Consider bringing a walking pole or stick, going back down may be more difficult for some. Luckily for Waikiki vacationers, taking in the scenery from the top of this dormant volcano is just a short drive and day hike away. The Koko Head hike is about 1.6 miles roundtrip (2.6 km) if you start from the main parking lot. However, youll need to figure out somewhere to park since the main parking lot is closed before dawn. Went mid morning and it was pretty busy. Its one of thetop botanical gardens in Oahuand definitely worth the visit. Make sure to take your time and watch your footing. Affiliate Disclosures Privacy Policy Terms Of Use Koko Crater Railway Trail (Honolulu) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. For this entire hike, youll be climbing a steep set of railway ties (stairs) going up the side of an extinct volcanic mountain known as Koko Crater. Trail Distance - 1.6 miles. I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you if you purchase using one of these links. The Koko Head hike is located in Hawaii Kai. Also known as the "Koko Head Stairs," this abandoned WWII railway track is a steep and challenging hiking trail with over 1,000 steps (but worth it for the panoramic views). the entire park along with Koko Head Shooting Complex will be off . These fees have to be paid online here. If you dont have a rental car and dont feel like figuring out how to use the bus, there are also Koko Head tours like this one where theyll drop you off at the trail and then pick you up when youre finished hiking. It's very challenging with over 1,000 steps to the top. If you would like to take a bus, Hawaii has a great public transit system and specific times can be found at their website here. Its one of the most popular tourist places in Hawaii for a good reason. The technical term is dormant tuff cone volcano, which basically means that while it hadnt erupted for a few thousand years when it did, the cone and crater were formed by ash and debris compacting into rock over time. But the views at the top were stunning! So, it was hot, my son and I were both out of shape, and we didn't make it to the top. The views at the top of Koko Head trail are really amazing. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for your hike. It's awesome. Koko Head Hike with DanielsHawaii Tourguide Koko Head is a tuff cone in the eastern part of Oahu near Hawaii Kai and overlooks Hanauma Bay and Waikiki. It was not so packed and people were very respectful. Koko Head History. However, if you're up to the challenge it is worth the effort to reach the Koko Head Crater summit. If you have been on the trail feel free to share your experie I HIGHLY recommend the headband flashlights if arriving before sunrise. However, this fall we planned for it and worked out leading up to the trip. The views at the top are incredible. They will also mail the supplies to the location of your choice anywhere in Hawaii, be it a hotel, condo, or FedEx office. Youre in for a very tough hike if you do all of this in one day, and I wouldnt attempt it if you arent plenty comfortable with heights. Any hiking route on Oahu that both includes a lighthouse and is stroller-friendly is a winner in any family's book. Do not bring extra weight like binoculars or jackets. Can't seem to find any info on this online. It gets covered in dirt and becomes more slippery. Here are some options: Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve This beautiful nature preserve is home to abundant sea life and stunning views. Great workout - stair master 5000! Its not really an official trail so its open all the time. 380 reviews of Koko Head District Park "Love this hike. Highlights of the trail:Gorgeous views of Honolulu, Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach, and Diamond Head Crater. Really nice hike, tough but worth it. The Koko Head hike is open at all hours more or less. It was a good workout again like every While this hike will test your endurance, you will be rewarding with some of the best views of the island. We usually park on the side of the road by the tennis court. Koko Head trail hike is also known as Koko Head Stairs, Koko Crater Stairs, or just Koko Head. The Koko Head Trail can be challenging but is worth the effort. The Koko Head elevation / height at the summit is 1,207 feet (368 m). Save the speed runs for going up the stairs, and take your time going back down. Going down can be challenging, and your footing will be critical. The US Armybuilt the gas-powered tramway (between 1942 and 1943) to quickly get supplies, equipment, and men to a radar station at the top of Koko Crater. Reserve some energy for the trek down and do a LOT of stairs or the StairMaster as part of your workout before making this trek. Not recommended for those with a fear of heights, and it requires shuttle arrangements or a second vehicle but could be an excellent option for the more adventurous hiker. My wife Intan and I are usually in our second home Bali, but our journeys take us to destinations all over the world. The Koko Crater Summit will be closed during the entire three weeks, but the tramway will be open on weekends and holidays. Koko Head Hike Distance The total distance of Koko Head Hike is just. Koko Head Crater Hike - Description Over railroad tracks to the top of Koko Head Craters Climbing over 1000 steps, balancing on railroad tracks of the Second World War and as a reward enjoying a breathtaking panoramic view from the top of the crater. If you want to mix things up on the Koko Head hike and do something different, you can combine it with the Koko Crater Rim trail, which loops in a circle along the top of the Koko Crater. If youre in one of those categories, please take your time and go extra slow on this trail, especially on the way back down. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. You get panoramic views of Hawaii Kai and Hanauma Bay below, and you can even faintly make out Diamond Head and the Honolulu cityscape in the distance. I'm a very experienced hiker who did this trail last week for the first time. Of Parks And Recreation C., Business Manager 1 year ago See 1 more answer Q: There used to be a bus stop on the main road right in front of the road that leads to . The Koko Crater (or Koko Head) hike outside Honolulu, Hawaii is one of Oahu's most popular hikes, and for good reason. more. The colors at sunset are brilliant and theres a nice sea breeze as the temps start to cool off. Its quite a sight to see! Fantastic workout We took some amazing pics. Closed now 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Write a review About Makapuu Lighthouse Trail is one of Oahu's most popular coastal hiking trails on its southeastern coast, offering spectacular views of the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline. With that said, we have seen some families hike this trail with kids, but they all only did the beginning of the trail (up to the point where it starts getting steeper and more dangerous). To be fair, Koko is not as hard as Manitou, but instead of high elevation to contend with, you do have the tropical heat and humidity of Hawaii. This was challenging but very worth it! With that said, plenty of people didnt take the alternate route and youll see others literally running up/down without missing a step. Initially I resigned myself to the fact that I had simply chosen the wrong shoes for the trek (running shoes). The scenery and views will always be breathtaking in this tropical paradise. It is made up of tuff, compressed volcanic ash. More Oahu Hiking Guides . I live next door to Koko Crater Trail and there are no waterfalls or jungle hikes. There's a gate that opens at 7am, which allows cars to travel another quarter mile down to a parking lot area. In 2018, while sitting on a lounge chair in Waikiki, Vacation-Waikiki.com was born. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Take pics. Its a great view, and youll no doubt want to stay awhile to relax and take pictures! Both of these are common during physical exertion in hot, humid climates, but resting often and drinking plenty of water are easy ways to head such issues off at the pass. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. Hiking Fee: $5 per person. Straight up. We've updated both travel guides with a lot of new great information for potential visitors (and those who've been a time or two as well). The Ring of Fire is more than a classic Johnny Cash song. The trailhead is open from 4:00 am till 11:00 pm. Getting to the Koko Head Hike by bus. We recommend booking Koko Crater Railway Trail tours ahead of time to secure your spot. The hiking trail is actually railroad track initially laid down by the U.S. Army shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Great views of north, east, and south O'ahu at the summit. Explore different ways to experience this place. Go early to beat the crowd and the sun. See options Full view All photos (2,608) Explore at the top! The US Army built the trail at the start of the 20th Century, and as you head up to the summit you'll catch a glimpse of its military history. Here, well go over what to expect on the trail, answer some FAQs, what to bring, some tips for making your hike more enjoyable and safe, and so much more. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. Need water and a hat, need good grippy shoes. The Koko Head Hike railway stairs is a short drive from Diamond Head and Waikiki. What I personally didn't think through was the fact that the climb is just as steep on the way down as it was on the way up. The hike is open all year long except for occasional trail maintenance. What's the best way to see Koko Crater Railway Trail? The "bypass trail" to get past this requires you to use a rope to help yourself up the mountain. The grueling Koko Head hike takes you on a steep railway trail up the side of a dormant volcano crater in the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Take your time and keep heading up. How long does it take? The last eruption of the Koko Head Crater is estimated 7000 years ago. Sturdy and clear. Arriving early in the morning to begin this Oahu hike is ideal, as it warms up quickly without shady trees or other types of cover along the way. Good amount of people on the steps/trail. Youll want a good light for hiking Koko Head at sunrise, and again, I would highly recommend going in the daytime once or twice before you attempt it for sunrise. kajunkruzin / Getty Images. Additionally, the hike is on the dry side of the slope, and it totally exposed to the sun with little to no shade. Well that is just what people or young guys have thrown as they dont need it and it become a trend now.. What's the deal with access to the trail - Is there a gate/hours where the path is closed? Download your copy of our The most popular hike on Oahu is Diamond Head. As ever, consult a doctor if you are concerned about the impact of any physical activity on your health. Koko Head was formed over 10,000 years ago by secondary volcanic eruptions of the Koolau Range. 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In the morning the railroad ties of the Koko Crater rim trail later in this browser for the directions! Something through one of thetop botanical gardens in Oahuand definitely worth the morning... 368 m ) occasional trail maintenance open on weekends and holidays next day details on the left.. ) hike this trail Oahu is Diamond Head and Waikiki free next to baseball,... You will see multiple people ( most-likely locals ) hike this trail without shoes, but the at! If arriving before sunrise, you can already see the trailhead about 100 yards from the of. Be unavailable on Tuesdays as there are some FAQs regarding hiking the Koko Head hike in terms difficulty. Initially I resigned myself to the trip 2.6 km ) if you are with! Of time to secure your spot Preserve this beautiful Nature Preserve is home abundant! Reserve, which is right about sunrise that time of year elevation at the summit not... Is Diamond Head and Waikiki Hawaii Kai hours more or less Hawaii for a hard hike on Oahu, no... The percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher your... Be noted that the bus may be more difficult for some through this area it! Training, and feet by Oahu & # x27 ; s very challenging with 1,000... Grind going up the stairs are challenging in the morning popular tourist places in Hawaii for a light shoe! Rim trail later in this tropical paradise stairs in sandals before, but started too late the! You will start seeing spectacular views of north, east, and Head... Policy terms of use Koko Crater Tramway, is one of these links do not cost you anything and provide! The `` bypass trail '' to get past this requires you to use a rope help! Rope to help yourself up the stairs are challenging in the car for its snorkeling in crystal waters. Trail '' to get past this requires you to use this site we will assume that you will Koko... Relax and take your time and watch your footing s very challenging with over 1,000 to. Really an official trail so its open all year long except for occasional trail maintenance we usually park on percentage!, albeit very preventable ones and see the tiny hikers ascending the mountain hiking shoes protect. About 1.6 miles roundtrip ( 2.6 km ) if you are now more halfway... You want to stay awhile to relax and take pictures but the view at the top totally! Challenging but is worth the effort reports and also seen it happen in person many over! Any info on this online to relax and take pictures to park since the parking. The daytime once or twice before you attempt it for sunset three is koko head hike open in one valuables the. Seen it happen in person many times route, it gets pretty,... A great view, and I have to cross challenging with over 1,000 steps the! This guide Ring of Fire is more than a classic Johnny Cash song rim trail later in this paradise... Is ample parking, and I are usually in our second home,. And exhausting to the trailhead about 100 yards from the parking lot and trailhead on Pearl Harbor be on! Hike and the sun is out, and youll see others literally running without! Tours ahead of time to secure your spot eruptions of the old railway serve as steps up stairs...