Department of Parks and Recreation

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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECREATION​

Ka ʻOihana Mālama Pāka a me nā Hana Hoʻonanea
Koko Head Shooting Complex Aerial Photo

E komo mai (Welcome!) to the official website for O‘ahu’s only public, outdoor shooting range! This is facility is operated by the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), several law enforcement agencies, gun clubs, and also includes one of three City archery ranges. These ranges are on the floor of an extinct volcanic crater and everyone shoots away from the center using the walls of the crater as a backstop. There is ample free parking, restrooms facilities, and picnic areas. We take safety and our range procedures described below very seriously. If you don’t know, are unsure, or have a questions, please ask the range personnel. They are there to help. Please call for additional assistance (808) 768 – 6720.

The Koko Head Shooting Complex does not provide any firearms, bows, arrows, or ammunition for sale or rent. You must provide these. For some ranges, you must provide the targets as well (see the range specific rules below)

There are seven separate ranges available for conditional public sport shooting use: 

    • Archery 
    • 100-yard Rifle
    • 25 to 50-yard Pistol
    • 200-meter Handgun Metallic Silhouette
    • American Skeet
    • American Trap
    • Action Pistol / Cowboy Action Shooting 

The Archery, Rifle, and Pistol ranges are operated by City DPR Range Attendants and are FREE FOR PUBLIC USE during regular hours posted above. The remaining ranges are operated by sport shooting clubs, under agreement with DPR. A nominal fee is necessary for targets. Here also, you must provide your own firearms and ammunition.Button linking to the Parks and Recreation Online System (PROS)To facilitate the demand for the firing ranges with the limited KHSC staff, an free online reservation system at pros.hnl.info is being utilized for shooters to book 1 hour 20-minute shooting timeslots. Reservations are not required, but are strongly encouraged. Range staff will do their best to accommodate walk-ins. Please use the “Table of Contents” below to jump to specific information regarding the various aspects of KHSC.

Table of Contents

Hours of Operation

 

RANGEMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday
ArcheryClosedClosedsunrise-sunsetsunrise-sunsetsunrise-sunsetsunrise-sunsetsunrise-sunset
Rifle ClosedClosedClosed ClosedClosed8am-4pm8am-4pm
Pistol Closed ClosedClosedClosedClosed8am-4pm8am-4pm
Silhouette Closed ClosedClosedClosedClosedClosedClosed
Trap Closed ClosedClosedClosedClosedClosed9am-3pm
Skeet Closed ClosedClosedClosedClosed9am-3pm9am-3pm
Cowboy Action     Closed ClosedClosedClosedClosedClosedClosed

*Gated access from Kalaniana‘ole Highway into KHSC is scheduled to open a half hour before and a half hour after these hours of operation*

Safety Principles

We strive to keep KHSC a safe and enjoyable location to discharge firearms. Alcohol, drug use, and animals are not allowed within the shooting complex. We additionally restrict smoking, eating, and drinking on the firing line. Most importantly, we require all range participants to follow the following firearm safety principles:

Shooters at the Pistol Range in the Koko Head Shooting Complex.

  1. Always keep the gun & arrows pointed in a safe direction (even if unloaded).
  2. Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot (firearm leveled at target).
  3. Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use (ready to engage a target).
  4. Know your target and what is beyond.
  5. Be sure the gun is safe to operate.
  6. Know how to use the gun safely.
  7. Use only the correct ammunition for your gun.
  8. Wear eye and ear protection, as appropriate.
  9. Never use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting.
  10. Store guns so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons
  11. Be aware that certain types of guns and many shooting activities require additional safety precautions.

Archery Range

  1. This is not a manned range and is free for public use.  Shooters must police themselves.Archery Range at the Koko Head Shooting Complex.
  2. Bring your own target faces. Bales provided up to 90m.
  3. No firearms and no crossbows permitted.
  4. Only target or field point arrows allowed.
  5. Area behind targets must be clear of persons before shooting.
  6. Shoot at target in your shooting lane only
  7. No more than one archer is shooting; each archer is limited to 6 arrows
  8. All archers must shoot from the same shooting line.  No staggered shooting is allowed.  If archers present want to shoot at different shooting line distances, archers must alternate shooting lines allowing 30 minutes at each shooting line
  9. When arrow is strung on bow it must be pointed towards the ground or towards the target.  The arrow should never be pointed above the target or beyond either side of the target.  When arrow is on the bow it should never be pointed up.
  10. When any person is observed in front of the target or in back of the target, all archers are to stop shooting.
  11. All archers must retrieve arrows at the same time.  Make sure that all archers have ceased shooting before attempting to retrieve arrows.
  12. When other archer/s are present, limit searching for stray arrows to 5 minutes
  13. Archers must not string arrow on bow until all archers have returned to the shooting line.
  14. When archers are not on shooting line and waiting to get on shooting line, they must not string arrow on bow at any time.
  15. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
  16. The archery range is for archery only.  Other activities are prohibited.
  17. No animals are allowed in the archery area.
  18. Archers will be held liable for any injury they cause to any persons.
  19. Exercise caution and courtesy. Obey all range rules for the safety of the public and other archers.

Rifle Range

WHAT TO BRING:

Rifle at the Koko Head Shooting Complex

  1. Firearm(s) in a Hawai‘i State Law approved case 
  2. Eye and ear protection for all participants 
  3. Targets and target frame. (click for a detailed description)
  4. Correct ammunition

RULES & PROCEDURES:

  1. Please sign-in at the appropriate range office before firing. 
  2. Ear & eye protection are mandatory for everyone, even if you are not shooting. 
  3. Targets may be placed at 50 and 100 yards only.
  4.  For rifle range targets, center of lowest target must be at least 5 feet from the ground. 
  5. No steel targets (gongs) allowed.
  6. Targets are not provided, but must fit specifications so that the targets fit within designated target slots. The dimensions of the targets can be found by clicking here. Center of the lower target must be 5-feet from the ground. 
  7. Know and obey all range commands
    • Complete your firing – finish up the ammunition that’s already loaded in your firearm. Clear and unload your firearm. Place it on the bench with the action open and chamber visible from the rear. Step behind the yellow line
    • Cease fire – do NOT pull the trigger once this command is given. Clear and unload your firearm immediately. Place it on the bench with the action open and chamber visible from the rear. Step behind the yellow line
    • The line is safe, you may go forward. After you’ve reset targets, stand behind the yellow line
    • The line is hot – you may approach your position, handle firearms and commence firing
    • Cease Fire may be called at anytime, not only when it is time to change targets.  Anyone may call Cease Fire if they feel there is any unsafe condition
  8.  Do NOT handle any firearms or stand at the firing line where firearms are present while others are down range during a cease fire.
  9. Use the proper ammunition and load no more than 5 rounds in the magazine.
  10. No rapid or indiscriminate firing.
  11. Shoot only at authorized targets. No plinking of objects on backstop berm or on the ground.  Human silhouette targets are not allowed.
  12. Children age 17 and below must be accompanied by an adult.Replacing rifle targets at the Koko Head Shooting Complex
  13. Children 9-12 years may fire .22 long rifle caliber only, with an
  14. adult standing next to and assisting the child.
  15. Children 8 years and younger are prohibited from using firearms.
  16. No gambling.
  17. Tracer, incendiary, exploder or armor piercing type ammunition is prohibited.
  18. .50 caliber BMG prohibited.
  19. Please place all trash in trash cans, and sweep up and dispose of spent casings in proper bins

Pistol Range

WHAT TO BRING:

Disarmed pistol at the Koko Head Shooting Complex

  1. Firearm(s) in a Hawai‘i State Law approved case 
  2. Eye and ear protection for all participants 
  3. Targets and target frame. (click for a detailed description)
  4. Correct ammunition

RULES & PROCEDURES:

  1. Please sign-in at the appropriate range office before firing. 
  2. Ear & eye protection are mandatory for everyone, even if you are not shooting. 
  3. No eating or drinking on the firing line. 
  4. Targets are limited to 25 and 50 yards maximum.
  5. Targets are not provided, but must fit specifications so that the targets fit within designated target slots. The dimensions of the targets can be found by clicking here. The targets may be made or store bought. 
  6. Know and obey all range commands
    • Complete your firing – finish up the ammunition that’s already loaded in your firearm. Clear and unload your firearm. Place it on the bench with the action open and chamber visible from the rear. Step behind the yellow line
    • Cease fire – do NOT pull the trigger once this command is given. Clear and unload your firearm immediately. Place it on the bench with the action open and chamber visible from the rear. Step behind the yellow line
    • The line is safe, you may go forward. After you’ve reset targets, stand behind the yellow line
    • The line is hot – you may approach your position, handle firearms and commence firing
    • Cease Fire may be called at anytime, not only when it is time to change targets.   Anyone may call Cease Fire if they feel there is any unsafe condition.
  7.  Do NOT handle any firearms or stand at the firing line where firearms are present while others are down range during a cease fire.
  8. Use the proper ammunition and load no more than 5 rounds in the magazine.
  9. No rapid or indiscriminate firing.
  10. Shoot only at authorized targets. No plinking of objects on backstop berm or on the ground.  Human silhouette targets are not allowed.
  11. Children age 17 and below must be accompanied by an adult.
  12. Children 9-12 years may fire .22 long rifle caliber only, with an adult standing next to and assisting the child.
  13. Children 8 years and younger are prohibited from using firearms.Pistol targets at the Koko Head Shooting Complex. 
  14. No gambling.
  15. No brooms allowed to sweep up brass casings. Rakes are okay. 
  16. Tracer, incendiary, exploder or armor piercing type ammunition is prohibited.
  17. Please place all trash in trash cans, and sweep up and dispose of spent casings in proper bins.

Metallic Silhouette Range - CLOSED

WHAT TO BRING: 

  1. Firearm(s) in a Hawai‘i State Law approved case 
  2. Eye and ear protection for all participants 
  3. Correct ammunition

RULES & PROCEDURES:

  1. There is a $5.00 fee per day per person.
  2. Please sign-in at the appropriate range office before firing. 
  3. This range  is run by the Hawaii Metallic Silhouette Shooters Association. They are an IHMSA affiliated club.
  4. Ear & eye protection are mandatory for everyone, even if you are not shooting. 
  5. Hawaii State Law requires firearms to be transported, unloaded, in a rigidly constructed receptacle, or a commercially manufactured gun case, or the equivalent thereof that completely encloses the firearm.
  6. You do not need to bring a target. 
  7. The range provides metal targets from 50 meters through 100 meters. It’s a great plinking range. You can watch your targets go spinning off the stand with each hit.
  8. Know and obey all range commands
    • Complete your firing – finish up the ammunition that’s already loaded in your firearm. Clear and unload your firearm. Place it on the bench with the action open and chamber visible from the rear. Step behind the yellow line
    • Cease fire – do NOT pull the trigger once this command is given. Clear and unload your firearm immediately. Place it on the bench with the action open and chamber visible from the rear. Step behind the yellow line
    • The line is safe, you may go forward. After you’ve reset targets, stand behind the yellow line
    • The line is hot – you may approach your position, handle firearms and commence firing
    • Cease Fire may be called at anytime, not only when it is time to change targets.   Anyone may call Cease Fire if they feel there is any unsafe condition
  9. You may fire .22 rimfire rifles on this range
  10. Any caliber handgun, including semiautomatic or revolvers, may be fired on this range.
  11. Centerfire rifles and shotguns prohibited.
  12. Tracer, incendiary, exploder or armor piercing type ammunition is prohibited

American Skeet Range

Skeet Range at the Koko Head Shooting Complex.

WHAT TO BRING: 

  1. Shotgun transported in a Hawai‘i State Law approved case in good mechanical condition
  2. Ammunition that matches the firearm
  3. Eye and ear protection for all participants.

RULES:

  1. The skeet range is operated by the Koko Head Skeet Club. Target fees for a round (25 targets) are $7 for members, $10 for non-members.
  2. Skeet is a shotgun game where you engage 25 clay targets. Coincidentally, 1 box of ammunition is 25 rounds.
  3. You may use any gauge shotgun 12 gauge and smaller using number 8 bird shot and smaller.
  4. Think gun safety at ALL times!
  5. All shooters must register with the Range Officer BEFORE shooting
  6. Only registered shooters are permitted on the skeet fields
  7. Eye and ear protection are required at all times
  8. No more than 2 rounds may be loaded in a gun at any time
  9. Keep guns pointed in a safe direction at ALL times
  10. Guns MUST be unloaded except when on a shooting station and ready to shoot
  11. Gun actions MUST be open at all times except when on a shooting station
  12. The use of alcohol and drugs is strictly prohibited
  13. Exercise extreme caution when exposed to thrown targets or target equipment
  14. Only shotguns are permitted on this range (12 gauge or smaller)
  15. Shot size must be number 8 or smaller
  16. Shooters are responsible for the safe functioning and handling of their guns
  17. Children under 18 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at ALL times
  18. Follow the range officers instruction
  19. Unsafe behavior will NOT be tolerated
  20. Tracer, incendiary, exploder or armor piercing type ammunition is prohibited

PROCEDURES: 

The squad starts at station #1 directly under the high house.

  • Each person will shoot 1 bird from the high house, then 1 bird from the low house. Then a pair of birds launched simultaneously, one bird from each house. Beginners may opt for all single birds or a report pair that launches the second bird on report of the first shot.
  • 4 targets are engaged at station 1, 2, 6 and 7.
  • Singles, 1 each high and low, are engaged at stations 3, 4, 5 and 8.
  • That equals only 24 shots. The first missed shot is an option and is refired.

American Trap Range

WHAT TO BRING: 

  1. Shotgun transported according to State law in good mechanical condition
  2. Ammunition that matches the firearm
  3. Eye and ear protection

RULES :

  1. The trap range is operated by the Honolulu Trap Club. Target fees for a round of trap (25 targets) are $7 for members, $10 for non-members. 
  2. Safety is Always FIRST. Breach Open!
  3. The Range Officer has full authorization to open and close the range to all shooters
  4. When “Cease Fire” is announced, all weapons will be immediately cleared, grounded, and pointing downrange with actions open
  5. A maximum of one (1) shell may be loaded when on the firing line and ready to fire except when shooting Doubles, a maximum of two (2) shells may be loaded when on the firing line and ready to fire
  6. No shooting at materials (i.e. soda cans, etc.) other than clay targets or patterning sheets
  7. No shooting of any wildlife at any time
  8. Hearing and Eye protection while on the firing line is MANDATORY
  9. No unsupervised children near the firing line at anytime. (A shoter is NOT a supervisor!)
  10. No magnum loads or loads with shot size larger than 7 1/2
  11. Tracer, incendiary, exploder or armor piercing type ammunition is prohibited

PROCEDURES:

Trap is a very fast paced sport keeping interest levels high.

  • Shooters are grouped into 5 man squads.
  • The first “post” engages a target then the second then the thrid.
  • After the 5th shoots, then it’s post 1 again. After 5 shots, the squad rotates 1 position clockwise moving the man on post 5 to station 1.
  • The front line is 16 yards from the trap house.
  • During trap tournaments, shooters are “handicapped” as far back as 27 yards.
  • There is 1 trap machine in the trap house which “oscillates” back and forth and pauses. Hence the shooter never knows what angle the trap bird is coming out at.
  • As the shooters moves around the field, the angle changes from left to right.

Action Pistol / Cowboy Action

ACTION PISTOL:

COWBOY ACTION SHOOTING:

Prohibited Items

The following items are unlawful to own or possess in Hawai‘i and CANNOT be brought to the Koko Head Shooting Complex 

* misdemeanor 1 yr. jail, $2000 fine   ** C felony 5 yrs jail, $10,000 fine

  1. Fully auto firearms**
  2. Unregistered handguns *
  3. Unregistered long guns acquired after 6/30/94*
  4. Shotguns with less than 18″ barrels**
  5. Rifles with less than 16″ barrels**
  6. Silencers**
  7. Hand grenades**
  8. Dynamite and blasting caps**
  9. Bombs and bombshells**
  10. Exploding or impact segmenting projectiles**
  11. Armor piercing projectiles**
  12. More than 10 round magazines that will fit a pistol * or ** if in a handgun
  13. Cannons**
  14. Firearms with altered, removed or obliterated make, model or number *
  15. Butterfly knives*
  16. Switch blade and gravity knives*
  17. Handguns with die cast frames or receivers with a melting temperature of less than 800 degrees, unless registered prior to 7/1/75 *
  18. Electric guns*
  19. Assault pistols not owned and registered prior to 7/1/92 *
  20. Tracer ammunition. 

Shooting Complex History

As you enter the facility the right-side of the range boasts the background of Koko Crater, also known as Kohelepelepe in Hawaiian. This term refers to the female genitalia, and the crater was named as the result of a legend involving the Hawaiian goddess of fire, Pele. The story tells of the pig demigod (kupua) Kamapua‘a and his lust for Madame Pele. Bothered with his advances, Pele removed her genitalia and flung it to eastern O‘ahu, the imprint of which is said to have shaped the crater. 

In modern history,  a December 1928 agreement between the Bishop Estate and the Territory of Hawai‘i transferred jurisdiction of the shooting complex, the neighboring district park, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, the Koko Crater Botanical Garden, and a large part of the Ka Iwi coastline to the City and County of Honolulu. The agreement was to maintain the area for public use. The range was first established in 1937, and has been reconfigured several times since then.

KHSC was closed on Sept. 16, 2022 after the City received notice that many of the complex employees received blood test results indicating elevated levels of lead. These test results indicated that the lead levels were well below the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and medically established levels of concern. Although the levels did not pose an immediate health risk to the staff, they were relocated out of an abundance of caution. Following significant emergency improvements and repairs to the grounds and complex operations, the KHSC archery range reopened on March 24, 2023, with the pistol and rifle ranges reopening on April 29, 2023, and trap & skeet ranges opening November 12, 2023. 

Click here for a copy of the Kramer One Safety, Health & Environmental Recommendations

Contact Us

(808) 768 – 6720

8102 Kalaniana‘ole Highway, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96825

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