Oahu Botanical Garden Guide

Koko Crater Botanical Garden

Koko Crater Botanical Garden grows dryland plants from Hawaii, Africa, Madagascar and the Americas inside an ancient volcanic crater in East Honolulu.

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Koko Crater Botanical Garden

Koko Crater Botanical Garden, Oahu

Part of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens first established in 1958, this 60-acre botanical garden is located in Oahu's Koko Crater. The area's dry, hot climate provides good growing conditions for a wide range of dryland plants from Hawaii and elsewhere. Many of these are rare and endangered species.

The Koko Crater Botanical Garden specializes in cacti, aloes, dryland palms, plumeria cultivars, sansevieria, euphorbias, bougainvillea, alluaudias, baobabs and adeniums. In addition to native and naturalized Hawaiian plants, the garden features species from Madagascar, Africa and the Americas.

A 2-mile (3.2 km) loop trail takes visitors on a 1 ½ hour self-guided walk through the garden. But the gardens aren't the only attraction here. You'll also get to experience the natural landscape of Koko Crater, which features many Hawaiian tree species, including the kiawe, wiliwili and koa haole. The wiliwili tree is particularly noteworthy and is one of the species listed under Hawaii's Exceptional Tree Act 105.

Services are limited at Koko Crater, so come prepared and pay attention to plant and trail hazards. Restrooms, drinking fountains and visitor accommodations are currently unavailable. Due to Koko Crater's dry, hot climate bring potable water, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat. Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots are also recommended, as the trail can be rocky and unstable in parts. Picking any plants in the garden is strictly forbidden. Visitors should also avoid touching, eating or smelling any unfamiliar plants, as many contain allergens that can cause skin irritations, sneezing, inflammation and other discomforts.

Key Features

Located inside the floor of Koko Crater in East Honolulu
Part of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens system
Specializes in dryland and drought-tolerant plant collections
Features cacti, succulents, plumeria, baobabs and desert trees
Plants originate from Hawaii, Africa, Madagascar and the Americas
Natural volcanic crater setting with broad crater-wall views
Self-guided walking route through more than 60 acres
Known for seasonal plumeria blooms and unusual plant specimens

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Koko Crater Botanical Garden different from other Oahu botanical gardens?

It focuses on dryland and desert plants rather than tropical rainforest species, taking advantage of the crater's hot and dry environment.

Why was the garden built inside Koko Crater?

The crater creates a naturally sheltered dry climate that supports plants from arid regions around the world.

What plants are especially notable here?

Visitors often come to see the cactus collections, baobabs, plumeria varieties, aloes and plants from Madagascar.

When do the plumeria trees bloom?

Bloom periods vary by variety and weather, but spring through fall usually offers the most color.

Is Koko Crater Botanical Garden good for photography?

Yes. The volcanic crater walls, unusual plant collections and seasonal flowers create photo opportunities that are different from most Oahu gardens.