Koko Crater Botanical Garden in Oahu, Hawaii (Complete 2024 Guide!)
Love gardens? Put Koko Crater Botanical Garden on your Oahu itinerary, for a hike through one of the island’s off-the-beaten track but unique attractions.
One of the five botanical gardens on Oahu under the aegis of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens, Koko Crater Botanical Garden is laid out along a part of the inner slopes and bowl of the crater.
Encompassing about 60 acres, the garden showcases succulents, somewhat unexpected for a usually lush tropical place like Hawaii, but perfect for the arid conditions inside the crater.
If you are looking for a garden experience that’s not the usual lush tropical garden you see in Hawaii, definitely plan on spending a couple hours at Koko Crater Botanical Garden!
Koko Crater Botanical Garden was established in 1958. It is also called the Charles M. Wills Cactus Garden.
While garden enthusiasts will love the plant collections from the Americas and Africa, nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking the loop trail through the garden.
We visited the Koko Crater Botanical Garden in the winter on our last trip to the island, and it turned out to be one of our favorite experiences on Oahu. We plan to return in the summer to experience it in another season.
In this article, we describe how to visit the Koko Crater Botanical Garden: what to see and do in the garden, how to get there, and our tips for the best experience.
And if you enjoy gardens, also check out our guides to the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden and Foster Botanical Garden.
Planning your trip to Oahu? Check out our 2024 guide to the most popular tours and excursions in Oahu!
And now, let’s dive right into our guide to Oahu’s Koko Crater Botanical Garden!
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Things to Do in Koko Crater Botanical Garden
Hike the loop trail through the garden
A 2-mile loop trail takes you through the various sections of Koko Crater Botanical Garden. The trail is packed dirt, and classed as an easy hike.
There is no visitor center at Koko Crater Botanical Garden, just a security guard at the entrance. You can pick up a map of the garden at a kiosk at the start of the trail.
Right before the start of the trail is a plumeria grove, and the slopes of the crater wall are clothed in bougainvillea and hybrid hibiscus varieties.
If you choose, you can do just this portion of the garden, since it’s a tiny loop in itself.
The 2-mile loop includes dryland plants, many of which are rare and endangered, as well as native Hawaiian trees.
Walking at a leisurely pace, stopping to snap photos and observe plants, you should expect to spend an hour to two hours on the trail.
Inhale the fragrance of the plumerias (in season)
If you plan to visit Oahu in the summer, and only have a short amount of time to spend, you must still stop in at the Koko Crater Botanical Garden to at least visit the Plumeria Grove.
The grove contains rows of mature trees, and in season (late spring and summer), the lovely green leaves and the stunning blossoms in many different colors will wow you.
From white and yellow mixed with pale pink to vibrant orange and magenta, you will see plumeria in more hues than you’ve likely seen before.
And with each breath you draw in the blooming plumeria grove, the sweet perfume of the blossoms will fill your nostrils.
Even in January, when leaves on the plumeria trees were just beginning to unfurl, and there were only a few blossoms on the trees, it was a delight examining their beautiful petals, sniffing the intoxicating scent, and snapping photos.
Admire the swathes of color from bougainvillea
The inner walls of the Koko Crater by the entrance to the garden have been planted with bougainvillea in many colors.
When it is in bloom, it is a gorgeous sight, with swathes of magenta, orange, white, and other colors.
Just beyond the bougainvillea is the hybrid hibiscus collection. When in bloom, the saucer-sized blooms in multiple colors are striking.
Walk through the geographic showcase gardens
Now you’ll start on the loop trail through the various sections of dryland plants at the Koko Crater Botanical Garden.
You’ll find shorter trails branching off from the loop and returning to it, so explore these as much as you like.
There are collections from the Americas and Africa, with special emphasis on Pacifica, Hawaii, and Madagascar.
In the Hawaiian plants section, look for the grove of wiliwili trees, koa, and loulu palms. You may find the Hawaiian yellow hibiscus in bloom.
The Madagascar section has a dragon’s blood tree, and the Africa section has several baobabs.
A cactus garden showcases several varieties such as barrel cactus, organ pipe cactus, saguaro cactus, and octopus cactus. A dryland palms area features varieties such as Mexican blue palm.
At the very back of the garden is a grove of koa and kiawe trees.
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Enjoy birdwatching
Birdwatchers may spot some common Hawaiian birds while walking the trail at Koko Crater Botanical Garden.
Mynahs are common, as are zebra doves and red-crested cardinals. You may also see the white-rumped shama, the red vented bulbul, or the spotted dove.
Close to four dozen species have been spotted in the garden, so bring your binoculars and keep your eyes peeled for less common birds as well!
Getting to the Koko Crater Botanical Garden
The Koko Crater Botanical Garden is located in the southeastern part of the island of Oahu. The street address is 7491 Kokonani St. Honolulu, HI 96825.
The easiest way to visit the garden is to drive yourself. From Waikiki, Koko Crater Botanical Garden is about a 25-minute drive via Highway 72 in normal traffic (see map).
There is a parking lot just outside the garden and you should generally have no trouble finding a spot. A security guard is stationed at the garden entrance to help prevent car break-ins.
Don’t have a rental car? You can take TheBus, the local public bus. Bus number 23 will take you up to the intersection of Kealahou and Kokonani Streets, about 0.3 mile from the entrance to the garden.
The bus takes much longer than driving though, so allow for enough time.
Koko Crater Botanical Garden Hours and Fees
Koko Crater Botanical Garden is open daily from sunrise to sunset. It is closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
There is no entrance fee and no parking fee to visit the Koko Crater Botanical Garden.
The Best Time to Visit Koko Crater Botanical Garden
You can visit Koko Crater Botanical Garden year round.
That said, we would definitely plan a visit for late spring or summer to experience the plumeria grove in full bloom!
But even in winter, the garden looks warm with color from bougainvillea and occasional wildflowers.
We visited Koko Crater Botanical Garden in the morning, when the light was nice for photos and it was not too hot on the exposed loop trail.
Later in the afternoon would also be a nice time to visit, but avoid the middle of the day if your itinerary allows.
>> Book an exciting, 5-star rated, highly popular, Oahu tour now!
What to Do Near Koko Crater Botanical Garden
There are many must-visit spots on Oahu near the Koko Crater Botanical Garden!
Snorkel at Hanauma Bay
Horseshoe-shaped Hanauma Bay is arguably the top snorkeling location on Oahu, with gorgeous turquoise waters and an incredibly rich variety of marine life.
Entry requires a reservation, and spots get snapped up within minutes of becoming available, so if snorkeling Hanauma Bay is on your Oahu bucket-list, be nimble!
Do the Koko Stairs Hike
Want a hiking challenge in Oahu? Put the Koko Head Stairs Hike on your itinerary for the island!
You will climb over 1,000 steps to the top of the Koko Head crater for expansive views over Hanauma Bay and the shoreline of the island.
Or Do the Easy Makapu’u Lighthouse Hike
If you are looking for an easier but very scenic hike, the Makapuu Lighthouse Hike fits the bill perfectly.
The wide paved trail leads to a viewing area at the top of the ridge from where you get great views of the lighthouse and the shoreline. In season, this is a great hike for whale watchers!
And if you do not feel like hiking at all, you can simply take in the splendid views from the Makapuu Lookout right by the highway!
Stop by the Halona Blowhole Lookout
One of the most spectacular blowholes in Hawaii, the Halona Blowhole is right by the side of the highway.
If you catch it in action, you’ll see the water spraying up to 30 feet into the air.
Even if it is not active when you arrive, the viewpoint offers fabulous views of the ocean and the shoreline.
Spend time at Sandy Beach or Alan Davis Beach
Sandy Beach is a long and beautiful golden sand beach near Koko Crater Botanical Garden. The shorebreak here is dangerous though: the beach is also called Breakneck Beach.
Watch the surfers, sunbathe, or stroll on the sand.
Alan Davis Beach isn’t a well-known tourist spot. Two wooden planks wedged into the rocks here allow for jumping (exercise caution though, as the depth of the water can vary). You can also explore marine life in tidepools, swim, or just enjoy the sun.
To access Alan Davis Beach, walk the Kaiwi Shoreline Trail to the cove: the walk is scenic in its own right!
Map of the Koko Crater Botanical Garden, Oahu
Tips for Visiting Koko Crater Botanical Garden in Oahu
Allow enough time
If you plan to do the full loop around Koko Crater Botanical Garden, and maybe walk some of the little paths, allow at least a couple of hours.
Some of the side trails can be a little confusing and may dead-end, so you’ll spend some time trying to get back onto the main trail.
If you enjoy photography, allow for additional time. We spent 20 minutes just in the plumeria grove, photographing every beautiful plumeria flower that was in bloom in the winter!
There are many other striking specimens to photograph, from baobab trees in the Africa section to the sausage tree in the Madagascar section with fruit that looks like sausages.
Do not expect a manicured traditional botanical garden!
Koko Crater Botanical Garden is a natural landscape for the most part, except for the showcase gardens.
The trail is more like an easy trail through wilderness than a stroll through a landscaped garden.
There is no visitor center and no docents.
>> Book an exciting, 5-star rated, highly popular, Oahu tour now!
Wear sun protection
Sun protection is a must! The trail at Koko Crater Botanical Garden is exposed.
We like this reef-safe sunscreen that’s perfect for Hawaii. We also use this one sometimes: it’s great for sensitive skin!
Also be sure to wear a sun hat with a broad brim (men’s/women’s on Amazon) and sunglasses (we like this brand), and use a lip balm with SPF.
Bring a camera with zoom lens for macro photography
If you like photographing birds, plants, or flowers, but do not want to bring a heavy lens when you hike or sightsee, check out this tiny camera that fits into your pocket but has a powerful zoom lens.
If you enjoy birding, compact binoculars are great to bring as well.
Stay hydrated as you explore
There is NO potable water at Koko Crater Botanical Garden and it can be hot, dry, and dusty on the trail during much of the day.
Bring an adequate supply of drinking water so you can stay hydrated as you hike.
Bring snacks
Pack snacks to stay fueled as you explore, especially if you plan to linger for some time in the garden.
If you bring a meal to enjoy in the garden, there are picnic tables in the plumeria grove, and in other spots in the garden.
What to wear for your visit to the garden
Wear light-colored, loose long-sleeved shirts and long pants to help protect from bug bites, and the sun.
We weren’t bothered by bugs in Koko Crater Botanical Garden in January, but covering up arms and legs is a good idea regardless, and bring bug wipes just in case!
Also wear comfortable walking shoes
Be sure to wear appropriate walking shoes for the Koko Crater Botanical Garden loop trail.
There are holes in the unimproved road that serves as the trail, loose rocks and stones, and uneven ground.
Closed-toed shoes with good grip are very helpful on this trail.
Exercise care as you walk the paths and trail
The trail in the garden is uneven, with loose rocks, so watch your step! I almost twisted my ankle twice along the trail.
Do not touch the plants!
Do not handle plants or put any plants or plant parts in your mouth. Some plants may be poisonous or cause adverse reactions!
There may be bugs on tree trunks and plants. Do not lean against trees.
Keep your distance from wildlife
Observe wildlife such as mongoose from a distance. Do not touch or feed wildlife or birds you see in the garden!
Do not pick plants, flowers, fruit, or seeds
Leave only with memories and photos and video!
Do not bring pets
Pets are not permitted in the Koko Crater Botanical Garden, so you’ll want to leave them behind on your visit to this garden.
Note that there is only one portable toilet in the garden!
You will find the only restroom in the garden past the plumeria grove, just before the start of the 2-mile loop trail.
Do not leave personal belongings visible in your car!
There is a security guard at the entrance to deter break-ins, but be prudent and put all personal belongings out of sight in the trunk of your car.
Take valuables with you.
The Best Oahu Tours
Have you booked these popular Oahu tours and excursions yet?
Love snorkeling? This Turtle Canyon snorkeling excursion from Waikiki lets you frolic with colorful fish and Hawaiian green sea turtles. Hands down the MOST BOOKED Oahu snorkeling tour: turtle sightings are guaranteed!
The most popular luau in Oahu, Paradise Cove Luau has a 4.5 rating on Viator with over 3.5K reviews. The tour includes pick-up from your Waikiki hotel, pre-dinner games, arts, and crafts, a delicious meal, and an award-winning show.
Based in Waikiki but want to see more of the island? This full-day Oahu Circle Island Tour includes Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Haleiwa, the Dole Plantation, and more!
Pay your respects at the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor! This popular Pearl Harbor tour includes boat tickets and round-trip transport from Waikiki.
A super popular Oahu North Shore excursion, this Oahu shark cage dive allows you to observe wild sharks in the open ocean from the safety of a cage! It’s a THRILLING Oahu adventure for your bucket list.
We have a detailed guide to the top Oahu tours and excursions if you are in the midst of planning your itinerary for the island.
Renting a Car in Oahu
If you want to explore more of the island of Oahu on your vacation, you should get a rental car.
Oahu’s popular attractions are spread over the island: the windward coast, the North Shore, and Ko Olina are great places to explore beyond Waikiki (or the greater Honolulu area).
While Oahu does have public transport options that are better than the other islands, a car offers a lot more flexibility and time savings.
We always use Discover Cars to book Oahu car rentals. They search across a variety of rental car companies, both budget and brand, to offer you the best deals, AND they offer free cancellations. Plus, there are no hidden fees.
>> Check availability and prices on Oahu car rentals now!
Honolulu Airport-Hotel Shuttle
If you are not planning to get a rental car at Honolulu Airport, consider booking shuttle transport in advance!
This shared shuttle can be canceled up to 24 hours from the date of service. It serves hotels in Waikiki and Honolulu and then back again to the airport the day you leave. It’s convenient and inexpensive, and saves time and hassle!
>> Check prices and availability for shared round-trip airport transfer in Oahu now!
Staying in Ko Olina? Consider this round-trip airport transfer instead!
Where to Stay in Oahu
Honolulu (Waikiki in particular) offers a large number of hotels and resorts, along with shopping and dining options. Most visitors to Oahu choose to base in Honolulu at least for a part of their stay.
While many of the large chains have a presence if you are looking to use your memberships, Honolulu also has several unique boutiques to consider.
Our faves include Halekulani for a splurge stay, the Lotus Honolulu for views of Diamond Head, and The Laylow for its awesome location.
Want more room to spread out or looking to stay elsewhere on Oahu? You will find VRBO listings all over the island!
On previous trips to Oahu, we have stayed in VRBO rentals in Waikiki as well as on the North Shore and the east coast and we’ve found the choice and quality great.
>> Look for an Oahu vacation rental on VRBO now!
More Oahu Travel Inspiration
Planning a trip to Oahu? Check out our other in-depth Oahu travel guides for help finalizing your Oahu itinerary!
Start by discovering the best things to do in Oahu. We also have a detailed guide to Oahu’s North Shore, a round-up of things to do on the east side of Oahu, and the best things to do in Ko Olina, on the west coast of the island.
If you ar planning a short first visit to the island, we have the perfect day-by-day 3 days in Oahu itinerary for you!
Of course you’ll want to learn about all the exciting things to do in Honolulu, Hawaii’s capital, and Waikiki, the touristic core of Oahu. We also have an article on the best places to eat in Waikiki!
Check out our guide to the best beaches in Oahu, and a round-up of the best beaches on the north shore of Oahu. Also read about must-visit Oahu waterfalls and botanical gardens in Oahu you have to visit.
Oahu is home to so many must-visit landmarks! Check out our in-depth article on how to visit Pearl Harbor, and our guides on the beautiful Waimea Valley in Oahu and the spectacular Byodo-In Temple.
Want to enjoy the thrill of observing sharks in the wild? Check out our article on shark cage diving on Oahu’s North Shore!
Discover the top places to go snorkeling in west Oahu, where you will find a long coastline with lovely beaches, and tips for snorkeling Kaneohe Sandbar on the island’s east coast as well as the super popular Hanauma Bay.
And if you love marine life, also check out our complete guide to (respectfully!) see and swim with dolphins in Oahu, and the best spots to snorkel with turtles in Oahu.
For hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, we have a round-up of the best Oahu hikes, and if you are looking to exclude the harder Oahu trails, a guide to the best easy Oahu hikes.
Find out how to do the iconic (and VERY popular) Diamond Head Hike near Waikiki for exceptional views. We also have a guide to the very popular Manoa Falls Trail in Honolulu.
More advanced hikers will want to read up on the Koko Head Hike, a long set of stairs leading to expansive views.
Learn where to go for the best sunsets in Oahu, whether you want to hike or enjoy watching a colorful Hawaiian sunset without working up a sweat.
We also have a guide to the best sunrise hikes in Oahu, one of which is the spectacular Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail in the southeastern part of the island. The Lanikai Pillbox Hike is another wonderful sunrise hike on Oahu!
If you are a garden enthusiast, check out our detailed guide to the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, our article on the unique Koko Crater Botanical Garden, and our guide to Foster Botanical Garden!
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