Botanical Garden in a Volcano Crater?

Aloha Folks! Recently, we discovered this gem of a botanical garden in Hawaii Kai across from Sandy Beach in Honolulu, Oahu. Who knew a treasure trove of plumeria trees, spiky cactuses & indigenous trees from Africa, Madagascar & Hawaii thrive happily in a dormant volcano? See for yourself :)

The garden was easy to find with ample parking near the entrance & a map of the 200-acre crater. There's a colorful placard in the front & free brochures too!

Walking shoes will keep you comfy as you stroll, hike or meander through weathered dirt paths with your camera on continuous shutter mode.  Check out these beautiful bougainvillea blooms & vivid red hibiscus.

Take your time, enjoy the floral scenery & relax at the many picnic tables dotted throughout the garden. Depending on the time of the year, different flowers open and show off their colorful blooms.  

Yes, there's even a cactus garden in the Americas section. 

Have you ever seen these flowers before? These stunning flowers are native to Hawaii and are called Wiliwili, a type of Coral Tree. Aren't they breath-taking? 

The biggest show of all are the plumeria trees... Blooming in May, the garden filled with its light fragrance, perfuming & showing off their large wondrous blooms. We have to say, these plumerias are definitely our favorite of the day!

If you enjoy gardens & love the outdoors, cruise on over to Koko Crater. We're sure you'll have as much fun as we did. We can't wait to go back in fall to witness the trees that blossom then!

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Tips:

• Stay hydrated - bring water
• Dusty flat trail with rock inclines here & there.
• Two-mile loop
• 1 1/2 hours round-trip
• Park your car outside entrance of garden.
• Restroom? Just a porta potty
• Admission: Free
• Koko Crater Crater Website