Koko Crater Botanical Garden

Visited for the first time (in December) so plumeria trees weren't really too much in bloom. But the cactus varieties and Madagascar section were really interesting! Some things to consider before going:- it's an all dirt/rock path-about a 2 mile loop-a good portion is uphill-only partly covered by shade so may want to come earlier or later in the day.-only 1 porta pottyMy husband and 6 year old and I were able to complete the loop and she enjoyed it- easier than many other "hikes" while still being in nature.

Not to be confused with the District Park...That's the one with the crazy hike that got me timing myself for the views, these view are very different...April is Earth Month and I wanted to view some of the areas that we are so lucky to enjoy.It's like taking the back route through residential neighborhood to Hawaii Kai/Kalama Valley to the Golf Course and just when you turn into Kokonani Street there is a beautiful stone wall that says "Koko Crater Botanical Garden" Yelp gave me great directions until the end don't turn just go straight all the way in and there's a gate to let you know you're there. At the start there is a handy sign with description of the trail along with some plants that you may find and right beside it is a mailbox with a much better information to take with you.I came because I heard that the plumerias were in full bloom which happens in the Spring and you know I just had to see it for myself though I did go days later which I knew would be a bit late...but better than never lol!Luckily the Plumeria Grove is right at the front and what a lovely scene of trees, though you're able to find them throughout the islands it's really nice to view them at your leisure in the various collection Koko Crater Botanical Garden has, I didn't do the whole trail since I didn't come prepared as the one and very seldom days I wore slippers and though you're able to do it at this family friendly trails the dry dirts and gravels does make it a bit uneven and with some areas that have slight incline which can make you slip it's much more comfortable and easier in shoes.It is very dry here and though there are trails to make it easy to navigate it can get hot so plan your visit and dress accordingly which I will do when I return to view the rest of the area. It is free and beautiful though not really well kept but the slightly hidden and more of dessert climate does presents a less favorable location versus a much lush and grassy places but a great place to stroll and enjoy the work that went into this lovely gardens.Thank you!

We've recently been teaching our kids about Volcanoes and how our islands were made, and all that good stuff. So, I was in search of an outdoor activity pertaining to volcanoes that we could do with them. I know the trail at Diamond Head exists, but may be quite difficult for a two and four year old. I was definitely not about to take them to the more popular Koko Head Trail, so I was happy to see that there was an easy, fairly flat trail inside the botanical gardens, thanks to reading other awesome Yelp reviews!So inside, there is a fairly flat, pretty easy walking trail, that was perfect for our little "field trip". Its about 2 miles long. Along the way, there are many, many plants and flowers to look at, and also amazing views as well. I was a fun family Adventure, and educational for the kiddos as well, aaannnddd, it was free, besides the long drive to get there, but that's fine. There was also a free brochure at the beginning of the trail with a map, and a small lesson on the geology of Koko Crater. This is definitely a place I'll bring them again, not only is there so much more for them to learn, it's not like they'll remember everything they leaned that day in a year or so since they're still so young. But I hope they'll at least remember the memories we've made as a family for now...

Visited the Koko Crater Botanical Garden today with my two kids (6 and 8). Not a big fan. It's more of a 2-3 mile hike with a few pretty flowers on the path. It's super hot with no wind or shade. If you're looking for a hike or really into flowers, than this is for you. If you're looking for something fun to do with the kiddos, this really isn't for you.

Nature hike in Honolulu, Hawaii...Strolling around a Hawaiian volcanic Crater doesn't get much better than this!There are five Botanical Gardens on the Island of O'ahu:1. Hoomaluhia (in Kaneohe)2. Wahiawa 3. Foster Garden (Honolulu)4. Liliuokalani (Honolulu)5. Koko Crater (Honolulu)My friend asked me what I wanted to do since she had a day off. Visiting Koko Crater was a Bucket list item for me, so, we made a trek out to the Hawaii Kai area.This two mile loop trail is not to be confused with the Koko Head railroad trail which is treacherous and steep. Rather - the path at Koko Crater Botanical Garden - while unpaved - has a few inclines... The highest incline might be 45°. There were loose rocks and gravel here and there. The dirt road was dry on 2-8-23 (not muddy even though there were thunder showers recently).Parking was free in an unmarked gravel lot. Just enter through the gate and park alongside any other vehicle. Note the signs which indicate "No Parking" areas.We saw an informational sign at the beginning. There was a mailbox (next to the sign) containing brochures/maps. The decision to make is: whether to venture clockwise or counterclockwise. We chose counterclockwise and walked past the Plumeria Grove and the Bougainvillea Collection first. Out of all of the different sections (African, Hawaiian, Hybrid Hibiscus, Dry Palms, etc.), I liked the Americas Section the best. I felt like I was in Arizona - or maybe Las Vegas' Red Rock Canyon on a tinier scale. Finding a desert in The Tropics is quite the thrill, don't you agree?All in all, I wouldn't hesitate to return to this unique oasis. We saw four mongooses, a Pacific Golden Plover, and a Monarch butterfly!One hour of Free entertainment on a blustery day, sponsored by Mother Nature, is much appreciated!

If you're looking for a easy "hike" I would suggest this 1.7 mile loop, it's great for families and the elderly. Flat land, barely any incline. Lots of picnic tables to sit, relax, eat lunch if you had packed one. You get to take in the incredible sights of a variety of cool and beautiful looking plants. I was awe'd to see the cacti, they were huge! When I was a kid, the first cacti I ever saw was my neighbors house who had A LOT on their lawn. Out of all the botanical gardens i've been to, this was a new experience. The plants were definitely the best sight to see on this island.

This is located in a great spot in the crater- so it is away from the wind. Lots of curving and small hills on the 2 mile trail and other shorter options. This is a somewhat wild and arid garden so do not come expecting manicured lush, ferns and tropical green everywhere- no grass. Huge plumeria ' forest ' and the beginning, and just a few spots to sit along the paths. Great spot to take mom on a windy day, especially if she likes to smell all the plumeria. Happy birthday Mom! The bird symphony is wonderful in the early morning.

Love coming here for a short walk/hike. Usually takes us about 1hr to loop around with some breaks to take pics of all the cool and beautiful plants. The garden is broken up into different sections which are for the most part, clearly marked. If you can, try to go when plumerias are blooming so that you can enjoy looking at/smelling all the different varieties. I would recommend to come early to make sure you can get a good parking spot. Trail is gravel/dirt so make sure to have good shoes. No bathrooms, just a porta-porty. Bring your own water, or even a picnic! Lots of benches and tables around the trail to stop at.

An absolutely beautiful walk among the plumerias!! A must see in March to April for the flowers.Easy walk and lots of flowers and the great fragrance. One must praise God and the gardeners for the beauty. And it was opened in 1958! I can't believe this place was here and I've played golf next door many many times over the past 20 plus years.So get on out for an easy stroll through some great gardens.

Was a great walk w coworkers! Nice to see them outside of work and a few of the local wahiawa es able to teach us about the trees and flowers grown here..