The Koko Crater Botanical Garden covers sixty acres within the inner slopes and basin of a huge volcanic crater near Hanauma Bay on the east side of Oahu Island. Although the land for this project was set aside in 1958, the gardens are still considered to be in the early stage of development.
Koko Crater itself is a cinder cone that was formed about 10,000 years ago by the last volcanic action on Oahu. It features Hawaii's tallest tuff ring, at a height of 1,207. The crater's slopes drop steeply to the Molokai Channel (aka Kaiwi Channel), where the coast is unprotected by offshore reefs and sea turbulence is especially great.
Because the climate inside Koko Crater is hot and dry, it is an ideal location for the xeriscape program directed by the Honolulu Botanical Gardens Division of the County Department of Parks and Recreation. Some of the plants already thriving here are cacti, succulents and dryland palms. Among specific varietals that have been introduced are alluaudia, sansevieria, baobab, aloe, euphorbia and adenium.
The gardens have been subdivided into four major geographic sectors: Hawaii, the Americas, Madagascar and Africa. When visitors arrive, their first impression is of the colorful cultivars of plumeria and bougainvillea that have been planted along the outer crater. When in bloom, these are particularly fragrant, and breezes carry their scents all the way to the parking area.
Those who enjoy hiking will find the gentle two-mile loop trail that leads through the gardens as fascinating as it is easy. Dryland plants dominate the Hawaii sector, but of special interest is a grove of native wiliwili trees (Erythrina sandwicensis). This particular stand is protected under Hawaii State Law by the Exceptional Tree Act 105.
As the trail proceeds between the cultivated areas, it is flanked by naturalized and exotic kiawe and koa haole trees. Selective planting and water conservation have certainly transformed this landscape. Even the hardiest of plants would not survive in these desert-like surroundings without the human attention that has allowed rare and endangered species to flourish here.
With stops for viewing and photographs, the complete hike takes about 90 minutes. Guided tours can be arranged by making an appointment in advance with the Honolulu Botanical Gardens, which is dedicated to recreation as well as conservation, preservation, botanical research, horticulture and education.
As noted, the Koko Crater Botanical Garden is still under development, so restroom facilities and drinking fountains are not yet available, although a few benches and shade areas have been provided as rest stops.
Visitors are advised to bring bottled water, sunscreen and hats. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended, especially for those who wish to hike the unpaved roads and trails. Bicycles, motorized vehicles and dogs are not permitted on the grounds.
Many of the plants here contain substances that may cause skin irritation, sneezing, eye inflammation or puncture wounds. For this reason, caution should be used in touching any unfamiliar plants. Visitors are prohibited from picking any part of the growing plants, nor may any plant material be removed from the garden.
Admission to the Koko Crater Botanical Garden is free of charge. Opening hours are from sunrise to sunset daily, except Christmas and New Year's Day.
The entrance can be reached from Waikiki by car, taking the Kalaniana'ole Highway past Hanauma Bay and Sandy Beach to Kealahou Street, turning left and following the signs for Koko Crater Stables, where the free parking area is located. Koko Crater Botanical Garden is also on Public Bus Route #23; the stop is the intersection of Kealahou and Kokonani streets.
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