Koko Crater Botanical Garden Honolulu
Explore a unique botanical garden within a volcanic crater, featuring diverse dryland plants and a stunning plumeria grove.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Koko Crater Botanical Garden Honolulu
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a unique botanical garden within a volcanic crater, featuring diverse dryland plants and a stunning plumeria grove.
"A hidden gem inside a volcanic crater with rare plants and breathtaking views!"
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail is rugged and uneven; hiking shoes are recommended for grip and ankle support.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
There's no shade and it gets very hot. Stay hydrated, especially during the strenuous climb.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Koko Head Crater Trail
Summit of the crater
Conquer 1,048 steps for breathtaking panoramic views of the Oahu coastline and Diamond Head.
Plumeria Grove
Near the entrance
A fragrant oasis of vibrant plumeria flowers, especially stunning when in bloom during summer months.
Cactus and Succulent Garden
Within the crater
Explore a unique collection of desert flora, featuring massive and unusual cacti and succulents.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Prepare for a Strenuous Climb
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail is rugged and uneven; hiking shoes are recommended for grip and ankle support.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
There's no shade and it gets very hot. Stay hydrated, especially during the strenuous climb.
☀️ Go Early to Avoid Heat
The sun is intense with no shade. An early start is best for comfort and to beat the heat.
📸 Capture the Views
The summit offers incredible 360-degree views, perfect for photography.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail is rugged and uneven; hiking shoes are recommended for grip and ankle support.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
There's no shade and it gets very hot. Stay hydrated, especially during the strenuous climb.
☀️ Go Early to Avoid Heat
The sun is intense with no shade. An early start is best for comfort and to beat the heat.
📸 Capture the Views
The summit offers incredible 360-degree views, perfect for photography.
🚶♀️ Consider the Botanical Garden
If the hike is too intense, explore the free botanical garden inside the crater.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Koko Crater Botanical Garden as a hidden gem with unique dryland plants and a beautiful plumeria grove, offering a peaceful escape. While the garden is free and accessible, the strenuous Koko Head Crater Trail is a challenging climb with rewarding views but limited shade and facilities. Some find the garden less engaging than other botanical attractions, but its unique setting and plant collection are highly appreciated.
"A Hidden Gem Inside a Volcanic Crater!
We visited the Koko Crater Botanical Garden during our trip to Oahu, and it was one of the highlights of our vacation! The garden is uniquely located inside the crater of an ancient volcano, which makes for a truly special experience.
The 2-mile loop trail takes about 1.5 hours to complete, and along the way, you’ll see a wide variety of rare and exotic plants from around the world.
Highlights include:
• Plumeria grove with a stunning range of colors and fragrances
• Cactus and succulent collection with massive and unusual shapes
• Unique trees from Africa, Madagascar, and Hawaii
The garden is free to enter, but be prepared — there are minimal facilities (only a portable toilet and no drinking water), so bring water and wear sturdy shoes. It’s also best to arrive early since parking is limited.
Highly recommended for nature lovers and anyone looking to explore a peaceful, lesser-known spot on Oahu!"
Aleksandr Dimitrykhin
"After visiting Foster botanical garden this was a bit of a let down. There are some very interesting trees and the cactus garden is fantastic but lots of empty or dull segments for a non-botanist.
The trail is rugged so if you trip easy or have poor balance bring hiking shoes and possibly poles.
Bring water. It gets hot!
It makes for a nice loop walk though, taking about 1.5 hours. We got our steps in!"
Jeff Skipper (Life with Skipper)
"We got here late in the day so didn’t get to see it all, but loved everything that we got to! The plumeria groves were beautifully in bloom and right near the parking lot, so even people who weren’t up to a hike were able to check them out. The park signage said it was a 2 mile loop trail to see the full extent of the gardens, which includes native Hawaiian, African, American, and Pacific plants. The trail itself was rocky and a little uneven, so wear sneakers and plan for that. They had a few picnic tables in the plumeria grove, so even if you don’t want to go into the rest of the garden it’s a great place to sit and enjoy."
Madeline Klein
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The garden is located at 7604 Koko Head Park Rd, Honolulu, HI. It's accessible by car, and parking is available, though it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Yes, Koko Head has parking available. It's recommended to arrive early, as spots are limited and can be taken quickly, particularly for sunrise hikes.
While public transportation options exist to get to the general area, it's often more convenient to drive or use a ride-sharing service directly to the garden entrance. Check local bus routes for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, it's located within Koko Head Regional Park. The entrance to the botanical garden is distinct from the trailhead for the Koko Head Crater Trail, though both are within the same park.
Driving is the most common method. If using a ride-share, ensure the driver knows you're heading to Koko Head Park Road.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Koko Crater Botanical Garden is free to enter, making it an accessible and budget-friendly attraction.
The garden is generally open during daylight hours. It's best to check the official Honolulu Botanical Gardens website for the most current hours, as they can vary. The Koko Head Crater Trail, however, is often accessible earlier for sunrise hikes.
No advance booking is required for the Koko Crater Botanical Garden. Entry is free and on a first-come, first-served basis for parking.
The trail itself is generally accessible, but it's highly recommended to hike during daylight hours for safety and navigation. Gates to the park may have specific opening and closing times.
There are no specific entry restrictions for the botanical garden itself, but visitors should be mindful of park rules and regulations. The crater trail is strenuous and not recommended for very young children or those with severe mobility issues.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
The hike up and down the 1,048 steps can take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your fitness level and how often you stop.
It's considered a difficult hike due to the steep, continuous incline of stairs. It's often compared to a challenging stairmaster workout. +2
The garden features a diverse collection of dryland plants, including a plumeria grove, cactus garden, and various species from around the world. 
The botanical garden loop trail is generally considered easy to moderate, but the Koko Head Crater Trail is strenuous and not recommended for those with knee problems or low fitness levels.
There are minimal facilities, including a portable toilet, but no drinking water available. It's essential to bring your own water.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of the Koko Head Crater Trail offers panoramic views. The plumeria grove and unique cactus specimens in the botanical garden also make for great shots.
Both sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting. Sunrise is popular for the hike, while sunset provides beautiful golden hour views.
Drone usage may be restricted in national and state parks. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views from the summit. A macro lens can be useful for close-ups of the diverse plant life in the garden.
Absolutely! The botanical garden is a paradise for plant enthusiasts, with vibrant plumerias, diverse cacti, and unique trees.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Pack plenty of water and snacks, as facilities are limited. While the Koko Head Crater Trail is an option for very active families, it's important to gauge children's stamina and ensure they are well-prepared for the challenging climb and heat. 🚶♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts & Hikers
🌿 Plant & Nature Lovers
It's a fantastic opportunity to discover plants adapted to dry climates within a dramatic volcanic setting. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Koko Head Crater Trail: A Stairway to Heaven (or Sore Legs)
Despite its difficulty, the reward at the summit is immense. Hikers are greeted with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastline, Hanauma Bay, and the iconic Diamond Head. Many visitors find the challenging climb well worth the effort for these unparalleled vistas.
Tips for the Trail: Wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring ample water, and be prepared for a strenuous workout. The descent can be particularly hard on the knees, so take your time and be cautious.
Exploring the Koko Crater Botanical Garden: A Green Oasis
+1 It's a stark contrast to the rugged exterior of the crater, offering a peaceful escape for nature lovers.A major highlight is the Plumeria Grove, which bursts into bloom typically starting in April, filling the air with a delightful fragrance and vibrant colors.
+1 This area is particularly accessible and enjoyable even for those not undertaking the strenuous crater hike. The garden features a 2-mile loop trail that allows visitors to explore its diverse sections, offering a gentle walk amidst fascinating plant life. While the garden is a hidden gem, visitors should be aware that facilities are minimal, with only a portable toilet available and no drinking water. Bringing your own water and wearing comfortable shoes are essential.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit