The Koko Crater is an ideal place for a botanical garden, according to honolulu.gov
Koko Crater, also known as Kohelepelepe in Hawaiian, originated approximately 40,000 years ago and represents one of the final volcanic events along Oahu's picturesque Ka Iwi Coastline, says the Honolulu government website. According to honolulu.gov, the crater was shaped by a gassy eruption of ash and tuff which subsequently consolidated into layers of cinder that eventually transformed into sedimentary rock. Koko Crater stands as the tallest tuff cone on Oahu, reaching an elevation of 1,208 feet.
In 1958, Koko Crater was reserved for development into a botanical garden. Koko Crater Botanical Garden is a 60-acre basin inside the landmark Koko Crater with a hot and dry climate, making this garden an ideal location for a variety of plants from Hawai'i, Madagascar, Africa and the Americas, says honolulu.gov.
The Honolulu Botanical Gardens, which includes Koko Crater, are dedicated to the conservation of flora from the tropics and subtropics, including the native Hawaiian flora. The plant collections are used around the world to support research and further the understanding of the botanical world, said honolulu.gov
Admission to the Koko Crater Botanical Garden is free. The garden welcomes visitors daily from sunrise to sunset, excluding Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. For those opting for a self-guided tour, a 2-mile loop path within the garden typically takes around 1.5 hours to complete. As you arrive, you can find a printed brochure featuring directions and a map conveniently placed in a mailbox for easy access. Alternatively, if visitors prefer a guided group tour, they can contact this number: 808-768-7135.
Before departing, keep the following in mind:
- Bring your own water as there is no drinking water available on-site, and only a portable toilet is accessible.
- Wear walking shoes for your visit.
- Bicycles and motor vehicles are not permitted within the area.
- Dogs are not allowed on the premises.
- The path consists of an unimproved roadway with uneven surfaces and loose rocks.
- Don't forget to bring sunglasses, hats and sunscreen.
According to honolulu.gov, the Botanical Garden is divided into nine primary sections, each showcasing dryland plants native to their respective regions.
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Plumeria Grove
As visitors enter the crater, they are welcomed by Plumeria Grove, which presents an extensive selection of plumeria trees, varying in colors, shapes, and scents.
Bougainvilleas and Hybrid Hibiscus
Originating from Eastern South America, the bougainvilleas create a thick blanket of pink or yellowish flowers along the outer rim of the Plumeria Grove. After this vibrant display, visitors will encounter the Hybrid Hibiscus Collection, where they can explore the distinctiveness of its flowers.
Pacific Section
The Pacific Section showcases culturally significant plants that are exclusive to the Polynesian Islands.
Americas Section
The Americas Section provides a vivid portrayal of desert plant adaptation, exhibiting indigenous plants from various regions of the Americas, such as cacti, agave and burseras.
Hawaiian Section
The Hawaiian Section houses a diverse array of distinctive dry forest species native to Hawaii, including koa, ho`awa, `a`ali`i, alahe`e and a native grove of wiliwili trees.
Madagascan Section
In the Madagascan Section, visitors can admire a collection of dry forest plant species from Madagascar that are interesting.
African Section
Towards the far end of the crater lies an opportunity to observe plant species originating from tropical Africa.
Dryland Plants
In the Dryland Palms Section, visitors can admire tropical dryland palm species, such as the Mexican Fan Palm and the Mexican Blue Palm.