Koko Crater Botanical Garden

Koko Crater Botanical Garden is a 60-acre site within a volcanic crater at the eastern end of Oahu, organized with plant collections from Africa, the Americas, Hawaii, and the Pacific region. Different sections recreate distinct plant communities that reflect where these species naturally grow.

The garden was established in 1958 and received the designation Charles M. Wills Cactus Garden in 1966 for its horticultural work. This name honors a key supporter whose vision helped shape the plant collections.

The crater holds deep meaning in Hawaiian mythology as the place where the goddess Kapo sought refuge while protecting her sister Pele from a pursuing deity. This legend shapes how local residents and visitors understand and respect the location today.

A 2-mile loop trail guides visitors through the space in about 1.5 hours, requiring sturdy walking shoes because the ground is uneven. The climb is moderate but the surfaces are rough, so allow time to explore comfortably.

The site maintains roughly 500 trees across 200 species, including rare wiliwili trees and plumeria groves native to Hawaii. These specialized collections make it a place where uncommon and hard-to-find plants grow together.

Location: Honolulu County

Inception: 1958

GPS coordinates: 21.28690,-157.68100

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:09