Koko Crater Botanical Garden, Hawaii Kai

In summer, head over early in the morning or late in the day (it gets hot here) to Koko Crater Botanical Garden, where you will find a paradise of plumeria trees and bright bougainvillea. Inside sheltered Koko Crater is this dry yet fragrant garden. Walk the unpaved two-mile loop trail or bring a picnic and sit at the picnic tables surrounded by a carpet of fallen plumeria flowers. There are many varieties of plumeria flowers: pink and yellow, white, deep pink, all enchanting. Vibrant bougainvillea creep up the bank.

Deeper into the crater there is a lovely cactus garden, plenty of kiawe trees which always thrive in dry places, and some palms, plus a grove of twisty wiliwili trees. In winter, when the plumerias are not in bloom, these make the garden a worthwhile place to get some exercise.
Dogs are not allowed. There are no restrooms or facilities.
Take a look at the horses at Koko Head stables while you're here!

Directions

Open daily from sunrise to sunset. Closed Dec 25 and Jan 1. Admission is free.
From Kalanianaole Hwy, just east of Sandy Beach, turn on Kealahou St. Turn left on Kokonani Street and follow it to the end where there is a small parking lot. The Koko Crater Stables are on the left and the trailhead in the botanical garden is on the right.

Click on map for interactive view