The Hawaiian Islands may be known for their incredibly lush, green landscapes, but you’ll find a variety of barren vistas if you look closely. One such desert-like place is found on the southeastern shore of Oahu: within the iconic Koko Crater, you will find an enchanting botanical garden that will easily transport you to another world.

This is the Koko Crater Botanical Garden, and it's quite unlike any other garden you’ll find in Hawaii.
Patricia Barden/Flickr
On the outside of this tuff cone is the popular Koko Head Stairs, while on the inside, you will find that extensive plant collections occupy 60 acres of the inner slopes and basin of this 200-acre volcanic crater found on Oahu’s southeastern shore.
Eric Tessmer/Flickr
The entire 200 acres were set aside for use as a botanical garden in 1958, though the area is still under development, and you will not find any facilities at this little-known garden.
Wendy Cutler/Flickr
Flora includes native Hawaiian and African plants, a plumeria grove, dryland palms, and large cactus and succulent garden.
Stephanie S./Yelp
Kathleen G./Yelp

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Oh, and this terrifying plant is an octopus cactus, in case you were curious.
Drew Avery/Flickr
Nathan W./Yelp
The garden focuses heavily on the cultivation of rare and endangered dryland plants, and utilizes xeriscape concepts in order to transform this dry landscape into a stunning garden where plants suitable to desert-like conditions can flourish.
Natalie G./Yelp
In fact, this botanical garden is also known as the Charles M. Wills Cactus Garden – a name that suits the hot, dry climate and the flora that are able to thrive in this environment.
Adrienne B./Yelp
If you’re planning to take the two-mile loop trail on an uneven roadway with loose rocks through the garden, wear walking shoes and bring some water.
Wendy Cutler/Flickr
Open daily from sunrise to sunset, the Koko Crater Botanical Garden is open to the public, and offers free admission.
Wendy Cutler/Flickr

The Koko Crater Botanical Garden is located within the Koko Head District Park at 7491 Kokonani Street in Honolulu. Love Hawaii’s beautiful gardens? These 16 botanical gardens are a must-visit.

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