KOKO HEAD CRATER

Koko Head in the winter

Koko Head Crater is the cinder cone that still remains from Oahu’s last volcanic eruption about 10,000 years ago. This crater is the tallest tuff ring in Hawaii and measures 1,207 feet high. The slopes of the crater drop steeply into the Molokai channel of the Pacific Ocean. For many years waves have crashed against the cliffs and created dramatic sculptures in the soft volcanic ash. Inside the Crater is the Koko Head Botanical Garden. This botanical garden is located on the 200 acres inside the crater and was first started in 1958. The inner slopes and basins first 60 acres are cultivated with rare and endangered dry land plants. The rest of the desert-like garden specializes in African plants, Cacti and succulents, plumeria, cultuars, bougainvillea, native wiliwili and dry land palms.

Directions from Waikiki:

Take Kalaniana’ole Highway past Hanauma Bay and Sandy beach. Take the next left on to kealahou street and follow the sign for Koko Head stables. This is also the entrance to Koko Head Botanical Garden.

Return From Koko Head Crater To South Oahu HOME