It would seem that the entirety of Oahu is, in fact, a botanical garden. Lush rainforests and waterfalls fill the interior. Today we will explore three of what ae regarded as The Best on the island.
1. Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden
Part of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens, Ho'omaluhia is open daily without charge. The park covers nearly 400 acres including a 32 acre lake.
It also features many walking trails, campgrounds, a nature center and library.
A Ten Minute Tour
https://youtu.be/_f33dtIje80
2. Lili'uokalani Gardens
Much smaller. These gardens encompass seven and a half acres and have a stream and waterfall. It is currently under construction, soon to contain only native Hawaiian plants. Lili'uokalani is considered a Honolulu City Park on Oahu Island.
Tour of Park
https://youtu.be/k9xFuFl4NUY
Queen Lili'uokalani.
3. Koko Crater Botanical Gardens
Koko Crater Park is a 1.9 mile loop trail inside Koko Crater. The area is vastly different than the rainforest botanical parks. There is a "surface of the moon" starkness dotted with cacti and wildflowers that feels desert-like.
Narrow trails, steep drop offs and no shade make this a challenging hike.
One way to reach the rim is easier.It is an old abandoned rail bed.
Hike Up to Rim with Rail Bed.
https://youtu.be/sjhqt9NPFbI
Hiking the Rim (I found the music to this obnoxious and turned it off...but it does give you a real feel for how difficult the rim trail can be)
https://youtu.be/vclxPnQzVko
and a side tour of Koko Crater's Hidden Tunnel!
https://youtu.be/22jBHjF9kPw
Three very different botanical gardens on Oahu!
More Anon...