Koko Crater Botanical Gardens

Koko Crater Botanical Gardens

After an afternoon of riding at Koko Crater Stables, Jessica and I 

walked along the 2 mile trail through the Koko Crater Botanical Gardens. 

My favorite flower in Hawaii is the plumeria. There are so many different varieties of colors and it is commonly used to make leis.

Everywhere we looked the flowers were in full bloom!

Hybrid Hibiscus flower

Jessica found some cacti in the American section

I felt like we were walking around a desert in Arizona

Trees from Madagascar 

Looking up to the top of Koko Head hike from the Koko Crater

Jessica was hungry and wanted to try the fruit

This tree looked like it had pumpkins growing in it

Palm tree section

And of course had to end the hike with my favorite flower!

Koko Crater Stables

Koko Crater Stables

Jessica treated me to horseback riding at the Koko Crater Stables 

My horse Muffin

Jessica was a pro horseback rider after going with Lucas on their honeymoon in Tennessee.

Since I have not risen a horse since I was a little girl living on a farm in Ohio, 

I was nervous to ride again. Thankfully Muffin was a good horse for me!

Riding in the ring in Koko Crater

Behind me (to the right) is the top of Koko Head hike

After practicing how to ride in the ring, we went along a short trail

 and I was chosen to lead the group!

Thanks Jessica for a great afternoon!

Judd Trail

Judd Trail 

Situated behind Lulumahu Falls off the Pali highway, Jessica discovered

 this short, but adventurous hike for us to do one afternoon. 

Hiking through a forest of bamboo trees

Loved hiking through these tall pine trees

Huge fern leaves half the size of Jessica

We found the stream!