The Kapiolani Community College Leahi Cactus garden has been there (and still is there today) when I was a student at the school, doing whatever before eventually moving on to the University of Hawaii-Manoa way back in the year 1997-2000. With that said, the Catcus garden has largely been a labor of love from the get go and remains as such. The garden was created by Moriso Teraoka in 1988. He's still there most days and there are many volunteers who help him maintain the garden. He is proud of what he has accomplished and I happened to wander around here on one of my many runs through the neighborhood community and stopped to admire this garden - something I should have done since I am an alma mater of the school, but didn't till years later.
The Leahi Cactus Garden is basically across the street from the Kapiolani Community College campus, pretty much in front of the Diamond Head Crater monument, and directly across the Diamond Head Bark Park on Kilauea Ave and Diamond Head Road. The cactus garden is a nice compliment to the community, so anyone and anyone with an appreciation for nature and the sum of its parts can enjoy. Nature always intrigues me, mind, body and spirit, so any chance to be outside and one with nature is always a plus. Probably why I run way too much, but I digress on that. Anyway, the garden is one of the many beautiful gardens on the eastern side of Oahu that's easily accessible to get to. Just an easy drive or hike from Waikiki, you can get here anyway if you were going to hike Diamond Head anyway. The garden is basically at the entrance way, but towards your left as you walk up.
It's definitely recommended if you are a lover of nature and just need that time to de-stress. It's always a great thing to just walk around this cactus garden and see life through nature's eyes. Much like going to the beach and just staring at the ocean's waves or hiking in the wilderness. The cactus garden here at Kapiolani Community College can give you the exact same sentiment, but in a different light. You probably would need to wear covered shoes and dress appropriately for the warm temperatures year round. Be aware of your own surroundings. As much as possible, do not use slippers / flip-flops. Bring water with you, as most people would want to hike Diamond Head anyway, since you're there. Admire the cactus garden after the hike for a refreshing reward for a job well done.
Some of the cactus planted here are amazing. It makes me smile at something so beautiful, it can be deadly at the same time. It makes you think of how the world is.
Support local!
A+ read more