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30 stunning botanical gardens you can visit in Hawai’i

POSTED BY
Carole Cancler

One of the more relaxing and affordable ways to enjoy the outdoors in Hawai’i for residents or tourists is to spend time in one of the many botanical gardens or arboretums throughout the islands. Whether you desire a leisurely garden stroll, are a home gardener, or serious botany student, there is a garden for you to visit.

Most of the gardens in the lists below are privately owned. All are open to visitors. Most have free admission, but a few have an admission fee. Most offer free self-guided tour maps. Some guided tours and specialized programs that can take a bigger bite out of your budget.

There are generally three categories of plants in botanical gardens and arboretums across the state of Hawai’i:

  • Native plants can either be endemic or indigenous. Endemic plants are those found only in the Hawaiian Islands. Indigenous plants are found in Hawai’i as well as other parts of the world. Native plants came to Hawaii without human intervention: on the wind, floating in the water, or dropped by birds. When Polynesians arrived in Hawaii, they found diverse plants growing all over the islands.
  • Canoe plants are considered native today, although they were introduced by the Polynesians. It is estimated that Hawai’’s earliest explorers introduced 24-32 different plants to the islands. Some of the more familiar canoe plants are: ‘auhuhu  (peas & beans), ‘awa (kava), kalo (taro), kī (ti), kō (sugar cane), kukui (candlenut), mai’a (banana), niu (coconut), ʻohe (bamboo), ‘ōhi‘a ‘ai (mountain apple), ‘ōlena (turmeric), ‘uala (sweet potato), uhi (yam), ‘ulu (breadfruit), and wauke (mulberry).
  • Non-native plants were those that were introduced after 1778, when the first European explorer, English Captain James Cook arrived in the Hawaiian Islands. Since then, thousands of new species have been introduced. Some have become integrated into Hawaiian culture, such as pineapple and macadamia nuts. Others are invasive species.
Rainbow Eucalyptus Trees in a tropical forest in Hawaii

Rainbow Eucalyptus or Gum Trees (Eucalyptus deglupta), Native to SE Asia, Philippines, and New Guinea, can be spotted in gardens and forests throughout Hawai’i – Depositphotos.com

Tips for visiting Hawaii botanic gardens

When visiting botanical gardens in Hawaii, be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather and conditions, which includes sun protection, rain gear, and bug repellent.

Stay on designated paths and “leave no trace”—take only pictures or memories and leave only footprints.

Dogs are not allowed in gardens. If you want an outing with your entire family, choose a location that allows your pet on a leash, such as a public park.

Be sure to check the garden’s website before you head out to confirm details such as regular hours. holiday closures, directions, entrance fees, availability of parking, accessibility, suitability for children, pet and picnic policies, and other details according to your needs and interests.

The following lists of arboretums and botanical gardens are arranged alphabetically by island: Hawai’i, Kaua’i, Maui, and Oahu.

Stone bridge in the Liliʻuokalani Japanese garden in Hilo, Hawaii

Stone bridge in the Liliʻuokalani Japanese garden in Hilo, Hawaii – Depositphotos.com

Hawai’i Island Botanical Gardens

This following list includes botanical gardens on the island of Hawai’I (the “Big Island”). They are arranged in order from least to most cost.

Kalōpā Native Rainforest Arboretum

Kalōpā Native Forest and State Recreation Area is a park near Honokaʻa with an arboretum of native trees. Due to the altitude (2,000 feet) weather is typically damp and cold. The upper canopy of the rainforest includes large, old growth ‘ohi’a trees. The understory is composed of smaller native forest trees, shrubs, and ferns. There are about 25 different native species that can be seen along the trail.

Why we like Kalōpā Native Forest: The Nature Trail is an easy loop through the heart of a rainforest. Rare plants in the arboretum include the endangered loulu palms and native hibiscus.

Liliʻuokalani Gardens

Liliʻuokalani Gardens is a 24-acre cultural landscape along Banyan Drive overlooking Hilo Bay. The Edo-style garden contains typical Japanese garden elements including a koi pond, bridges, pagodas, and stone lanterns, among the flowering trees and plants along the walking paths leading to the central tea house. The garden is a member of the North American Japanese Garden Association.

Why we like Queen Liliʻuokalani Gardens: free admission and parking every day at this large and beautiful waterfront park in Hilo, perfect for a quiet respite any time or weekend picnic with family or friends.

Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens

Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo & Botanical Gardens located near Hilo is a small but unique 30-acre site. The only zoo in the United States location in a rainforest, the site receives over 100 inches of rain per year. It focuses on tropical rainforest animals from around the world and endangered Hawaiian species. It is also a botanical garden featuring palms, bamboo, and orchids. Walking shoes, insect repellent, and rain gear are recommended.

Why we like Pana’ewa: lush gardens and unique selection of animals in a tropical setting with a petting zoo for keiki.

  • Address: 800 Stainback Hwy, Hilo, HI 96720. Service by Hele-On public bus transportation.
  • Hours: Re-opening Jul 19, 2021 after renovations. Open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
  • Admission: Free, donations gratefully accepted (donation box at entrance). Other ways to support the zoo include the gift shop, animal adoption, annual plant sale, and outreach activities such as Tiger Fun Day.
  • Website: https://www.hilozoo.org/

Selected events at Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens

peacock

Peacocks are not an uncommon site in Hawaiian gardens – Depositphotos.com

University of Hilo Botanical Gardens

Botanical gardens at the University of Hawai’i Hilo Campus contain plants that UH students most want to see, which are plants from around the world. One of the best native gardens on Hawai’i is at 4,000 feet in the native forest, which is difficult to duplicate. The UH Hilo botanic garden has three sections: the shade garden, a landscape garden, and the palm garden with dry riverbed. The garden contains one of the largest collections of cycad plants in Hawai’i (the other is Foster Gardens on O’ahu). One commonly known cyad is the Sago palm, but there are many varieties. All are hardy, evergreen, cone-bearing plants and, in fact, they are not realated to palm trees, rather closely to the pine tree. Many are extinct or endangered in the wild.

Amy B. H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden

Amy B. H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden is a 13-acre garden south of Kailua-Kona in Captain Cook overlooking the bay in the historic Kealakekua ahupua‘a (ancient Hawaiian land division)—a cornerstone of Kamehameha’s agricultural kingdom. The garden includes over 200 native plant species, many that are rare and endangered, and supports Hawaiian traditions of land use and related cultural practices. The archaeological remains of an ancient Kona Field System document the use of kua’iwi (long rock walls) and mulching. The system maximized crop production despite the limited rainfall available in Kona. Historic Pa‘ikapahu Heiau is located near the main garden.

Why we like the Greenwell Garden: unique and endangered Hawaiian species and information about historical uses of plants.

  • Address: 82-6188 Mamalahoa Hwy Captain Cook, HI 96704
  • Hours: Open Tuesday-Sunday (reports in summer 2021 indicate hours are limited to Saturday volunteer work and Sunday tours, so call before you head out)
  • Membership: $5
  • Website: https://www.amygreenwell.garden/the-garden/

Paleaku Gardens

Paleaku Gardens is a 7-acre garden south of Kailua-Kona in Captain Cook. Pathways lead you to private sitting spaces and shrines of the major religions of the world for peaceful reflection in a sacred setting. Features of the garden include a koi pond, petroglyphs, lush foliage, and flowers. Access the interactive garden map on their website. Facilities at the garden are available for rent.

Why we like Paleaku Gardens: unique concept that combines many different religious shrines in a tropical garden setting.

  • Address: Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden, 27-717 Mamalahoa Hwy, Papaikou, HI 96781
  • Hours: Open Tuesday-Saturday; closed Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day
  • Admission: $10 visitors, $7 residents/military.
  • Website: https://www.paleaku.com/
Orchids growing in a natural setting

Orchids growing in the Tropical Botanical Garden of the Big Island of Hawai’i – Depositphotos.com

Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden

Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden (HTBG) is a 100-acre garden and bioreserve a few miles north of Hilo. The garden features over 2,500 tropical and subtropical plants that include native Hawaiian plants as well as species from around the globe. Some of the plants are now extinct in the wild and the HTBG remains a seed bank for these species to live on for future generations. Walking shoes, insect repellent, and rain gear are recommended.

Why we like HTBG: The garden features an outstanding collection of colorful plants in a beautifully maintained setting that most visitors state is worth the price of admission.

  • Address: Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden, 27-717 Mamalahoa Hwy, Papaikou, HI 96781
  • Hours: Open weekdays
  • Admission: $25 visitors, $20 residents/military.
  • Website: https://htbg.com/

Botanical World Adventures

Botanical World Adventures zipline attractions about 14-miles north of Hilo are set in one of the largest botanical gardens in the state of Hawai’i. The plant collections incude thousands of species along with spectacular waterfalls. There are several ways to explore the gardens: on foot, on a Segway tour, and overhead by one of several ziplines. Access to Botanical World is by membership, which includes admission to the garden and other benefits. Segway and zipline tours are additional cost. Closed-toe shoes, insect repellent, and rain gear are recommended.

Why we like Botanical World: expansive gardens with wide variety of plants, flowers, and waterfalls. Most people go to Botanical World for the zipline tour, which are the highlight for many visitors. If you are mostly interested in the botanical gardens, Hawai’i Tropical Bioreserve is generally considered a cut above at slightly less cost. However, be sure to connect with the knowledgeable staff to ensure you get the most from your visit.

  • Address: 31-240 Old Mamalahoa Highway, Hakalau HI 96710
  • Hours: Open daily.
  • Annual Membership: $35 individual garden admission, $100 family. Zipline tours: $177/person (minimum of seven ziplines). As of July 2021, Segway tours are closed until further notice.
  • Website: https://botanicalworld.com/
Panoramic view of McBryde Gardens on Kauai

Panoramic view of McBryde Gardens on Kauai – Depositphotos.com

Kaua’i Botanical Gardens

This following list includes botanical gardens on the island of Kaua’i. They are arranged in order from least to most cost.

Keāhua Arboretum

Keāhua Arboretum is in the Līhu‘e-Kōloa Forest Reserve, which is an area with multiple uses, including watershed protection and recreation. To access the Wailua section of the Līhu‘e-Kōloa Forest Reserve by car, follow Highway 580 (Kuamo‘o Road) mauka from Wailua town to the Arboretum, where parking is available. The Arboretum is planted with native and introduced plants by the University of Hawaii and is used as an outdoor classroom for students and visitors. Nearby is the trailhead for the Kuilau Ridge Trail in the Na Ala Hele Trail System that will turn into the Moalepe Trail. This is an easy hike that will lead you though eucalyptus forest, native shrubs, swinging vines and a spectacular view of Kauai’s interior and Mount Waialeale.

Why we like Keāhua Arboretum: a popular spot for picnics and day hikes. A place to see rainbow eucalyptus trees.

Smith’s Garden

Smith’s Garden is a 30-acre park on the east side of Kauai within the Wailua Marina State Park. It offers over a mile of meandering pathways in a lush setting featuring a bamboo forest, replicas of Polynesian and Filipino huts, a Japanese Garden, tropical flowers, and orchard that includes breadfruit, star fruit, jackfruit, macadamia nuts, and soursop. Plus strolling peacocks and many other birds.

Why we like Smith’s Garden: beautiful gardens in a lush setting.

  • Address: 4101 Wailapa Road Kilauea, Hawaii 96754
  • Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday.
  • Admission: General admission $10, fern grotto tour $30.
  • Website: https://naainakai.org/
'Ulu (breadfruit) on the tree

‘Ulu (breadfruit) on the tree – Depositphotos.com

Na ‘Āina Kai Botanical Gardens & Sculpture Park

Na ‘Āina Kai (“Lands by the Sea”) is over 200-acres of diverse gardens and one of the largest collections of bronze sculptures in the U.S. The garden supports tropical horticulture, agriculture, and forestry, in addition to a garden and art experiences for residents as well as visitors.

Why we like Na ‘Aina Kai: atypical botanic garden with unique and special plants accented with water features, bronze sculptures, and history that combine for a magical visit.

  • Address: 4101 Wailapa Road Kilauea, Hawaii 96754
  • Hours: weekday by reservation only
  • Admission: by guided tour only, beginning at $20
  • Website: https://naainakai.org/

Limahuli Garden & Preserve: National Tropical Botanical Garden

National Tropical Botanical Garden is a network of five botanical gardens, preserves, and research facilities that encompasses nearly 2,000 acres with locations in Hawaii and Florida, including Limahuli Garden on Maui. (The others are: Allerton Garden and McBryde Garden on Kauai, Kahanu Garden on Maui, and The Kampong in Florida.)

Limahuli Garden on Kauai’s north shore of the island of Kaua’i is in one of the most biodiverse valleys in the Hawaiian Islands. It is home to dozens of endangered plants and birds found nowhere else on earth. It is also a pu’uhonua (place of refuge), where indigenous traditions live in the 21st Century.

Why we like Limahuli Garden: a sacred and endearing place focused on native culture and rare plants. A unique and worthwhile experience.

McBryde Garden: National Tropical Botanical Garden

National Tropical Botanical Garden is a network of five botanical gardens, preserves, and research facilities that encompasses nearly 2,000 acres with locations in Hawaii and Florida, including McBryde Garden on Maui. (The others are: Limahuli Garden on Kauai, Allerton Garden on Kauai, Kahanu Garden on Maui, and The Kampong in Florida.)

McBryde Garden is in the historic Lawa’i Valley on Kauai’s south shore. The garden is specializes in tropical flora, home to the world’s largest collection of native Hawaiian flora, plus palms, flowering trees, rubiaceae, heliconias, orchids, and many others wild-collected by botanists and biologists from tropical regions around the world.

Why we like McBryde Garden: stunning collection of native Hawaiian and tropical plants.

'awapuhi (Zingiber zerumbet) aka shampoo ginger

‘Awapuhi (Zingiber zerumbet) aka shampoo ginger – Depositphotos.com

Allerton Garden: National Tropical Botanical Garden

National Tropical Botanical Garden is a network of five botanical gardens, preserves, and research facilities that encompasses nearly 2,000 acres with locations in Hawaii and Florida, including Allerton Garden on Maui. (The others are: Limahuli Garden on Kauai, McBryde Garden on Kauai, Kahanu Garden on Maui, and The Kampong in Florida.)

Allerton Garden is near McBryde Garden and focused on landscape design—a paradise transformed through time by the hands of a Hawaiian Queen, a sugar plantation magnate, and most significantly by an artist and an architect. See towering rainforest trees with tall curving roots that grow near bronze mermaids, a grove of swaying golden bamboo, a cut-flower garden, tropical fruit trees, and botanically important species of the tropics, including varieties of palms, ki (ti), heliconias, and gingers.

Why we like Allerton Garden: unparalleled setting and plant collections that you can enjoy on a variety of slow-paced tours.

  • Address: 4425 Lawa’i Road, Koloa , HI 96756
  • Hours: by appointment only
  • Admission: via tour, various options beginning at $60
  • Website: https://ntbg.org/gardens/allerton/

Princeville Botanical Gardens

Princeville Botanical Gardens offers a diverse collection including native and “canoe” plants, rare and endangered flowers, potent medicinals, fruit trees, and other useful economic plants from around the world…plus organic cacao. The family-owned garden hosts three-hour tours complete with chocolate, fruit and honey samplings.

Why we like Princeville Garden: chocolate. Need we say more?

Tropical Garden Of Eden, Maui Hawaii

Tropical Garden Of Eden, Maui Hawaii – Depositphotos.com

Maui Botanical Gardens

This following list includes botanical gardens on the island of Maui. They are arranged in order from least to most cost.

Ke’anae Arboretum

Ke’anae Arboretum is a 6-acre tropical forest off Highway 360 owned and manged by the State of Hawai’i. It features timber, fruiting, ornamental trees, and food plants along a paved walkway. There are no amentities or guided walks. It is less a garden and more a rugged natural area. Before the 1940s the area was used to farm food, medicine, and fiber-producing plants. From 1946 until the mid-1950s, it became an agricultural work site for prisoners at Ke’anae Prison Camp. It was established as an arboretum in 1971.

Why we like Ke’anae Arboretum: a historically significant area alongside the Pi’inau’​au Stream on leveled terraces built hundreds of years ago by Hawaiians.

Kepaniwai Park & Heritage Gardens

Kepaniwai Park & Heritage Gardens is a 7-acre park next to a flowing river and moutains. It is a pleasant space featuring various architecture, statues, and gardens that honor many cultures that immigrated to Hawai’i, including Chinese, Japanese, New England, Portuguese, Korean, Puerto Rican and Filipino people.

Why we like Kepaniwai Park: it’s a unique and tranquil setting.

Maui Nui Botanical Gardens

Maui Nui Botanical Gardens (MNBG) is a 7-acre living collection of Hawaii-indigenous and Polynesian-introduced plants. The garden is a gathering place to see, learn, and understand these plants, their importance to the livelihod of the islands, related cultural practices, and water conservation techniques. Self-guided tour brochures and audio guides are included with admission. More intensive guided tours are available for an additional fee.

Why we like Maui Nui Botanical Gardens: It’s a great place to learn about traditional Hawaiian foods including ‘ulu (breadfruit), sweet potatoes, and kalo (taro) as well as other cultural practices such as imu (underground ovens) and kapa (bark cloth).

  • Address: 150 Kanaloa Avenue, Kahului, HI 96732
  • Hours: Open Tuesday-Sunday; closed on Hawai’i state holidays
  • Admission: $10
  • Website: http://www.mnbg.org/

Selected upcoming events at Maui Nui Botanical Gardens (MNBG)

  • Learn about the ‘Ula‘ula family of kalo (taro). Saturday, September 24th | 9am – 12pm. Learn about the ‘Ula‘ula family of kalo (taro) with Namea Hoshino, MNBG Hawaiian Cultivars Manager. Participants will learn about the cultural uses of the ‘Ula‘ula group of kalo and identification techniques. Samples for tasting will be included. Cost: $25 for current MNBG members, $50 for non-members (includes one-year membership). Register: https://forms.gle/K8QiyjfJoymwExUM9
  • Arbor Day Garden Expo & Tree Giveaway. November 5, from 9 am to 3 pm. The Maui Association of Landscape Professionals (MALP) Garden Expo will feature horticultural and tree care classes, a plant sale, and free activities. MNBG will give away more than 1,000 Hawaiian trees for free, one tree per person, any age. More info: Maui Arbor Day Expo – 1,000 tree Give Away at Maui Nui Botanical Gardens.
kukui (candlenut) tree (Aleurites moluccanus)

Kukui (candlenut) tree (Aleurites moluccanus) – Depositphotos.com

Kula Botanical Gardens

Kula Botanical Gardens is an 8-acre family-owned and operated business on the slopes of Haleakala. The garden features a collections of native Hawaiian and other unique plants, plus rock formations, a covered bridge, waterfalls, koi pond, aviary, and attractions including a carved tiki exhibit and Chameleon exhibit. Plants are labeled with their botanical name, common name, and country of origin. The gift shop offers made-in-Hawaii items and items of botanical interest.

Why we like Kula Botanical Gardens: Nice variety of plants with well marked plants in wandering paths (some inclines) that is fun for thw whole family.

Kahanu Garden: National Tropical Botanical Garden

National Tropical Botanical Garden is a network of five botanical gardens, preserves, and research facilities that encompasses nearly 2,000 acres with locations in Hawaii and Florida, including Kahanu Garden on Maui. (The others are: Limahuli Garden & Preserve in Hanalei on Kauai, Allerton Garden and McBryde Garden in Koloa on Kauai, and The Kampong in Florida.)

Kahanu Garden is located on the rugged Hana coast in one of the largest native hala (Pandanus) forests in the Islands. The garden is a glimpse back in time with plants from across the Pacific, including plants of value to Hawaiian, Polynesian, Micronesian, and Melanesian cultures. It displays one of the world’s largest collection of breadfruit cultivars.

Why we like Kahanu Garden: sits on the storied land of Honoma’ele, home to Pi’ilanihale Heiau, a massive lava-rock structure that is believed to be the largest ancient man made structure in Polynesia, now a registered National Historic Landmark.

  • Address: 650 Ulaino Rd, Hana , HI 96713
  • Hours: Open weekdays; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
  • Admission: $12 visitor, $7 resident
  • Website: http://ntbg.org/kahanu

Garden of Eden Arboretum

Garden of Eden Arboretum on 26-acres is a family owned and operated business. They work to help restore natural ecosystems and promote Hawaii’s indigenous species. The garden features over 700 tropical plant specimens from all over the world laid out over 2.5 miles of trails. The garden is entirely supported by entrance fees, a portion of which is donated to enviromental organizations.

Why we like Garden of Eden Arboretum: breathtaking views in peaceful and lush garden tucked away on the road to Hana.

 
View from the cliffs above Waimea Bay

View from the cliffs above Waimea Valley – Depositphotos.com

O’ahu Botanical Gardens

This following list includes free botanical gardens on O’ahu beginning in the central valley, then up to North Shore, and continuing clockwise around the island, ending in Honolulu.

The free botanical gardens are followed by those that charge an admission fee, listed in order from least to most cost.

Wahiawā Botanical Garden

Wahiawā Botanical Garden is a 27-acre oasis in central Oah’u and features plants that thrive in a shady and cool, yet humid tropical rain forest. Wahiawā features many native Hawaiian plants and others from rainforests around the world, plus large trees, birds, and flowers in season. Markers provide information about the significant plants. Walking shoes, insect repellent, and rain gear are recommended. For a self-guided tour, download a garden map from their website.

Why we like Wahiawā Botanical Garden: There are several different trails through the garden, including trails that are wheelchair- and stroller-friendly.

Waimea Valley

Waimea Valley is a 1875-acre ahupua‘a—the wedge-shaped land division stretching from the mountains to the sea used since ancient Hawai’i to assign and manage the natural resources that provided for her people. Today, the valley is owned and operated by Native Hawaiians to maintain the ecosystems, to preserve the cultural resources for future generations, and to encourage conservation practices on a local as well as global scale.

Waimea Valley’s botanical gardens include 52 themed gardens, over 5000 types of tropical and subtropical plants, and 1000 genera in over 200 plant families from all over the world. There are native Hawaiian plants and globally endangered species. The collection includes heirloom varieties of kalo  (taro), sweet potato, banana trees, endangered hibiscus subspecies (the state flower), bamboo, ferns, fruits, nuts and spices, indigenous loulu palms, to name a few of the significant plants. Walking shoes, insect repellent, and rain gear are recommended.

Why we like Waimea Valley’s botanical gardens: see plants found nowhere else and species from around the globe. Tours and cultural events are also available, most are free with admission. Most visitors trek the 30-minute walk to the 45-foot waterfall.

  • Address: Waimea Valley Road, Haleiwa, HI 96712
  • Hours: Open daily except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
  • Admission: $20 visitor, $10 resident/military, free for first responders.
  • Website: https://www.waimeavalley.net/

Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden

Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden in Kāneʻohe on windward Oʻahu offers 400 acres of tropical plants from around the world, grouped according to their geographic origin. Designed and built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1982, Hoʻomaluhia, whose name means “peaceful refuge”, also serves to provide flood protection for Kāneʻohe. Walking shoes, insect repellent, and rain gear are recommended. For a self-guided tour, download a map of the garden and a checklist of birds to see from their website.

Why we like Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden: it’s away from the city, is walkable or drivable, and offers dramatic views of the Ko’olau Mountains. The catch-and-release fishing program is fun for the whole family.

Mountain ridge rises above Hoomaluhia Botantical Gardens on Oahu

Mountain ridge rises above Ho’omaluhia Botantical Gardens on Oahu – Depositphotos

Koko Crater Botanical Garden

Koko Crater Botanical Garden in Hawaii Kai on the southeast shore of O`ahu sits on 60 acres of the inner slopes and basin of the 200-acre crater. Xeriscape concepts (requiring little or no irrigation) are used to transform the dry, volcanic landscape into a garden. This botanical garden focuses on the cultivation of rare and endangered dryland plants suitable to the desert-like conditions. Highlights include Hawaiian plants, dryland palm trees, cactus and succulents, and plants from Africa. Walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. For a self-guided tour, download a garden map from their website.

Why we like Koko Crater Botanical Garden: unusual landscape and associated plants inside an extinct volcano crater.

Koko Crater Botanical Garden on Oahu

Koko Crater Botanical Garden on Oahu – Depositphotos.com

Kapi‘olani Community College Campus Garden

Kapi‘olani Community College has five campus gardens: Cactus and Succulent Garden, Native Hawaiian Garden, Rain Garden, Culinary Garden, and Māla Māunuunu.

Liliʻuokalani Botanical Garden

Liliʻuokalani Botanical Garden is a small in-city park near Foster Garden devoted to native Hawaiian plants. The garden was once the property of the Hawaiian kingdom’s last reigning queen. It was her favorite picnic grounds. She donated the park to the City and County of Honolulu to be used for the public’s enjoyment.

Why we like Liliʻuokalani Botanical Garden: imagine picnicking here with the Queen along the stream with the sound of the waterfall in the background.

View of Manoa Valley in Honolulu, Hawai'i

Lyon Arboretum is in the Manoa Valley in Honolulu, Hawai’i – DepsoitPhotos.com

Lyon Arboretum

Lyon Arboretum is a 200-acre garden managed by the University of Hawai’i in Mānoa Valley. The garden offers seven miles of walking trails and features over 6,000 taxa of tropical and sub-tropical plants. Walking shoes, insect repellent, and rain gear are recommended. For a self-guided tour, download a garden map from their website.

Why we like Lyon Arboretum: a peaceful oasis in Honolulu with beautiful views, plants, flowers, and a waterfall (abundant rain permitting!).

  • Address: 3860 Mānoa Rd, Honolulu, HI 96822
  • Hours: Open weekdays, except federal and state holidays
  • Admission: Free with suggested donation $5/person
  • Website: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/lyon/

Moanalua Gardens

Moanalua Gardens is a 24-acre privately owned garden that includes historic architectural structures and plants from around the world. Walking shoes, insect repellent, and rain gear are recommended.

Why we like Moanalua Gardens: an underrated hidden gem with expansive green spaces and architectural structures not typically found in gardens.

  • Address: 2850-A Moanalua Road, Honolulu, HI 96819
  • Hours: As of July 2021, Moanalua is closed to visitors as it undergoes restoration
  • Admission: $5 visitor, $1 resident/military
  • Website: https://www.moanaluagardens.com/

Foster Botanical Garden

Foster Botanical Garden is the oldest Botanical Garden in Honolulu. The garden was started in 1850 as a privately owned garden that was gifted to the City of Honolulu by Mary Foster. It opened to the public in 1931. Features of the garden include Native Hawaiian and  other tropical plants, a palm collection, orchid garden, outdoor butterfly garden, prehistoric glen, and stately trees over 100 years old. The short, relaxing loop trail with shaded areas is kid-friendly. For a self-guided tour, download a garden map from their website.

Why we like Foster Botanical Garden: a treasure that is the oldest botanical garden in Honolu conveniently located in the middle of the city.

 

 

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