Escape into a world of rare plants and stunning landscapes in Oʻahu’s botanical gardens, where Hawaiʻi’s natural beauty offers an intensely tropical retreat.
Oʻahu is already breathtaking, but its botanical gardens reveal a secret paradise within paradise. As locals, we’re constantly in awe of these enchanting pockets of life!
Wander through these tropical havens, where Hawaiian and global flora flourish, birds sing and the island’s raw splendor provides a deep sense of grounding.
In this post, we share our local recommendations for the best botanical gardens on Oʻahu.
Table of Contents
1. Foster Botanical Garden
Honolulu’s oldest botanical garden, home to ancient trees and exquisite orchids.
📍 50 North Vineyard Blvd, Honolulu
🕒 Open: Daily 9am-4pm
🎟️ Cost: From $5 for adults
🌳 Size: 13.5-acres
Foster Botanical Garden is a surprising garden in Downtown Honolulu. It displays a unique collection of tropical plants, including a Palm Garden, Orchid Conservatory, Prehistoric Glen Cycad Collection and Outdoor Butterfly Garden.
INSIDE TIP: Enhance your visit to Foster Botanical Garden with a docent-led tour. These 90-minute tours run on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 10:30am and are included with admission. While walk-ins are welcome, reserving ahead will ensure your spot — reach out on (808) 768-7135 or hbg@honolulu.gov.
2. Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden
A paradise framed by the Koʻolau Range, perfect for picnics, photos and painting.
📍 45-680 Luluku Rd, Kaneohe
🕒 Open: Daily 9am-4pm
🎟️ Cost: Free admission
🌳 Size: 400-acres
Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden is rightfully named “a peaceful refuge”. Stroll or drive through 400-acres of lush paradise in Kāneʻohe, on Oʻahu’s East Side. It features plantings from major tropical regions around the world grouped geographically.
3. Wahiawā Botanical Garden
A hidden gem in Central Oʻahu, with tall rainforest trees and cool, shaded trails.
📍 1396 California Ave, Wahiawā
🕒 Open: Daily 9am-4pm
🎟️ Cost: Free admission
🌳 Size: 27-acres
Wahiawā Botanical Garden is a serene retreat in Central Oʻahu. Known as the “Tropical Jewel of the Pacific,” it showcases plants thriving in wetter climates, including native Hawaiian species and exotic tropical flora from around the globe.
4. Liliʻuokalani Botanical Garden
A peaceful garden featuring native Hawaiian plants and a cascading stream.
📍 123 North Kuakini St, Honolulu
🕒 Open: Daily 7am-5pm
🎟️ Cost: Free admission
🌳 Size: 7.5-acres
Liliʻuokalani Botanical Garden is a small yet significant space for Native Hawaiian plants in Honolulu. Once part of Queen Liliʻuokalani’s estate, it provides a tranquil setting to admire endemic species and a picturesque stream.
5. Koko Crater Botanical Garden
An off-the-beaten-path dryscape thriving with desert flora.
📍 7491 Kokonani St, Hawaiʻi Kai
🕒 Open: Daily 7am-6pm
🎟️ Cost: Free admission
🌳 Size: 60-acres
Koko Crater Botanical Garden offers a striking desert-like landscape within a volcanic crater in Hawaiʻi Kai. It features drought-resistant plants, including cacti, succulents and dryland flora from Hawaiʻi, Africa and the Americas.
6. Waimea Valley
A cultural and botanical treasure with a swimmable waterfall.
📍 Waimea Valley Rd, Haleʻiwa
🕒 Open: Daily 8am-4pm
🎟️ Cost: From $25 for adults
🌳 Size: 1,875-acres
Waimea Valley is a magnificent botanical garden on Oʻahu’s North Shore full of plants, Hawaiian cultural sites and rare birds. Hike the Waimea Valley Trail, a laid-back paved pathway that leads to the Waimea Falls waterfall (swimmable).
7. Lyon Arboretum
A valley sanctuary for rare plants, scenic trails and a secluded waterfall.
📍 3860 Mānoa Rd, Mānoa
🕒 Open: Mon-Fri 9am-3pm
🎟️ Cost: Free admission
🌳 Size: 200-acres
Lyon Arboretum is an exquisite botanical garden in Mānoa Valley. Managed by the University of Hawaiʻi, this rainforest plays a crucial role in preserving and propagating Hawaiʻi’s plant species, especially those native to the islands.
8. Moanalua Gardens
This historic park is known for its majestic monkeypod trees (featured image).
📍 2850-A Moanalua Rd, Honolulu
🕒 Open: Daily 8:30am-4:30pm
🎟️ Cost: From $10 for adults
🌳 Size: 24-acres
Moanalua Gardens boasts the iconic Hitachi tree (monkeypod tree), a serene pond and historic sites like Kamehameha V’s summer cottage. The gardens provide a scenic setting for weddings and events, with ten distinct venues available.
In summary, a visit to Oʻahu’s botanical gardens is a refreshing escape into nature’s beauty, offering a serene way to appreciate the island’s lush landscapes.
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