All About the Best Oahu Botanical Gardens
Visitors and locals alike of Oahu tend to have a passionate love for nature. From stunning mountains to picturesque beaches, you’re surrounded by the beauty of Mother Nature. Did you know that the island is home to many botanical gardens too? When you visit Oahu Botanical Gardens, you’ll be mesmerized by the indigenous flora, unique plants and trees, and more.
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Visit These Oahu Botanical Gardens
There isn’t just one botanical garden on the island. There are many! Keep reading to learn about some of our favorite Oahu Botanical gardens to visit.
Foster Botanical Garden
Location: 180 North Vineyard Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96817
When you visit downtown Honolulu, it’s easy to get caught up in the city’s hustle and bustle. Escape from the crowds and head to Foster Botanical Garden. As the island’s oldest botanical garden, it began in 1853 and is home to some of Oahu’s oldest trees. You can also find the amorphophallus titanium plant, also known as the corpse plant. What makes this rare plant so unique is that it only blooms once every three to five years and emits the smell of a dead body. Some people are fascinated by it; some want to avoid it at all costs!
Moanalua Gardens
Location: 2850 Moanalua Road A, Honolulu, HI 96819
Visit Moanalua Gardens and gaze at rare plant species, magical trees, a koi pond, and historic architecture. You can also find many monkeypod trees throughout the park. The park’s tranquil environment makes it a great place to enjoy a picnic, fly a kite, and sit back and relax. However, excitement fills the garden once a year when it’s home to the iconic annual Prince Lot Hula Festival.
Wahiawā Botanical Garden
Location: 1396 California Avenue, Wahiawa, HI 96786
If you’re headed to Oahu’s North Shore, make a memorable stop at Wahiawā Botanical Garden. Located in central Oahu between the Wai’anae and Ko’olau mountain ranges, this 27-acre park features plants from all over the world. Some of the species you’ll find include rainbow eucalyptus, blue ginger, candle trees, and more.
Koko Crater Botanical Garden
Location: 7491 Kokonani Street, Honolulu, HI 96825
When you think of botanical gardens on Oahu, you might picture a lush green forest. This isn’t the case for all, though. Located within the Koko Crater, you’ll find a hidden gem— the Koko Crater Botanical Garden. You’ll find a wide array of cacti, succulents, and other endangered dryland plants from Africa and Madagascar.
Lyon Arboretum
Location: 3860 Manoa Road, Honolulu, HI 96822
Nestled in the back of Mānoa Valley, you’ll find Lyon Arboretum, part of the University of Hawaiʻi. The garden features over seven miles of hiking trails, more than 6000 tropical plant species, a natural waterfall, one of the world’s largest collections of palms, and the Native Hawaiian Garden.
Helpful Tip: Many of these gardens offer guided and self-guided tours. Check out their websites to learn more about how you can make the most out of your visit.
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