Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens

Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens

Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Spanning 400 acres, this lush garden is surrounded by the Koolau Mountain Range. A casual visit will require at least an hour or two, but trekkers usually spend half a day here. Start by exploring the eight tropical gardens, each showcasing plant species from different regions such as Southeast Asia and Polynesia. Avid hikers have the option to tackle various nature trails; keep your eyes peeled for small and large birds, such as the cardinal or egret, amidst the breathtaking scenery. The gardens are worth a visit if you’re in need of a peaceful respite and crisp air. Plus, admission is free. – Tripadvisor
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  • LisaEric2011
    Albany, Georgia6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Hidden Gem
    To be honest, it was not in our plans to come here. It was raining and our beach plans got canceled, so we were trying to find something to do in the rain. We were able to drive through the gardens without having to get out. Immediately upon entering the gate we were awestruck of the beauty here and promised that we were coming back when the sun came out. We kept that promise on our last day in Oahu....THIS PLACE WAS FABULOUS. The lush mountains, tropical flowers: this is what I pictured the island to be...so thankful it rained!!!
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 2 May 2023
  • LisaMNUSA
    Saint Paul, Minnesota990 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A beautiful Garden
    I am not sure the must sees in the garden, so we drove around the garden to see it all. The area with the lake is the best part of the whole garden in my opinion. There are many fishes in the lake The plants looked healthy and beautiful. Don't miss the area if you go.
    Visited May 2023
    Written 20 May 2023
  • Majajing
    Culver City, California93 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Off the beaten path but worth the visit!
    It is off the beaten path since you have to drive past neighborhoods to get to the place but it's worth the drive. I have to admit that I actually wanted to visit the place because of the infamous IG picture that are taken at the entrance. They make it known that they don't want you to stop at the sides of the street to take pictures, so I wasn't able to take the picture...lol. But holly moly the nature! When you reach the center and hike down to the lake, it is breath taking, the nature is gorgeous! When I left, I thought that if I continued to the other road that I could exit while seeing the rest of the park but it's not; it comes to a dead end parking. It's a one way in and out.
    Visited June 2023
    Written 3 July 2023
  • Jerri L
    Johnston, Iowa2,174 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Picture perfect views and great trails
    We spent a good 4-5 hours hiking and exploring the botanical gardens trails and areas. There are very well maintained trails that are nicely marked taking you to the lake area and the campgrounds. The trees are labeled and everything is quite well kept. There are benches and picnic tables you can enjoy and the visitor center has restrooms and staff who will answer questions. We found ourselves exploring some of the less maintained trails which was fun… the trails were not as clearly marked but were accessible, we saw some amazing views and ran across a wild hog who snorted loudly alerting us to his presence when we were in his territory then ran off in the opposite direction. It was a day well spent and so many picture perfect views!
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 12 November 2023
  • Ruth N
    Columbia, Maryland63 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful and tranquil garden
    Beautiful and peaceful garden showing names and descriptions of tropical plants from Hawaii and other places in the world. The initial walkway was very informative with a large variety of lovely plants and flowers. We spent 2 hours here and loved the time away from traffic!
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 16 November 2023
  • C W
    St. John's, Canada602 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Simply beautiful!
    Breathtaking view of most shrouded mountains. We’ll laid out trails with beautiful plants and scenery. Trails near the visitor center are paved and easily accessible. Closer to the pond the trail is gravel and may have a muddy section depending on previous rains. Highly recommended. Minimum of an hour to view around the visitor center area.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 24 November 2023
  • Canucksontheloose
    Victoria, Canada748 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Ho'omaluhia means "to make a place of peace and tranquillity"
    I wasn't prepared for the vastness of this Botanical Garden but it's very popular for driving in, finding parking and going for a picnic, bird-watching, photography, walking on trails and enjoying the scenery. Plant collections are grouped according to geographical regions (Tropical America, India, Polynesia, etc.) with restrooms and parking lot in each area. We had no problems finding parking spots on a weekday afternoon and entry is free. You can pick up a map at the Visitor's Centre (2 miles from bus stop) and book guided nature tours (in advance). You can camp here too! Botanically speaking, this is a tree hugger's paradise and not much for flowering plants. Be prepared with rain gear, insect repellent and good shoes for walking. Love the killer view of the majestic Ko'olau Mountain Range. A great getaway from the busy-ness of the city.
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 28 November 2023
  • Randy L
    Los Angeles, California158 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    You're missing out if you don't visit, and it's free!
    Having grown up across the mountains in Honolulu, I couldn't figure out why I had not heard of this place. Turns out that it wasn't built until about 1982, well after I had left the islands. Even our local friends had never visited. Missing out. This is an extensive facility, but you can spend as much time as you want to. The education center is really worth a visit at least once, and the docents are great. Lots of interesting stuff and recommendations. The paved trail just outside the center takes you through some very interesting plants, and down to the reservoir that has a lot of colorful fish. The path is only paved for the first half to two-thirds. I would say that it is wheelchair accessible. The "sealing wax palms" with their red tops were startling. Didn't know that allspice actually is a plant. Was quite familiar with heliconia and hanging heliconia, but had never seen a yellow variety, or the"Sexy Pink" variety. There is plenty of time to just be quiet and soak in the beauty of the Koolau Mountains, and the green of the rain forest. Two things can be irritating. There are a LOT of speed bumps on the road. They really don't want you going fast. But they also don't want you to stop on the narrow road, blocking traffic, so that is forbidden. It is also understandably forbidden to pull off the road at other than the designated parking areas, of which there are a lot. Irritating when people ignore the rules. I was fascinated by the display of the plants typically carried by Pacific seafarers to plant on the islands that they discovered and colonized. I'm talking about sailors like those who journeyed from the South Pacific to the Hawaiian Islands, not Europeans. These plants had specific purposes, like for food, medicine, and clothing.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 1 December 2023
  • q94040
    Mountain View, California4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Gloriously beautiful, but bring mosquito repellant.
    This garden is truly underrated. The welcome center is well done, interesting; has bathrooms; is staffed by wonderful friendly people; etc. Hiking the trails is spectacular with amazing foliage from around the world (and it's a fairly easy hike). The fact that it's free is incredible. HUGE caveat - wear mosquito repellant!!!
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 9 January 2024
  • Brian F
    Toronto, Canada22 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Free Oahu day in nature
    A great way to spend half a day, explore nature, and free! The flora was amazing. Note: you will be tempted to start taking pictures of the mountains before you get too far in to the park, but good news...there are multiple parking lots, lookouts, etc, where you will get killer shots, that will be 100% better. But, you will still find lots of idiots hanging out their sunroof, stopped on the road, taking selfies (which coincidentally is one of the few rules they ask you not to break). Otherwise, I'm shocked the local government hasn't started to charge. Recommend taking a lunch and enjoy! We also took the scenic route along the east coast, back to Waikiki, and stopped at multiple lookouts to the ocean. Just awesome.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 13 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles456 reviews
Excellent
268
Very good
148
Average
33
Poor
3
Terrible
4

Brian F
Toronto, Canada22 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Family
A great way to spend half a day, explore nature, and free! The flora was amazing.

Note: you will be tempted to start taking pictures of the mountains before you get too far in to the park, but good news...there are multiple parking lots, lookouts, etc, where you will get killer shots, that will be 100% better.

But, you will still find lots of idiots hanging out their sunroof, stopped on the road, taking selfies (which coincidentally is one of the few rules they ask you not to break).

Otherwise, I'm shocked the local government hasn't started to charge. Recommend taking a lunch and enjoy!

We also took the scenic route along the east coast, back to Waikiki, and stopped at multiple lookouts to the ocean. Just awesome.
Written 13 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

scenicsam
Cleveland, OH93 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Couples
This garden is free which is amazing. I did not however, understand this is a “driving to see” garden. We entered the nature center and picked up a map- nothing said to take your car.
We walked to the lake and then tried to navigate the gardens with the map- which was impossible. There is NO signage other than countless ones that tell you of eminent danger. We got hopelessly lost, asked at least 3 other parties who were hopelessly lost. We had no idea which gardens we were in. Most plants were not marked and no signage to give you any idea where you were in this very large garden. We literally walked miles and eventually made it back to the main road for the long walk back.
I share this only to save someone else the confusion.
Written 17 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

advcards
Reno, NV3,599 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Couples
Interesting drive-through probably overall half hour stop there are some parking spots that you can get out and do some walking. It’s a free activity so if you have a little time to kill, hug, recommend it.
Written 11 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

q94040
Mountain View, CA4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Couples
This garden is truly underrated. The welcome center is well done, interesting; has bathrooms; is staffed by wonderful friendly people; etc. Hiking the trails is spectacular with amazing foliage from around the world (and it's a fairly easy hike). The fact that it's free is incredible.

HUGE caveat - wear mosquito repellant!!!
Written 9 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Randy L
Los Angeles, CA158 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Family
Having grown up across the mountains in Honolulu, I couldn't figure out why I had not heard of this place. Turns out that it wasn't built until about 1982, well after I had left the islands. Even our local friends had never visited. Missing out. This is an extensive facility, but you can spend as much time as you want to. The education center is really worth a visit at least once, and the docents are great. Lots of interesting stuff and recommendations. The paved trail just outside the center takes you through some very interesting plants, and down to the reservoir that has a lot of colorful fish. The path is only paved for the first half to two-thirds. I would say that it is wheelchair accessible.
The "sealing wax palms" with their red tops were startling. Didn't know that allspice actually is a plant. Was quite familiar with heliconia and hanging heliconia, but had never seen a yellow variety, or the"Sexy Pink" variety. There is plenty of time to just be quiet and soak in the beauty of the Koolau Mountains, and the green of the rain forest.
Two things can be irritating. There are a LOT of speed bumps on the road. They really don't want you going fast. But they also don't want you to stop on the narrow road, blocking traffic, so that is forbidden. It is also understandably forbidden to pull off the road at other than the designated parking areas, of which there are a lot. Irritating when people ignore the rules.
I was fascinated by the display of the plants typically carried by Pacific seafarers to plant on the islands that they discovered and colonized. I'm talking about sailors like those who journeyed from the South Pacific to the Hawaiian Islands, not Europeans. These plants had specific purposes, like for food, medicine, and clothing.
Written 1 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Canucksontheloose
Victoria, Canada748 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023 • Family
I wasn't prepared for the vastness of this Botanical Garden but it's very popular for driving in, finding parking and going for a picnic, bird-watching, photography, walking on trails and enjoying the scenery. Plant collections are grouped according to geographical regions (Tropical America, India, Polynesia, etc.) with restrooms and parking lot in each area. We had no problems finding parking spots on a weekday afternoon and entry is free. You can pick up a map at the Visitor's Centre (2 miles from bus stop) and book guided nature tours (in advance). You can camp here too! Botanically speaking, this is a tree hugger's paradise and not much for flowering plants. Be prepared with rain gear, insect repellent and good shoes for walking. Love the killer view of the majestic Ko'olau Mountain Range. A great getaway from the busy-ness of the city.
Written 28 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

C W
St. John's, Canada602 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
Breathtaking view of most shrouded mountains. We’ll laid out trails with beautiful plants and scenery. Trails near the visitor center are paved and easily accessible. Closer to the pond the trail is gravel and may have a muddy section depending on previous rains. Highly recommended. Minimum of an hour to view around the visitor center area.
Written 24 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Songdoc
Princeville, HI620 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
The gardens themselves were not impressive -- primarily trees. But, OHHHHHH, the views from the lookout! HIGHLY recommended along with the nearby Byrd-in Temple. WOW!
Written 20 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ruth N
Columbia, MD63 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Friends
Beautiful and peaceful garden showing names and descriptions of tropical plants from Hawaii and other places in the world. The initial walkway was very informative with a large variety of lovely plants and flowers. We spent 2 hours here and loved the time away from traffic!
Written 16 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jerri L
Johnston, IA2,174 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
We spent a good 4-5 hours hiking and exploring the botanical gardens trails and areas. There are very well maintained trails that are nicely marked taking you to the lake area and the campgrounds. The trees are labeled and everything is quite well kept. There are benches and picnic tables you can enjoy and the visitor center has restrooms and staff who will answer questions. We found ourselves exploring some of the less maintained trails which was fun… the trails were not as clearly marked but were accessible, we saw some amazing views and ran across a wild hog who snorted loudly alerting us to his presence when we were in his territory then ran off in the opposite direction. It was a day well spent and so many picture perfect views!
Written 12 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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HOOMALUHIA BOTANICAL GARDENS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens

According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens: