Gardens in Oahu

THE 10 BEST Oahu Gardens

Gardens in Oahu

Types of Attractions
Nature & Parks
Nature & Parks
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19 places sorted by traveller favourites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
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What travellers are saying

  • Brian F
    Toronto, Canada22 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    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.
  • parrottdize
    Dyer, IN2,104 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Having been to Honolulu a number of times, we looked for something to do that we haven't done before and the Lyon Arboretum was it. Very scenic with many lovely plants.
    While you can do this on your own, a guided tour will add to your experience. There is a lot of walking and on uneven paths, so if you have mobility problems you might want to rethink coming here as the pathways are not wheelchair friendly. Do wear good walking shoes, not sandals.
    Written 25 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kittygal 🇺🇦 🌻
    Los Angeles, CA8,310 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This lovely spot is just outside of Chinatown in central Honolulu. Definitely worth seeing! I spent a few quiet hours on a recent Saturday and enjoyed the wide variety of plantings on offer. There's lots of birdsong, too. You wouldn't know your just blocks from the bustle of downtown.

    The gift shop has a nice selection of items, and there are specialized tours and events happening throughout the year.
    Written 6 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • John C
    Kirkland, WA7 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A very nice, small native botanical garden. Some very interesting trees (rainbow Eucalyptus).
    It IS a little buggy, so bring bug spray or head-to-toe clothing. A very convenient stop on the way to the north Shore.
    Written 1 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • NYGirl37
    New York, NY34 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    All I can say is . . . GO!! soo beautiful! The walk along the path may be difficult for those with mobility issues, but there is a tram to make it easier. AND, the walk is worth the work. The waterfall is wonderful!
    Written 20 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • C-Z-1982
    Reno, NV760 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is an interesting place, certainly worth the visit. The biggest downfall is that the identification of the many trees could, and should be greatly improved. The complementary folder available at the beginning of the tour suggests that you will be able to identify the many interesting trees. Unfortunately, as you walk around it turns out to be a hip hazard experience. Some trees are well identified, others are not. Also, the signs identifying the trees, very, making recognition challenging. Too bad, there are so many interesting trees and the educational experience would be greatly enhanced by ensuring better identification and marking of the trees in a consistent manner.
    Written 18 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sewhappybjm
    Greenville, SC671 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We found Friendship Garden through an online search for "things to do near me," and we're very glad that we got to experience hiking here.

    The trail is easy to moderate if you stay in the Garden, but there are connections to trails outside the Garden that have challenging sections.

    This site is accessed through a residential street with limited parking. There are warnings that cars will be towed if parked improperly.

    Friendship Garden was not very crowded during our visit, and we enjoyed looking at the beautiful views. We took many photos of the lush tropical plants.
    Written 8 June 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Vy D
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sunset Ranch is an absolute dream venue!

    I got married at Sunset Ranch last month and could not be more happy with how everything turned out.

    I live in California and wanted to host our wedding in Hawaii. After doing some browsing online, I stumbled across Sunset Ranch and ended up booking solely based on the pictures online. I am happy to say, the venue is 100 times prettier in person.
    Written 29 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Gai
    Sydney, Australia41 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The orchids were beautiful. There was a lot of unusual orchids. Unfortunately as we are from Australia we could not bring them home. Flakes are the only way we can bring them into Austalia and he had none for sale.but still worth the trip to see them.
    Written 8 November 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Melkenandmolly
    27 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful hike to the waterfall. Swim to waterfall was very enjoyable and safe. We did the hike and swim before the Tao Lua.
    Written 10 June 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Claire A
    Lowell, MA4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was a really special tour. I grew up on the other side of Manoa Valley and always saw this house while driving by. The tour was very informative and who knew that there was such historical significance on the grounds of this house. It was a great opportunity to catch some history about the valley and experience a little bit of the liquid sunshine we get in Manoa.
    Written 29 January 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Vicki K
    Hollywood, CA350 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were driving around, trying to find a state park that I had happened upon years ago, and couldn't find it. I kept going though thinking that perhaps it would appear out of nowhere, but that didn't happen. So I called my sister-in-law and she suggested that I try senator fongs plantation and garden. So I googled it and joey drove. It was just a stroke of luck that the gate was open and an event had just finished, so we could drive in and see the structure and a tiny glimpse of the gardens. A very nice woman walked up to us and asked if she could help us, and then told us that the plantation was no longer open to the public – only for privately booked events, but we could look around quickly before they locked the gate again. Which we did!
    Written 16 January 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Brown_Samantha
    Kennewick, WA1,665 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    When our Uber driver dropped us off at the entrance, we immediately recognized this is a city park and not a botanical garden we "assumed" when visiting Hawaii islands. Nice green space set in regular urban neighborhood.

    Some flowers were blooming. A paved path leads you down towards the stream and a very small waterfall. That is the high point of the park. Nice waterfalls. The whole visit probably was 30 minutes.

    When we visited, there was a small group gathering at the picnic area. At first we thought it was a couple of families, then quickly realized it must have been a homeless outreach group. They had pizzas and bottled water. Just down the stream under the bridge, you can see homeless tent encampment.

    We didn't feel unsafe, but after that, we got an Uber ride and tailed out of there.
    Written 30 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • d1domino
    Gilbertsville, PA73 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A wonderful garden hidden in the city. Free parking. Only $5 per person to enter and more than worth it. Some great specimens, some as old as the garden. Well marked trees and plants, and a pleasant paved walkway mostly wheelchair and stroller friendly. We were there 1.5 hours and with an infant that was a good amount of time.
    Written 28 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Smitty's S
    Sussex, Canada10 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth a quick stop here. Easy to find, lots of free parking. Lots of different cactus. Good way to spend 15 or 20 minutes if you're in the area.
    Written 23 February 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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