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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.
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  • Jerri L
    Johnston, Iowa4,478 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, Maryland90 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, Canada615 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, Canada766 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, California148 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, California5 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
  • h_e_tompkins
    Round Rock, Texas55 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Tropical Paradise on Oahu
    Even though I grew up on Oahu, I had never visited these gardens. The lush beauty of Hoomaluhia is impossible to describe. If you are looking for tropical paradise on Oahu, don’t skip this stop. Our group consisted of people from ages 1 to 83. Most trails were quite stroller friendly, although going all the way to the lake was a challenge for our travel stroller. Restrooms were readily available. We drove between areas to make the hikes easier.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 23 May 2024
  • Kim M
    7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The views are breathtaking
    This is a beautiful area, there is not one bad view from the place. This trip was just my husband and I. We took on Uber from Waikiki it was a nice 30 minute drive about $25. There is no entrance fee for the gardens, but because we got there about 20 minutes early our driver dropped us at the gate and we ended up walking to the visitor center which is about a mile and a half from the entrance gate. The driver could have dropped us at the visitor center but we didn't want him to wait the 20 extra minutes. The view on the walk up was amazing, but we were asked not to take pictures until we go to the visitor center. Once we got to thr visitor center and rehydrated (they do have bathrooms and a water fountain here) we walked to the lake, which was a nice walk. Parts are shaded and there are a lot of Koi fish in the lake. After the lake we headed back to the main road and walked along it to other parts of the garden. There was a Lookout point that after climbing a steep hill you have a breathtaking view of the mountain range and the island. We didn't have our own car but if you do, there are plenty of places to stop and park to take pictures or you can drive through the whole thing and see it from the car. The place is huge with so much to explore, we were there for about an hour and didnt get to see all of ots glory. I would however recommend having your own car that way if you get tired from walking you could see the rest of it from your car. Overall, I would definitely recommend coming to check out this beautiful part of nature.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 13 June 2024
  • Meghan
    9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Family’s Day Out
    A must see place on the windward side of Oahu. Not only can you learn about a bunch of trees and plants but you get to enjoy the stunning views of the Ko’olau mountains. I recommend driving (or walking) all the way to the top, and bring a snack because they have a nice little rest spot at the top. This is a perfect place to enjoy with the family. Don’t forget to bring your cameras for the views are absolutely amazing!
    Visited September 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 2 September 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 bubbles463 reviews
Excellent
275
Very good
148
Average
33
Poor
3
Terrible
4

cj2148
New York City, NY28 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
As you can see there is a lot of information here (and on other websites) about people taking photos at the famous road entrance of the gardens, before they open at 9a. In fact a reviewer Patricia M about a week ago (look for her review below mine) said she was here at 7a taking photos and someone who works here even took some for her! I believe this person to be named Olive. Well I showed up a little past 8a and was accosted by a guard at the gate who was incredibly rude telling me no photos in that spot and that rule is enforced 24 hours. I spoke to Olive (who it sounds like from Patricia M’s review took her photo, as she drives around in a Toyota SUV which is referenced in Patricia’s review) who told me very condescendingly that absolutely no photos can be taken there and the information online is incorrect. I’m not sure why some people are allowed to take photos and others are not.. perhaps they are racist or biased against certain groups of people. That’s the only thing I can think of. We drove a long way and got up early to be respectful and take a couple photos before the gate opens (as other reviewers said they have) and we were treated incredibly condescendingly and rudely. They must somehow pick and choose who can take photos. If it is a 24 hour no photo policy their PR should attempt to take down and remove all reviews and articles from people who have taken photos there so other tourists, like me, aren’t confused and frustrated when they are told no.
Written 22 February 2020
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.

Irene M
Austin, TX9 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019 • Couples
This place was a must see. If raining, I highly recommend being prepared to get your feet a little muddy but you can opt to only stay on the semi-paved trails. You can drive to several different sections (close together) that have specific plants from all over the world. Most of the walk paths lead to the beautiful lake. There are tables where you can have a picnic lunch or areas to lay out a blanket. Also, the lookout point was amazing. It’s about a 3-5 min walk up a paved steep little hill then you have a view for miles. Length of time there was about 1.5 hours but only because it was raining. We could have stayed there for at least 3 with better weather.
Written 12 January 2020
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.

A P
10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021 • Friends
Incredibly beautiful. We parked at the visitor center and walked through the entire garden but you can drive through the main road and park at each parking lot, get out and explore the area, and then drive to the next spot. I’m happy that we decided to walk it all the first time we went. It’s A LOT of walking and a lot of steep uphills and downhills so keep that in mind when deciding if you want to walk or drive. They don’t allow you to take pictures along the main road, probably to avoid traffic issues, but you can take as many pictures and videos once you’re off the main road. The first path to the lake was my favorite, you get incredible views all around and a great view of the mountains. So many Koi fish in the lake. There are plenty of areas on the land to sit and have a picnic at one of the benches. We did see some people also setting up camp in the camping areas which was really nice. I highly recommend everyone experience this at least once when visiting Hawaii.
Written 17 July 2021
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.

Jan M
Honolulu, HI232 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2021
We enjoy Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Gardens in many ways. We exercise there and have found many different routes that have a variety of difficulty levels. When it is rainy season, we park at the end and walk on the paved roads where the cars arenʻt allowed. Other times, weʻll pick a circle route towards the lake. If we need more exercise, we hike up hills to lookout areas or walk further. Our grandchildren love the canopied tamarind trees at the last parking lot. Theyʻve enjoyed fishing on the weekends. Prior to the pandemic, a group of us meet to paint the many botanical flowers and foliage in the gardens. My friend would camp there by herself and felt very safe with their enclosed gates and security. Hoʻomaluhia is a haven on ʻOahu!
Written 9 April 2021
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.

LovesExploring
Broomfield, CO82 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
After several rainy days, we picked a sunny day to come here. There's an informative visitors center, art gallery, and lots of trails and parking lots at different groves of trees. Signage is a little confusing and some of the trails can be muddy - wear shoes you don't mind getting dirty. We applied insect repellent, but I still got a bite on one ankle. A nice natural outing alternative if you've had enough beach time. Several picnic areas, restrooms, and there's no charge to visit.
Written 10 March 2020
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.

Kim M
7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2024 • Couples
This is a beautiful area, there is not one bad view from the place. This trip was just my husband and I. We took on Uber from Waikiki it was a nice 30 minute drive about $25. There is no entrance fee for the gardens, but because we got there about 20 minutes early our driver dropped us at the gate and we ended up walking to the visitor center which is about a mile and a half from the entrance gate.
The driver could have dropped us at the visitor center but we didn't want him to wait the 20 extra minutes. The view on the walk up was amazing, but we were asked not to take pictures until we go to the visitor center. Once we got to thr visitor center and rehydrated (they do have bathrooms and a water fountain here) we walked to the lake, which was a nice walk. Parts are shaded and there are a lot of Koi fish in the lake. After the lake we headed back to the main road and walked along it to other parts of the garden. There was a Lookout point that after climbing a steep hill you have a breathtaking view of the mountain range and the island. We didn't have our own car but if you do, there are plenty of places to stop and park to take pictures or you can drive through the whole thing and see it from the car. The place is huge with so much to explore, we were there for about an hour and didnt get to see all of ots glory. I would however recommend having your own car that way if you get tired from walking you could see the rest of it from your car. Overall, I would definitely recommend coming to check out this beautiful part of nature.
Written 13 June 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.

Hxa0063
northridge 217 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021
The drive into the gardens is everything one can expect. It’s absolutely stunning. The lake is large and offered thousands of fish to look at. The garden is a wonderful place to find a table and have a picnic. Unfortunately for us it was so hot and humid, our kids didn’t want to stay and explore. I would love to come back during the winter and check it out. Or maybe the gardens can extend their closing time to 7 during the summers so that people can enjoy the gardens in the shade?
Written 16 July 2021
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.

ITRT
Virginia45,142 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2022
When you drive or walk around the gardens, it is easy to see why the name means a “peaceful refuge”. If you are driving a car, you are not allowed to stop along the route to the gardens and take photos. Signs are posted throughout the drive. There are many areas where you can enjoy the abundant greenery of plants from around the world including Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Africa, Tropical America and Polynesia to name a few. Here you can take pictures of the mountain range, tree canopies and foliage. My daughter said the gardens has become a popular place to take Instagram photos. Parking lots, picnic tables, benches and bathroom facilities are strategically located throughout the park that can be reserved for a fee from Friday to Monday. Another feature is that the park has about 8 camping sites that can be reserved Stop by the visitor center to pick up a map to better enjoy the park. Best choice to relax from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Written 21 March 2022
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.

Lauren D
7 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2021
Honestly, I was really looking forward to walking around and exploring the gardens. My friend and I dropped by after a long day at the north shore and per other reviews were told the road would be closed but the side gate would be open, which both were true. However upon walking through the side gate the security guard popped out of his room and said to us, without a greeting, "no pictures and you have to be out in 10". Look, i get it, it sounds like people taking pictures on that main road has caused traffic issues in the past and they have a policy. But this dude assumed we were here to take pictures and break the rules and made a point to call us out, as opposed to just letting us walk through and just enjoy the gardens for the last few minutes of sunlight. Also, the gate to the road was closed so what's the big deal anyways if there's no traffic coming in/out? Whatever.

We left with a bad taste in our mouth and no desire to go back. I'm sure the gardens are beautiful but I don't want to visit a place where the staff is rude to their guests right off the bat.
Written 22 March 2021
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.

Julia A
London, UK405 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022 • Friends
This garden is a great way to see all the landscapes of Hawaii really easily and for free - there is no admission fee! The garden is designed to be drivable and there are plenty of points to stop, park up and take a walk. Download the map and plan a longer walk but definitely get away from the lake - it is beautiful but it can get quite busy and there are so many other beautiful vantage points to explore.
TOP TIP - head up to the lookout at Kilonani Mauka. You get a view of the whole garden and you can see the planes taking off and landing at Honolulu airport!
Written 19 August 2022
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 (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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