Here Are The 16 Most Beautiful Gardens You’ll Ever See In Hawaii
With a climate unlike the rest of the United States, Hawaii is home to some of the country’s most unique gardens. These gardens in Hawaii feature thousands of species of tropical plants, and flora indigenous to the islands. While in reality, there are far too many gorgeous gardens in Hawaii to feature, these sixteen botanical gardens are among the state’s best.
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Part of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens, this 400-acre garden in Kaneohe features a man-made lake perfect for a family fishing trip, walking trails, and even campgrounds.
Located off the Hana Highway is this 294-acre botanical garden, which was established in 1972 and is surrounded by one of Hawaii’s last undisturbed hala forests. Just check out those views!
Originally created by Robert Allerton, this 80-acre garden sits on the south shores of Kauai, transected by the Lawai Stream, which enters Lawai Bay. Allerton’s other famous garden resides in Illinois.
Featuring the largest Edo-style garden outside of Japan, the 30-acre garden was named after Hawaii’s last reigning queen and is nestled along coast in Hilo. This spot is picture-perfect for an leisurely afternoon stroll.
An area of historic cultural significance, the garden currently contains 35 distinct collections, with one of the most impressive collections of Polynesian plants in existence. This garden is also home to a stunning waterfall and swimming hole the entire family will love!
On the slopes of Mount Haleakala are the Enchanting Floral Gardens, which feature an impressive 1,500 species of tropical and semi-tropical plant species, as well as many exotic birds, insects, and animals.
Situated on Kauai’s north shore in a tropical valley is Limahuli Gardens, overlooking the ocean and Makana Mountain and featuring lava rock terraces built by ancient Hawaiians in order to cultivate taro.
A 60-acre garden within the Koko Crater, this botanical garden is also known as the Charles M. Wills Cactus Garden — a name that suits the hot, dry climate and the flora that are able to thrive in this environment. Oh, and this terrifying plant is an octopus cactus, in case you were curious.
Located near Allerton Gardens, the McBryde Garden is operated by the same non-profit, and encompasses 252 acres, including the largest ex situ collection of native Hawaiian flora in the world.
13. Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden, Big Island
Located near Captain Cook and situated on the western slope of the Mauna Loa volcano, this unique garden focuses on native Hawaiian plants, and their connection to Hawaii’s indigenous people.
Located near Honolulu’s Chinatown is the oldest botanical garden in the state of Hawaii, giving the Foster Botanical Garden a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
Created in 1977, Kula Botanical Garden is Maui’s first public garden, and features an aviary, a koi pond, waterfalls, and covered bridge on the slopes of Mount Haleakala.
The Hawaiian islands are home to some of the world’s most unique plants, and it is actually estimated that there are approximately 1,400 vascular plant taxa — including species, subspecies, and varieties — of flora native to the state of Hawaii including the yellow hibiscus, the state flower. Nearly 90 percent of these plants are found nowhere else in the world.
What is the most unique botanical garden in all of Hawaii?
While Hawaii is home to countless one-of-a-kind botanical gardens, one of the most unique has to be Moanalua Gardens. This garden is home to a famous monkeypod tree. This century-old tree covers more than an acre of land and has been used as the advertising logo of Japanese electronics corporation Hitachi since 1975. It is one of the most widely recognized corporate icons in Asia, as demonstrated by the busloads of Japanese tourists who visit the iconic tree every single day. And while the exact terms of the contract have not been disclosed, rumor has it that the current contract is similar to a previous ten-year pact in which Hitachi paid approximately $400,000 a year to use the monkeypod tree in its advertisements!
Does Hawaii have any tree tunnels?
Yup! Every single inch of the Aloha State is worth exploring, for it is when you take the road less traveled that you will find the most incredible landscapes. Skip the coastal drives, mountain roads, and popular hikes for once and instead, and instead check out these six incredible spots covered by a canopy of trees. From eucalyptus trees planted along a remote road on Kauai to a bamboo forest found on a breathtaking Maui hike, you’re sure to find serenity under these six canopies of trees.
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
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