Posted in Hawaii
September 21, 2015
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. They feature thousands of species of tropical plants, and flora indigenous to the islands. These sixteen botanical gardens are among the state’s best but, in reality, there are too many gardens to list all of them here.
Due to fertile volcanic soil and a moist climate, the garden is able to support more than 2,000 species of flora.
Part of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens, this 400-acre garden in Kaneohe features a lake, 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.
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.
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.
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.
Located on 100 acres of old sugarcane fields, this magnificent garden is home to an impressive collection of fruit trees, waterfalls, and even a maze.
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.
These lush botanical gardens are set on 26 acres full of trails, picnic spots, waterfalls and coastal views.
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.
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.
Reportedly known as one of the best cactus and succulent gardens in the world, the garden encompasses 35 acres and is located near Poipu Beach Park.
Which of these gardens is your favorite? Share your experiences and photographs in the comments below!
