Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden Travel Guide

October 31, 2019

jennifer

Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Address: 45-680 Luluku Rd. Kāneʻohe, Hawaiʻi 96744

About Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden

This 400-acre garden is truly a place to get away from the crowds. In fact, the name Ho’omaluhia means, “a peaceful refuge.” And that’s exactly what you’ll find at the gardens.

Located in Kaneohe, it’s the last major stop on Shaka Guide's East Oahu Shoreline Drive before you head back to Waikiki. Expect to end the day amongst the lush greenery of Oahu’s windward side with the sounds of birds chirping as you admire exotic plants along the way.

Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden Reservoir | Photo by Daniel Ramirez, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Drive

As you drive into Ho’omaluhia take a moment to marvel at the Ko'olau Mountain Range. These majestic mountains were once part of a volcano that dominated the island of Oahu. During your drive, you’ll be tempted to get out of the car to take pictures. Don't! It’s prohibited. Keep driving, and wait to take pictures in the gardens. Trust us, there are plenty of spots for photo ops!.

The Gardens

As we mentioned, the property is 400 acres. That’s a lot of ground to cover. There are a variety of different gardens with plants from all over the world including, Sri Lanka and India, the Philippines and Malaysia, Africa, Tropical America, Hawaii, Melanesia and Polynesia.

Things to Do

Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden | Photo by Daderot., CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In addition to strolling through Ho’omaluhia and enjoying the flora, there are a few activities you can partake in while you’re there.

1. Fishing

If you’re visiting on a weekend, the garden has catch and release fishing from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in the reservoir.

2. Art Gallery and Painting

As you enter the garden, you’ll see a small visitor’s center and a nearby art gallery. Take a moment to look at the pieces before you embark on your adventure through the property. The natural splendor of Ho’omaluhia might even inspire your artistic side. Every Wednesday from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., there’s drawing and painting at the gardens. Bring your materials and let the beauty of this spot guide you.

3. Picnic

There are picnic tables scattered throughout the garden. Pack some lunch and plan a quiet picnic in this outdoor oasis.

4. Camping

Since Ho’omaluhia is the last stop on your Shaka Guide tour before you head back to Waikiki you might want to think about spending the night! The garden offers camping on the weekends from 9:00 a.m. on Fridays to 4:00 p.m. on Mondays. If you’re interested, you have to reserve a campsite in advance here.

Photo Spots

While we know it’s tempting to take a photo on the road through the garden, here are a few alternatives that won’t result in a fine!

1. Reservoir

The garden’s 32-acre reservoir was created to prevent flooding in the nearby neighborhoods. Use the reservoir with the Ko'olau Mountain Range in the background as the setting for your photo!

2. Benches

Park in the last lot at the garden and when you exit your car you’ll see there’s a set of three benches that overlook the mountains. Snap a photo, but stay to take in the peaceful beauty that surrounds you.