Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden

I really enjoyed this amazing collection of tropical plants. What a lovely park, with picnic and camping facilities, and walking trails. I saw so many unique and interesting species! Labels and signs add to the educational nature of the experience. Don’t miss the lake!

An amazing experience with breathtaking views and plants from all over the world. The garden is very well organized with many marked stopping points where you can sit and have a picnic. It is a beautiful and highly recommended spot for nature lovers, offering some of the most stunning scenery in Oahu

100% must do when you visit the island. I took the bus from Waikiki to the gardens. Not too bad of a bus ride and I highly recommend going early in the morning. After walking through a beautiful neighbored you arrive at the gates of the garden. Lush greenery with amazing mountain tops and oversized ancient trees. Breathtaking! Once you arrive to the visitor areas, you can view some fun facts and make your way to the lake. Another jaw dropping moment. Ducks, birds, the VIEW......... sit on the bench to take it all in. It's absolutely beautiful. I can't believe you pay nothing to enter. I would go back 100 times.

We visited Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden while we were in Hawaiʻi, and it was absolutely beautiful. The scenery looks like something out of a postcard. lush mountains, peaceful lakes, and so many spots to stop and take photos. The whole place feels calm and relaxing, perfect for a slow walk or just enjoying nature. Parking was easy, the drive through the garden was stunning, and everything was well-maintained. If you want a break from the busy tourist areas, this is definitely worth the visit. One of our favorite stops on the island!

Opening hours are 9 am to 4 pm. This is free. This is a drive thru botanical garden with a great scenic view of the mountains. You can stop and walk there are parkings. We did not have the best weather but it is stunning. A must do.

Do not come last minute like we did. 40 min is not enough to enjoy this place. They have so many beautiful and unique plants I've never seen before! The area is huge, so there's a ton we missed out on! So come early and take your time enjoying it. If you drive to it, they start booting people with cars out at 3:45pm. Best part is that it's free!

The garden's lush landscapes, peaceful trails, and rich biodiversity make it a perfect spot to relax! Absolutely stunning views, exotic plants from around the world, and a serene atmosphere, it's a must-visit destination on Oahu. Don't forget to wear comfy shoes for the hike. Admission is free, making it an absolute steal! Whether you're a nature lover, photographer, or just looking for a chill spot, Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden has something for everyone!

Very green and lush garden. Scenic backdrop. Very quiet and peaceful in the further out parking areas. There is a visitor center but nearby parking is difficult. More parking available in far away lots. More to see there anyway. Its mostly a drive through experience from what I can see. Very nice.

If you are looking for a great place to explore with a baby, add this place to your list. The entrance alone to this botanical garden makes this place worth it to visit. It is so picturesque and something you'd need to just see for yourself. There's a nice stroll that'll lead you to a lake that's filled with fishes. Definitely a great spot to visit for anyone looking for something to do that's baby friendly.

Beautiful place..friendly staff. Worth a spot and parking is free, which makes is nice. Pack lunch and blanket to lie on and bring the bug spray. Explore and delight in the expansive park!

You know, Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden is a good example of both the positive and negative impacts that social media can have. Positive because, if not for all of the folks posting photos of themselves posing on the road leading in and out of here, folks like me might not have ever known that this place even existed, let alone how great it is. On the other hand, if all of those folks hadn't blocked the road to take said photos, maybe all of those signs about not stopping never would've been posted, thus, some of us could've snagged a photo or two! Ha! In all seriousness, though, this place is such a pretty and peaceful space to pass through. As soon as you drive through the security gate, you're immediately met by a gorgeous view of a tree lined road that appears to lead up to the mountains (this is the shot and backdrop everyone posts photos of). As you continue down the road, you'll end up passing by a visitor center and several parking lots along the way for a couple of the campgrounds and areas that you can walk around at. At the very end of the road, you'll find the third, and possibly the largest, campground as well as an open space with terrific views of the mountains and Kaneohe If you have the time for it, making your way through the entirety of the Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden is worth it, but if you're short on time, you actually don't have to go further than the visitors center. Besides the educational materials you can peruse through, you'll also find a path that will take you past a mix of flora and fauna and down to this big, serene pond/lake. Along the water, you'll see a variety of ducks and birds and potentially some of the fish. There are also a couple of lookout spots and benches that offer a better vantage point and places to sit and enjoy the view. Even though it may not have majestic views of the ocean or a distinct, floral garden to walk through, Ho'onmaluhia Botanical Garden is well worth visiting if you have a car to get out here. With such a large green space nestled what feels like at the food of the mountain range, it feels so tranquil here and a welcome reprieve from the hustle and bustle of some of the more touristy parts of the island. Plus, the best part about this place is that admission is FREE! Can't get much better than that!

We made a stop here and it is absolutely beautiful! The gardens are lush and green and huge. The first stop on the drive has the information building, bathroom, and several picnic tables. The staff there are so friendly and welcoming. They told us which stops to visit for the best pictures. There are several stops along the road that you drive up. The road can get a little narrow so drive slow. There are also people walking on the road too so be mindful. Each stop has parking space and tables. The very last stop is the best. The views are amazing!! We stopped and took lots of pictures and saw many people just hanging out. After your down you drive down the same road since it's one way in, one way out.

We had Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden on our list and it is HUGE! Our GPS originally took us to what we think was an old entrance, but it was a quick backtrack to go up the correct way. It's free to enter and there's a welcome center and area with a pond at the beginning. You can check out the map and decide where you 'd like to go and if you want to park and walk or take your car to the different areas. We started by driving closer to areas and then walking and realized that some areas were more fun to look around in than others because of the different plants, vegetation, and scenery. There are a couple lookout points which are worth stopping and taking the climb/walk for but most of it you can drive through and enjoy. Throughout the gardens there are restrooms, picnic spots, and parking. Definitely worth a drive through when you're in the area.

Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden encompasses 650 acres and its five botanical gardens display plants from Hawaii as well as around the world. It's free to enter and has nicely paved roads throughout. You might recognize this garden on social media because of the famous long road with lush greenery and mountains in the background. This road is at the entrance but they have signs telling you not to stop on the road to take pictures or videos. However, you'll see similar roads and scenery throughout the garden so you can get similar views throughout your time here. There are many parking lots and restrooms throughout the garden where you can park and take pictures. There's also a nice lake in the middle of the garden. Although you can't stop in the middle of the road, you can take great pictures and videos if you can find the right spots. This is a must-do spot if you're in Oahu and worth renting a car to come here.

Absolutely breathtaking! This was my first time visiting Hawaii -- I came for a collaboration and stopped by Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden during the last leg of our trip in Oahu. The drive in alone was stunning, with palm trees swaying and mountain views that felt straight out of a movie. It was a hot, humid Sunday, but the weather cooled down in the afternoon right as we arrived -- perfect timing! The garden is so peaceful and lush, with incredible views everywhere you turn. Definitely a must-visit spot if you're in Oahu, whether you're into nature, photography, or just want to soak in the island beauty.

We visited over Thanksgiving and were thrilled to see it was open. I'd recommend a vehicle because the heat/sun and walk between each section can be a lot. The first and last spots were our favorites with the view of the pond and mountains and then a different vantage point of the mountains. This was serene and well worth the time.

Ho'omaluhia Garden is so beautiful and spacious. You can drive or step out and walk in many areas.  The amazing Ko'olau Range is so close amidst trees, grass, lake,...    The paths are very nice. There are signs on various trees stating what they are. I was surprised to see so many fruit trees that I only know from, well from ordering food! An Acai bowl, pandan pastry, etc. and there they were growing. (Yes, I'm a city girl)

If we had more time in the day, we definitely would have spent hours just walking and driving around Hoomaluhia Batonical Garden. It was so peaceful, relaxing, and a breath of fresh air. We took a lot of pictures and videos just because it was so beautiful. By the way, have I mentioned that it's FREE to go in?! Amazing.

Hoomaluhai Botanical Garden was absolutely beautiful -- one of the many highlights of my Hawaii trip :') The views at this botanical garden was absolutely stunning -- super green and peaceful. We visited the lake which had lots of koi fish and duckies, and walked around the garden and enjoyed the view. The sun was in and out while we were there -- luckily no rain (a lot of fellow yelpers said there was rain hehe) We stayed for less than an hour and got to enjoy this beautiful Hawaii landmark. I'll be back during my next visit.

Yes, this is a most beautiful place but did you know they host classes, such as meditation, painting and lei making? I like to come out the Friday before Memorial Day to make lei for veteran tombstones. Check out the classes on Honolulu Dept Parks & Recreation website! Most classes are free or low cost. Just another reason why #luckywelivehawaii

If you are travelling by private vehicle, Byodo-In Temple is 15 minutes away. If you visit the gardens, I would include the temple as part of your day trip. Ho'omaluhia Botanical Gardens is first, and foremost, a flood control project. It was designed, built and is maintained by the US Army Corp of Engineers. I mention this because you will occasionally see signs asking you to stay out of, or refrain from taking photos in, certain areas. (I'm just saying). The rainforest garden has plants from major tropical regions around the world. It also has a lake and walking trail. From the visitor center towards the lake, the trail has a downhill grade. The first third of the trail is a serpentine concrete walkway. Afterwards, the trail is hardpack soil + aggregate mix. I would rate the walk as "easy" for most people who do not have mobility issues. Towards the lake, there is a pavilion with picnic tables. There are a fewer picnic tables and benches near the lake. The lake has a lot of koi. Frankly, if you are looking for a botanic garden which curates and labels a lot of individual plant specimens, there are other botanic gardens on the island that do a better job. However, this garden does provide a nice park experience; and the ambiance of a tropical paradise. (And this is first, and foremost, a flood control project.)

This botanical garden was ok; free admission. We did the walk from the visitor center down to the lake.. not as spectacular as I expected. Very busy- few different areas to park. A little bit of downhill/ uphill.

One of our favorite botanical garden to visit when we are on O'ahu. It is a lush, peaceful retreat nestled at the base of the Koʻolau Mountains in Kaneohe. It features tropical plants from around the world, scenic walking paths, and a tranquil lake overjoyed with koi fishes. The dramatic mountain backdrop makes it a favorite spot for photos and quiet reflection. Whether you're a nature lover, photographer, or just seeking a calm escape from the city, Hoomaluhia offers a truly serene and breathtaking experience. Light crowd not overwhelming full of people. The best part, it's free to enter!

Love coming here for it's peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. The weather was sunny and clear on the day that we visited. We actually brought our lunches here. It was the perfect scenery. We walked to the lake which was full of koi fish. We went further into the garden which happened to be campsites. We lit to park and just walk at different sections of the garden. You will see many people take pictures for their wedding or special occasion Bathrooms are available and easily accessible. Park closes at 4pm.

This botanical garden is an ideal spot for weddings, photography, relaxation, picnics, and simply enjoying the mountains and surrounding vegetation. Despite being a tourist attraction, it's not overcrowded, and the people are very friendly. However, it closes quite early, around 4 o'clock. The downside is that it could be dangerous for pedestrians because of drivers trying to take pictures while driving, even though there are signs warning against it. Apart from that, it's a perfect place to relax and enjoy the views away from the water. It's one of my favorite places to visit on weekdays, as I imagine weekends are crowded. If you visit every so often, you should definitely check this place out; you will not be disappointed.

Most peaceful scenic drive with breathtaking mountain views, tropical gardens, and cooler temperatures. Plus, it's free admission. Very straightforward road. I stopped at the Botanical Garden Lake, where I spotted a Mongoose. They're like Hawaiian squirrels with a slender and longer body than the fatty squirrels I have back home. Lots of public restrooms are available near the parking lots. Too bad I didn't take any pictures since I was too distracted by the greenery. It was quiet and serene, away from the tourists. They close early at 4 pm, so come at 2 pm to complete the tour.

I LOVE THIS GARDEN! It's a gorgeous beautiful place to get away clear your mind and appreciate God's beauty. The ducks are cute and can be feed if you would like to what really captivated me was how green it is heading into this beautiful botanical garden and the pound that is there. Too bad can't go in for a quick dip but it's relaxing and if you would like to have lunch there you can there are tables with benches or bring a blanket and have a picnic. Love it here!!!

I expected more for a botanical garden. We walked to the lake and felt it was a bit underwhelmed. There wasn't much to look at. A lot of greenery but nothing special that caught my attention. Some trails were muddy so I would recommend wearing a pair of shoes you don't mind getting mud on. There is a small education center next to the parking lot. There are also restrooms and portable potty to use.

It's beautiful and peaceful here. It was a nice break from white sandy beaches and the bustling city life of Waikīkī. Since it's still summer, there were not a lot of flowering plants, but I imagine that the spring time would be an ideal time to visit after the rainy season. It's definitely a nice walk and a good way to spend time in nature.

Beautiful. Free. Nice short hike. Lots of variety of trees and flowers. Lots of shade. Bathrooms available. You can't swim in the lake, but there are beautiful orange midas cichlids (usually confused for koi fish) in the lake (see picture). There are lots of ducks and a variety of smaller birds as well. This was my first time here and won't be my last.

Pictures do not do this garden justice. So beautiful and breathtaking. It's free to get in. Check in at the visitors center, get the map and start your adventure. You can start off by walking to the lake which is about a 10-15 walk, takes lots of photos along the way. Once you are done there you get back into your car and start your drive. You can stop at each one and walk or none and just drive. Either way you can enjoy the gorgeous views.

This place is beautiful and tranquil.. It's the best kept secret. ( People do not like to share this sacred space. ) There's several trails that lead to the pond and there is trails the go all around the property,, but it didn't check them all out. Some lead to some fantastic views. The trail we did, leading from the large parking lot, went through luscious trees into a courtyard down a rocky trail to the pond. And we followed another trail back to the parking lot. It's a long road that leads you around the property, you might want to drive, ( the one you see feature in everyone's photos/videos. ). Unless you don't mind walking. I brought a nice picnic and some things for photos. You want to make sure you have room in your camera. This place is picturesque Please note : There are drivers driving around to make sure people you are behaving. There are some rules, you have to park in the parking slots. No stopping traffic to take photos. And there are no dogs allowed.

This was a very unique botanical garden as it was more like a forest, which was interesting. It is huge! A good and bad thing depending on what you are looking for. I was looking to see some native Hawaiian flowers and plants. I got to see plants, but saw pretty much no flowers even though I walked around for 1.5 hours. Pretty disappointing for me. I should've just explored peoples' yards as there was more to see than the area I walked around.

so so so incredibly beautiful every time i visit here -- chill, relaxing, and beautiful environment with trees and flowers all around. it rains randomly but u know how it is ! humid af from all the CO2 lol

Every time we go to this area, it's always raining so expect sudden weather changes... it is Kaneohe after all. We love this botanical garden because it is spacious, super green and lush, and is a beautiful backdrop for photos. If you go all the way to the top, people take a lot of pictures with the mountain backdrop. Many people also visit the huge lake as well. I saw on social media that you can "fish" there now, but I didn't check this out personally yet. It might be a fun activity with the ohana. The entrance to the garden is nestled in a neighborhood of regular homes. Please make sure to be aware that these are private homes and not to be a nuisance. Usually an unko is sitting/standing nearby the entrance to greet you as you enter and/or answer any questions. Parking: Parking can be a little more difficult at times because there are a lot of people visiting. Please be mindful of the road signs and people standing where they are not supposed to at times!

I've been coming to this insanely beautiful place for years. It is wonderful for a day spent in nature, a picnic, photos, running and cycling on the road, and even camping with a permit. I've done all of the above recently. Ho'omaluhia is magical, a curated expanse of plants both native and from worldwide. There's a pond full of koi to feed and the views are spectacular.

These Botanical Gardens are beautiful and better yet it is free to roam these beautiful tropical gardens. It is very serene and a great place to meditate and take in all the beauty. They close at 4:00 pm so be sure to allow enough time if you are doing a circle island drive around the island .

Such a beautiful spot to visit on O'ahu! Perfect for bringing your family and friends to take lots of scenic pictures both in the forests, along the pond, or on some of the scenic lookouts. It's free and maintained by the State. Visitor Center has maps and helpful information if needed. Just a reminder to be courteous of the environment, others, and passing cars!

Beautiful botanical garden. Visited today, 6/23/25. Free to visit. The drive is beautiful with lush greenery and trees. There's even a lake! The best part is there's restrooms available throughout and clean too! Definitely highly recommended and worth the drive to Kaneohe.

This is still one of my favorite places on the island. I noticed far more influencer-type people at the garden this time around, and unfortunately, some of them were standing in the middle of the road taking pictures, despite numerous signs asking not to do so. The place felt a bit busier, but it was still quite relaxing. We picked up food from Adela's and had a picnic, which was lovely.

If my expat friend hadn't sent me an article on this amazing place, I don't think I'd have added this to my recent trip. We'd been to Oahu numerous times over the years but never heard of this breath taking place. Built by the US Army Corps of Engineers to control flooding for Kaneohe , its 400 acres. Plantings from various tropical regions of the world including plants indigenous to Hawaii. We did the one mile drive through the garden. We also visited the small visitor center. We avoided walking as it had just rained. What was the biggest ooh aah moment was the massive Ko'olau Range. Glance up and it'll take your breath away. It's a great photo opp. And the best part - free admission.

This was amazing. Very peaceful. Was shrouded in clouds and looked like a rain forest. I highly recommend visiting. It is free and they even have staff to help you. Some trails are partially accessible.

An absolute must to visit to get the breathtaking view of what Jurassic park might've looked like. Plan to go early to ensure a parking spot and get your cameras out as soon as you pull in because the entrance is breathtaking. No entrance or parking fee. There isn't too much more to see but it's still worth a visit drive and walk through.

Who doesn't love a free botanical garden?! Lol. Very pretty botanical garden with some light walking. Make sure to wear sturdy walking shoes or secure sandals because there's an area that can get muddy.

We like botanical gardens a lot so when we found out about this place we had to go. Little did I know that it is completely free! No admission fee, no parking fee. Totally free. You start at the Education Center to get a map then proceed from there. Essentially, there is main road you can walk along or drive along to different "stops," where there are paths to walk to the lake or to see different groupings of plants and trees. Most people go to the first stop that has a path to the lake, so if you go a bit farther the crowds thin out substantially. We enjoyed this botanical garden but it was not the best we have been to in Hawaii. Don't get me wrong, the scenery is beautiful. But the prize is held by the botanical garden on the Big Island, north of Hilo. That one was spectacular. This one is good. Hint: the earlier you go, the less likely you will have problems with parking.

After Sofie's Vet check I decided to drive through the garden to jump on the H3 from the Likelike side. There's a security person checking all visitors and vehicles at this entrance. I've driven through the garden numerous times but from the other side so I've never been stopped previously. I was told I had to turn around as I couldn't enter the park with an animal. Didn't make a difference that we weren't getting out of the car just no entry. The man was nice and polite so we just turned around and home on the Pali H3 exit. I'm not sure it they've started checking Likelike entrance because we've driven through numerous times but no can do on the Kamehameha side entrance (by Masa's).

This place is so beautiful and so green . I love the variety of plants and greenery . You can just drive through or you can park and go on many of the trails they have. They also have a nice little lake . Perfect spot to have a little picnic and the best part is it's free .

This place is free for everyone to come and enjoy. I wish I had the name of the Ranger who was working at the visitor center. She was super knowledgeable and friendly. She was helping everyone non-stop and answering questions. This month they have a pastel art gallery in one of the buildings. One of the artist was in there working... she paused her work to answer a couple of young kids question and proceeded to show them on how pastels work.

100% a place to go to! HUGE free botanical garden. Astounding for locals, tourists, kids, elderly, active outdoors hiking people, everybody. Driving through this garden felt like I was transported into a different world. Lush green plant life everywhere and all around. Plenty of camping grounds as well, permits are needed. Even the hiking options are plentiful. We didn't know about the hiking option and just picked a random camping ground and started walking and it was gorgeous. You can also just drive through if you want to to hike. Lots of clean bathrooms. Great for a picnic. Aestically pleasing place for a photo shoot. Overall fantastic all around

We visited for the first time on our last visit. We were staying in Waikiki and it's worth the drive. We drove through and took a walk to the lake from the visitor center and walked up to the overlook. The scenery is unbelievable. Definitely a place to check out. You will not be disappointed!

It was fun to hike and explore the different checkpoints and see the different greenery.

Easy, short walk. Only HALF is PAVED - we brought a stroller, it was just a little bumpy and rocky. Lots of shaded area and tables to sit and eat at by the lake. Lots of ducks and koi fish that you're allowed to feed. LOTS of PARKING and beautiful views. Not to much to do activity-wise.

A Local Gem In Kaneohe Town A stunning natural sanctuary that showcases the beauty and diversity of tropical flora. The name "Hoomaluhia" translates to "a peaceful refuge," and that perfectly encapsulates the serene atmosphere that visitors can experience within the gardens. The gardens were established in 1982 and have since become a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking respite from the bustling city life. You can enjoy this garden free-of-charge with lots of parking and clean restrooms. A great place to lay your picnic basket and enjoy your company in lush surroundings.

Lovely drive. Narrow road, so drive carefully. 15 mph speed limit, so sometimes lines of cars stack up . Beautiful plants. Nice small education center. Scattered picnic areas.

Get your walking shoes on! And be patient with parking. This place gets busy. So much to see, and very peaceful when you are out looking. I forgot to take more pictures. I would love to go see the other botanical gardens.

Amazingly unique and stunning. Not what I had expected but stunning! Undeniably beautiful! The lushness is unforgettable. Worth the trip.

If I could give a million stars I would!!!! If you can fit this oasis into your itinerary I suggest you make it happen. It is quite the feast for the eyes from beginning to end. There is something so healing to be smack dab in the middle of nature. This place makes you feel as if you have been transported somewhere out of this world. The colors are so vibrant. The mountain ranges look so huge as if they are standing guard. The walk down to the lake is a short 10 minutes from the parking lot and visiting center. If you think the pictures I've attached are beautiful seeing them in person is 1000 times better. As I told my boys, listen to the sounds. The sounds of the wind, birds, etc. I love that along the path down to the lake there were name cards in front of various plants and trees. There were several parking lots. There was even a camping spot where people had tents and were grilling towards the end of the drive. There were families taking what looked like their family photos (you have to get permission from the visitors center beforehand I believe). When you get to the entrance a gentleman stops your car and asks a few questions and then shares the rules of the garden and where the visitor center is. There were clean bathrooms at the visiting center. A great place to get your steps in if you are interested. We came a week before Christmas and although overcast it was still a big humid, but nothing you can't handle to enjoy this breathtaking paradise. This place reminds you that you are in Hawaii!