Hawaii's Most Beautiful Gardens & Green Spaces
When setting foot into a garden in Hawaii, expect to be engulfed by lush greenery, tightly spiraled ferns, and the sweet wafting fragrance of tropical blossoms. Hawaii’s many native and endemic plants make visiting a garden unique. Here is a compilation of the most beautiful gardens and green spaces in the islands.
Oʻahu
1. Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden
Botanical Garden
This free botanical garden on Oʻahu’s east side is a highly sought-after location for photographers and Instagrammers. When raining, dozens of waterfalls stream down the Koʻolau mountain range, painting a breathtaking backdrop. Visitors wander through botanical collections depicting the tropical environments of the Philippines, India, Polynesia, and others. Watercolor Wednesdays attract artists who love to paint and draw the polychromatic scenery.
2. Lyon Arboretum
Botanical Garden
3. Foster Botanical Garden
Botanical Garden
Kauaʻi
4. Na ‘Āina Kai Botanical Gardens & Sculpture Park
Botanical Garden
The 240-acre park is home to one of the largest bronze sculpture collections in the United States, including the limited edition sculpture “Valentine” by George Lundeen. The area’s flat pastureland was transformed into an exotic landscape that contains a koi lagoon, hedge labyrinth, miniature Hawaiian village, and a kid-friendly treehouse. The sculptures are strategically placed throughout, making for an afternoon the whole family will enjoy.
Maui
5. Thompson Ranch & Riding Stables
Natural Feature
Located on the upper slopes of Haleakalā, Thompson Ranch offers some of the most incredible views of West Maui, and on a clear day the nearby islands of Lanaʻi and Kahoʻolawe. Visitors go horseback riding and watch the sun set across the verdant rolling hills, or spend the day shadowing cowboy Jerry Thompson on the Wrangler Ride Along tour. The working cattle ranch includes numerous horse-riding trails, a eucalyptus forest, native plants, and farm animals.
6. Limahuli Garden & Preserve
Archaeological site, Botanical Garden
With ancient taro terraces and a native forest, setting foot in Limahuli Garden & Preserve is like stepping back into the time of ancient Hawaii. The area is one of the most biodiverse in all the state, with horticulturalists caring for the endangered species. Visitors learn about the Hawaiian’s deep connection with the land and their complex land division practices, while coming face-to-face with rare endemic and native plants. In recognition of their work, the preserve was named Best Natural Botanical Garden by the American Horticultural Society, and won the Koa Award for their commitment to perpetuating the Hawaiian culture.
Big Island
7. Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens
Zoo, Botanical Garden
With over 125 inches of rain each year, Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens is the only natural tropical rainforest zoo in the country. The free zoo has more than 100 varieties of palms, bromeliads, and a water garden interspersed between animals such as the endemic and endangered ‘io (Hawaiian hawk).
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