Over the past two years I've had the opportunity to take in some parts of Hawaii that most people don't know about and take advantage of while visiting the Islands. There are a number of different gardens and arboretums across the islands that are just absolutely beautiful. I've visited the McBryde Gardens at the National Tropical Botanical Garden which also has the Allerton Garden on the Island of Kauai. On Oahu, Foster Botanical Garden, Lyon Arboretum, Koko Crater Botanical Garden in Honolulu and Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden in Kaneohe are locations I've enjoyed. Each offering views of unique flora and some spectacular scenery. Taking half a day of your trip if you're visiting or part of a day off if your local will create a memorable adventure.
Foster, Koko Crater and Ho'omaluhia are run by the City and County of Honolulu with Lyon Arboretum being handled by the University of Hawaii and Allerton and McBryde were formed under a Congressional Charter. Koko Crater and Ho'omaluhia are free. Lyon has a suggested donation. Foster, Allerton and McBryde have admission fees.
For all of the parks, wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for outside walking. Sun screen would be recommended and possible insect repellent might be necessary. For me, I remained repellent free and didn't have a problem at any of the locations. At all of the locations I've mentioned with the exception of Foster Gardens, you can do some hiking on paths that are a bit rough with root and rocks that could trip you up as you explore. Foster wasn't nearly as bad as the other locations. The reason being it's the smallest of the parks and is very close to downtown Honolulu being bordered by a stream, the H1 Freeway, Nuuanu Avenue and Vineyard Blvd while the others are pure outdoors insides craters or snuggled up against a mountain side.
If you go to Koko Crater, take extra preparations. They don't have regular bathrooms, only a port-a-potty and there is no gift shop selling any liquid refreshment. Hydrate before you go and make sure that you have access to water while visiting Koko Crater!
Koko Crater would surprise visitors. It is fairly arid inside the crater. Upon entering there are a number of HUGE plumeria trees and when blooming, the fragrances are intoxicating! To see these trees that had gotten so big that their branches were laying along the ground filled with the aromatic blossoms for me was exciting to see! There is a section dedicated to various species of cacti. I didn't know what we had any Baobab trees in Hawaii. I do now and they are inside the crater!
Ho'omaluhia Gardens are part of a system built by the Army Corp of engineers to help with flooding. At the bottom of the property is an earthen dam and a lake. From a bit higher vantage point looking down, it's very beautiful. We drove all the way to the end of the road and it's 2.5 miles from the gate to the furthest point in the park along the roadway. Ho'omaluhia is unique in that it allows for campers! The view of the windward side of the Ko'olau mountains is spectacular.
Lyon Arboretum is amazing nestled at the base of the Ko'olau mountains at the back of Manoa Valley. At the back of the property is 'Aihualama waterfall.. Depending on the time of year, it might be a regular waterfall and other times it may be a trickle. As you're walking around, you'll probably hear the now wild parrots that have made the area their home and if you're lucky, you may be able to see them. As you drive out of the park back down into the city, you'll get a nice view of the City of Honolulu laid out below.
Foster Gardens is probably the most accessible of all the gardens. I had some friends get married in the gardens a few years ago. A specialty for this garden is once a year in the July time frame they have A Midsummer Nights Gleam event where the park is open in the evening. They line paths with luminaria adding a nice touch while hearing the various musical entertainment options wafting on the air as you walk through the 13 acres. Make sure you check out the cannon ball tree and lipstick plants!
Each location is different and unique. Each location has it's own set of beauty. The views and vistas, the quiet, hearing wild birds or the wind as it rustles the leaves of the vegetation around you to take you out of the hustle bustle of the every day and transport you into an atmosphere of serenity. It is something that neither local resident nor visitor should miss in their explorations of Hawaii.
For each of the locations I have sets of pictures set up of flickr that will show you some of the beauty at each location. Click the links below to be taken to the appropriate set
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