“To make a place of peace and tranquility”

There is something magical about Hawaii. It’s always hard to compile a list on must do’s for first time visitors. But after my latest visit I’ve decided it’s high time I start posting about some of my absolute places to visit in Hawaii. Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden is one of my favorite places on the island of Oahu it is not only stunning and an amazing place to spend an afternoon, but it’s also FREE!

Approximately 45 minutes by car from Waikiki (traffic depending) you end up in what almost feels like another hidden paradise. There are buses you can take to get to the park from Waikiki these take approximately 1.5hrs. I typically take an Uber or Lyft. Personally I love visiting on overcast days because something about the clouds and mist over the mountains makes it feel even more enchanting. But that’s just my personal preference.

What to bring:

Sunscreen

WATER

Pack a picnic to enjoy while you’re there! (Note: no alcohol is permitted in the park.)

Bug spray (there are a few spots that we got quite a few bites.)

There are several hiking trails in the 400 acre gardens that you can enjoy, should you have enough time to spend there. You can spend your time leisurely walking around and exploring little trails and hikes. Maps are available via QR code that is located at the visitors center. The park is open from 9am-4pm every day other than Christmas Day and New Years. However, one things to note, the park starts closing around 3:30pm making sure that everyone is out. So if you have a Lyft or Uber driver coming to pick you up and it is past 3:30pm, you will have to walk back down to the entrance.

There are cultural classes that you can partake in should it line up with your schedule. Please note that class sizes are limited so make sure you make a reservation. Click here to check classes that are upcoming. One of the easiest and shortest paths brings you to the lake where you can sit and enjoy the beauty, there are benches and picnic tables around the lake. It’s a peaceful place to picnic so should you spend the full day there make sure you bring food.

There are so many diverse plants and trees around the gardens that are marked so that you can learn more about where they are from as you take it all in.

You can also camp at Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden. There are sites located above the lake with showers, toilets, fire pits and wash stations. This is something I certainly want to experience on a future trip, I’m sure it’s an incredible experience. Click here to reserve a campsite at Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden and for more information.

Another thing to note for those newly engaged, is that you can get married at Ho’omaluhia! What a stunning place, look up photos of weddings there if you want to be in awe. There are photographers in Oahu that have packages specifically for Ho’omaluhia.

To obtain a permit application contact: (808) 233-7323

Overall this is a stunning place to visit while in Oahu. Sit around the lake with your picnic watch the birds, fish and if you’re lucky you might even catch a glance of a mongoose or two.