A Local’s Guide to Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden, Oahu, Hawaii
Are you searching for the ultimate guide to Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden on Oahu, Hawaii?This guide from a Hawaii local has everything you need to know about these beautiful gardens.
The Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden is one of the most jaw-dropping landscapes on the island of Oahu. (And trust me, there are many of the island.) There is so much to do on the property, including fishing, painting, and camping. You can easily spend an entire day at the Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden.
What is Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden?
Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden is a lovely botanical garden in Kaneohe, Oahu, Hawaii. It’s arguably the most popular botanical garden on Oahu. It’s also not far from the popular town of Kailua, if you’d like to visit both on the same day.
This botanical garden was actually originally built by the United States Army Corps of Engineers to control flooding in Kaneohe. It first opened to the public as a botanical garden in 1982.
Where Is Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden?
Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden is located within the city of Kaneohe and nestled within the Koolau Mountain Range. There are large dedicated parking areas on the property. And the best part: there is no entrance fee!
How Can I Get to Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden?
The easiest way to get to Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden is by car. Plus, there is a ton of parking, so that’s not something you have to worry about.
If you don’t have a car, you can take the public bus system. The closest stop is the Anoi Rd + Hinamoe LP stop, which is about 0.3 miles away from the entrance of Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden.
It is important to note that taking the bus will take significantly longer than driving. For example, to get from Waikiki to Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden by bus, it takes around an hour and ten minutes. But by car, it takes between 25 minutes and 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
What Are the Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden Hours?
Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden is open every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is only closed two days per year: Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden?
Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden is completely free to visit!
When Should I Go to Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden?
The gardens are open every day (except Christmas and New Year’s Day) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are beautiful at all times of day.
That said, I will say to watch out for the rain. Check the weather forecast right before you head out, because that portion of the island is known for its rainier tendencies. If you do happen to be looking for the best lighting, you can catch that in the morning.
What Should I Bring to Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden?
Water
It can get a little muggy at Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden, so some water to rehydrate is always a good idea. Bring it in a reusable water bottle too, so you can help preserve the wonderful natural beauty that you’ll see in front of you.
Bug Repellent
You will definitely regret it if you don’t spray on some bug repellent before heading to Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden. Sometimes, I’ll put on bug repellent, and a few of the strong ones will still manage to give me a couple of bites! So before you go, use some bug spray!
There are both traditional and natural bug repellent options for to choose from.
Bread
There will be ducks and swans at the gardens, and they’re always looking to be fed. Bring some bread to fill their hungry tummies.
What Can I Do There?
There are lots of options!
Take a Few Pictures
Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden is basically Instagram famous. You know those Instagram pictures of people on an empty street lined with palm trees and a stunning green mountain range in the background? That’s here. Or the ones on a little wooden platform on a lake with a stunning green mountain range in the background? That’s also here.
So it would be uninformed of me to not tell you to take a few pictures at Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden. I will say, however, remember to take in the beauty of nature without the camera as well.
Learn About the Plants
It’s a botanical garden. You’re likely there to look at some local plants and flowers. Walk around the path and see everything from ginger to cacao pods.
There are also some special classes for the little ones to take a nature walk, do some crafts, and ask all of their questions about the many plants in Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden on the third Tuesday of each month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Feed the Ducks
As mentioned previously, you’ll want to bring some bread to feed the eager ducks and swans. To find them, follow the main path. Eventually, it’ll come to an end, but a lake will be in view. Head toward the lake, and the ducks and geese will be waiting!
Catch a Few Fish
On Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can catch-and-release a few fish with the family! They’ll provide the poles and hooks. You just have to bring the bait (the bread for the ducks works great)!
Paint a Picture
Once I went to the gardens and saw a few people sitting on a picnic table with a couple of bottles of paint, a few brushes, and a canvas – and I thought that was the most brilliant idea I’d come across in a while. As a matter of fact, it’s one of the coolest things to do on Oahu!
Why not try to capture a version of the beautiful nature in Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden with a paint brush and some paint? Even if you don’t think of yourself as all that artsy, it’s bound to be a fun, new experience!
There is actually a dedicated painting time: Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Have a Picnic
Since there are the aforementioned picnic tables, why not have a picnic? If you’re coming from Waikiki, make a stop at Tucker & Bevvy. (They’re known for their picnic food.) If you’re coming from anywhere else, make a stop at a nearby grocery store, as there is not much near the botanical gardens.
Do Some Camping
If you really love nature, you can actually spend a night or two camping on the property! From 9 p.m. Friday to 4 p.m. Monday, certain parts of Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden are open for camping! There are three camping areas on the property: Kahua Kuou, Kahua Lehua, and Kahua Nui-Makai. Remember to book in advance!
Get Married
That’s right! You can get married at the beautiful Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden. It does require permits and applications and whatnot, but if you’re interested, the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation has more information.
If botanical gardens pique your interest, consider stopping by the beautiful Koko Crater Botanical Garden as well!
Have you ever been to Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden? Tell me about your experience in the comments!
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Great tips for visiting Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden! It sounds like a fantastic place to visit and like it should be on Hawaii must do list. I love visiting botanical gardens so this would be right up my alley.
Perfect! You should definitely make it a stop if you get a chance to visit the islands :).
Ahhh, so thiiiis is where the Instagram famous road is in Hawaii!! I’ve been to Oahu a few times but never to the botanical gardens. It will make my list for next time! Saving this article for later.
Haha yes! Glad I could help you uncover the mystery!
I love visiting gardens when I travel, too! Those bird of paradise flowers remind me so much of home (Brisbane, Aus). I guess we have a similar climate – I can definitely sympathise with the humidity and mozzies!
Haha you’d love Hoomaluhia then! And if we have a similar climate, I’d love to visit your home of Brisbane :).
Oahu is next on my list for Hawaiian islands. I’d love to check out these gardens!
Ooh it sounds like it’s time for another trip over to the islands!