With a climate unlike the rest of the United States, Hawaii is home to some of the country’s most unique gardens. Featuring thousands of species of tropical plants and flora indigenous to the islands and elsewhere, there’s little better than these 16 beautiful Hawaiian botanical gardens. One example is the Wahiawa Botanical Garden on Oahu, a little slice of heaven miles away from the nearest beach. Found in the center of Oahu, you’ll feel as though you’ve entered the pages of a fairy tale at the picturesque Wahiawa Botanical Garden.
Hidden off a side street in the small town of Wahiawa, located in the center of Oahu, is a magical slice of paradise home to a variety of stunning plants and several meandering walking paths perfect for an afternoon stroll.
One of those paths is known as the Wahiawa Botanical Garden Loop, an easy trail stretching for just under a mile. Some of the paths have inclines, rocky terrain, and stairs.
Often considered the "tropical jewel" of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens, the Wahiawa Botanical Garden in Oahu is located nearly 1,000 feet above sea level. This area receives an average of 65 inches of rain each year, allowing a variety of tropical flora to flourish.
Found on a high plateau in central Oahu between the Waianae and Ko’olau mountain ranges, these enchanting 27-acre botanical gardens in HI feature everything from taro to native Hawaiian ferns - and everything in between.
Here, you’ll also find bamboo forests…
...a variety of colorful plants and flowers....
...and even rainbow eucalyptus trees!
The garden was first planted in the 1920s when the Hawaiian Sugar Planters’ Association leased the land from the State of Hawaii for experimental tree planting.
Many of the garden’s large trees date to this era, though the Wahiawa Botanical Garden wasn’t established and opened to the public as a garden until 1957.
With a seemingly never-ending supply of meandering paths and new surprises around every turn, you’ll feel as though you’re exploring an enchanted fairytale-inspired forest at this picturesque garden, truly one of the best botanical gardens in Hawaii.
The Wahiawa Botanical Garden is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, and is located at 1396 California Avenue, Wahiawa, HI 96786. There is no admission fee.
It's best to wear close-toed shoes and to bring along some bug repellent. Plan for at least a couple of hours!
Just miles away from this lush oasis is another botanical garden that is entirely different. The Koko Crater Botanical Garden is home to a variety of cactus species, but it is just as magical as the Wahiawa Botanical Garden. Love exploring Hawaii’s parks and hidden gems? We think you’ll adore these 14 enchanting spots found across the islands.
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