Gardens & Nature Parks
1. Foster Botanical Gardens
Planted by a pioneering botanist in the 1850s, nurtured by an amateur gardener, and willed to the city in 1931, this easily accessed city garden includes plantings of orchids and palms, and rare and endangered tropical plants.
50 N. Vineyard Blvd., Honolulu • 9am–4pm daily • 522 7066 • Adm
2. Lili’uokalani Botanical Gardens
Bequeathed to her people by the last monarch of Hawai’i, the garden focuses on native plants. The site includes portions of Nu’uanu Valley.North Kuakini St., Honolulu • 7am–5pm daily • 522 7060 • Free
3. Hawai’i Nature Center
This non-profit conservation group encourages children to look after the environment. Weekend family programs including interpretive hikes, earth care projects and nature adventures are held at the center in a picturesque ravine in Makiki Valley.2131 Makiki Heights Dr., Honolulu • 955 0100
4. Lyon Arboretum
Named for Harold L. Lyon, longtime director of botanical gardens in Honolulu, this University facility is both a field station and a public garden of tropical plants, native plants, conservation biology, and Hawaiian ethnobotany. Classes, workshops and outings are offered.3860 Mānoa Rd, Honolulu • 8am–4pm Mon–Fri, 9am–3pm Sat • 988 0456 • www.hawaii.edu/lyonarboretum
5. Honolulu Zoo
The venerable zoological garden in Waikīkī incorporates savanna and tropical forest areas, birds and reptiles of the Pacific islands, and a children’s zoo. A summer concert series is hosted on the grounds.151 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu • 9am–4:30pm daily • www.honoluluzoo.org • 971 7171 • Adm
6. Moanalua Gardens
This non-profit environmental education center in historic Kamananui Valley offers walks and operates an award winning school program. The free Prince Lot Hula Festival takes place each July on a traditional grassy hula pā (mound) in the shady park.1352 Pineapple Place, Honolulu • 839 5334
7. Kawainui Marsh
Rescued from proposed development in the 1960s, this 830 acre wetland offers abundant wildlife and archaeological sites. Access is available from a flood control dike but the city is contemplating an ambitious perimeter.
8. Wahiawā Botanical Gardens
Opened to the public in 1957, the rain forest garden nestles in a ravine on a high plateau. The focus is on tropical plants that prosper in a cooler environment.1396 California Ave., Wahiawā • 9am–4pm daily • 621 5463 • Free • Guided tours available
9. Ka’ena Point Natural Area Reserve
Largely unimproved and subject to the pressures of multiple uses such as off road vehicles, fishermen, hikers, shell collectors, and traditional Hawaiian practitioners, Ka’ena Point park is a narrow strip of land that connects the two ends of Farrington Highway (at Mokule’ia and Yokohama Bay). Hike a muddy, rutted road, catching sight of small bays and beaches until you reach O’ahu’s end, a tumbled landscape of sand dunes, rocks, and waves.
10. Mt. Ka’ala Natural Area Reserve
This preserve is alongside a military reservation and readily reached by road. However, the paved route is off limits to civilians, who must climb challenging trails to reach the misty bog in a bowl like hollow atop O’ahu’s highest peak. The area has become a safe haven for native plants and wildlife; a boardwalk allows viewing without causing damage to the fragile ecosystems. It’s best to consult detailed hiking guides before setting out.
