Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden

The Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden features 400 acres of geographically laid out botanic garden, rare plants from around the world, a network of trails, and  32-acre lake (no swimming allowed.)

Rare plants represented are from Philippines, Hawaii, Africa, Sri Lanka & India, Polynesia, Melanesia, Malaysia, and Tropical America.

Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden was designed and built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide flood protection for the area of Kaneohe.

Source

We parked next to the visitor center and put our daughter in the stroller since she was taking a nap. Most of the area is paved with the exception of the network of trials. Perfect for use of a stroller. Sightings of ducks, peacocks, mongooses, and birds are common throughout the park.

Stop by the visitor information for information on programs being offered, permits, car passes and special events. Guided nature hikes are offered at 10:00 a.m. on Saturdays and 1:00 p.m. on Sundays. Call (808) 233-7323 to register. 

The Kaneohe Mountain range provides a beautiful backdrop to an already surreal environment.

As the sign suggests, use caution when hiking near the stream or lake.

Exotic plants are abound making this truly a nature lover's paradise.

 
    The trail wraps around the entire 400 acres of the garden and leads to various spots to park. Restroom facilities are located at each of the parking areas. Picnic tables are also available.

Most of the tress and plants throughout the park are tagged with signs describing the species and geographical information.

    We stopped by the Ka Mala No Na Lei, or Garden of Life, to do a little exploring. This area is located steps away from the visitors center parking lot and is quite beautiful.

   Parts of the pathway were missing pavement until the end where it just turns to grass. I ended up ditching the stroller and picking my daughter up the rest of the way. Perhaps an off road stroller would have been more efficient.

    
     Some of the many exotic plants we stumbled upon throughout the park.

    We only spent about an hour at Ho'omaluhia Botanical Gardens due to time constraints, but I highly recommend spending the day here to really take in everything it has to offer. Also make sure to take advantage of the Guided Nature Hike the visitor center offers. The address for your GPS is : 45-680 Luluku Rd Kaneohe, HI 96744

Telephone for the visitors center.
(808) 233-7323