World Botanical Gardens Photos
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World Botanical Gardens, Big Island
Set on hundreds of acres of old sugarcane fields, the World Botanical Gardens is a spectacular natural site that includes both a rich botanical garden and the splendid Kamae'e Falls, one of the state's most beautiful hidden waterfalls. This peaceful site is located along the Belt Highway 16 miles (26 km) north of Hilo, which has long been an important agricultural region.
Founded in 1995, the World Botanical Gardens features an astounding array of plant life, both native and non-native. Here you'll find plants such as agave, climbing ylang ylang, costa inflorescence, giant calaythia, ginger, giant heliconia, gout plant, milk cactus, ponytail palm, snownbush, yellow shrimp plant and many others.
The garden also features an outstanding collection of fruit trees, such as banana, breadfruit, papaya, guava, mango and pineapple. Don't miss the vibrant Rainbow Walk featuring hundreds of colorful bromeliad flowers. A 262-foot (80 m) tall wall covered in over a hundred different wild orchid species never fails to impress. Jaw-dropping 360-degree views of Mauna Kea, paniola-style cattle ranches and the surrounding coastline ensure a Kodak moment or two.
Visitors can learn a lot about the Hawaii ecosystem and plant life by visiting the World Botanical Gardens. Director Larry Neel, who has a PhD in botany from the University of California at Davis, is usually around to answer any questions you may have. Facilities are pretty basic, though there are plans to build a visitor center which would contain restrooms, a snack bar and a gift shop.
Both guided and self-guided tours are available during visiting hours. Guided tours last around two hours and include lunch.
Hours:
Open daily from 9 am to 5:30 pm
Admission:
Adults: $13
Adolescents (13–17 years): $6
Children (5–12 years): $3
Children under 5: Free
Kama'aina (local residents with ID): $6
World Botanical Gardens Overview
- Situated on former sugarcane fields
- See Kamae'e Falls, acclaimed as one of Hawaii's most beautiful hidden waterfalls
- Features spectacular 360-degree views of Mauna Kea, the ocean and ranch lands
- Nature trail winds through the rainforest with waterfalls tumbling along Honopueo Stream
- Stroll beside a 262 feet (80 m) long wall covered with hundreds of wild orchids
- Explore the Rainbow Walk, which includes 100 species of bromeliads
Location: Off Hwy 19, on Leopolino Road, Honomu, HI 96728
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