Wahiawa Botanical Garden Photos

Wahiawa Botanical Garden

Wahiawa Botanical Garden, Oahu

Located in central Oahu between the Wai'anae and Ko'olau mountain ranges, this 27-acre park is one of five botanical gardens in Honolulu. Hawaiian sugar farmers owned the site from the 1920s until 1950, when they donated the land for public use. In 1957 the land was designated a garden, and today the Wahiawa Botanical Garden is a special place home to a wide range of tropical plant species from around the world.

The Wahiawa Botanical Garden features mostly native and naturalized Hawaiian plants, though you'll also find many plants from other countries. Among the species on display are the elephant apple, rainbow eucalyptus, blue ginger, koa, shaving brush tree, candle tree, Mexican cedar, Queenland kauri, mamaki and camphor tree.

The non-native plants come primarily from tropical regions of Africa, Asia, Australia and the South Sea islands. The garden's humid, cool climate provides excellent growing conditions for these species and the multitude of native Hawaiian specimens. Many of the older trees date back to the 1920s, when the sugar planters used the site for experimental tree planting.

Visitors are invited to walk the park grounds and explore the rich flora and fauna found there. However all visitors should follow the necessary precautions, such as not touching or eating unfamiliar plants and wearing sturdy walking shoes. Wahiawa's self-guided tour allows visitors to learn about the tropical ecosystem and species on display.
Wahiawa Botanical Garden covers elevations between 875 and 1,000 feet (267-305 m) above sea level. The site receives between 52 and 80 inches (1,321-2,032 mm) of rainfall a year.

Hours:
Open daily from 9 am to 4 pm
Closed on Christmas Day (December 25) and New Year's Day (January 1)

Admission:
Free
Arrange a guided tour by calling (808) 621-7321