Maui Botanical Garden Guide

Kahanu Garden

Kahanu Garden in Hana is a National Tropical Botanical Garden site with Pi'ilanihale Heiau, canoe plants, breadfruit trees, coastal views and reserved tours.

Plan Your Visit
Kahanu Garden

Kahanu Garden, Maui

Located near Hana and directly on a gorgeous stretch of coastline, the Kahanu Garden is a 500 acre (2 km²) natural sanctuary that's well worth a visit. The garden is part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden system and features many tropical plants, including 130 varieties of breadfruit.

In fact, Kahana Garden has the largest collection of this important Pacific fruit crop in the world. Another separate garden named the Canoe Garden features useful plants that the early Polynesian settlers brought with them to Hawaii.

Kahanu Garden is also home to the centuries old Piilanihale heiau, which is one of the largest Hawaiian stone temples. It was built over 500 years ago and was a place of worship in ancient Hawaii.

Key Features

National Tropical Botanical Garden site in Hana, Maui
Address is 650 Ulaino Road, Hana, HI 96713
Home of Pi'ilanihale Heiau, one of Polynesia's largest ancient structures
Self-guided tours are currently scheduled Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Guests are asked to leave the garden by 3:30 pm
Current self-guided admission is $18 for adults and $10 for kamaaina with Hawaii State ID
Children 12 and younger and Hana residents with ID are currently free
Guided tours are currently offered Friday at 9:30 am by reservation
Current guided tour admission is $30 for adults and free for children 12 and younger
Known for canoe plants, breadfruit trees, coastal views and Hawaiian cultural history

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pi'ilanihale Heiau?

Pi'ilanihale Heiau is a massive lava-rock temple platform inside Kahanu Garden and is believed to be one of the largest ancient structures in Polynesia.

Why is Kahanu Garden important for canoe plants?

The garden protects plants brought by early Polynesian voyagers, including breadfruit, taro, banana, coconut and sugarcane, showing how these plants supported daily life in Hawaii.

How long should visitors allow for Kahanu Garden?

The self-guided route takes about 1 hour at a minimum, while the guided tour lasts about 2 hours. Many visitors allow extra time because the garden is far along the Hana Highway.

What is the breadfruit collection like?

Kahanu Garden is known for a large breadfruit collection, with varieties from across the Pacific planted as part of its cultural and botanical preservation work.

Is Kahanu Garden more botanical or cultural?

It is both. The garden has tropical plant collections, but its strongest feature is the connection between plants, Hawaiian history, Hana families and Pi'ilanihale Heiau.