Foster Botanical Garden

Foster Botanical Garden, Oahu

Encompassing almost 14 acres, the Foster Botanical Garden is a serene oasis and home to more than 10,000 species of rare tropical plants from all over the world. The garden is located just a few blocks from the business district in downtown Honolulu on the island of Oahu. In 1988, it was placed on the Hawaii Register of Historic Places and because of its beauty, it has served as the setting for several Hollywood films and TV shows in the past.

The Foster Botanical Garden features rare and endangered trees, an orchid, herb and prehistoric garden and even an economic garden, which shows plants that are used for medicine, food, fabrics and dyes.

The garden was created in 1853, when Queen Kalama leased a small area of land to a young German doctor, William Hillebrand. Hillebrand, who was a physician as well as a botanist, built a home together with his wife in the upper terrace area of the garden. The beautiful trees that are still there today were planted by him.

To preserve the garden's plants, visitors are not allowed to pick any part of the plants or remove any plant material from the garden. More than 75,000 visitors come here each year. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, with closures on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Current admission information lists free admission for children age 5 and under, $1 for children ages 6 to 12, $3 for residents age 13 and older, and $5 for nonresidents age 13 and older. Guided tours are available on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays beginning at 10:30 a.m.; reservations are recommended. Reservations are recommended.

The Foster Botanical Garden is also a favorite place for weddings and photo shootings. A permit is required for weddings and commercial photography.