Senator Fong's Plantation & Gardens
Senator Fong's Plantation & Gardens is a sprawling 700-acre tropical retreat nestled in Oahu's Ko'olau Mountains. Founded by U.S. Senator Hiram Fong, this privately owned garden features a lush array of palms, flowers, fruit trees, and native Hawaiian plants. Visitors can explore the estate via guided walking tours through scenic valleys and ridgelines, learning about Polynesian-introduced species and rare edible plants in a vibrant, rainforest setting.
Senator Fong's Plantation & Gardens, Oahu
Rising from 80 feet to 2,600 feet (24 m to 792 m) above sea level in Oahu's Ko'olau Mountains, this family-owned tropical garden contains 700 acres of lush vegetation, an area larger than all of Waikiki. Senator Fong's Plantation & Gardens were named after U.S. Senator Hiram Fong, who purchased the land in 1950. Fong, who served in the U.S. Senate for 17 years, divided the plantation into five sections, each one bearing the names of different presidents he served under during his career.
Today visitors are welcome to explore this colorful collection of palms, flowers, tropical fruit and ferns with the help of an experienced guide. Here you'll encounter a wide range of exotic Hawaiian plant species, such as kukui, koa, ohia-'ai (mountain apple), hala, ti and pili grass. You can also view 15 early Polynesian introduced plants, such as bamboo, betel nut and taro. Fong's tropical palm garden features an impressive 80 varieties.
The 1-mile (1.6 km) walking tour lasts about 90 minutes and takes visitors through Fong's lush valley, dense canopies and forested plateaus bursting with native plants. Knowledgeable guides let visitors sample kukui nuts, tropical fruits and whatever other tasty treats are currently in season. In fact, the plantation features over 70 edible nuts and fruits from around the world. Senator Fong's open-air visitor center hosts weddings, baby's first luau celebrations and other events amidst spectacular natural surroundings.
Key Features of Senator Fong's Plantation & Gardens
- Expansive 700-acre estate: Larger than Waikiki, featuring valleys, forested plateaus, and rich biodiversity.
- Botanical legacy: Founded by U.S. Senator Hiram Fong, with garden sections named after U.S. presidents he served under.
- Diverse flora: Includes 80 palm varieties, 70+ edible plants, and 15 early Polynesian-introduced species like taro and bamboo.
- Guided walking tours: A 1-mile, 90-minute hike through the property with fruit sampling and cultural insights.
- Location: 47-285 Pulama Road, Kaneohe, HI 96744
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Senator Fong's Plantation known for?
It's known for its large tropical estate filled with palms, edible plants, and Hawaiian flora, as well as its founder, Senator Hiram Fong.
Where is it located?
It is located at 47-285 Pulama Road in Kaneohe, on Oahu's lush windward side.
Are there guided tours?
Yes, visitors can join a 90-minute guided tour that includes a walk through the forested grounds and seasonal fruit sampling.
What types of plants are grown here?
The garden features over 80 palm varieties and more than 70 edible fruit and nut species from around the world.
Can I host an event here?
Yes, the garden's open-air pavilion is available for special occasions like weddings and baby luaus.