Wahiawa Botanical Garden
Wahiawa Botanical Garden is a tranquil 27-acre oasis tucked between Oahu's Wai'anae and Ko'olau mountain ranges. Originally used for experimental tree planting in the 1920s, the garden now showcases a diverse collection of native Hawaiian and tropical plants, including rainbow eucalyptus, koa, blue ginger, and more. Its cool, elevated setting makes it a peaceful stop on the way to the North Shore for plant lovers and nature seekers alike.
Wahiawa Botanical Garden, Oahu
Located in central Oahu between the Wai'anae and Ko'olau mountain ranges, this 27-acre park makes for a nice stop on your way to Oahu's North Shore. Hawaiian sugar farmers owned this 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.
Key Features of Wahiawa Botanical Garden
- Cool, elevated setting: Located on a plateau between two mountain ranges at 875–1,000 ft elevation.
- Native and tropical flora: Home to koa, mamaki, blue ginger, rainbow eucalyptus, and many global tropical species.
- Historic site: Established on land donated by sugar planters, used for forestry experiments in the 1920s.
- Easy-to-walk trails: Scenic paths through lush canopies and botanical specimens from Asia, Australia, and the South Pacific.
- Location: 1396 California Avenue, Wahiawa, HI 96786
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Wahiawa Botanical Garden located?
It's located at 1396 California Avenue in Wahiawa, central Oahu, about halfway between Honolulu and the North Shore.
What types of plants grow there?
The garden features koa trees, rainbow eucalyptus, mamaki, blue ginger, heliconias, tropical ferns, and exotic plants from Africa, Asia, and Oceania.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, admission to the garden is free and open to the public during regular hours.
Is it a good place for walking?
Yes, the garden offers well-maintained walking trails through shaded areas and scenic plant collections, suitable for all ages.
What's the climate like?
Cooler and more humid than coastal areas, making it ideal for moisture-loving plants not found in other parts of Oahu.