A trip to a botanical garden is sure to enrich your Hawaiian vacation. After all, you’ll see some unique tropical flowers that make the islands so beautiful. But you also have a busy vacation schedule, so fitting in a garden tour may be tough. That’s why we’re sharing our favorite Waikiki botanical gardens, along with ones very close to Waikiki.
Now, you can explore nature’s wonders without wandering far from Waikiki!
Why Visit a Botanical Garden During Your Hawaii Vacation
There are so many types of botanical gardens in Hawaii. Many showcase the islands’ native and endemic plants, while others focus on non-native flowers that thrive in Hawaii’s tropical environment.
Photographers and nature enthusiasts flock to botanical gardens to appreciate the variety of plants, flowers, and trees. But even if you’re not a budding botanist, there’s still a lot to gain by visiting a botanical garden in Waikiki or throughout Hawaii.
- See tropical trees and flowers that don’t grow in other parts of the United States.
- Enjoy a walk in a beautiful off-beach location (that’s often shaded!).
- Understand the difference between Hawaii’s native plants and non-native tropical plants.
- Bring kids to a relaxed, open space where they may learn a little bit too.
- Feel rejuvenated by being in a peaceful, natural setting.
The Best Waikiki Botanical Gardens to Visit
Ready to explore beautiful botanical gardens near your hotel? Here are some that are right in the bustling neighborhood of Waikiki.
Queen Kapiʻolani Garden
Near Kapiolani Park between Paki and Leahi Avenues, you’ll find a block of the city that’s set aside for a botanical garden. This won’t be the most impressive botanical garden in Hawaii, but it’s a nice place to check out if you’re exploring Waikiki.
The upkeep and vibrancy of the garden depends on the season, but there are placards and a shaded picnic area to enjoy while you’re there.
Honolulu Zoo
Have you ever been to the Honolulu Zoo? There are many great animals to check out, but one of our favorite things to do at the zoo is meander through its beautiful gardens.
The zoo is spacious and generally uncrowded, which is a nice surprise considering its Waikiki location. Plants and flowers here will reflect what’s grown here in Hawaii along with species found throughout the world, matching the habitats of the animals.
For the price of admission, you can enjoy time in nature (right in Waikiki), learn about the many animals, and walk through beautiful garden paths. Sounds like a pretty good time to us!
Hotel Grounds
There isn’t much space for dedicated botanical gardens in Waikiki, but if you want to see lots of tropical flowers and pristine landscaping, head to one of the many high-end resorts in the area. A walk around Hilton Hawaiian Village offers lots of great plant varieties (plus some shopping and dining, too).
Sure, these aren’t official botanical gardens – just really nice landscaping. Still, you’ll be able to see a lot of flowers that are expertly cared for in a welcoming setting.
Botanical Gardens Near Waikiki
While Waikiki has a limited number of botanical gardens, you don’t have to go far to find a nature-filled Oasis. Honolulu has so many great gardens that you should check out during your vacation. Below are a few of our favorites!
Lyon Arboretum
20 minutes from Waikiki
Lyon Arboretum is part of the University of Hawaii, but visiting feels like going deep into an untouched rainforest. This 200-acre garden has 5,000 tropical plant species, many winding paths, and plenty to see and learn.
Admission to the Lyon Arboretum is free, but donations are highly encouraged. You could easily spend at least a couple hours here, but its low cost and convenience to Waikiki means this botanical garden is a “choose your own adventure” place. Stop by and see what it’s about, or settle in for a while and immerse yourself in the unique environment.
Foster Botanical Garden
10 minutes from Waikiki
The City and County of Honolulu has a collection of botanical gardens that are each unique and beautiful. The oldest and possibly the most beloved is Foster Botanical Garden in Waikiki.
This shaded tropical garden is right in the heart of Honolulu, and it’s filled with a variety of plants and trees. You can see gorgeous palms, a vibrant rainbow eucalyptus tree, fruit trees, and flowering plants that are treasured in Hawaii.
Admission into Foster Botanical Garden is just a few dollars, and parking is free.
Manoa Heritage Center
10-15 minutes from Waikiki
Manoa Heritage Center feels like an Oahu hidden gem. This beautiful property in Manoa has a botanical garden, an ancient heiau, and a historical Tudor-style house.
The botanical garden is a fantastic place to see some of Hawaii’s rare native and endangered plants. You can also learn about “canoe plants,” the earliest plants brought to the islands that are an integral part of Hawaiian culture.
You can only visit Manoa Heritage Center as part of a guided tour, which is $25 for adults and free for kids and students under 18. The guided tours are incredibly insightful and allow you to maximize your time in this nature-infused setting.
Liliʻuokalani Botanical Garden
10-15 minutes from Waikiki
Liliʻuokalani Botanical Garden is a pleasant place to stop by if you’ve got a little extra time in Honolulu. There isn’t much to see, but there’s a quaint footbridge and a small waterfall. Plus, it’s typically very quiet here.
Street parking is free and easy to get, and you don’t have to pay to get in. Be prepared to enjoy it as a park, as it feels much more like a city park than a botanical garden. Not worth a big trip to visit, but a nice little spot to stop by if you’re in the area.
Tips for Visiting Waikiki Botanical Gardens
Want to make the most of your visit to Waikiki Botanical Gardens? Maybe you don’t want to stay too long, or you’re nervous it’s not worth the cost of admission.
Here are some of our favorite tips to help you have a great time – no matter what kind of experience you’re looking for.
Pick a Garden That’s Right for Your Schedule
A pricier garden or a guided tour will be more time-consuming than a park that’s free to visit. But you’ll also get more out of those more involved options. So, if you just want to stop somewhere real quick, look for a place with free parking and admission. If you’re looking for a full experience, consider somewhere that offers a more curated option.
Bring a Lunch (if it’s allowed)
Many botanical gardens have serene picnic areas that are perfect for a lunch break. Waikiki is full of takeout lunch spots, whether you want a Hawaii-style plate lunch, a light sandwich, or a pizza to share.
And once you’ve got your grub, head to a botanical garden to enjoy it. It will be more beautiful than many 5-star restaurants at a fraction of the cost. Plus, a relaxed botanical garden gives the little ones space to run around while the grown-ups settle in for a nice meal.
Consider Going Beyond Waikiki
Today we’ve highlighted the top botanical gardens in Waikiki (or within 20 minutes of Waikiki). But there are even more places to visit across the island. If you love learning about plant species – or feel charmed by what you’ve seen in Waikiki – consider visiting some of the more sprawling spots across the island.
Here are a few favorite botanical gardens that are farther from Waikiki:
- Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden (35 minutes from Waikiki) *free admission*
- Waimea Valley (55 minutes from Waikiki)
- Koko Crater Botanical Garden (25 minutes from Waikiki) *free admission*
- Wahiawā Botanical Garden (35-40 minutes from Waikiki) *free admission*
- Dole Plantation (40 minutes from Waikiki)
Be Prepared
Botanical gardens are outdoors, and even in the shade, you’ll find that they can be very hot. So pack water. Also, wear sunscreen, as you’ll still be in the sun for much of your visit.
Bring along cash in case that’s the only payment option, and wear comfortable shoes for walking.
We’ve included the estimated drive times above – without traffic. If you’re on a tight schedule, remember to account for traffic and confusing streets in Honolulu.
Another thing to be prepared for when you visit a Hawaii botanical garden is the type of plants you’ll see. If you visit a garden that prioritizes native Hawaiian plants, you’ll find less colorful blossoms than in a garden with non-native tropical plants.
Plants like plumeria, orchids, (most) hibiscus, protea, and birds of paradise are not native to Hawaii. Native plants sometimes feature colorful flowers, but are primarily green plants with layers of verdant, intriguing leaves. That’s something to keep in mind as you set your expectations for your Waikiki botanical garden.
Planning a Botanical Hawaii Vacation
The right vacation will make you feel like you’re blossoming with joy and positivity – but you need help planning it. Hawaii Aloha Travel is here to help. Let us help put together a Hawaii trip that is centered around your favorite activities, whether you want to party in Waikiki, wander through botanical gardens, or spend endless hours by the ocean.
