Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

The Basics

Visitors to the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden can take a self-guided walking tour of the grounds past waterfalls and streams, and along a manicured path winding among more than 2,000 species of trees and plants. The 1-mile (1.6 kilometer) loop takes about 90 minutes to complete. The 500-foot (152-meter) scenic boardwalk down to the ocean offers stunning views of the coastline. The garden also offers guided tours for a fee.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is a must for plant and nature lovers, and photographers.

• Children under 5 are admitted for free.

• Guests must register inside the visitor center upon arrival.

• The garden is accessible to wheelchair users, though the boardwalk is not. Golf carts to help traverse the garden are available for a fee.

How to Get There

The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is in the Big Island’s Onomea Valley, about 7 miles (11 kilometers) north of Hilo. Take Route 19 to mile marker 7, turn right at the Scenic Route sign, and continue about 2 miles (3.25 kilometers) to the garden. Parking is in front of the visitor center.

When to Get There

The garden is open from 9am to 5pm daily, with last entrance at 4pm. It is closed on July 4, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. The Big Island has generally warm, tropical weather year-round with a rainy season in the winter and high tourist traffic in the summer. Off-peak months (April to June and September to November) can be less crowded, with milder temperatures.

Onomea Tea Company

About a 10-minute drive south of the botanical garden is the Onomea Tea Company, a certified organic tea plantation overlooking Onomea Bay. The plantation welcomes visitors to its educational tours and classes, which walk you through the tea cultivating, harvesting, and brewing processes—and include delicious tea tastings. Tours, tastings, and classes must be booked in advance.

Ways to explore

The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is a stop on some island tours, typically private ones. You can buy admission tickets independently and take a self-guided walking tour of the grounds, passing by rushing waterfalls and streams, and along a manicured path that winds through more than 2,500 species of plants. The 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) loop takes about 90 minutes to complete. The 500-foot (152-meter) scenic boardwalk down to the ocean offers exquisite views of the coastline. The garden also offers guided tours for a fee on select days.

Accessibility

The garden is largely inaccessible to wheelchairs, and mobility devices are not permitted on the steep boardwalk.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunscreen and bug repellent, water bottle, trail snacks

What to wear

Sturdy shoes with good traction, comfortable walking attire

Not allowed

Pets, commercial photography

Amenities

Educational center, picnic tables, restrooms, parking

Address

The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is located in Onomea Valley on the Big Island's scenic Hamakua Coast, about 7 miles (11 kilometers) north of Hilo. It’s easiest to get there via personal vehicle or private tour.

Driving

No matter where you’re coming from, take Old Mamalahoa Road, known as the Scenic Route—this what the botanical garden recommends, as it’s the easiest and prettiest route.

Public transportation

Public transportation options are highly limited. Your best bet is a rideshare or taxi from Hilo.

Best times to visit

Early morning around opening time—9am—to avoid crowds, as it tends to get crowded by midday.

Best days to visit

Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends.

Best months to visit

There’s never a bad time, as many of the garden’s flowers are perennial and in bloom year-round—though May through October is prime.

Special events

Check the garden’s website for current educational programs and special events, as they occasionally host botanical workshops and tours.