Ho’omaluhia Botanic Gardens
mala = garden
(mala pua = flower garden)
The Ho’omaluhia Botanic Gardens is 400 acres of lush, tropical terrain with trees and plants that are not only native to Hawai’i but also other regions with similar climates, including the Philippines, Polynesia, and Africa. We’ve spent two pleasant afternoons wandering through but have stuck to paths easily accessible from the main road. These “trails” are short paths to either lookouts or the next kahua along the road.
The path to the lake is dense with flowers from all over, with signs indicating their origin. The lake has lots and lots of cichlids who hover close to shore, ready to be fed! You may also catch a glimpse of a mongoose or two, and lots of ducks and nenes.
There’s a lovely lookout close to Kahua Kukui at the top of a short climb. Lots of ferns and bamboo orchids and sweeping views of the Ko’oloa mountains.
Two of our favorite spots were the Polynesian trees:
and the African trees:
We’ve decided this is one of the best ways to spend a leisurely Sunday afternoon
(and did I mention admission is free?).
