Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden Overview The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is a 40-acre natural garden of tropical plants and a nature lover’s paradise located in the Onomea Valley, about 5 miles North of Hilo, Hawaii. The Garden is home to over 2000 plant species, representing more than 125 families and 750 genera of tropical exotics. The garden has numerous trails, beautiful streams, waterfalls, a bird aviary, orchid garden and ocean vistas. There are nearly 200 species of palms standing at attention as you stroll along the tropical trails. A nature preserve and sanctuary, visitors walk down a 500 ft landscaped boardwalk to the lower garden trails, waterfalls, and the ocean. There is a self-guided tour which takes about 90 minutes and the walking distance is slightly over a mile round-trip. The garden also sells tropical bouquets, shipped same day as being cut and arranged, clothing, souvenirs, jewelry, water and snacks in the visitor center. The trails are well maintained, but they can be wet and slippery, so we recommend bringing good walking shoes, insect repellent, and a bottle of water. If it’s raining, they do provide umbrellas. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden History The garden was created by Dan and Pauline Lutkenhouse who discovered the beautiful 17-acre parcel in 1977. At its onset, the property was an impermeable jungle and Dan hand-cleared invasive trees, vines and thorn thickets as to not disturb treasured plants and tree roots. No tractors were used, and excess rock was moved by wheelbarrow. After 8 years of clearing, the garden unfolded tropical backdrops and even a three-tiered waterfall.
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
