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Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
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27-717 Old Mamalahoa Highway
Papaikou, HI 96781
808-964-5233
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Garden
Nature Center
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden Description
The only botanical garden in the world where you can view tropical plants, glimpse a wild monk seal coming ashore to breed, see a hand-carved tiki of a war god, and get splashed with ocean spray. With an affordable entrance fee, one of the world's largest collections of heliconias, talking macaws, walking trails, and a spectacular waterfall, it's no wonder this nonprofit garden is among the biggest visitor attractions on the Big Island. It's also one you shouldn't miss if you're traveling with children: from the koi in Lily Lake to the blossoming black flowers of a white bat plant coming into bloom, your kids will love it.
Kid Tips
Babies: As you walk down the steep incline to the garden, you'll pass an anthurium leaf large enough to put your head through. Stop for a photo op with the baby!
Toddlers & Pre-K: Kids will want to linger at the Bird House, where there's a particular talkative macaw named Ono. Say "Aloha!" to her and she'll answer right back.
School-Age Kids: Don't miss the Onomea Museum adjacent to the gift shop which has Japanese and Chinese artifacts, plus old glass bottles, Chinese coins, and other oddities that the garden founders Dan and Pauline Lutkenhouse unearthed as they were clearing the valley.
Planning Notes
- Go in the rain. Umbrellas are provided, if you need them.
- Bring (or buy) bug spray. This is a tropical garden with tropical mosquitoes to complete the experience.
- From November-March. You may actually be able to see humpback whales at the end of the Ocean Vista Trail.
- Bring a picnic. You are welcome to lunch on any of the benches or one of the picnic tables in the garden.
Just the Facts
Hours: Open daily (except Christmas, New Year's, and Thanksgiving) 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Last admission is 4 p.m.
Fees: Free (kids 5 and younger), $5 (children 6-16), $15 (adults)
Recommended Time: 2 - 4 hours
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