Want to learn what to see at Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens? The Ho’omaluhia Gardens became very popular due to the famous “Instagram spot” at the entrance of the park. While that option for this photo spot is now gone, exploring the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens should still be on the list for any visitors to Oahu, Hawaii.
What to see at Ho’omaluhia Gardens
You will find that a majority of people will simply drive through the gardens. There is a nice loop trail that winds through the vast tall green trees and vegetation. A simple drive through is an enjoyable way to partake in the park for those who are limited on time.
However, there are also plenty of pullouts and parking areas to allow visitors to explore the gardens.
My recommendation is to check out all the parking areas! There are great views of the Koolau mountain range all around the gardens. Additionally, there are some great areas to enjoy with picnic tables, or benches to just relax and take in the fresh crisp air.
Facilities at Ho’omaluhia Gardens
The botanical garden offers great facilities.
The visitor center has information and bathrooms. This you will encounter almost immediately after entering the park.
Throughout the park, there will be picnic tables, and benches where the visitor can relax.
The road through the park eventually ends, and the end is a parking area for camping and public functions. There are grills, camping spots, bathrooms, and some of the best views of the Koolau mountains. My recommendation at a minimum is to sit at the bench looking out over the gardens and the mountains.
Traffic at Ho’omaluhia
Since popularity due to social media – the gardens can be very busy. On the weekend you will find a lot of the parking spots taken.
You will also come across a lot of people doing photoshoots all over the park. With their cars in the way of the flow of traffic. There really isn’t room on the edge of the road and with the roads being one way, if someone stops then they are in the way of one of the directions of traffic.
Visiting Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens
Entrance and Times
The hours of the park are some of the most restrictive of the parks on the island. The park is only open from 9 am to 4 pm.
There is no entrance fee to the botanical gardens. Just be prepared to stop as there is a gate guard that is counting those entering the park, and those exiting the park. The attendant may wave to you and you will have to show them the number of people in your car. Or just hold up your fingers to show the number of people.
Method of Transportation
Most people visiting Hawaii will rent cars. You will see a lot of mustangs, and a lot of jeeps roaming around the island. This is the most popular way to get around!
Another option is by public transportation. You will find a lot of people who just use the uber app to visit popular tourist destinations. Or there is also the option of public transportation such as bus routes. For example, there are two bus routes that will arrive within 30 minutes’ walk to the gardens.
Time to reach the gardens
Getting to the botanical gardens is fairly easy. Just plug the name “Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens” into a GPS or Google Maps and you will find an easy route to the gardens.
From Waikiki: 40 minutes – depending on traffic.
From North Shore: 1 hour – depending on traffic.
Famous Photo Spot at Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens
You may be familiar with Ho’omaluhia gardens due to the famous photos on Instagram of the place. The road leading into the botanical gardens became popular due to the road driving towards the Koolau Mountain Range in the background.
The winding road through the lush green grass, surrounded by just as lush trees towards the towering Koolau mountain range is the perfect layout for a social media post.
Well, the over-tourism, back up from social media once again led to changes being made at a popular garden.
Now when entering the park there is a sign posted that states that no photos will be taken on the road, and that cars will not be stopped for photos. Ultimately, that means keep driving and stay off the road for photos.
To also deter people from taking photos in the main entrance of the park, the park has now lined orange cones down the entire road in order to make it difficult for people to get that “famous photo”.
Has this actually stopped people?
It has stopped people from taking photos at the main entrance. However, you will find people posing with their mustangs all over the park – mostly in the way.
Ho’omaluhia Hiking Trails
Hike Time: 2 hours if you stroll slowly and stop to enjoy the views
Length: 3 km
Type of Trail: Loop trail, easy trail – can potentially be muddy and is poorly marked in some areas
Recommendation: Bring a map!
There is one main hiking trail inside of Ho’omaluhia botanical gardens. You will find the trailhead right next to the visitor center. The loop trail is approximately 3km in length and is considered an easy hike. You will walk through trees and plants, alongside a lake, before coming back around to the visitor center.
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