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Testimonials

Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical Garden

4.8

Based on 4145 reviews

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Sebastian Manson

23:43 05 Sep 25

Absolutely beautiful, a good hours walk on a well paved path. Be warned that there is a steep grade to access the park, so those with limited mobility will have difficulty enjoying the park.

Arianne Randolph

08:21 13 Aug 25

If you are visiting Hilo, and you don’t find a way to work in a visit to these gardens, you are doing yourself a huge disservice.

We have visited several botanical gardens in different areas of the world, and found these to be some of the best; not because of an overwhelming variety, or wandering and vast expanse, but because of the “consumability”.. if that’s a word. And because of how the gardens came to be.

While some other botanical gardens might be more overtly “impressive” in ways, these gardens provide a unique opportunity for visitors to truly appreciate the beauty of each type of tree, plant and flower, and each place along the path. The planning and thought that went in to each section, allows each individual thing to shine, somehow.

The orchids were perhaps the most impressive part in my humble opinion. The different colors and varieties were breathtaking.

I truly enjoyed the serene spots along the path, where, among the flowers and alluring views, one could easily spend hours soaking in the beauty, contemplating life, and being grateful for this place.

We’re so glad we got to experience this beautiful place!

Delaney Lehmann

07:39 27 Jul 25

At first my husband and I were put off by the $30-ish per person entry fee (small military discount is offered), but once we got inside and walked around we agreed it was worth the cost of admission. So many beautiful flowers and trees, lovely ponds, scenic views…my camera reel is overflowing due to this one stop alone. There are many signs posted near various plants in the garden to learn species information, as well as displays with some of the area’s local history. Would love to return!

Rachel Brooks-Bitterli

09:16 10 Jun 25

What a truly beautiful place! We visited on a sunny day in May and took our time following the paths through all the plants. There is so much to see and enjoy! I already wish I could go back.

We purchased tickets upon arrival. The staff was friendly and kind. The gift shop stocks bug spray, water, hats, and assorted other items.

Natasha Tiffany

03:24 31 May 25

Absolutely gorgeous, stunning everything. We had an amazing time and took a million photos! The walk is taxing due to the very steep pitches, but there are benches and places to rest, I am taking off one star because they got rid of the golf cart service that would bring you back up after you hiked all the way down. For the price, I think it should be a service included, not for myself, but we were traveling with older folks. And there is no mobility devices allowed on the trail, which I understand because it would be incredibly dangerous, but unfortunately it limits people with mobility issues from enjoying the spectacular beauty.

Steven Starr

03:48 16 May 25

Truly spectacular gardens. The scope and enormous scale of this wonderful garden (despite the relatively concise area) becomes more and more apparent as you descend farther down the path toward the ocean. The towering trees, bamboo and beautifully maintained plant varieties rival and arguably exceed the "wow" factor of any botanical gardens on the islands (including the National Tropical Botanical Gardens in Poipu and the Waimea Botanical Garden on Oahu's North Shore) -- and the crashing waves at the gorgeous cove at the end of this easy trail seals the deal. A fantastic experience you definitely should not miss.

Madeline Lefler

20:56 11 May 25

The best botanical garden I have been to! So lush and well curated. The signs with the name and origin of each plant are a cool addition! Starts out steep and the walkway can be slippery so be careful. Eventually flattens out and you walk on pavement. The orchids are amazing! There’s bathrooms at the beginning by the parking lot and then also down in the garden

Sean Austin

07:17 03 May 25

Not for the vertically challenged. Very sloped. They do have benches conveniently located to rest. My in law made it to Lilly Pond and decided to turn back. Beautiful scenery! Fit people-easy peasy.

Alexis Grieves

04:36 15 Apr 25

Arguably one of my favorite places on this beautiful earth. We arrived right at open, bought some water (should have bought bug spray), and made our way into the garden. Our last trip we didn't give this stop enough time (definitely need more than one hour) and made a priority to dedicate more time to it this time around. Be prepared for some mosquito bites - didn't get bit too bad when near the oceanfront area. Bring (or buy) some water as it gets quite humid/hot. Give yourself enough time to soak in the beauty.

полина

02:39 13 Apr 25

a very cool place to relax your soul, we were there on a weekday morning and there was no line. friendly, welcoming staff. lots of interesting plants, as well as lots of iguanas. I highly recommend visiting!

Meghan Cooney

03:51 03 Apr 25

One of my new favorite places on earth!!! This jungle is full of vibrant and unique flowers, plants, palms, trees, and so on. There is something beautiful and intriguing everywhere you look. There are benches and tables, so consider bringing some snacks for a break. There is a fairly steep incline at the beginning of the trail, then it is mostly level. I will recommend this botanical garden to everyone who visits the big island!! (PS bring lots of bug spray if they like to bite you! I would also recommend going early for crowd and heat reasons.)

Emily Nguyen

06:16 26 Mar 25

What a beautiful botanical garden!! We stopped by on our way to akaka falls and it was definitely well worth it. There were thousands of different plants! Flowers, fruit plants, so many trees and some natural streams. It was breath taking and humbling to be around so much beauty.

Would recommend to any and everyone. The only issue is that the path down can be a little challenging, tread with care! Also, but spray is 1000% recommended.

Jazlyn Franco

01:46 23 Mar 25

When my boyfriend and I went (a Friday around 12:00-13:00), it felt relaxing. This botanical garden is by the ocean with waves hitting the shore and rocks, which is unique from the other botanical gardens we’ve been to on Oahu. There also seems to be a beach access. Not only that, but this botanical garden holds more history than when it was first created as this land used to be a village.

Tracy Roundy

21:59 15 Mar 25

I cannot say enough about how great this place was. It's definitely an oasis on the island. Beautiful local plants and flowers, walking paths, streams, waterfalls, etc. The drive is incredible, although the roads are a bit tight and have a bunch of small, one lane bridges. The main path going down is steep, but it's manageable, and all the other paths were easy to navigate. You can see it all in about two hours taking your time (and a lot of photos!) There are some stunning ocean views as well. It was a warm day, but being emerged in the trees and luscious surrounding, you stay pretty cool. I would definitely go back!

Terry O'Dell

08:09 15 Mar 25

One of the most beautiful parts of the island. This garden is packed with incredible plants and amazing ocean views. The price is a bit much to walk through so make sure to get there early enough to see everything and take your time. Every turn is another reason to appritiate the gardens.

Chris Wylie

03:37 09 Mar 25

Amazing botanical garden with so much to see. The pictures look great but really they do not do it justice as it's worth seeing in person. Admission is around $30 per person, seemed like there was plenty of parking, and there's a gift shop with souvenirs as well as water for purchase if you end up needing it.

Pro tip: bring bug spray! They charge $16 for a bottle and we opted to go without it, but felt that we probably should have got it by the time we were done.

Also it might go without saying, but one thing to consider is there are spiders EVERYWHERE! I mean it's a tropical garden, no surprise there are bugs. But once you notice them you see them all over the place!

Yun

20:06 01 Mar 25

Beautiful and extensive garden! Plenty and very engaging place 💌 with ocean, falls and mountain views. It never gets old...

Kathy Green

07:01 27 Feb 25

3.5 stars. Nice botanical garden. Most of the orchids I have seen or grown myself. The ocean views were beautiful and had nice stories associated with the area. Did not see any sea turtles here. The price was $32.00 per person to enter the garden. I was told to take a picture of the map. No brochure was given. To do the entire walk through the garden, it took me at a slow pace about 2 hours. The hills have quite a slope going down into the garden and were sort of slippery. People with breathing issues or other health issues would find it a bit challenging.

Jackie Fiedler

22:18 18 Feb 25

Pricey, but worth the stop. We spent about an hour and a half exploring everything. No problem buying tickets when we arrived.

Beautiful grounds, never felt crowded.

Loved walking down to sea level and enjoying the view.

Brette Madden

00:10 10 Jan 25

We enjoyed this stop very much! The employees were all very friendly and knowledgeable. The walk was mostly under the cover of trees so it wasn’t too hot. At the end of the loop you get a gorgeous view of the ocean.

Bryson Min-Ryan

18:59 10 Nov 24

Absolutely beautiful botanical garden
See spectacular views of waterfalls, koi ponds, geckos, and the ocean all in one stop!

It was all truly breathtaking and I would recommend it to anyone passing by.

Of note, it is a long ramp down to/up from the gardens. It is an intense climb back up, especially on a hot day, so come prepared with walking shoes and water.

Angelena Kalt

04:01 04 Nov 24

We gave ourselves extra time so we could slowly wander and see everything. DEFINITELY make sure this is on your checklist, it is stunning!

Richard Kelley

23:24 03 Nov 24

Josephine Ward

15:35 03 Nov 24

It's a really beautiful and unique botanical garden. For being in a lush tropical setting it's pretty cool since you're right on the ocean and there is plenty of shade while you walk around. You walk downhill on the way in and have a little bit of elevation on the way out. Bring bug spray if you have it, otherwise you can purchase a small bottle for $15 when you get tickets. Children 5 and under are free.

Christopher Bradley

00:26 02 Nov 24

One of the most beautiful places on the planet.

Thomas John

18:04 01 Nov 24

This was the best botanical garden on my whole Hawaii vacation! I've visited botanical gardens and arboretums on Maui, Kauai and Oahu, but none of them comes close to this paradise. The huge trees, the mist in the air over the small waterfalls, the huge variety of colorful flowers... it's mesmerizing ♥️
Please preserve this botanical pearl so that everyone can experience the beauty of nature.

Gary Brazel

21:12 27 Oct 24

It's a beautiful garden with lots of plants in bloom. The admission is pricey at $30 for anyone age 13 and up [no senior discount either] but if you can afford it I think it's worth doing.
Buy your ticket at the counter next to the parking lot and then cross the road to get to the entrance.
They stamp your hand - so all of your party needs to go to the ticket counter together.
The garden extends down from the road to the beach. It's a bit steep but I thought if wasn't as bad as others described.

Jen Collins

20:25 28 Sep 24

This is my favorite place on the Big Island. Pictures don’t do this place justice it is MAGICAL! 100000% take the time to come visit these gardens, you won’t regret it. Be sure you are able bodied as it is a steep boardwalk to enter in and climbing back up it a workout. Bug spray and a water bottle is recommended!

Carlos Snellenberg-Fraser

06:54 26 Sep 24

Well worth the drive and price!! We spent nearly two hours exploring this garden and I’d go back in a heartbeat. There is a decent amount of walking involved, so be prepared for that and wear close toed shoes.

Don’t miss out on the walk to the beach either!!

Bonnie Hiler

00:14 20 Sep 24

Beautiful jungle garden. So many interesting things to see. It's downhill going in, so . . . But the handrails and benches along the way are very helpful in both directions. We did buy mosquito spray at the store, as they do not hand out mosquito wipes any longer. Really weren't bothered by them. Worth the price.

Brandon Shaw

01:34 05 Sep 24

We hit it mid-morning when somewhat cloudy which was perfect. Plants and wildlife are beautiful, we will be coming back here every time we come to Hawaii. To many flowers to post, this place is awesome, must see.

Paths are mostly stroller/wheelchair friendly but pretty steep in places, so better have some strong people to assist coming back up out of the park, and good brakes going down. There are a few places with stairs that you'll have to go back around the loop to circumvent.

VISIT THE GARDEN

The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden attracts photographers, gardeners, scientists, and nature lovers from around the world. We offer over a mile of trails lined with thousands of rare and endangered flora from all parts of the globe. It is a magical place where paths and bridges guide you over mountain-fed streams and waterfalls into awe-inspiring views of Onomea Bay along the beautiful Hamakua Coast.

Don’t miss seeing the East side of Hawai’i. It is sure to be the highlight of your adventure!