Plan Your Visit
experience the tropics
Rates
- Adults$30
- Kama’aina$25 requires valid HI state ID
- Active Military$25 requires valid ID
- Hawaii College Student $25 requires valid Hi College ID
- Children (6-12) $22
- Kama’aina Keiki$15
- Children (under 6)Free
Kama’aina discounts require a valid Hawaii State ID
We accept all major credit cards and electronic forms of payment.
hours of operation
HTBG is open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Please Note: Last entry into the Garden is at 4pm.
Closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and July 4th
HOW TO GET HERE
Take the Scenic Route!
No matter what part of the island you’re coming from, we encourage you to take the Scenic Route (Old Mamalahoa Rd).
Sometimes, GPS will misdirect you down a dirt road (Old Onomea Rd.) While this route will get you here, it is not recommended since the Scenic Route is easier (and prettier too)!
How long does it take to get to HTBG?
From Downtown Hilo via HWY 19: 7 miles north, 15 minute drive
From Kona International Airport via HWY 190 and HWY 200 (Saddle Road): 82 miles, 2 hour drive
From Waikoloa via HWY 200 (Saddle Road): 75 miles, 90 minute drive
From Waimea via HWY 19: 49 miles, 70 minute drive
From Na’alehu via HWY 11 & HWY 19: 72 miles, 1 hour and 42 minute drive
ACCESSIBILITY
HTBG strives to ensure that the Garden, its trails, and views are accessible. Because of the Garden’s varied topography, parts of Onomea Valley are steep and inaccessible. The Garden trails were designed to mimic the natural layout of the Onomea Valley. To alter the topography of the land would negatively impact all that we are trying to preserve. As a result, HTBG is exempt from ADA regulations.
Due to the steepness of the valley and the natural trails of the Garden, accessibility is limited to those who can navigate trails without the assistance of mobility devices.
The Boardwalk
The Boardwalk entry to the Garden is quite steep, with an elevation change of about 100′ over 500′ in length. Please know your physical limitations before you enter.
– All Guests must be able to safely navigate the boardwalk on their own.
– Mobility assistance devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, or crutches are not permitted.
– Walking sticks and canes are acceptable.
– Strollers must be unoccupied when used on the Boardwalk.
What to Bring
To make the most of your visit, we suggest you bring the following things:
COMFORTABLE SHOES
Sections of our boardwalk are steep and can get slippery. Bring shoes with some grip.
INSECT REPELLENT
Biodiversity means sharing space with bugs. Practice healthy boundaries by bringing some repellent.
RAIN GEAR
We are a rainforest! Most important is to be prepared for rain. Bring a good pair of walking shoes, preferably waterproof, poncho and umbrella.
SUNSCREEN
While the tree canopy provides great shade in the Garden, the Hawaiian sun is not to be taken lightly. Bring some SPF and make sure it is reef-safe.
WATER
It can get hot here in Hawaii so hydration is important. Currently we do not have a bottle fill tap so bring a full water with you to stay hydrated.
SNACKS
Bring some trail snacks or even a light lunch to enjoy at one of our many picnic tables throughout the Garden.
WE GOT YOU COVERED!
Don’t worry if you forgot anything our Visitor Center has water, ponchos, insect repellent, plus souvenirs and gifts.