Road Trip Garden-Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical Garden
Pāpa’ikou, Hawaii
When our long, red-eye flight finally landed in Kona on the Big Island, the people beside the windows raised the shades. I caught the eye of the woman across the aisle from me as we strained to see our first glimpse of Hawaii through the tiny windows-we both had the same look on our faces. The pilot landed us smack dab in the middle of Texas.
The Big Island of Hawaii is basically two islands: a very dry one that looks like prairie and a very tropical one that looks like, well…Hawaii. The dry side, where Kona is, gets anywhere from 20-40 inches per year. Hilo, on the opposite side from Kona, averages 130 inches per year. So, it’s only natural that the vegetation is just as different from one side to the other.
If you want to see a ‘picture postcard’ Hawaii-type garden while on the Big Island, Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is the place. After all, “Tropical” is in the name. Orchids, ferns, waterfalls, and the ocean can all be checked off the list here among the 17 very hilly acres.
HTBG was the dream of Dan Lutkenhouse, who, in 1984, established the garden with clear guidelines to ensure the land would never be sold or commercially developed. Over 2000 species are packed into the sloping terrain that leads down the ocean’s rocky shore. The staff is dedicated to tropical plants, education, preservation of the rainforest, and the propagation of endangered flora and fauna species.
What I love about this garden.
-It’s everything you’d expect or want in a Hawaiian botanical garden.
-So beautiful, even non-plant-geeks will enjoy it, like my husband.
-Terrain varies with dense plantings, waterfalls, and ocean views.
-Incredible diversity.
Know before you go;
-HTBG is one of the hilliest botanical gardens I’ve ever encountered. Wear decent walking shoes.
-This side of the island gets 120 inches of rain a year…so it will likely rain while you visit. Bring an umbrella or a raincoat. There are two rain shelters dotted along the paths, but don’t count on there being room for you in one on a busy day.
-The garden is across a busy road (the Old Mamalahoa HWY) from the visitor center along a hairpin curve. Be mindful when crossing.
-Because of the frequent rainfall, surfaces are slippery. Use the handrails on steps and boardwalks.
-There is access to the ocean’s rocky shore, but it can be treacherous as the waves come crashing in. TIP-lava rocks are sharp and WILL leave a mark.
-Most plants are not labeled, the few that are labeled might be hard to find due to the lush plantings.
-Wheelchair/walker accessibility is limited.
-No food available. Water is available at the Visitor’s Center.
Quick Facts;
-Established-1984.
-Size-17 acres.
-Distance from St. Louis-4,046 miles, but who’s counting?
-Distance from Hilo, HI, 8.7 miles. That’s more like it.
-Website; Home – Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
Other nearby plant-geek attractions within an hour’s drive;
-Liliʻuokalani Park and Gardens; Park contains a Japanese Garden, impressive banyan trees, and great views of the Hilo Bay.
-The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Botanical Gardens, Gardens at UH Hilo
-Banyan Drive, starting at Liliʻuokalani Park and looping northeast, this drive is lined with mature banyan trees planted by celebrities, or honoring celebrities from the 1930’s-1950’s. As of this post, approximately 50 remain due to the frequent tsunami events that have felled a few of the giants.
-Alae Cemetery-Along the Hawaii Belt Road on the way to Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, the spectacular lone monkey pod tree that dominates over the headstones makes this worth a stop.
-Lavaloha Chocolate Farm-A real farm growing real chocolate, and yes-there are free samples along with a full tour. This one even has a charming secret garden you can explore Visit Us / Lavaloha Chocolate Farm Directions & Hours of Operation — lavaloha
Comments or questions? Email Garden-Lou at gardenloustl@gmail.com
Words and photos by Jo Batzer
© Jo Batzer, garden-lou.com-2025, All rights reserved.
