This 400-acre park above Kaneohe on Oahu’s windward side lives up to its name which means “Peaceful refuge.” Hoomaluhia is Oahu’s largest botanical garden. The plants are grouped to represent major tropical growing regions including Polynesia, Melanesia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and India, Africa and Tropical America. Plants at Hoomaluhia include palms and aroids, heliconias, native Hawaiian plants, and a variety of ethnobotany exhibits. A network of trails leads through the gardens, and a 32-acre lake adds a serene beauty to the walk.
Numerous programs are offered at Hoomaluhia including camping, cloud-watching, and nature walks emphasizing ecology and environmental awareness as well as botanical and horticultural activities. To register for guided nature hikes at 10 am on Saturdays or 1 pm Sundays call (808) 233-7323. Facilities at Hoomaluhia include camping grounds and picnic facilities as well as a Visitor Center that includes an exhibition hall and a lecture room as well as a botanical library. Camping is allowed from 9 am Friday to 4 pm Monday.
Access
Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden is located at 45-680 Luluku Road in Kaneohe. Take Kamehameha Highway (Hwy. 83) to Luluku Road 2¼ miles north of the Pali Highway intersection. Then take Luluku Road 1½ miles to the park entrance. Hours are from 9 am to 4 pm daily except for Christmas and New Years Day. Visitors Center phone: (808) 233-7323.