List of botanical gardens and arboretums in Hawaii Facts for Kids

A botanical garden is like a special outdoor museum for plants! It's a place where many different kinds of plants are grown, studied, and shown to the public. An arboretum is a type of botanical garden that focuses mainly on trees and shrubs.

Hawaii is a perfect place for these gardens because it has a unique climate and many plants that grow only there. These gardens help protect rare plants and teach people about the amazing plant life of the islands and from all over the world. They are also beautiful places to visit and learn about nature.

What Are Botanical Gardens and Arboretums?
Famous Gardens in Hawaii
Why These Gardens Matter
Images for kids
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What Are Botanical Gardens and Arboretums?

Botanical gardens are places where scientists and plant lovers collect, grow, and display many types of plants. They often have plants from different parts of the world. These gardens are important for research, education, and saving plants that might be disappearing.

Arboretums are similar, but they focus more on trees and woody plants. Think of them as a tree library! Both types of gardens help us understand how plants grow and how important they are to our planet.

Famous Gardens in Hawaii

Allerton Garden

The stunning valley view at Allerton Garden on Kauai.

Located on the island of Kauai, Allerton Garden is part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden. It's known for its beautiful landscape design, which includes water features and sculptures. You can see many unique plants here, some of which have been used in movies! It's a truly magical place to explore.

Foster Botanical Garden

A general view of the lush Foster Botanical Garden in Honolulu.

The Foster Botanical Garden is in the heart of Honolulu on Oahu. It's the oldest of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens and has a huge collection of tropical trees, including some very old and giant ones. You can find amazing orchids, palms, and even a special garden just for prehistoric plants!

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

A peaceful walkway through the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden.

Near Pāpa'ikou on the Big Island, the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is a true rainforest paradise. It's nestled in a scenic bay and features waterfalls, streams, and a huge variety of tropical plants. Walking through this garden feels like an adventure into a lush, green world.

Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden

A serene lake view at Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden.

Also part of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens, Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden is in Kāne'ohe on Oahu. This garden is designed to feel like a peaceful escape. It has plants from different tropical regions around the world, grouped by their origin. There's even a large lake where you can fish!

Kahanu Garden

The historic Pi'ilanihale Heiau near Kahanu Garden on Maui.

On the island of Maui, Kahanu Garden is another part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden. This garden is special because it focuses on plants important to the cultures of the Pacific Islands. It also protects a very old Hawaiian temple called Pi'ilanihale Heiau, showing how plants and history are connected.

Koko Crater Botanical Garden

Cacti thriving in the dry environment of Koko Crater Botanical Garden.

Inside a volcanic crater on Oahu, the Koko Crater Botanical Garden is a unique spot. Unlike other Hawaiian gardens, it specializes in dry-land plants, especially cacti and succulents. It's amazing to see how many different kinds of plants can grow in such a dry, sunny place!

Liliuokalani Botanical Garden

A quiet corner of Liliuokalani Botanical Garden in Honolulu.

Found in Honolulu, the Liliuokalani Botanical Garden is dedicated to native Hawaiian plants. It's named after Queen Liliʻuokalani, the last monarch of Hawaii. This garden helps preserve the plants that are special to Hawaii's natural heritage.

Lyon Arboretum

A general view of the lush Lyon Arboretum on Oahu.

The Lyon Arboretum is a research and educational center located in a rainforest valley near Honolulu. It's part of the University of Hawaii and has one of the largest collections of palms and other tropical plants. It's a great place to learn about rainforest ecosystems.

Waimea Valley

A beautiful view of Waimea Valley, home to many native plants.

On the North Shore of Oahu, Waimea Valley is not just a botanical garden but also a cultural site. It has a stunning collection of native and Polynesian-introduced plants, as well as a beautiful waterfall you can swim in. It's a place where nature, history, and culture come together.

Why These Gardens Matter

These botanical gardens and arboretums in Hawaii are more than just pretty places. They are vital for:

Conservation: Protecting rare and endangered plants, especially those found only in Hawaii.
Research: Helping scientists learn more about plant life and how plants can help us.
Education: Teaching visitors, especially kids, about the importance of plants and nature.
Beauty and Relaxation: Offering peaceful and beautiful spaces for everyone to enjoy.

By visiting these gardens, you can discover the incredible diversity of plants and understand why it's so important to protect our natural world.