It might be a cool idea to
visit a botanical garden in Hawaii. The Hawaiian Island is
one of the most famous places for beautiful beaches. The
fact is that Hawaii is lovely, but it is also very developed
these days. As a result, much of the nature has moved to
protected areas over the generations. However, the best
flora can be found in Hawaii's botanical gardens.
Foster Botanical Gardens
Even though Foster Botanical Gardens may be small in size,
but it is very beautiful. The Garden possesses some of the
oldest and finest of the state's wonderful plant species. It
is surrounded by urban landscape, which makes it very
accessible. At the same time, as the oldest botanical garden
in Hawaii, it holds some of the best samples.
The Lyon Orchid Garden provides an exceptionally good display
of species of flower that one naturally associates with
Hawaii. That's ironic, given that so much of the state's
plant life was actually imported from elsewhere. The
Prehistoric Glen offers primitive plant species that are
rarely seen elsewhere. The Middle Terraces offer heliconias,
aroids and more. Don't miss the Main Terrace, dating back to
the gardens beginning in 1853.
Located at 50 North Vineyard Blvd, Honolulu, the Foster
Botanical Garden is one of the best attractions to visit.
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
Part of the famed Onomea Falls, the Garden is 8.5 miles
north of Hilo along the Scenic Route of Onomea Bay. Gingers
and bromeliads are only two of the over 2,000 species that
call this garden home. The facility is surrounded by lush
tropical jungle and offers comfortable chairs and unparalleled
sights and smells.
An elevated boardwalk provides a spectacular view of the Kahalii Ravine, filled with giant bamboo, banana trees,
orchids and ferns. Along the Palm Vista Trail visitors can
see some of the more than 200 species of palm, including the
fast growing Wanga from Malaysia and the Areca with its
unique red seeds. Further on there's a good view of a
huge Jackfruit Tree with colorful fruit over two feet long.
Complete this trip by seeing the Onomea Falls. Three high
terraces provide an outstanding ladder for water that rushes
through giant palms and ferns. At the base there are
numerous native species of fish and prawns.
Nani Mau Gardens
Located in Hilo on the Big Island, visitors will enjoy 20
acres of waterfalls, quiet paths and thousands of lovely
plant species.
The Annual Garden houses six acres of tapestry gardens. Red
Salvia sit alongside Norfolk Island pines. Nearby are
African Tulip trees and a Bombax, whose flowers pop open
with color and an audible sound. The pua-kenikeni aroma will
remind many of the island's finest leis.
The European Garden is another good treat in this
tropical paradise. The roses on the gazebo invite you to sit
and breath in the fragrant air. You'll want to munch on the
huge pummelo fruit as you breath in the aroma of delightful
herbs nearby.
Waimea Arboretum and Botanical Garden
But the prize for largest botanical garden has to go to the
Waimea Arboretum, otherwise known as the Waimea Valley
Audubon Center. Sited on 100 acres, it houses 36 major
botanical collections visited by over 150,000 guests every
year.
Located on Oahu's north shore, it is part of Waimea Falls
Park. The falls themselves are incredible and the gardens
equally so. Several species of native hibiscus share space
with rare dune plants. The erythrina provides a view of some
of the collections' many medicinal plants.
Don't leave without seeing one of the amazing cliff-diving
shows, either.
Hawaii has tons of botanical gardens to visit.
Given that a visit to the island state is often motivated by
a desire to enjoy its natural beauty, this is a can't lose
situation. |
