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Botanical Gardens on the Big Island of Hawaii

For those of you who are like me and say,  “who would want to see a bunch of plants and flowers?” I can tell you that the botanical gardens located near Hilo are well worth your time and money.  This garden is much more than a bunch of plants and flowers.  Located in a beautiful inlet bay about 5 miles north of Hilo you will find one of the most intriguing hikes you can make anywhere on the Hawaiian Islands.  I was amazed at the varieties of trees, plants, flowers and breath taking beauty of the trail as it winds down a lush tropical canyon ending with a panoramic view of the ocean with large turquoise waves and rocky outcroppings.

The hike can take anywhere from 45 minutes if time is limited, to 3 hours if you really take time to study the various plants brought in from all over the world.  The first time I went I assumed it would be primarily plants found naturally on the island.  I was very surprised to find that the majority of the plants were brought in from almost every tropical region of the world.  There are literally hundreds of different kinds of orchids, along with flowering plants and trees stretching from Asia and Indonesia to South America.  Trees that bloom huge bright red, orange, and purple seed pods as long as 10 feet long hanging down from their branches.  I went from complaining about spending the $12 per person, to thinking this was not only worth it, but was a bargain.

There are restrooms located along a well maintained asphalt trail, and for those that have difficulty walking, motorized carts are available.  Each type of tree, flower and plant is identified by name and where it comes from.  I’m sure every tropical country, region, and island in the world are represented somewhere within this amazing canyon.  Information booths are located at various points describing  how a retired couple from San Francisco made this garden their life’s ambition.

For those that love botanical gardens, this stop is an absolute must.  For those that think a botanical garden is probably a waste of time,  I personally guarantee this will be the surprise memory of your Big Island vacation.  I have now made this hike three times, each at a different time of the year, and each was a delightfully different experience.

By the way, be sure and stop at the Smoothie Shop just north of the garden.  They have the best fresh organic sandwiches and smoothies on the island.

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens has more information and details about the garden and includes some beautiful pictures of the plants and vegetation you will see on your hike.