Go Stargazing at the top of Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea is the tallest sea mountain in the world, offering unprecedented views of the heavens above. So get ready for some stargazing like you’ve never seen before.
An Overview of Big Island Botanical Gardens
Plant Diversity and Climate
The quantity and variety of plants and flowers that call the Big Island of Hawaii home is truly astonishing. Some of the Big Island botanical gardens have over two thousand varieties of plants growing on their grounds. This diversity is largely due to the wide range of climate zones across the island, mixed with the consistent temperatures of those zones. The Big Island possesses the highest concentration of climate zones of any place in the world: 4 out of 5 Major climate zones and 10 out of 13 sub-zones. The climate diversity makes it the perfect setting for incredible botanical gardens to thrive all around the island.
Plant Hardiness Zones
Plant hardiness zones identify the location of environmental conditions under which a species or variety of plants can successfully survive and grow. Hawaii is one of the warmest areas on the USDA map with 9 plant hardiness zones. These zones are determined by the average annual extreme minimum temperature. For instance, the Kona Coffee belt lies in Hardiness Zone 11b & 12a with a minimum average low of 45-55 degrees, perfect for growing world famous Kona Coffee.
List of Big Island Botanical Gardens
The only way to truly understand the diversity of plant life in Hawaii is to experience it, so make sure to visit some of the Big Island botanical gardens during your visit. You will see why the term ‘tropical garden paradise’ is so appropriate. Click on the name of the garden below to read more about each of these incredible places.
“How deeply seated in the human heart is the liking for gardens and gardening.” Alexander Smith
Botanical World Gardens & Adventures
Botanical World Adventures is home to World Botanical Gardens, Maze and Waterfalls in Hakalau on the Hamakua Coast. This adventure includes Zip Isle, Zip Line and Segway® Off Road Adventure Tours also.
Open Daily 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Botanical World Gardens
31-240 Old Mamalahoa Highway
Hakalau, Hawaii 96710
(808) 963-5427
Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden
The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is a 40-acre preserve of living plants and a nature lover’s paradise located in the Onomea Valley.
Open Daily 9 am-5 pm
Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden
27-717 Old Mamalahoa Highway
Papaikou, HI 96781
(808) 964-5233
University of Hawaii at Hilo, Botanical Gardens
The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Botanical Gardens are located on the University campus in Hilo.
Open Daily
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Botanical Gardens
200 W. Kāwili St.
Hilo, HI 96720-4091
(808) 932-7446
Nani Mau Gardens in Hilo Hawaii, was founded by a Japanese immigrant who transformed the 20-acre papaya patch into a tropical garden. Today this Big Island botanical garden is a place of peace and harmony for all to enjoy.
Open Daily 10am – 3pm
Nani Mau Gardens
421 Makalika Street
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 959-3500
Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo & Garden
The Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo & Garden in Hilo is flora and fauna at its best, with a 12-acre zoo and garden home to more than 80 animal species.
Open Daily 9am-4pm
Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo and Garden
800 Stainback Hwy
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 959-7224
The Akatsuka Orchid Gardens is in Volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii, where there are over 500 blooming orchids on display.
Open Daily 10am – 4:30pm
Akatsuka Orchid Gardens
11-3051 Volcano Rd
Volcano, HI 96785
(808) 967-8234
The Paleaku Gardens are located in South Kona between Kealakekua Bay and the Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park. This is a beautiful Big Island botanical garden, but also serves as a sanctuary for the advancement of individuals toward peace and harmony.
Tuesday – Saturday 9am-4pm
Paleaku Gardens
83-5401 Painted Church Road
Captain Cook, Hawaii, 96704
(808) 328-8084
Pua Mau Botanical Garden
Unfortunately this garden has CLOSED. The Pua Mau Botanical Gardens was located on the western side of Kohala Mountain, just north of Kawaihae harbor but is no longer operating. This botanical garden featured quirky statues, a large resident bird population and a sprawling garden in a unique climate zone.
CLOSED
Map of Big Island Botanical Gardens
