Oahu’s Lili’uokalani Botanical Garden

We are frequent visitors to Oahu. As such, we have done most of the major, touristy things on island. That means that we often try to do some different, less touristy adventures each visit. And that’s how we discovered the Lili’uokalani Botanical Garden, a hidden gem in the center of Honolulu.

What is Lili’uokalani Botanical Garden

The graden is a 7.5 acre public and city park in Honolulu. It is one of five Honolulu City and County Botanical Parks administered by the department of Parks and Recreation.

The park land was given to the local government by Queen Lili’uokalani, the last Hawaiian monarch. The grounds once belonged to the Queen, and was a favorite picnic spot for the monarch. The gardens contain many Hawaiian native plants.

What to know about the Garden

The garden is free and open to the public daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed on Christmas and New Years Day).

You can download a detailed map of the premises to the parks and recreation website.

The garden is next to Foster Botanical Gardens, another fabulous botanical garden. It is located at 123 N. Kuakini St. in Honolulu. There is a small parking lot at the park. However, the park is easily accessible using the City Bus. We used the bus to arrive at the park.

Since the botanical garden is in the middle of a major city, you will find apartments and other housing butting up to the perimeter of the park. We also heard sirens and lots of automobile traffic at various locations throughout the garden. But, it does provide a respite from the daunting city hustle and bustle.

In addition to the flora and fauna, the Nu’uanu stream and Waikahalulu waterfall run through the center of the garden park.

Walking Tour of the Botanical Garden

The walk through the garden is easy and will take you about 30 minutes in total. most of the path is paved, including the bridge. There is, however, some of the garden walk that most be done over a grassy surface.

What You’ll See at Lili’uokalani Botanical Garden

You will see a lot of trees and shrubs throughout the garden.

The park is dedicated to the preservation of native species. So you will get to see many of these specimens in their natural habitat.

You will see a carefully designed garden with plenty of natural “architecture” features such as boulders.

And, you will see man-made structures, including a bridge spanning the stream.

We also spotted dragonflies, butterflies, and a few varieties of birds. Of course, we spotted some foraging chickens too.

But, the highlight of the park is the stream and the waterfall. you can hear the water cascading over the boulders and crashing into the stream below. The gentle flow of water can be heard almost everywhere in the park. The waterfall is without a doubt, the centerpiece of the botanical garden.

How Much Time Do You Need?

At 7.5 acres, the park is fairly small. Strolling through the paths will take you no longer than 30 minutes.

However, there are picnic tables and places to sit throughout the park. We watched a family of three set up at a picnic table with a soccer ball and skateboard, enjoying a relaxing afternoon resting in the grass, with shade from the canopy of trees above.

So, a stroll through the park could last 30 minutes, or a few hours depending on your plans.

You may also visit neighboring Foster Botanical Garden and spend a pleasant half day away from the city’s frenetic pace.

You May Also Enjoy:

Discover these Oahu hidden gems.

Explore three diverse Denver Botanical Gardens.

Take a riverboat journey to Kauai’s Fern Grotto.

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