Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden
Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden
Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden
5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
The Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden is a 501(c)(3) Scientific and Educational non-profit, whose mission is to serve as a nature preserve and sanctuary, a living seed bank, and a study center for trees and plants of the tropical world. The Garden is dedicated to the collection and display of the world's tropical plants, and to the education of both children and adults about the plight of the world's rainforests. At a time when rainforest plants are disappearing at an alarming rate, the Garden is working to preserve as many species as possible for the benefit of future generations.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Top ways to experience Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
1 within 5 kms
Attractions
32 within 10 kms
See what other travellers are saying
- Mike HPhoenix, Arizona2,072 contributionsBeautiful ExperienceWhile the price is a bit expensive, $25 per person, it you are into plants and flowers and love photographing these things, the price is worth it. We figured that we would be in here an hour and out but that didn't happen. The Garden is in a canyon that has a waterfall and stream run through it. You can go all the way down to the ocean. Everything is paved and they have a cart that will get people that can't make the climb a ride. There is a climb to get out but there are benches to rest at if you wish. There are plants that I have never seen before in this place. It is shaded in most areas so it was enjoyable. I shot 300 photos in the 3 hours or so that we were here.Visited January 2020Written February 25, 2020
- TaylorGranby, Connecticut19 contributionsAmazing!!This highly exceeding my expectations. It was just a massive jungle garden with every type of tropical plant, but it was extremely photogenic, quiet, refreshing, and relaxing. $25 entrance fee seemed a bit expensive but it was one of our favorite stops on the trip! Perfect for people who like seeing all different types of plants and walking through the jungle.Visited January 2020Written January 7, 2020
- SarahAustin, Texas3 contributionsHighlight of our time on the Big IslandOur visit to the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden was absolutely magical and beautiful! The gardens are breathtaking and so exciting to explore. I would definitely recommend allotting around 3 hours for a visit in order to take full advantage of the gardens and to take your time wandering. We also brought a picnic lunch along with us which I HIGHLY recommend doing. There are several benches and picnic tables located throughout the garden with views better than any restaurant you could find. Ask the attendant for recommendations for your party when purchasing tickets (probably best for parties of 4 or less). It was our favorite meal of the whole trip just because of how peaceful and beautiful our environment was! Definitely include HTBG in your itinerary.Visited June 2021Written July 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
2,282 reviews
Excellent
1,934
Very good
269
Average
44
Poor
21
Terrible
14
Dale-icious
Manchester, UK462 contributions
Mar. 2023 • Couples
We visited Hawai‘i Tropical Bioreserve & Garden during a visit to Hawaii as part of a 16-night Hawaiian cruise. It quickly became one of the highlights of our trip.
A stunning beautifully designed garden and bio-reserve with unique and rare flora and many places to sit and enjoy the views of the sea or the grounds.
This would be a great place for families too, as there's a lot of opportunities for children to learn and enjoy from the interesting informative signage dotted throughout the property.
It's worth noting that there is a steep path leading to and from the property due to the nature of the land. Although much of the grounds are wheelchair accessible, this gradient is tough on the return back up; however there are places to stop and catch your breath.
A stunning beautifully designed garden and bio-reserve with unique and rare flora and many places to sit and enjoy the views of the sea or the grounds.
This would be a great place for families too, as there's a lot of opportunities for children to learn and enjoy from the interesting informative signage dotted throughout the property.
It's worth noting that there is a steep path leading to and from the property due to the nature of the land. Although much of the grounds are wheelchair accessible, this gradient is tough on the return back up; however there are places to stop and catch your breath.
Written September 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Crane R
17 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Couples
A really well-designed garden with an astounding array of tropical plants. Its not that big but one can easily spend hours there. And there really are mosquitos (we should have gotten the bug dope they suggested, our bad).
Written August 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mahalo for visiting the Garden! Our Garden trails take you through the rainforest with many species of plants along the way. We're glad you enjoyed your visit and we hope to see you again soon. A hui hou!
Written August 30, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KhmerloveTravels
Siem Reap, Cambodia24 contributions
Mar. 2023 • Family
This botanical garden is amazing. Everything is labeled. It's beauitful, and there's a lot to see. We were a senior, a couple, and a toddler when we visited.
Written August 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha and mahalo for visiting the Garden! The drive from Kona to Hilo area is already a beautiful drive. We're glad you enjoyed your time in the Garden. A hui hou!
Written August 30, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Autumn M
Stamford, CT3,419 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Family
The walk does have some incline and decline, so wear sneakers. The gardens are breathtaking. The ocean views are wonderful. The unique plants and flowers are beautiful. I definitely recommend this place. Make sure you bring a ton of bug spray and water. The mosquitos were insane.
Written August 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mahalo for visiting the Garden! There are so many things to see in the Garden — the flora and fauna, breathtaking views and the history of the Garden. We hope to see you again soon!
Written August 30, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Elms4
Champlin, MN111 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Family
I grew up on the Big Island and saw plants that I have never seen before Also saw trees that - I did not know could grow so tall! Who new ferns (hapu) and guava trees grew that tall! Aside from the beautiful plants and flowers, there was a waterfall and the ocean to admire. Take time to read the story of how the bioreserve came to being - it's an amazing story. The walk is down a steep slope - you're walking down a valley to the ocean and you do have to walk up that same slope.
Written August 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mahalo for visiting the Garden! We're glad you were able to enjoy the Garden's many points of interests. Topics such as history, rainforest conservation and endangered species that are shared through our educational signs. We hope to see you again soon! A hui hou!
Written August 21, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carene O
10 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Family
A true highlight of our trip to Hawaii. Absolutely stunning! The weather was perfect - to be honest I would not have wanted to be on that little back road trying to find this place in the rain. Boardwalk is steep and would be slippery in the rain, too.
Written August 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha Carene! Mahalo for visiting the Garden. Onomea Bay's weather is the perfect condition for our flora and fauna to thrive in the Garden. We're glad you enjoyed your visit and we hope to see you again soon!
Written August 21, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anonymous
1 contribution
Jul. 2023 • Family
The park denied entrance to my son with special needs and declared they don’t care about people with disabilities and don’t have to allow them into the park. They allowed a lady with knee brace and cane but not my son who can walk into the park.
Written August 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pearliegirl
27 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Family
Most beautiful botanical garden I have ever been to. As others have said, absolutely breathtaking. Plan to spend a couple of Joe’s here.
Written August 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mahalo Alethea for visiting the Garden. We always recommend our guests to at least pack a lunch while enjoying the many views the Garden offers. We're glad you enjoyed your visit and we hope to see you again soon! A hui hou!
Written August 14, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LAH375
8 contributions
Jul. 2023
This bio reserve was impressive. Even more so when you realize the original owner started clearing it in his late 50's! Everything was so lush; I felt truly immersed in a rainforest. Lots of signs to help you ID the tropical plants and some Hawaiian history/culture mixed in. A must-see for any gardener or tropical plant lover. The walk back up the boardwalk is a challenge, but they have resting benches.
Written August 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mahalo for visiting the Garden. There are so many things for everyone to see in the Garden. We're glad you were able to view them. We hope to see you again soon. Aloha!
Written August 7, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Patrick B
Maastricht, The Netherlands710 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Couples
Certainly worth a visit for their beautiful collection of tropical plants from all over the world and the cool setting. But not as interesting and stunning as the Limahuli Garden and Preserve on Kaua’i, which specialises in native plants.
Written July 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mahalo for visiting the Garden. We're glad you were able to enjoy the tropical plants found in the Garden. Mahalo and we hope to see you again soon!
Written August 7, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Do you get any discount with tripleA OR AARP??
JPA Woo
8 contributions
No, but it's still worth every penny! They do, however, have discounts for active military and Hawaiian residents.
Are the trails stroller friendly?
John C
Burke, VA57 contributions
My wife and I could’ve done it if we had one stroller. More than one would be tough because of the steps and one adult couldn’t do it. Yes, the first part of the walk is steep but not too steep if you are able-bodied.
Seasidedad
Weymouth, UK431 contributions
Is it easy to get a taxi from the cruise port to the gardens and more importantly to get a Taxi Back?
Monica9080
232 contributions
Yes. In fact, you can buy hop-on and hop-off ticket for more than one stop. They also have your guide telling us stories. Very interesting. Good luck.
Lesley P
4 contributions
Which is better, this garden or the World Botanical Garden which is a,few miles away?
EnjoysAdventure
Snohomish, WA70 contributions
We have only been to the Hawaii Tropical Garden so can't compare it to the World Botanical Garden. What I can tell you is that we absolutely loved the HTG and spent far more time there than we expected because it was so beautiful and there was so much to see. It's also interesting that we never even heard of the WBG. We talked to many locals on our trip and everyone unanimously recommended the HTG as a must see and so we decided to go. We were not disappointed at all.
Nancy M
Sedona, United States1 contribution
Hi, Nancy. What would you like to know about this attraction? We are excited about coming in November on a Cruise Ship for just one day. Do we need to make reservations ahead of time? We will need a golf cart as we are aged 87 and 81 and don't walk long distances. Anything else we need to know? Thanks. Nancy Hawaii.
EmIsh Adventures
West Palm Beach, FL119 contributions
I would definitely call and find out. If I would have brought my sister whom has partial no mobility on the right side of her body I know this walk down the steep path would have been super dangerous for her walking or on a wheelchair. With that being said I did not find out how and if people could be transported down. I do know I wouldn’t even attempt to bring down a stroller because of how steep the path is. Definitely give them a call :)
Is this all outside? Wondering cause it’s a rainy day
Amy D
Los Angeles, CA106 contributions
Rain is common near Hilo. You can't let that prevent you from seeing things in Hawaii or you will never go outside. Rain usually doesn't last all day. Just be prepared.
Loretta S
22 contributions
We would like to visit in the next couple of days. We are staying in Kailua-Kona, the GPS on my IPhone says it takes about 2hours to get there. The garden website says something about it taking 3 hours from Kailua-Kona. Does this discrepancy reflect the info on the website being outdated a bit, or is it more accurate than my IPhone?
Bruce B
Vineland, NJ275 contributions
Your iPhone is more accurate. The road across the island has been updated and makes travel much faster. Use the Senator Inouye Road to cross back and forth from west to east and back.
You might want to use this same road to hike a couple of trails on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. The first is the highest mountain in the world and the second is the largest (mass) mountain on the island.
TIP: If you can find the picture book on the gardens, buy it, read it, and use it as a guide in the gardens. We bought it afterward and are glad to have it but wished we had read it prior to out visit.
Happy trails.
Loretta S
22 contributions
We would like to visit in the next couple of days. We are staying in Kailua-Kona, the GPS on my IPhone says it takes about 2hours to get there. The garden website says something about it taking 3 hours from Kailua-Kona. Does this discrepancy reflect the info on the website being outdated a bit, or is it more accurate than my IPhone?
judith l
Westminster, CO468 contributions
I think that we took over 2 hours, but we stopped along the way to enjoy other aspects of that coast. The road over is much faster now than it was previously, and they’ve cut out a portion that made the trip longer. Enjoy!!!
rlsiemens
winnipeg12 contributions
What is the admission price to the Botanical Garden
Ralphandralph
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada71 contributions
The travellers are correct. $20 per person but it is worth the price to see the unique flowers, rare orchid garden, black sand beach, two waterfalls and rare plants Many pklnts are from Asia and South America. .The garden borders on Onomea Bay which is spectacular. Be glad someone h\s worked to give us such awesome beauty.
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Claim your listingHAWAII TROPICAL BIORESERVE AND GARDEN - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden
- Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- We recommend booking Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 5 Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden:
- Big Island - North Island Jungle Driving Tour (From C$27.31)
- Big Island Adventure Bundle: 5 Epic Audio Driving Tours (From C$40.97)
- Small Group Big Island Waterfalls Adventure (From C$355.44)
- Big Island Hawaii Self-Guided Driving Tour (From C$20.48)
- All Hawaii Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle (From C$34.14)
- Hotels near Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden:
- (1.48 km) Island Goode's
- (0.17 km) Unique Home with Beautiful Ocean View
- (6.39 km) Orchid Tree Bed and Breakfast
- (0.84 km) Private Garden Cottage on 5 acre country estate /Walk to the Botanic Gardens!
- (0.88 km) Incredible Oceanview Studio Home
- Restaurants near Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden:
- (1.50 km) What's Shakin'
- (9.83 km) Paul's Place
- (9.48 km) Moon and Turtle
- (9.99 km) Two Ladies Kitchen
- (6.72 km) Mr. Ed's Bakery