Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical Garden

It is a beautiful place to visit. We were on a cruise from Vancouver last October, and the island was one of the stops. The tour was part of our shore excursion. It is a fair distance from the port and the roads became quite narrow as we drove toward the garden. The garden is quite big. The trails go up and down. You need to be a good walker. There are some stairs but you can take a detour. I loved the Orchid garden. The garden is laid out in sections for different varieties of flowers and plants. There are lots of tall trees that gives shades. So it not a hot environment. It is pleasant. The gift shop is so so. Highly recommend this place.

This place blew my mind! Being here is a sensory overload - you can hear the waves crashing, smell the sweet lemon grass like aromas in the air and gaze on some of the most vibrant and unique flowers. They have truly amazing variety of tropical floras and faunas here. Some sections are dedicated to orchids, anthuriums and lilies. Good shoes with traction is best because of the downhill broad-walk. Also, bringing some insect repellent won’t hurt. Gift shop has some great shirts and souvenirs. Bathroom is clean and well-maintained. Staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Don’t be deterred by narrow road as you make your way here. It is truly worth it!

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is a magical tranquil place with many varieties of tropical plants. The orchids which can be found high in the foliage and along the ground are stunning. The garden abounds in colorful flowers and leaves everywhere! Garden paths guide you to different groups of plant species. There are also coastal paths that lead you along the coastal shoreline. Deep in the back corner of the garden is a waterfall and little river that flows out to the ocean. After completing the self guided tour, you may visit the gift shop for a souvenir or maybe even a plant cutting, to plant in your own garden. This is truly one of the finest botanical gardens I have ever seen.

Amazing botanical gardens! Beautiful plants, flowers, orchids, and wildlife too. Incredible ocean views at the bottom of the path. Be aware that it's a pretty steep slope down (all nicely paved). Lots of shade too.

Such a beautiful stroll. Don't let the $30pp entry fee deter you. The short scenic drive on the old highway and beautiful walk through the jungle gardens is spectacular and worth the fee. Some uphill walking required, but paths are well maintained and have boardwalks installed for steep sections. It would be a shame to be in the Hilo area and not take this in.

Hawaiian Tropical Botanical Garden is a magical place! From the moment you arrive, you are surrounded by tropical rain forest creatures, plants and flowers. The lizards were so beautiful and all over the place. Every few steps on the path, you would be welcomed by a new flower or plant that you have never seen before. Orchids grow wild here and come in every color imaginable. The gardens are well maintained, and the path is easy to follow. We spent a few hours here just enjoying the flora and fauna. They have a few waterfalls and a lily pond. And a gorgeous ocean view of two different bays. This is a must see if you are in the Hilo area. It is a little pricey at $30 a person, but don't let that scare you away. My wife and I are very frugal, and we felt that this was money well spent. We would gladly pay it again to see those gardens!

We visited here in January. It was a beautiful day. The walk through the gardens is not too long but there is quite an incline at the beginning of the trail. It is fine going down but you need to be able to walk back up. We are in out 60’s and managed it fine with stops along the way back up. The garden is filled with beautiful foliage, fauna and flowers and opportunities for some great views. Was well worth the visit.

This place was a highlight of our trip to Big Island. It's gorgeous. Magnificent tropical plants as well as geckos everywhere. Not a difficult walk, just take your time and you will be fine.