Top botanical gardens
Botanical GardenFoster Botanical Garden
Botanical GardenWahiawa Botanical Garden
Botanical GardenEnchanted Floral Gardens of Kula
Botanical GardenKula Botanical Garden
Botanical GardenAllerton Garden
Botanical GardenKoko Crater Botanical Garden
Botanical GardenHawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
Botanical GardenAmy B. H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden
Botanical GardenLyon Arboretum
Botanical GardenMoir Gardens
Botanical GardenKalopa State Recreation Area
Botanical GardenHo'omaluhia Botanical Garden
Botanical Gardens by county
All botanical gardens (29)
| Name | County | Elevation | Nearest town | Sky |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Botanical Garden | Honolulu County | 11 m | 'A'ala | 9 |
| Wahiawa Botanical Garden | Honolulu County | 309 m | Wahiawā | 8 |
| Enchanted Floral Gardens of KulaHaleakalā | Maui County | 718 m | Kula | 5 |
| Kula Botanical GardenHaleakalā | Maui County | 1,016 m | Kēōkea | 4 |
| Allerton Garden | Kauai County | — | Omao-Kukuiula | 5 |
| Koko Crater Botanical Garden | Honolulu County | — | Kalama Valley | 7 |
| Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden | Hawaii County | — | Pāpa‘ikou | 4 |
| Amy B. H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden | Hawaii County | — | Captain Cook | 4 |
| Lyon Arboretum | Honolulu County | — | Upper Manoa | 9 |
| Moir Gardens | Kauai County | — | Po‘ipū | 5 |
| Kalopa State Recreation Area | Hawaii County | — | Honoka‘a | 2 |
| Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden | Honolulu County | — | Kaneohe | 8 |
| Waimea Valley | Honolulu County | — | Pupukea | 6 |
| Limahuli Garden and Preserve | Kauai County | — | Princeville | 2 |
| Kahanu GardenHaleakalā | Maui County | — | Hana | 2 |
| McBryde Garden | Kauai County | — | Koloa-Poipu | 5 |
| Liliuokalani Botanical Garden | Honolulu County | — | Kuakini | 9 |
| Ke'anae ArboretumHaleakalā | Maui County | — | Wailua | 3 |
| Maui Nui Botanical Gardens | Maui County | — | Kahului | 7 |
| Manoa Heritage Center | Honolulu County | — | East Manoa | 9 |
| Manuka State Wayside Park | Hawaii County | — | Hawaiian Ocean View | 3 |
| Na 'Aina Kai Botanical Gardens | Kauai County | — | Kīlauea | 4 |
| Hilo Tropical Gardens | Hawaii County | — | Hilo | 5 |
| Kaia Ranch Tropical Botanical GardensHaleakalā | Maui County | — | Hana | 2 |
| Tropical Gardens of Maui | Maui County | — | Wailuku | 6 |
| University of Hawaii at Hilo Botanical Gardens | Hawaii County | — | Hilo | 6 |
| World Botanical Gardens | Hawaii County | — | Pepeekeo | 3 |
| Pua Mau Place Arboretum and Botanical Garden | Hawaii County | — | Waikoloa | 2 |
| Sadie Seymour Botanical Gardens | Hawaii County | — | Hōlualoa | 5 |
Sky = estimated Bortle class (1 darkest – 9 brightest).
Map
How to photograph botanical gardens
Gardens are best on bright overcast days or early mornings when dew is fresh and the wind is calm.
- A macro lens or close-up filter opens a world of detail — try a shallow aperture against a soft background.
- Many gardens restrict tripods or charge for photography; check the rules before you go.
- Backlit petals glow; position yourself so the sun is behind the flower.
- Seasonal exhibits (orchids, tulips, cherry blossoms) draw crowds — arrive at opening.
- Kaleidoscopic and abstract images are great for flower close-ups — try the online kaleidoscope tool.
Season: Spring bulbs and blossoms, summer perennials and autumn color; glasshouses offer winter subjects.