Beautifully unkempt walking trails wind through this highly regarded 200-acre arboretum managed by the University of Hawaiʻi. It was originally founded in 1918 by a group of sugar planters growing native and exotic flora species to restore Honolulu’s watershed and test their economic benefit. This is not your typical overly manicured tropical flower garden, but a mature and largely wooded arboretum, where related species cluster in a seminatural state. For a guided tour, call at least 24 hours in advance.
Key plants in the Hawaiian ethno-botanical garden are ʻulu (breadfruit), kalo (taro) and ko (sugarcane) brought by early Polynesian settlers; kukui, once harvested to produce lantern oil; and ti, which was used for medicinal purposes during ancient times and for making moonshine after Westerners arrived. It’s a short walk to Inspiration Point , or keep walking uphill for about 1 mile along a jeep road, then a narrow, tree root–ridden path to visit seasonal ʻAihualama Falls , a lacy cliff-side cascade.
From Ala Moana Center, catch bus 5 toward Manoa Valley and get off at the last stop, then walk about half a mile uphill to the end of Manoa Rd. Limited free parking is available.
