Hawaii is home to one of the world’s most unique and beautiful ecosystems, and the Waimea Valley botanical garden is ideal if you’re visiting Oahu and want a one-of-a-kind experience. This diverse nature preserve features a wide variety of stunning landscapes, flora, and fauna, and whether it’s your first visit or one of many, you will always discovering something new.

3 Unique Features of the Waimea Valley Botanical Garden

1. Amazing Plant Life

The Waimea Valley botanical garden features over 5,000 documented plants, including native and endangered Hawaiian species. These tropical and subtropical plants range from ferns and begonias to fruit, nut, and spice plants, and flowers, including the rare Hawaiian Hibiscus. These beautiful plants come from all over the Pacific, and you’ll enjoy seeing them thrive in their natural habitat.

2. Plenty of Hiking

If you want to get out and experience breathtaking scenery, the botanical garden offers plenty of walking paths. These casual trails welcome visitors of every skill level, including a 3.5-mile excursion that winds throughout the grounds. You can also walk to Waimea Falls, a 45-foot waterfall flowing from Kamananui Stream. If you feel like taking a swim, you can enjoy the water at the base as well in a preserved area surrounded by local flora. Not much of a walker? Waimea Valley offers shuttle rides from the ticket booth to the waterfall for a small fee.

3. Environmental Education

Many of the plants featured in the botanical garden play an important role in Hawaiian culture. From Acanthaceae — a popular flower for making Hawaii’s signature leis — to the Wiliwili tree, which was used to make  longboards, you’ll learn about Hawaii’s famous flora from the garden’s experienced staff. They also provide a wealth of knowledge about preservation, ensuring you have a valuable lesson to take home.

There are even more features of the Waimea Valley to experience alongside the botanical garden (including six archaeological sites) that you can explore on their website. If you’re planning a wedding or private event, it’s a perfect tropical setting. To speak with their staff further, reach out via email to events@waimeavalley.net. For regular updates and news about the park, follow them on Facebook or Instagram