Foster Botanical Garden Honolulu
A tranquil 14-acre oasis in Honolulu, showcasing ancient trees, rare tropical plants, and a diverse palm collection since 1853.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Foster Botanical Garden Honolulu
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil 14-acre oasis in Honolulu, showcasing ancient trees, rare tropical plants, and a diverse palm collection since 1853.
"This is such an amazing garden with lots of exotic plants from all around the world."
🚶♀️ Easy to Navigate
Paths are mostly paved and accessible, making it great for all ages and mobility levels. :walking:
💰 Budget-Friendly Fun
Admission is only $5 for adults, making it an affordable way to experience tropical beauty. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Exceptional Trees
Throughout the garden
Marvel at ancient, towering trees like the Cannonball Tree and Baobab, showcasing incredible natural architecture.
Palm Garden
Designated Palm Garden area
Explore a diverse collection of palm species, from the rare Coco de Mer to various tropical varieties.
Orchid & Conservatory Collection
Greenhouse/Conservatory
Discover a vibrant display of orchids and other exotic plants within the charming conservatory.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Affordable Admission & What to Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Easy to Navigate
Paths are mostly paved and accessible, making it great for all ages and mobility levels. :walking:
💰 Budget-Friendly Fun
Admission is only $5 for adults, making it an affordable way to experience tropical beauty. :moneybag:
📸 Photo Opportunities
Bring your camera! The exotic flowers and ancient trees offer stunning backdrops for photos. :camera:
💧 Stay Hydrated
It can get warm and humid, so bring water, especially if you plan to spend a few hours exploring. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Easy to Navigate
Paths are mostly paved and accessible, making it great for all ages and mobility levels. :walking:
💰 Budget-Friendly Fun
Admission is only $5 for adults, making it an affordable way to experience tropical beauty. :moneybag:
📸 Photo Opportunities
Bring your camera! The exotic flowers and ancient trees offer stunning backdrops for photos. :camera:
💧 Stay Hydrated
It can get warm and humid, so bring water, especially if you plan to spend a few hours exploring. :droplet:
🌳 Educational Experience
Informative signs about plant species and origins add an educational layer to your visit. :books:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Foster Botanical Garden for its tranquil atmosphere, stunning collection of exotic plants, and ancient trees, calling it a peaceful oasis in the city. The low admission fee and accessible paths are also frequently highlighted as major positives, making it a highly recommended spot for nature lovers and families alike.
"Years ago I cut through a botanical garden and was amazed at the flowers and plants. Not boring at all! Now I seek them out.
Today I looked to see how far I could get on a biki bike and the last station is near Foster botanical garden in Honolulu. Best $5 admission I spent this trip. It’s hard to get it from the photos but the trees - oh the trees!! - absolutely incredible.
I had no idea there were so many type of palm trees. The Baobab, cannonball, and candle trees…the pitcher plant and butterflies. Great for families. I spent 2 hours here taking my time. A must see!
And as a Christian I have to say that this absolutely brought me closer to God in wonder."
Jeff Skipper (Life with Skipper)
"This is such an amazing garden with lots of exotic plants from all around the world. The staff are super friendly $5 for an adult and kids under 5 are free over 5 years old are just $1. Lots of parking and a pretty easy walk through with lots of seating for rests."
W Z
"Beautiful, peaceful, and the coolest part is the guides and maps you get when you pay to enter! Very low fee as well. The conservatory was awesome!
I honestly can't say enough cool things about this place. I'm so glad we went! I could have easily napped there"
Kaylen Belle T.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Foster Botanical Garden is located just north of Chinatown, making it accessible from Waikiki. You can take a bus, Uber, or Lyft. Many visitors find Uber/Lyft convenient for a direct ride.
Yes, there is parking available at the garden, which can be convenient if you're driving.
Yes, TheBus routes serve the area near Foster Botanical Garden, making it accessible via public transport from various parts of Honolulu.
Foster Botanical Garden is located just past Chinatown, making it easy to combine a visit with exploring the vibrant Chinatown district.
Without a car, Uber or Lyft are recommended for a direct trip. Public buses are also an option, though they may involve more walking from the stop.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is very affordable, typically $5 for adults and $1 for children. Residents may have different rates.
The garden is generally open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM, but it's always a good idea to check their official website for any seasonal changes or holiday closures.
For general admission, booking in advance is usually not required, but it's wise to check their website, especially if you plan to visit during a special event.
While the admission is already very low, check for potential discounts for seniors, students, or local residents on their official website.
General admission has a small fee. However, special events like the Honolulu Recreational Community Gardening Program anniversary celebration have offered free admission in the past.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the ancient 'exceptional trees' like the Cannonball Tree, the diverse Palm Garden, and the exotic plants in the conservatory. +1
Yes, it's considered baby and kid-friendly. The paved paths make it easy to navigate with strollers, and the variety of plants is engaging for all ages.
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring the garden at a leisurely pace, but you could easily spend longer if you're a keen photographer or plant enthusiast.
While not always explicitly advertised, the garden provides guides and maps upon entry, which enhance the educational experience.
Yes, the lush grounds offer peaceful spots for a picnic, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Focus on the unique 'exceptional trees' with their dramatic structures, the vibrant colors of the orchids in the conservatory, and the diverse palm species. The winding paths also offer picturesque scenes. 
The lush greenery, exotic flowers, and ancient trees provide a beautiful and unique backdrop for portraits. Consider the morning light for softer shadows.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, it's always best to check for any specific rules regarding commercial photography or drone usage.
Weekday mornings offer fewer crowds and softer light. Late afternoons can also be beautiful with golden hour lighting, but may be busier.
Yes, you can photograph the rare plants, but always be respectful of the garden and avoid touching or disturbing them.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy amidst the greenery, and let the kids discover the different shapes and colors of the flowers. It's a peaceful and educational outing that offers a break from the city's hustle and bustle.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Budget Explorers
Combine your visit with a stroll through nearby Chinatown or enjoy a packed lunch on the grounds to maximize your savings and experience. The garden offers a rich sensory experience that feels much more expensive than its entry fee suggests.
🌿 Plant Enthusiasts & Garden Lovers
Take advantage of the informative signage to learn about the origins and characteristics of each plant. The conservatory and greenhouse sections are particularly noteworthy for their unique specimens. It's a place to truly appreciate the biodiversity of tropical ecosystems.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Living Museum: The History and Significance
Over the years, it has become a sanctuary for rare and endangered species, including an impressive collection of palms, orchids, and cycads. The garden's historical significance is further marked by its designation of several trees as 'Exceptional Trees' by the City and County of Honolulu, recognizing their age, size, and unique botanical value. This living museum offers a tranquil escape and a glimpse into the rich botanical heritage of the islands.
Visitors often remark on the garden's ability to transport them to another world, filled with exotic flora they've never encountered before. The blend of historical context and vibrant natural beauty makes Foster Botanical Garden a truly special place to explore.
Navigating the Garden: Accessibility and Paths
The garden's layout is relatively compact, allowing visitors to see a significant portion of its collection without extensive walking. Benches are strategically placed throughout the grounds, offering opportunities to rest and soak in the serene atmosphere.
While the main paths are well-maintained, some smaller, unpaved trails might exist in more naturalistic sections. However, the core experience and highlights are easily reachable via the accessible routes, ensuring a pleasant visit for everyone.
The Flora of Foster: A World of Plants
Visitors are captivated by the ancient and majestic 'Exceptional Trees,' such as the Cannonball Tree (Couroupita guianensis) and the Baobab tree (Adansonia digitata), which stand as living monuments. The garden also features a greenhouse with unique specimens, including pitcher plants and, at times, the intriguing corpse flower.
Beyond these iconic species, Foster Botanical Garden offers a rich tapestry of flowering trees, cycads, and other tropical flora, providing a feast for the senses and an educational journey for plant enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit