Queen Kapiolani Garden Honolulu
A small, charming botanical garden in Waikiki, famous for its vibrant hibiscus and roses, offering a peaceful floral escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Yellow tree blooms
Queen Kapiolani Garden Honolulu
Best Time
Yellow tree blooms
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A small, charming botanical garden in Waikiki, famous for its vibrant hibiscus and roses, offering a peaceful floral escape.
"A cute, tiny but lush and private garden, perfect for a quick, colorful escape."
🚶♀️ Walkable from Waikiki
Easily accessible on foot from Waikiki hotels, making it a convenient stop. :athletic_shoe:
🌸 Admire the Hibiscus
Don't miss Hawaii's state flower; the garden boasts many beautiful varieties. :hibiscus:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hibiscus Haven
Throughout the garden
Marvel at Hawaii's state flower in a stunning array of colors and varieties. A true botanical gem.
Rose Collection
Designated rose beds
Enjoy the sweet fragrance and beauty of diverse rose species, adding another layer of floral charm.
Vibrant Summer Tree
Center of the park
A stunning yellow-blooming tree offers a picturesque backdrop, especially magical in summer.
Vine-Covered Gazebo
Central area
A charming gazebo draped in vines and flowers provides a romantic and photogenic spot.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tropical Blooms
Waikiki's Green Oasis
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walkable from Waikiki
Easily accessible on foot from Waikiki hotels, making it a convenient stop. :athletic_shoe:
🌸 Admire the Hibiscus
Don't miss Hawaii's state flower; the garden boasts many beautiful varieties. :hibiscus:
🐔 Spot the Chickens
You might see hens with chicks, especially in spring, adding a touch of local wildlife. :chicken:
📸 Photogenic Gazebo
The vine-covered gazebo is a lovely spot for photos. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walkable from Waikiki
Easily accessible on foot from Waikiki hotels, making it a convenient stop. :athletic_shoe:
🌸 Admire the Hibiscus
Don't miss Hawaii's state flower; the garden boasts many beautiful varieties. :hibiscus:
🐔 Spot the Chickens
You might see hens with chicks, especially in spring, adding a touch of local wildlife. :chicken:
📸 Photogenic Gazebo
The vine-covered gazebo is a lovely spot for photos. :camerawithflash:
🌳 Monkey Pod Lined Paths
Enjoy the elegant approach lined with beautiful Monkey Pod trees. :tree:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Queen Kapiolani Garden to be a small, charming, and peaceful botanical escape in Waikiki, particularly loved for its beautiful hibiscus and rose collections and the chance to see local chickens. While its size is noted, its tranquility and accessibility make it a delightful stop for a quick, colorful experience.
"A cute little park that is walking distance from the beach and the main strip of hotels in Waikiki. When I saw it late summer, it was not super manicured and it's quite small, but it had a few varieties of my favorite flower: HIBISCUS!!! For this reason, and the chickens walking around, I loved it."
Imaan
"The Queen Kapiolani Garden is located in the Kapiolani Regional Park, between Montsarrat, Paki and Leahi avenues in Waikiki, Oahu. The garden is also called 'Queen Kapiolani Rose and Hibiscus Garden' for its collections of those magnificent flowers. Hawaii is famous for its hibiscus, which was declared the state flower in 1988. This spectacular botanical garden features an outstanding collection of these sweet-smelling, colorful flowers, as well as a nice selection of roses. Opened in 1972, the garden and adjacent park once belonged to King David Kalakaua who donated the land for public use in 1877. He named the 133-acre park in honor of his wife, Queen Kapiolani."
Doug Ho
"There’s a beautiful flowering tree at the center of the park that blooms with vibrant yellow flowers each summer. I proposed to my girlfriend under the tree so this park will always have a special meaning for us. The garden itself is small, but lush and private. There are many plants and hens with chicks during spring. I’d highly recommend taking a stroll through the garden if you’re walking by."
Adam Litzenberger
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Queen Kapiolani Garden is conveniently located within Kapiolani Regional Park, a short and pleasant walk from most Waikiki hotels. You can also reach it by bus or a short taxi/rideshare.
Limited street parking is available along the roads surrounding Kapiolani Regional Park, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak times.
Yes, the garden is situated adjacent to the Honolulu Zoo, making it very easy to visit both attractions consecutively.
Several bus routes serve the Waikiki area and stop near Kapiolani Park, providing good public transport access to the garden. Check local bus schedules for routes and times.
Many visitors enjoy the approach along the roadways and walking paths elegantly lined with Monkey Pod trees.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Queen Kapiolani Garden is a public park and botanical garden, so there is no admission fee. Entry is free for all visitors.
As a public park, Queen Kapiolani Garden is generally open from sunrise to sunset. It's best to check local park hours for any specific restrictions.
The garden is known for its hibiscus and roses. While beautiful year-round, specific blooms might be more vibrant during their peak seasons, often in spring and summer.
While Kapiolani Regional Park generally allows leashed pets, it's always a good idea to check specific park regulations regarding pets within the botanical garden areas.
Yes, the garden is quite small and can be explored extensively in about 5-10 minutes, making it perfect for a brief stop.
📸 📸 Photography
The vine-covered gazebo is a popular and picturesque spot. The vibrant hibiscus flowers, the yellow summer blooming tree, and the tree-lined paths also offer great photo opportunities.
Absolutely! The lush greenery, colorful flowers, and charming gazebo make it a lovely setting for romantic photos. One visitor even proposed here!
Generally, personal photography is allowed. For professional shoots like weddings or commercial photography, it's advisable to check with the Honolulu Parks and Recreation department for any permit requirements.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides softer light, ideal for photography. However, the vibrant colors of the flowers can be striking in midday sun as well.
Keep an eye out for the local chickens and their chicks, especially in spring, which can add a unique element to your photos.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
The garden is renowned for its extensive collection of hibiscus, Hawaii's state flower, and a variety of roses. You'll also find other tropical flora and lush greenery.
Yes, it's a peaceful and quiet garden perfect for a short, relaxing stroll. The paths are well-maintained, and the atmosphere is serene.
The garden is relatively small, described as 'tiny but cute' by visitors, meaning you can easily see everything in a short amount of time.
While the garden itself is small, being part of Kapiolani Regional Park means restrooms and benches are likely available in the larger park area nearby. It's best to confirm specific amenities.
The garden and the adjacent park were named in honor of Queen Kapiolani, wife of King David Kalakaua, who donated the land for public use in 1877.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Royal Connection: Queen Kapiolani
This historical context adds a layer of depth to your visit. As you wander through the vibrant blooms, you're walking on land that holds royal significance, a testament to the generosity and vision of Hawaii's last reigning monarchs. The garden serves as a living tribute to Queen Kapiolani's legacy, a peaceful sanctuary that embodies the spirit of aloha and public service.
A Floral Showcase: Hibiscus and Roses
Complementing the hibiscus is a lovely selection of roses, adding another dimension to the garden's floral appeal. Visitors often remark on the beauty and variety of the blooms, finding it a delightful spot to appreciate nature's artistry. Whether you're a seasoned botanist or simply enjoy the beauty of flowers, the garden offers a visually rewarding experience, especially during peak blooming seasons.
Beyond the Blooms: Wildlife and Ambiance
The garden's ambiance is consistently described as quiet, peaceful, and low-key, providing a welcome respite from the energy of Waikiki. The approach, lined with elegant Monkey Pod trees, and the central vine-covered gazebo contribute to its serene and picturesque atmosphere. It's a place where you can enjoy a moment of tranquility, perhaps even a romantic proposal, surrounded by natural beauty.
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