HAWAII TROPICAL BOTANICAL GARDENS - ON THE BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII

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Getting to the Garden

Leaving Hilo
  • As you drive north from the sleepy town of Hilo on the wet windward coast of the Big Island you begin a 1 hour journey along one of the prettiest coastlines in Hawaii. The first stop for any plant lover is the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden located on the 4 mile scenic by-pass to Onomea Bay off the main highway.The HTBG is not a palm garden as much as just a gorgeous tropical paradise landscaped to take full advantage of it's unsurpassed natural beauty. They do however, claim to have 200 species of palms.


Onemea Bay
Naturalized Archontophoenix
  • The HTBG is centered on Onomea Bay, a small lush cove off the beaten path with numerous streams and waterfalls meandering down the slopes to the sea.
  • In the surrounding forest Archontophoenix have naturalized and are growing in great abundance, putting on a breathtaking display for the palm connoisseur.


At the Garden Gate

Surrounding forest
One Lane Bridge
  • After a short windy drive through the verdant forest on the old scenic road, complete with one lane bridges, we arrive at the front gate.
Front Gate
Entry Bridge
  • After proceeding through the front gate you immediately enter a tropical wonderland, and after you cross the first bridge you leave the modern world behind.


The Grounds

  • The property has many small streams with cascading waterfalls where ever you look. Don't forget the mosquito repellent they keep at the front gate. If it's dinner time, you'll be glad you remembered, because you're dinner.
Many Streams
Many Waterfalls


  • All of the streams find their way down to Onemea Bay. It is one of those places you will forever remember. In Hawaiian 'Onomea' means "the best place," and it is aptly named. The rugged coast with black lava and sand is characteristic of much of the coast on the Hilo side of the Big Island.
The Bay
The Shoreline


The Plants

  • There is quite a variety of tropical plants on the 17 acres landscaped in a natural flowing display. Below is a Gallery of some of some of them. If you would like more information on the HTBG, visit their website. Hawaiian Tropical Botanical Garden