Fun for All
Maybe you’re not a plant person and the thought of visiting a botanical garden seems a bit boring. Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden, however, is not your typical paved walkway with plants to gawk at (although there are some impressive plants to gawk at). There’s much to do here.
We used to live in Kaneohe minutes from the garden and treated it like our backyard. With regular visits to play and explore, we know the garden well so I want to share some of our favorite things to do.
Be Prepared
The gardens lie at the foot of the Koolau mountain range which means great views, but also a higher chance of rain. Be prepared for mud, bugs, and the occasional rain squall. On a sunny, summer day, however, the humidity and bright sun can take a toll. Bring along water and sunscreen for a better experience.
1. Take a Hike
Grassy meadows, muddy stream trails, dense jungle, gravel, pavement, sweeping panoramas, and even a bog – there is a little something for everyone. The trails are fairly short, but you can link them together and make a more substantial hike. Pick up a map at the visitor center or find one here.
2. Float a Boat
There are several pullouts and parking lots along the length of the road that passes through Hoomalhuia. Over the years, I’ve tried them all, but Kahua Lehua was the most delightful discovery. It starts with stunning views from the parking lot which passes a camping area. If you take the trail downhill to the right, it opens up into pixie meadow, an open expanse to explore.
When we stumbled across the meadow many years ago, there was a small stream bubbling alongside the meadow. It inspired me to make paper boats dipped in paraffin for water-proofing and return for a morning of boat races.
We returned to the meadow recently and discovered that the stream is buried under a tangle of vegetation. You can only access part of the stream where it tumbles into a larger pool at the beginning of the meadow.
My now tween had different plans in mind anyway. We used the space for what he termed extreme soccer as he punted the ball from the hilltop into the net we set up far below.
3. Camping
The gardens are only open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day. If you want to extend your visit, get a camping permit so you can roam free. They do lock you in the garden at night, but they have escape times at 5:30 pm and 9:00 pm if you decide to bail. Make reservations for one of three possible campsites online here.
4. Climb a Tree
Long ago Micah claimed a low-branching tree down by the lake as his own. He takes great pride in climbing that tree. It’s been a long progression. Each visit he would be a little more daring and climb just a little bit higher until he finally made it to the perfect perching branch with views over the lake. There’s something satisfying about climbing a tree. Feel free to borrow Micah’s or search for another to make your own.
5. Catch a Fish
Over the years I regularly saw kids and families walking in happy groups to the back of the lake with bamboo fishing poles swinging at their sides. For some reason, I thought it was an organized event or school group. Turns out the catch and release fishing program is open to everyone. They even loan you the poles. Just stop at the visitor center on the weekend and they’ll set you up. Hike around to the back of the lake where volunteers are available to help you master your fishing technique. Making the perfect bread ball is a bit of an art form. Bring your own bread – or shrimp if you want to catch something other than tilapia. Micah was delighted by the experience.
There is so much to do at Hoomaluhia, that I broke it up into two parts. Head over to Ho’omaluhia Part II for more ideas.