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United States/Things to Do in Hawaii, with kids

Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical Garden (with kids)

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How Kids-Friendly is Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical Garden?

77%Kids-Friendly
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What makes it 77% Kids-Friendly: Discounted tickets, clear plant labels, waterfalls, and picnic spots make a fun outdoor lesson, yet parents must guard kids on the steep, sometimes slippery entry and there are no play areas or stroller-friendly paths.

Google
Reviews4.8/ 5
(from 4,249 reviews)
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Positives:

  • Free parking: Ample lot near the visitor center at no extra cost.
  • Under-6 entry: Kids under 6 enter free, making it budget-friendly.

Challenges:

  • Steep boardwalk: The entry boardwalk has stairs; not suitable for strollers.
  • Slippery trails: Trails can be wet and slippery; wear sturdy shoes.
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🏖️ Explore Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical Garden with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical Garden. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical Garden?

  • A 40-acre tropical botanical garden and nature reserve on the east side of Hawaii’s Big Island nestled in the lush Onomea Valley
  • A living collection of over 2,500 tropical plant species—orchids, heliconias, palms and rare rainforest trees—each labeled with scientific names and countries of origin
  • A curated rainforest-to-coast landscape spanning a mile-long paved trail along rugged cliffs, waterfalls and high-canopy groves

What is so special about Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical Garden for with kids?

  1. Tropical 1-mile trail from forest to bay with easy markers
  2. Interactive scavenger hunt to engage kids in learning
  3. Ocean-view platforms and picnic spots for family breaks
  4. Free entry for kids under 6 and ample shaded rest areas

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A 1-mile trail with stops suits kids’ pace and allows time for breaks and a picnic.

(View Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical Garden on Map)

Kids-Friendly Activities in Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical Garden

Self-Guided Family Trail:

Walk the 1-mile paved path from rainforest down to Onomea Bay.

Tip: Follow trail markers and pause at waterfalls to rest.

Kids’ Plant Scavenger Hunt:

Download the free garden map and have kids find key plants like hibiscus and orchids.

Tip: Pick up the map at the visitor center and check off plants at each sign.

Onomea Bay Overlook:

Stop at ocean-view platforms for coastal vistas.

Tip: Visit these spots early for calm seas and better photos.

Picnic at Shaded Tables:

Bring snacks or lunch to enjoy under palm trees.

Tip: Pack refillable water and healthy snacks for energy.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical Garden

  1. Buy tickets online: Reserve and pay in advance to skip the ticket line.
  2. Early arrival: Arrive at opening time to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
🏖️ Tour Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical Garden like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical Garden. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical Garden

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Satish C S

Satish C S

Dec 2025

A privately owned botanical garden with 2500 different species of plants here from all around the world and a 5 tier waterfalls. Nice place. Also has access to ocean bay. 32$ entry ticket.

Lynne Baker

Lynne Baker

Nov 2025

My family and I hiked/walked this beautiful garden today. It is lush, awesomely maintained, and peaceful. The creators put decades of their lives into creating it from a wasteland site, all by hand. The paths are wonderfully maintained and the signage excellent. Do not bisit this island without a visit to Hawaii Botanical Garden 💞

David Henshaw

David Henshaw

Nov 2025

I don't know how to put into words how beautiful of place the botanical gardens is. From the advice of a friend we went right when it opened, and we paid for a guided tour. Im so glad we did both of those things. The paid tour was great because the guide was very knowledgeable and if we asked something he was a 100% sure of he had a tablet to look it up. As I said, we did the guided tour and the...

Y. M.

Y. M.

Oct 2025

These photos are from first time we visited 7 years ago. So many beautiful flowers that we really enjoyed. 2nd time we went about 5 years ago, we didn’t see much of flowers. This time we went all the way from Kona, but decided not to visit bc entrance fee was $20 last time, and this time was $32 and no senior discount. Besides the price, you have to go stairways more than a mile! I have a recently...

Therese Howe

Therese Howe

Oct 2025

Yes, it’s worth the $27 kama’aina ticket if you’re a gardening or nature enthusiast - but you need to be able to make your way down sometimes steep trails on your own. You can use walking sticks or canes, but wheelchairs, scooters and crutches aren’t allowed in this Onomea Valley garden. You’ll make your way down winding and looping trails fringed by thousands of tropical and subtropical plant s...

When is the best time to visit Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical Garden (Hawaii, United States)?

Morning visits are cooler and quieter. Expect brief rain showers year-round—bring a lightweight poncho.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Hawaii on Trip.com

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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Adult admission (2 × $32)USD 64
Child admission (1 × $22)USD 22
Picnic snacksUSD 15
Gift shop souvenirUSD 20
Total EstimatedUSD 121

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical Garden

Address: 27-717 Mamalahoa Hwy, Papaikou, HI 96781, USA

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Looking for other Things to Do besides Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical Garden (Hawaii)?

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About Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical Garden

Opening Hours

Monday:10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday:10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday:10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday:Closed
Friday:10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday:10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday:10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+1 808-964-5233

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