Honolulu Botanical Gardens
Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden
“To make a place of peace and tranquility”
Shoreline use of Loko Waimaluhia partially restored, reinforced pathway opening
We are thrilled to announce partial access to the shoreline of Loko (Lake) Waimaluhia at Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden, and a newly reinforced pathway down to the lake, will be open for public use beginning Saturday, June 6, 2026. In addition, family fishing is set to return to Ho‘omaluhia’s lake July 1, 2026 as more lake access is restored in June. For more information click here.
The lake’s shoreline experienced an extended closure after sustaining damage from March’s Kona low storms. Garden staff continue to work on restoring the shoreline, with several sections of the lake still unfit for use by the general public. We intend to have more of the lake’s shoreline restored for public use throughout June 2026, weather permitting.
Strolling or driving through these lush 400 acres in windward Oʻahu, you will truly agree that Hoʻomaluhia is rightfully named ‘a peaceful refuge.’ Opened in 1982, this garden in Kāneʻohe features plantings from major tropical regions around the world grouped geographically. Geographical regions represented by our botanical collections: Philippines, Malaysia, Tropical America, India & Sri Lanka, Melanesia, Hawaii, Polynesia, and Africa. The Garden was designed and built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide flood protection for Kāneʻohe.
- 45-680 Luluku Road Kaneohe HI 96744
- 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
closed every Thursday, Christmas Day (December 25), and
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Free
Tours
Please call (808) 768-8942 for information.
Fishing
TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED – The Ho`omaluhia Botanical Garden Fishing Program is a free “catch and release” recreational fishing program. Fishing activity is held along the shoreline of the 32-acre Loko Waimaluhia. The shoreline is approximately a 20-minute walk from the Education Center along a scenic garden pathway.
You must read and understand the Fishing Guidelines and all posted signage set forth by the City and County of Honolulu. By accepting the reservation permit, you have agreed to comply with the Rules for Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden.
Click here to secure a fishing reservation permit. The online reservation system opens on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. (HST) two weeks before the reservation date. When arriving for your permitted date, you will be loaned bamboo fishing poles and provided a waiver to sign: Participant Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability Agreement.
Date & Time
Info
Prices
Parking
Each reservation allows a maximum of 5 people. There are limited tickets available. Reservations are non-transferable. You must present a printed or electronic copy on your cellphone at check-in. A limited number of walk-in slots will be open on a first-come first-serve basis.
Organized Youth and School Groups can apply for fishing permits directly by contacting the Ho`omaluhia Education Center Office by phone at (808) 768-8942 or by emailing HBG@honolulu.gov at least 30 days in advance. Organized group fishing is available on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Group reservations are not available on weekends due to the increased volume of garden visitors and limited public parking. Please be advised that at times of high demand, group fishing permits may be limited or not available on your preferred day.
Ho`omaluhia Botanical Garden reserves the right to close the fishing site and cancel reservations with or without notice due to adverse weather, maintenance, safety, security, and public health reasons.
Drawing & Painting
Tuesdays: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Come paint and draw the wonderful plant life and scenery of our largest botanical garden with others in this self directed opportunity! Plants, flowers and seeds are provided from this rainforest garden. Bring your supplies; watercolors, pencils, and paper. Some art experience is helpful.
No fee required. Call (808) 768-8942 for more information.
Camping
Ho’omaluhia offers 3 campgrounds with total of 28 campsites: Kahua Kuou (8 campsites), Kahua Lehua (5 campsites) and Kahua Nui Makai (15 campsites).
Camping at Ho`omaluhia requires a permit. There are 3 types of camping permits to suit your needs:
- Weekend Camping — Online reservations can be made at pros.hnl.info starting on Fridays at 5PM (HST) 2 weeks prior to the desired date. Each permit is good for 10 persons, 3 ground tents and 3 vehicles parking permits. Camping fee is $32 per campsite from Friday to Monday. Camping in or on vehicles is not permitted.
- Youth/Scouts Group Camping – Reservations can be made 30 to 90 days in advance by calling the DPR Permit Office at (808) 768-3440 or emailing DPRpermitsoffice@honolulu.gov. Youth groups can reserve 50% of available campsites. Fee is $32 per campsite, holding up to 10 people from Friday to Monday at 4:00PM. No youth group camping is permitted during a 3-day holiday weekend.
- Large Group Camping – Reservations must be submitted 30 days in advance. Designated campsites for large group camping are Nui Makai campsites #26 to #31, holding up to a maximum of 60 people. Applications are accepted either at the Ho’omaluhia Education Center Office or at the DPR Permit Office located at Sheridan Community Park, 833 Piʻikoi St. in Honolulu. We recommend calling Ho’omaluhia at 808-768-8942 to check availability. Applications must be submitted with a check payment of $225, payable to the City and County of Honolulu. Fees are non-refundable.
For complete camping information and details, including the camping rules and regulations, go to: https://www.honolulu.gov/dpr/camping/
(Storied Places) Installation
Titled "I ka Uhiwai o ke Ko‘olau" this installation features four vertical Corten steel sculptures designed as modern sentinels by artist Kaili Chun. Each piece uses calibrated apertures to frame specific puʻu (peaks) of the Koʻolau range, inviting viewers to engage the mountains as sacred ancestors. These four columns are located on the south side of the pavilion in the Kahua Nui section of the botanical garden. Read much more about this amazing installation, including the mo‘olelo (story) of the area by visiting: https://wahipana.com/art/hoomaluhia/
Contact Us
Mailing Address: 45-680 Luluku Road Kāne‘ohe, HI 96744
Phone: 808-768-8942
email: hoomaluhiabg@honolulu.gov