Moanalua Gardens is a privately owned park at 2850-A Moanalua Road, a few miles northwest of Honolulu. Its broad lawns, koi pond and old trees make it a quiet stop for a picnic or a short walk. The main draw is the Hitachi Tree, a huge monkeypod known for its spreading canopy. You can also see mango trees, ducks and historic buildings, including Prince Lot’s former summer cottage. The grounds are modest in size, and there are no paths across the grass.
The garden and its history
Moanalua Gardens is a 24-acre park northwest of Honolulu. The wider Moanalua estate was inherited by Samuel Mills Damon in 1884. That land once covered 6,000 acres; the present garden is a small part of it.
The grounds are associated with Prince Lot Kapuāiwa, who later became King Kamehameha V. His former summer cottage is on the property, but the buildings are not open to the public.
Trees, pond and festival
The garden’s best-known tree is a large monkeypod called the Hitachi Tree. Its broad, umbrella-like canopy has made it a popular place for photographs. Other large trees, mango trees and a koi pond add to the short walk around the grounds.
The Prince Lot Hula Festival is held here each July. The lawns are also used for gatherings and weddings. The park is a place to spend time outdoors; it is not a botanical garden with a marked walking route.
Preguntas frecuentes
How long does a visit to Moanalua Gardens take?
The grounds are small enough to walk through in about 10 minutes. Allow 30 to 60 minutes if you want time to pause by the trees and pond.
What is the Hitachi Tree?
It is a large monkeypod tree in the garden, known for its wide canopy and as a popular photo spot.
Can you go inside the historic buildings?
The historic buildings on the grounds, including Prince Lot’s former summer cottage, are not open to the public.
When is the Prince Lot Hula Festival?
The festival takes place at Moanalua Gardens each July.
