Foster Botanical Garden is a nearly 14-acre public garden at 50 N Vineyard Blvd in downtown Honolulu, near Chinatown. Established in 1853, it is the oldest botanical garden in Hawaii, with some trees dating to its early years. Follow the paths past tropical plants, towering trees, the outdoor butterfly garden and the prehistoric cycad collection. The conservatory and orchid collection add another stop, while birds and butterflies bring movement to the grounds. A daily guided tour at 10:30 a.m. gives you more context; otherwise, use the garden map to explore at your own pace.
A garden with roots in the 1850s
Foster Botanical Garden began in 1853, when Queen Kalama leased land to William Hillebrand, a German physician and botanist. He lived there for more than two decades and planted native and exotic trees. Some of those early plantings still grow in the garden’s upper terrace.
Today, the nearly 14-acre garden is the oldest botanical garden in Hawaii and one of five public botanical gardens on Oahu. Its setting in downtown Honolulu makes it a convenient nature stop while exploring the city and Chinatown. Mature trees give much of the grounds shade, and the collection includes tropical plants from Hawaii and elsewhere.
Butterflies, cycads and orchids
The outdoor butterfly garden and the Prehistoric Glen Cycad Collection are two of the garden’s distinct areas. Cycads are ancient plants, and the collection gives this part of the walk a different character from the flower and tree displays. Keep an eye out for birds and butterflies among the greenery; a bird identification guide is available with the garden map.
The conservatory houses orchids and other tropical plants. Across the grounds, look for unusual trees such as the cannonball tree and quipo tree, as well as palms, bromeliads and flowering plants. Some specimens are rare or endangered. A corpse flower is also part of the collection; it is known for its strong odor when it blooms, and flowering is an uncommon sight.
Planning your walk
Pick up a map at the entrance if you want to follow a self-guided route, or join the daily guided tour at 10:30 a.m. for more information about the plants and garden. A visit can take about an hour, though plant enthusiasts and photographers may want to stay longer. Benches provide places to pause among the trees.
Wear insect repellent, since mosquitoes are present. Plant labels can be difficult to read from a distance, so you may need to move closer to see them. The garden has restrooms and a small gift shop, and parking is available on site.
Perguntas frequentes
How long should you spend at Foster Botanical Garden?
Plan on about an hour for a casual visit. Allow 1 to 2 hours if you want to take your time among the plant collections.
Are guided tours available?
A guided tour is offered daily at 10:30 a.m. You can also explore independently with a garden map.
What should you see at Foster Botanical Garden?
Look for the outdoor butterfly garden, Prehistoric Glen Cycad Collection and orchid conservatory. The grounds also have large trees, including some planted in the 1850s.
Is there parking at the garden?
Yes. Parking is available on site.
