No visit to the eastern side of the Big Island would be complete without a stop at the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens. The garden is about 40 acres and set in a big ravine stretching down to the ocean. You park at the top and make your way down the paved path toward Onomea Bay. There are over 2000 species, including orchids on nearly every tree! I have never seen so many blooming orchids. Every time I looked up, there were more and different kinds!
The area was completely stripped of the natural vegetation by early settlers, but after the sugar mill closed down in the late 1800s the jungle took back over. When the Lutkenhouse family bought the land it was a dense, overgrown jungle. They slowly transformed the land into a natural garden filled with native Hawaii plants as well as exotic plants from around the world.
We walked past the Onomea waterfalls, through the Heliconia Trail and Orchid Garden, and made our way to the view point overlooking the crashing waves in Onomea Bay. The trek out was a bit steep, but we took our time, enjoying all the various flowers and plants along the way. Whether you are a flower-enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful place to stretch your legs, I highly recommend a visit to the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden!
Friendly and professional interactions. Answered my questions and followed up on initial contact.
Tim Elliott
1 day ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
2 days ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
2 days ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
3 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.