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What to Expect in Foster Botanical Garden
Imagine strolling through a lush oasis in the heart of Honolulu – surrounded by towering palms, fragrant orchids, vibrant flowers, fluttering butterflies, and exotic birds. That’s exactly what awaits you at the Foster Botanical Garden, the city’s oldest botanical garden.
More than 10,000 species of rare tropical plants thrive and bloom here. As you wander along the paths, you’ll discover rare and endangered trees, an herb garden, and even a prehistoric garden. Every section tells its own story and enchants with colors, scents, and textures.
The economic garden is especially fascinating: here you’ll see plants used to produce medicine, food, textiles, and dyes. Particularly impressive – 25 of Oahu’s roughly 100 officially recognized “exceptional trees” are found here.
The garden’s roots go back to 1853, when German physician William Hillebrand planted the first trees. Later, the Foster family purchased and expanded it. Mary Foster eventually bequeathed the land and her home to the City and County of Honolulu, on the condition that the garden would remain a public tropical park forever. Today, it spans 14 hectares (about 35 acres) and is home to a world-renowned orchid collection, thanks to the work of Dr. Harold Lyon.
- Important: Picking plants or removing plant material is strictly prohibited
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Foster Botanical Garden in Action
Location on the Map
Book Your Self-Guide to Foster Botanical Garden
Our Honest Review & Rating
The Foster Botanical Garden is truly a natural gem – a place of peace and harmony in the middle of the city. Its diversity and colors are breathtaking, and the special atmosphere makes it easy to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life. Here you can pause, take a deep breath, and experience nature with all your senses.
On rainy days, the visit may be a little less enjoyable since the garden is not covered. Don’t forget sun protection either – not every area offers shade, and the Hawaiian sun is stronger than you might expect.
Accessibility is good: strollers and wheelchairs are welcome, although there are a few steps before and after the ticket counter.
Weather Independent
Spontaneous Booking
For all Fitness Levels
Accessibility
Tour Options, Duration & Cost
Organized Tour
Currently there are no guided tours or tour packages which include Foster Botanical garden. Only audio guides are available.
Audio-Guide Foster Botanical Garden
Self-Organized Tour
Duration: The garden is open daily from 9am to 4pm and is only closed on Christmas and New Year's Day. You'll get a site map at the entrance, which you can use to explore the garden at your own pace.
Cost: Admission is around 5 dollars for adults, children under five are free.
Is Foster Botanical Garden Worth It?
For us, yes, it was – but we’d say it’s skippable if you’re short on time. We loved it as a quiet, green escape right in the middle of Honolulu. It felt like stepping into a secret, ancient world just minutes from the city buzz.
Here’s our take on who will absolutely love Foster Botanical Garden:
- Nature Lovers and Tree Huggers: The collection of "exceptional trees" is incredible, with some dating back to the 1850s. Standing under the enormous Baobab and Kapok trees was a truly humbling experience. It’s a paradise for botany fans.
- Anyone Seeking a Quiet Escape: If the energy of Waikiki is getting to be too much, this is your sanctuary. It’s remarkably peaceful. We found a bench and just sat, listening to the birds. It's the perfect place to decompress.
On the other hand, it might not be the right fit if:
- You only have time for one botanical garden. If that's the case, Waimea Valley or Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden offer a bigger "wow" factor with more dramatic landscapes and, in Waimea's case, a swimmable waterfall.
- You're with kids who need lots of stimulation. This is a traditional garden focused on quiet appreciation. There aren't playgrounds or highly interactive exhibits, so younger children might get restless.
Our Final Word:
We really enjoyed our peaceful afternoon here. But if we had to choose just one garden on a packed itinerary, we’d probably pick one of the larger ones. If you have the time and need a dose of tranquility in the city, it’s a beautiful stop.
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How to Get to Foster Botanical Garden
You can easily get there by car and there are plenty of parking spaces on site. But you can also get there by bus and even the Hop-On Hop-Off bus stops here.
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What to Pack & Prepare
Foster Botanical Garden: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best time of year to visit the Foster Botanical Garden?
The Foster Botanical Garden is a beautiful destination year-round, thanks to Honolulu's tropical climate. However, certain times may be more spectacular than others. The spring and summer months (April through September) often see the most vibrant blooms, especially in the orchid collection and among the flowering trees.
The garden is also a wonderful place to escape the heat, as the large, mature trees provide ample shade. Visiting on a weekday morning is generally the most peaceful time, with fewer crowds.
Is the garden easily accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?
Yes, the Foster Botanical Garden is largely accessible for visitors using wheelchairs or strollers. Most of the main pathways are paved and relatively flat, making it easy to navigate through the different sections of the garden.
There may be a few areas with gentle slopes or unpaved paths, but the majority of the garden's highlights, including the conservatory and the “exceptional trees,” are easily reachable.
Can I bring my own food for a picnic in the garden?
While bringing your own food and having a picnic is not officially permitted within the main areas of the Foster Botanical Garden, there are grassy areas near the entrance where you can relax and have a snack. The primary goal is to preserve the pristine condition of the plant collections. It's always best to check the current policy with the staff at the entrance upon your arrival.
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