Jewel hidden in Manoa

Aloha!

It's easy to get lost deep in the valley of Manoa. Right under the base of lush gorgeous mountains you'll find expansive gardens filled with native Hawaiian plants. 

Home to botany students island-wide, run by friends & students of the University of Hawaii. The Harold L. Lyon Arboretum is a jewel of 200 acres of 5000+ taxa of tropical plants. It's a great place to breathe in the fresh air. Rich with greenery to escape the city life & filled with over seven miles of hiking trails. The perfect forest bathing experience.

This hidden oasis is a great place for photo bugs, outdoor yogis and bookworms. We've seen solo and groups doing yoga, tai chi, nature walks & cute little students hand in hand strolling & pointing at fascinating flowers or catching a glimpse of a colorful lizard.

The garden grounds are beautiful. There are even memorials filled with koi fish ponds and on a particular rainy day, a waterfall cascading down a clift.

The Lyon Arboretum is a wonderful gem to de-stress, relax & breathe.

If you're a shutterbug like us, you'll click away taking pic after pic. 

Enjoy, we took lots of photos!!

Welcome to a day of escape at the Lyon Arboreturm 🤙

Tucked away in the trails and greenery, you'll find hidden huts!

Thick groves of bamboo groves.

This amazing red ginger bloom... Wow!

Burst of orange in the most unlikely place... in the middle of a thick trunk.

What is this beauty? We were so entranced by its uniqueness, we forgot to find out the name of this bushy flower wonder. Do you know its name?

So lush, there's moss on trees, on rocks, on trails and everywhere your feet takes you.

Look at this? Isn't this wondrous? Plant makes home on a fallen log.

Everywhere you look, burst of colors in the most unique places. It's like a real world Dr. Seuss. 

Trails that take you wondering...

Trees with fantasy like bases.

Wild orchids on the forest floors.

Pop of purple, know the name? Share with us!

You see what we mean? Lush and fresh, even the air smells so much cleaner.

Orange heliconias... So pretty.

Come in peace, relax with harmony.

What did we discover? Make shift home to a momma lizard...

Hey Buddy, we see you 😜

Jade green vines with exotic flowers.

These red beauties are found near the Visitor Center.

Koi ponds & water lilies.

Hawaii's state flower, in full bloom & so bold. 

Have you seen a palm like this? Spiraling toward the sun ☀️

Tips:

• Bring bug-spray to stay bite free
• Wear footwear you don't mind getting dirty or muddy
• Park next to gift shop & sign in at the Visitors Center.
• Restrooms available at Visitors Center.
• Admission is free, however suggested donation is $5 to $10 per person.
• Lyon Arboretum Website