Foster Botanical Garden is a lovely 14-acre oasis filled with a mature landscape and a stunning tropical plant collection, right in the midst of downtown Honolulu. There are even trees throughout the garden that were planted in the 1850s. It’s a budget-friendly place to take the entire family for a relaxing journey through nature.

Foster Botanical Garden has seen over 10,000 new kinds of trees and plants, and 24 are known as Exceptional Trees. This designation protects the trees from injury or destruction. The Exceptional Trees are one of 7 highlights of the garden.

Foster Botanical Garden - one of the highlights of 10 Things to Do Off the Beaten Path in Honolulu (Read all about Honolulu here)

photo by Gerald Watanabe (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

Foster Botanical Garden highlights

There are 7 highlighted areas of Foster Botanical Garden. They include the Outdoor Butterfly Garden, Conservatory, Palm Garden, Exceptional Trees, Prehistoric Glen Cycad Collection, and the gift shop. With these options, you’re sure to keep the family entertained for a long time.

Foster Botanical Garden is the oldest of Honolulu’s Botanical Gardens. Dr. William Hillebrand was responsible for planting the trees and other new plant species, creating a wondrous botanical garden in Hawaii. After purchasing the property in 1884, Mary Foster cultivated the land further and donated the property to the city to preserve it for the public.

photo by KlausVonVilver (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

Good to know when visiting the Foster Botanical Garden

Be aware of any potential fallen branches or roots throughout the garden. It is recommended to wear walking shoes when you visit. There are also poisonous plants throughout Foster Botanical Garden. Please refrain from touching or putting any plants in your mouth. This may cause adverse reactions.

A small admission is required for all guests over the age of 5. Parking is available on-site for all visitors and is free and unlimited during business hours. Stop by the gift shop on your way out, where you can find a perfect gift or souvenir for plant lovers.

photo by Gerald Watanabe (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

Foster Botanical Garden

Location: 180 N Vineyard Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA

Open: Daily from 9 am to 4 pm

Phone: +1 808-768-7135