What do I want to do on my birthday? Let's go take a walk in the park! With the hustle and bustle of the holiday weekend and events here and there, I wanted somewhere less crowded and quiet. Foster Botanical Garden came to mind. I haven't been here for a very long time! The entrance is located along Vineyard Blvd. - westbound, right after the Kuan Yin Temple. There's plenty of free parking. Out of all the City and County botanical gardens, this is the only one with admission, but it's well worth the price - $5 for adults, $3 for Hawai'i Residents, $1 Children 6-12 (so, 13+ are adults?), and free for kids 5 and under. There is a free docent-led 90-minute tour at 10:30am - every Monday and Wednesday to Saturday - anyone can join. Walk-ins okay if there's space, or make reservations via email or phone. Before heading in, you can grab a map and a bird checklist. The garden itself is very well kept and quite spacious. There are two restrooms - one on the left and another on the right. They were quite clean! All areas, trees, and plants are clearly marked. Be on the lookout for the "exceptional trees" such as the Baobab, which looks like elephant legs; Cannonball Tree, Kapok, and etc. The Orchid Collection in the greenhouse has a nice variety with the infamous Corpse Flower. Overall, a very nice, well-maintained place to visit and worth the admission fee. Even though you're in town, next to the freeway and busy streets around, you still feel a sense of relaxation and calm while connecting with nature and admiring the vast collection of trees and plants. I wouldn't mind getting the annual pass for $25 just to take my lunch here! read more

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Was still open at the end of the year and New Year's Eve which was lovely for a holiday stroll :) Was kinda busy which was nice because usually when we got it's kinda empty. People want to come during the holidays :D read more

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Always love coming here... the parking is easy and the gardens are peaceful. I love admiring the old old trees and find it so joyful that some have leis on them :) there are lots of quiet benches to sit and reflect from. Thank you for making this oasis in the middle of downtown! read more

Decided to check out Foster Botanical Garden on a weekday afternoon. Randomly, there was a wedding taking place while we were there. $5.00 USD/person entry (no senior discount). Didn't think it was worth the admission; the outdoor butterfly garden was practically non-existent while the conservatory was the tiniest greenhouse I've ever stepped in. Go to the free four other botanicals gardens. read more

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Did many activities at the Foster Garden. Has a large parking lot to use. The workers are courteous and will help you with finding a certain plant u r looking for. The corpse plant has not bloomed yet. Has 2 bathroom buildings at the ends of the park to use. The tree sheds alot of debris so shake off before leaving the park. read more

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8/26/25 It's been a very long time since I've been here. I was doing a group walk with friends. It is a very nice park, quite the oasis in middle of the concrete jungle of Honolulu. Lawns and plants seem to be very well kept. Lots of free parking. Entrance fees have gone up since I was here last. Admission is now $5, no senior citizen rate but they do have a kamaaiana rate of $3. There are several small walking paths, 2 restroom facilities, and a cute white gazebo with seating just to the left when you enter the gardens. They give you a helpful map noting some points of interests. The group wanted to see the corpse plant even though it is not blooming this year, so we made our way to the conservatory. There were several other tropical plant species in there as well as some beautiful orchid plants. Across from the ticket window, there is an information counter of the garden and its history. There is also more info on the park's history by the restrooms past the gazebo. The only thing that bothered me was the ti-plants looked very dry from lack of water to the point it looked dying and lots of brown leaves. Most of the other plants seemed ok but the ti plants were noticeable pretty brown. Don't know if it because of drought we've had this summer but it looked pretty sad. Overall, it was still a nice place to visit an take a peaceful, relaxing stroll. read more

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This is the first time that I went to foster botanical garden for the mid summer night gleam festival. Located right in china town is an expansive botanical garden. They had live music, painting, food trucks and tons of exquisite plants. One of my favorite things is I got some plants to take home. Will definitely be going back to more events here. read more

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Love having a Botanical Garden right in the middle of the city. Love even more that this Garden engages with the community in various activities such as music in the park, evening concerts open to the public. My favorite time to visit Foster Botanical Garden is for Midsummer's Nite Gleam. Something magical happens when the park opens and illumination start to turn on as the evening gets darker and darker. And if you let your imagination run a little, one can almost see the menehunes doing magical things around the park, almost. Thank you Foster Botanical Garden for being the oasis of tranquility that you are in the middle of urban Honolulu! read more

This garden was magical!!! The trees absolutely blew me away, like the cannonball trees, pun intended. Some of the trees were MASSIVE! We really liked the economical garden that had all sorts of plants that are used for goods like macadamia nuts etc. It was worth a visit! read more

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Mary Robinson Foster and her eponymous Botanical Garden is a historic part of Hawaiiana. Mrs Foster, who is considered and known as the first Hawaiian Buddhist, was born on Oahu in 1844. She lived and donated what is now a public garden at the time of her death. Filled with grass, trees, bush, flowers, huge palms and then some. Lots of benches in shady spots to rest and enjoy, along with an adjacent gift store, and a very charismatic lady who greets you at the ticket counter, Jeannine. Great sense as humor as well. Entry is $3.00 for residents, and plenty of free parking. And maybe, like me, you just might stroll through the Garden while singing in your head "And here's to you Mary Robinson, Jesus loves you more than you will know,......whoa, whoa whoa". read more

Foster Botanical Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Quaint fun place to enjoy some light lunch or just to stroll around some trees. Entry fee for 5 dollars, for a 14 acre botanical garden. Super reasonable. The husband and I picked up onigiris on our Hawaii vacation and came here for a small picnic in the greenery. It was idyllic. Not TOO big so perfect for young kids to spend an afternoon running around. Also great for just reading a book in solitude while staring at some trees. I loved this one tree, reminded me of the great deku tree is zelda haha. They also have a small little gift shop if you're so inclined. Plenty of parking! read more

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Wonderful garden! It's not the largest but it's gorgeous! Wonderful people at the front desk gave us information and recommendations. Very very chill wasn't crowded at all. Loved the butterflies, different birds (they get pretty close if you sit still on a bench). Gift shop was so cute too, the person that was there was such a sweetheart! I highly recommend read more

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Beautifully kept botanical garden of palms, ferns of all sizes, trees, flowers. Enjoyed the butterflies, birds-red-vented bulbul, unusual trees, like a baobab tree, orchids. I learned alot and enjoyed just sitting and looking at the plants read more

Such a beautiful garden! Me and my friends came here to have our friends Christmas and New Years Picnic. Glad the garden opened again such a peaceful and beautiful scene to be in. Lots of butterflies around as well. Our friends photoshoot came out so cute. read more

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We took our two children to the botanical garden before heading to Chinatown for lunch and we had a very good time. I wasn't sure if my younger one would like it, and he did get antsy at times, but he enjoyed seeing plants that we're not exposed to back home (especially the "ginormous trees"). It's more amazing when you think about the fact that there are over 10,000 different plant species in a relatively compact 14 acres. It's worth a trip if you haven't been there previously. read more

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I came to Foster Botanical Garden during last Thursday after lunch and it was pretty busy already. The parking lot was almost full. Admission ticket was reasonable at $5 per adult ($2 cheaper for residents). Looking around to see plants was relaxing. But I wish there were plants in younger form because the mature trees were too tall to see the leaves, like fan palms. I also had problem with the walkways just ended in the middle of nowhere. It was muddy at some parts. It rained hard the day before my visit. It sprinkled that morning too. Walking in mud was no fun. read more

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Lovely gardens in heart of Honolulu. We stumbled upon them when exploring Chinatown. Of the 5 botanical gardens on Oahu this is the only one that charges an admission fee. The pagoda is not in the gardens, but rather it is outside and not for people to tour. Definitely a welcomed respite from noisy Waikiki. Enjoy. read more

Foster Botanical Garden - Not part of the garden but next to it. - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

'E Komo Mai'. Today (11/14/23) was a windy day at Foster Botanical Garden. I came here for a succulent wreath class. It's been years since I've last visited this garden. The Foster Botanical garden is a peaceful retreat to walk through and have your senses aroused with nature's sounds and beauty. Walking through the garden energizes your inner self. I digress. Now to the class, I was invited by a dear friend to attend this succulent wreath class. The instructor was intense and funny at the same time. I was encouraged and at times afraid, if I didn't follow her instructions . The class was approximately 2 hours and everything was supplied to you. I enjoyed meeting new friends and crafters. There is free parking at the garden. There is a Kamaina rate of $3.00 to enter and enjoy the garden. Please enjoy the pictures. I'll be back. read more

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2/1/25 Recommend RSVP for guided tours Docent so knowledgeable not only about plants but Hawaiian history n stories that tie in flora read more

Foster Botanical Garden - Flora n Fauna - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Foster Botanical Gardens is such a beautiful place . You would never know it's near the freeway, it's so peaceful and quiet. There are many species of trees and plants to see. In the bigger part of the garden there's a huge space for running around and picnics. The Mid Summers Night Gleam is my favorite event. read more

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Beautiful and peaceful setting. Great verity of plants. Corps flower not in bloom when I was there. Just an overall enjoyable time. read more

Was recommended by family to check and it was quite the pleasant visit! We were there for about 2 hours- hunting down the different trees and looking out for birds. I really enjoyed myself! They offered tours, but we were able to enjoy without the tour. Highly recommend for those wanting to learn more! read more

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Beautiful gardens. Overall a lovely experience and such a joy to have In the heart of Honolulu. The gift shop too is an unexpected but welcome surprise. I can always find small gifts and such for people visiting or to send to folks. read more

Lovely Botanical Garden just large enough to spend an enjoyable couple of hours. The staff at the entrance was very nice. We were greeted, we paid our admission and were given a map along with a bird guide. We tried to locate all the markers. We marvelled at the majestic trees and beautiful, lush foliage. There weren't many flowers in bloom, but the Conservatory had a few orchids and although not active, it was nice to see the Corpse plant. There are more than enough benches throughout the garden to relax and take in the views. There is a little gift shop just outside the entrance with some cute local items. We felt the small admission fee was well worth the experience. I would love to come back when the gardens are blooming. read more

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It is a beautiful, small botanical garden. I enjoyed admiring mesmerizing plants for the first time, such as the cannonball tree and the silk cotton tree. The garden is very quiet, allowing you to spend a good chunk of the morning appreciating the ceibas and baobabs. If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend visiting. read more

Foster Botanical Garden - Cannonball Tree - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

A tropical treat in the middle of the city! Upon first arrival, from the outside, this place appears to be like a giant open park with palm trees. But as you enter, you'll be enchanted with an array of tropical plants. OK, you may or may not feel like you're in an enchanted forest, but I'm sure you'll enjoy the splendor of this place. Here's some info about Foster Botanical Garden and a few highlights: ~ In the parking lot, walking up to the entrance, we were greeted with a loud explosion right by our feet. This little pod, dropped from the Red Silk-Cotton Tree just nailed a bomb right next to us lol. What a surprise! ~ You start at either the Information booth, or the gift shop in my case. The entry fee was only $5, but $3 for my cousin since he's a local resident. I believe kids are $1 or free. ~ They seem to be open year round from 9am-4pm. Only closed on Christmas and New Years Day. ~ Featured plants I enjoyed seeing: The Candlestick Tree. Various giant leaves that were both vibrant and colorful. The Pepper Tree was interesting. As was the weaving design of the Zombie Palm. ~ Other features to take note of: The number of birds flying around and lizards sun-bathing were pretty cool to observe. There are "Exceptional Trees" with gold labels that are considered rare and protected. Also seeing the butterflies all over the Butterfly Garden was peaceful. And I found The Orchid Conservatory (or the greenhouse) having a nice collection of orchids very interesting as well. The gigantic Quipo Tree too was also simply amazing! And so many other plants you'll just have to see for yourself. Regarding staff service, we received helpful information from Joanna at the gate. As well as useful facts from Sheryl in the gift store. There weren't many staff members around, but for the most part everyone I ran into was friendly. Overall, this is a decent sized botanical garden worth visiting if you've never been here. There are plenty of plants and animal to see, or even discover if you're not from this area. Definitely popular for graduation photos, or engagement/wedding photos, or just taking pics of nature in general. I've seen families with a picnic blanket enjoying the day, as well as folks sitting on a bench reading a book. This isn't the biggest botanical garden I've ever visited, but it is one that's got it's charm! read more

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Great place to explore with the kids or family visiting from out of town. I'm wondering if there would be a better time of the year to go depending on when certain plants are in bloom? Overall it was nice and relaxing to stroll through garden viewing and learning/reading the history admission was adults $3 kamaaina and $5 for out of state adults. read more

The beauty of nature is goes by it's own time... Hawaiian time got nothing on the Mother Nature as you can get lost in the gardens as it goes on its own timeline yet blooms with grace. This lush oasis is located outside of downtown right on Vineyard Blvd which makes it the ultimate convenient escape with free private parking lot is something I can't believe I haven't taken advantage of with entrance fees for $5 (Hawaii residents $3). The instant serene vibe hits you as soon you enter the gardens and what a breathtaking scenery! I've been wanting to wander and get lost here for quite some time...well better late than never ;-) One of my resolutions is to take time for myself and embrace our local resources Foster Botanical Garden does have much more to offer than you realize with classes from Kokedama Moss balls to Silk Scarf follow them on Instagram @honolulubotanicalgardens for updates and information. There are several areas that makes it unique but the one that I absolutely love is the Butterfly Garden oh my gosh never have I felt so relaxed and at peace with its beauty fluttering by so gracefully I couldn't get enough of it, life without change you'll miss out on the positivity it may provide so come and enjoy the magic here is just something to behold! Thank you! read more

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While some reviewers knock this place for the entrance fee, we enjoyed the garden, especially some trees that were so unusual and like nothing we'd ever seen before. Bit of a bummer that it abuts a highway on one side because of the noise pollution, and while it is on the small side, we have no regrets about spending time there. read more

Our family had a great time looking at the many different plants and birds. One of our favorites was the cannonball tree - very aptly named. There were also a number of exceptional trees protected by city ordinance. The garden is well-kept, and it was a good place for a picnic. read more

Foster Botanical Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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This botanical garden is one of the Waikiki Trolley stops so decided to check out the botanical garden. The entrance fee is very minimal. The map of the garden was very helpful with the various areas. Granted, I went during January so a lot of the flowers and plants were not blooming but it gave me an idea how the garden is planned out. The garden is very walkable and give yourself about an hour to enjoy this garden. read more

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What a beautiful botanical garden tucked away on Oahu. A secret garden in the heart of Honolulu, if your will. Though surrounded by the bustling city, it is a true slice of peace and tranquility. We brought our lunch and ate on the grass and we really enjoyed ourselves. There are some really beautiful trees. The different scents throughout the property are refreshing. Well worth the couple dollar entry. We were amazed at the height and size of some of the trees! To think this is in the middle of the city is too cool. It's actually a pretty large property with benches and shade throughout making it a wonderful place to come to get away from it all, take in some really fresh air and unwind. A great place to take a nap too lol Pictures honestly can do this garden no justice. Come visit and enjoy first hand. read more

Foster Botanical Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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4.5 stars. Nice botanical garden with some unique plants, lots of wild birds, and many photo opportunities. $5/adult entry fee. About 45 min to an hour's worth of time seeing the entire garden. There's a really cool looking temple next door. Free parking lot on site. Not too far from Waikiki. read more

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Looking for a nice outdoor outing with my Mom who loves to garden. She also enjoys visiting different types of botanical gardens. She was looking forward to seeing the greenhouse plants and the butterfly garden. When we got there it was warm but a nice stroll in the shade looking at the magnificent trees. We were disappointed that there were not too many verities of plants and areas of nice flowering gardens to stroll thru. The front entrance garden was pretty and as you strolled along we were a little disappointed that there weren't very many verities of plants mostly trees. Good place just to take a stroll through out doors. read more

Came here on a whim, and honestly, it was a little nervous because some reviews said the employees were rude. I didn't find that issue, but I also came around 2:30 to give us plenty of time to walk around and enjoy the park. This park is beautiful. Really, the sheer size of the trees here made me feel incredibly small and so lucky to be able to see such amazing natural artifacts. The flowers, while not many in number, were beautiful. The whole park is not very large, but we took over an hour going through and admiring the beauty. read more

Foster Botanical Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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A hidden gem in urban Honolulu, the Foster Botanical Garden is also an easy way to enjoy nature, get in some steps and explore the amazing plants, shrubs, trees, orchids and, oh yeah, birds, bees and butterflies that populate the 14-acre site. Be sure to pick up the self-guided map tour at the entrance. Lush foliage, towering trees and a paved path greet visitors who can also step off onto the grassy lawns for up close views. Our eyes were wide as our jaws dropped when seeing some of these gigantic trees with trunks wider than an electric transmission tower and soaring high into the sky. A first stop was the butterfly garden and the conservatory filled with blooming orchids. It's also where the famous Corpse Plant can be found, though it only blooms for 48 hours at a certain time of year. Mostly, just amazed at some rare plants that once lived 250 million years ago. Take that dinosaurs! At just $5 entrance fee ($3 for kamaaina), the botanical gardens are a lovely way to spend a morning or afternoon immersed in nature's colorful glory. Free parking and a cute gift shop make this a must-see experience! read more

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Came here on May 3, 2021, after taking a bus from Waikiki to Fook Lam's restaurant in Chinatown. Looking at the map, the wife noticed the botanical garden nearby, and nothing could hold her back. Only botanical garden in Honolulu. Passed the Kuan Yin Temple on the way in, and kept going, as the temple was closed to the public due to covid. The entrance had ballast stones, smooth stones used to balance the ships carrying cargo back to the mainland. Cashier behind plexiglass, with an open box with a long handle on a long table to take our credit card. First and only time I saw this. And we were fully vaccinated March 5. $10 for the two of us, although the cashier could have swore I was a Hawaii resident by my tan on my toes. Immaculate gardens, with the pathways through the tropical forests and flowers. Trees from around the world, interrupted by vast landscaped grass areas, like on a golf course. Stopped by the bathroom, only to discover the women's open and the men's padlocked. I guess they want you to use the bushes to save water. Highlight of the tour had to be the colorful orchids in the greenhouse. Finally found an unlocked men's bathroom. Passed by the cannonball tree, with a sign saying "watch out for falling cannonballs"! read more

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I am so glad that I visited this spacious and gorgeous tucked next to Chinatown gem of a place. I think I spent about two hours here and I enjoyed very minute. To be able to see some of these rare flowers and trees, has been a true highlight for me. The verity of flowers and trees that you will be able to see if impressive - cannonball tree and cycads were my favorite. $5 for none residents, CC accepted. Free parking or you can take a public bus and walk a shirt distance to the garden. read more

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A hidden oasis. Beautifully kept, a nice place to relax and unwind. Maybe worth 5 stars for just being in Honolulu. Take google lens and enjoy identifying all of the plants! This would be a fantastic place to have a picnic if possible. It was not crowded and about the only complaint is that the butterfly garden had only one butterfly, but it was there! 14 acres sounds like a whole lot, but you can walk this place pretty fast. There are some poisonous plants, so watch the signage. Really nice people working this garden! I'm going again! read more

Foster Botanical Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This garden offered a beautiful and diverse array of fauna. There were many quite intriguing species. The entrance fee is affordable as well. read more

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