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    1. Moanalua Gardens

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    Honolulu, HI

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    Moanalua Gardens

    4.3 (144 reviews)
    Closed 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

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    Reviews With Photos - Moanalua Gardens

    Edith S.

    Having lived on Oahu most of my life, I'm surprised it took me this long to finally visit Moanalua Gardens. For years, I was confused by the closed freeway gates, but we finally found our way in this past weekend. After grabbing some sweets in town and failing to find parking, we decided to head toward Moanalua. A last-minute turn (and some dramatic screams from my sister) landed us safely through the gates. Pro tip: Keep an eye out for the entrance--it comes up fast! Entry for Kama'aina is a very reasonable $4 per person. While it's not the most expansive botanical garden I've ever seen, it is a peaceful "secret" oasis right in the city. The massive monkeypod trees provide incredible shade for the many picnic tables available. We loved the duck pond and watching the turtles. You can even buy food to feed them, which is great for families. It's quiet, uncrowded, and perfect for a slow stroll across the bridge and along the stream. Just be sure to follow the signs and take your valuables with you when you park! And the bathroom , although indicates women, the signs hanging in the doors indicate men and the other two women. Restroom is nice and clean and I liked the classic farm sink and faucet.

    Ro Ann V.

    What a beautiful space and property! Such a lovely place to decompress, stroll through the park, feed some koi fish, and hug a tree. It was a nice pit stop to come and relax -- to enjoy the scenery and what it has to offer. Some things to note, the park has an entry fee of $4 if you are kama'āina and the fish food is also $4.

    Val D.

    it's a great place for weddings, graduation or other events and tourists, but I have a gripe why locals, especially the residents that live near the park need to pay to enter this park. I grew up in Moanalua Gardens, and used to frequent this park to play or picnic at least 3x a week, then as I grew up and moved, I found out that they started charging $1 admission to Kama'ainas to enter the gardens, and now it's $4 even if you are a resident in the neighborhood, thus the 3 stars. Otherwise, it's a nice clean, well kept park. Bathrooms are very clean. The little temple at the end of the small bridge over the pond was known by us neighborhood kids to be haunted and is now a scenic background with bamboo on each side, but is blocked off with a chain from going too close and peeking in the keyhole like we used to. The duck pond is great for event pictures. The park has several places to take graduation and wedding pictures, but I think you need to call in advance in case there is a large wedding party that reserved the whole park. Lots of parking, but free only if you pay the park admission to go in the park.

    Rhea A.

    Can you find serenity right next to the H-1 freeway? Absolutely. I find it here at Moanalua Gardens. These well-manicured gardens are located down the road from Tripler Hospital. Parking is plentiful and costs $1 for locals and $5 for tourists. Crowds of tourists are bused over to the gardens but even though many are there, the area is large enough and doesn't feel crowded. Events are also held here. Snacks, including gelato and popsicles are available in the small convenience store that you pay for parking. They also have souvenirs for sale. Best part of the garden (besides all the open area for running) is the pond area where there are ducks and birds you can feed. There are also koi in the pond. Overall, a great place to enjoy the outdoors. Plenty of shade available under the huge banyan trees. Forgot a blanket or mat? No worries, there are a few benches that were beautifully designed using logs.

    Gate to parking lot.
    Curtis T.

    Today is the first day that I've seen the gate open. However, it looks like it's open for a private event. However, the park closed sign is down.

    Golf cart service for parking for prince lot hula festival
    Serena M.

    Moanalua Gardens is such a beautiful garden. I looked on yelp the other week for a garden and found Moanalua garden. The pictures show that they have koi there so we wanted to check it out. It looks like people can have their wedding ceremony here. I think it would make a perfect venue. It's spacious and beautiful and some people's posts of their weddings are incredible. Anyways there's an admission fee to get into the gardens. You pay at the front booth before you enter. If you're a tourist, you pay $5, but if you're a local you just have to pay $1. My daughter was free since she's so little so I only had to pay $1 which is quite a deal. We got to see the koi and the ducks swimming in the pond. She loved looking at all the fish in there. There were even tourists feeding the fish. I'm not sure but maybe you can buy the fish food in the gift shop/admissions booth. After we looked at the fish, we just walked around. There's not a lot of plants or flowers to look at but it really is a nice place to have a picnic or just relax. My daughter loved the wide open spaces and just ran. They have these little benches all around and she made sure she climbed every single one of them. Great place and goal accomplished. My daughter was tired from running around and was good for her nap. I'd definitely come back here again and have a nice lunch here just relaxing.

    Bob A.

    Hawaii is a big beautiful garden. Oahu, the most developed/heavily populated of the islands is still a beautiful tropical garden to folks who don't live there. Moanalua Gardens is beautiful - lots of open space (lawn/grass) and some gorgeous trees including a HUGE monkey pod tree. Flowers, not so much. There are several interesting buildings including a Japanese tea house, and King Kamehameha V's summer cottage and a very ornate 1903 Chinese Hall. There is a koi pond, and lots of water fowl that are very comfortable around humans, but they don't bite (at least they didn't bite me). It is very open and though there were a few busloads of tourists while we were there, we wandered around without any problems - never felt crowded. There was also a major woodshow there when we were there that was interesting and had some really nice wood art. There's not a lot to do or see, and admission isn't much either ($1 for military). It really is worth a visit, but the kids will hate you if you're taking them away from the beach or the pool.

    Near the Chinese Hall and koi pond.
    Monchalee O.

    This review is specifically about Moanalua Gardens as a wedding ceremony and reception venue. It's easy to understand how this giant garden full of beautiful monkeypod trees would make a stunning backdrop for a wedding ceremony and reception, but what really ALLOWED us to make this special day exactly what we wanted was Bridgette Olsen, the Events Manager for the property, and her flexibility and willingness to work with making our vision a reality. We were concerned about all the different rules the property has in place, but she patiently answered all the questions, worked with us on last minute changes, and was flexible in allowing us to bring in vendors and elements that would transform the already beautiful garden into something magical. Our 180 guests were blown away by the natural green surroundings, the shoji lanterns dancing in the tree at the Makai Mound where we had our ceremony, the clear top tent filled with cafe lights and shoji lanterns, the lawn games, the food and drinks, the air conditioned restrooms that we were able to bring in so that our less able-bodied guests didn't have to hike a football field back to the existing restrooms. The Gardens provides a variety of different looks and feels for photographs. I would say that the points to take into consideration (that may not be positive) are: 1) the park is open to the public when it's open to the public -- which means there may be people in the park during your event; most of them are respectful and give space, but it may impact guest parking and availability of certain areas for photos; 2) if you have a larger guest count, the price to rent the venue can get expensive very quickly as it's based on total headcount; and 3) there isn't anywhere nice nearby (like an AirBnB or hotel) to get ready -- so prepare to travel a little bit from the getting-ready-place. That being said, we would not have changed a darn thing -- there is no other venue on island that can has a similar garden look and feel, that also allows you to use the vendors that you want, and is easily accessible from all corners of the island. Moanalua Gardens provided everything we were looking for in a wedding venue -- and Bridgette Olsen was a big part of making our dreams come true.

    Gabrielle C.

    I am so happy to have been told about this park by my boyfriend as I was looking for a new spot to take photos of him and my son for my photography homework... This place is so spacious, clean, and well maintained (Besides their parking lot could use some work as there as csr sized pot holes!!! NO JOKE Be careful as you drive). There's not much of a garden compared to botanical gardens throughout Oahu but if you are looking for a place to bring family and friends to relax and have a picnic its perfect! There are some logged benches through out the park but its best to being your own matt, chairs, and/or small folding table. This is also a hotspot for tourist busses to stop by but they do not stay for long. Entrance fee for everyone is $3.00. Kamaaina and Senior Citizen $1.00. Children under 4 is free with paid accompanied adult. One ticket is for the full day pass in which you just hold onto your receipt. The main reason why my boyfriend recommened this place is because they have lots of birds, ducks, and fish for you to feed! They have 16oz cups of Koi Pellete food you can buy at the giftshop upon entering the garden for $2.00 each. Koi fish can only be fed that, as for the birds and ducks i have seen others feed them bread. Will definitely be coming back for future picnics and family time!

    Nat N.

    Great place for kids. The highlight for them is the koi pond area where they can feed the koi, ducks, and birds. At the entrance, there is a sign that says that the koi pond is closed until further notice, but you can still go up there and feed them. Just be careful not to fall in or get splashed on because they are not maintaining the pond (that's why it's closed). You can still purchase koi pellets at the gift shop for $2 per cup, or you can bring your own pellets from the pet store (that's probably the cheaper way to go). Don't forget to bring old bread for the ducks and birds! In addition to the koi pond, the park has a bunch of huge trees to look at and wide open space for kids to run around. As you probably know, Moanalua Gardens is home to the world famous "Hitachi Tree" that is the corporate symbol for electronics manufacturer Hitachi, Ltd. They pay $400,000 per year just so that they can use this tree as their corporate symbol. What a windfall for the park! Admission is $3 ($1 for kama'aina and military), free for kids 12 and under. Lots of free parking!

    Michael C.

    I would have to commend the staff of Moanalua Gardens for keeping this park well-maintained and clean. In the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives, it's a comfort to know that one can just come to this park to relax with friends or family. Most recently, I have been coming to the park to to just relax and be in a calm and serene setting. Although you sometimes have to relax among the groups of tourists that stop at the park for photo ops with the "Hitachi tree", it's still a beautiful and calming environment to be in. I have noticed families playing with their kids, groups of people having a picnic, as well as folks just stopping by to enjoy their lunch and then head out to where they need to be. In any case, the park is spacious and can be enjoyed by everyone, locals and tourists alike. Bottom Line: A very beautiful, spacious, and well-maintained park.

    Tea House
    Terrance Y.

    A large park that is also the site of Kamehameha V cottage, the Hitachi tree and the Annual Prince Lot Hula festival is just wonderful to relax and enjoy the Taro Patch and fishpond as well as walk along the stream bed or just to sit on the log benches scattered around. It is interesting to watch the groves of Japanese tourist who come to see the Hitachi Tree and to take pictures underneath it. I like to come here with my two little ones as they love to look at the Koi in the Pond and to feed the ducks. I find it to be one of the most calm relaxing parks to come to.

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    Moanalua Gardens Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Moanalua Gardens

    Are you going to open back up to the public?

    It has reopened. The main gate is closed but the other gate by the district park is open.

    Now that everything is open again, Is the garden open to the public yet?

    Are you guys still closed?

    Aloha! We are still currently closed to public visits. However we have been hosting Private Weddings and Private Photography Sessions while we are closed to the public. Please email me at Events@moanaluagardens.com for more information if you are… 

    Are you guys still closed or are you guys open? I want to go on a picnic but not sure if you guys opened up again.

    Unfortunately no, we remain closed to public visitors. We are however still taking private coordinated events and photography appointments. Please let me know if you would like me to provide you with more information. Please email me at… 

    Is it open or still closed? I 'd like to take my kids there.

    We are still closed for public visits. However we are at this time taking private event bookings and private photography sessions. Email me events@moanaluagardens for more… 

    Did you open yet? Wanted to take graduation pictures

    Please contact BridgetteOlsen Events@MoanaluaGardens.com… 

    Does anyone know if they are open again?

    Aloha, We do plan to reopen. At this time we don’t have a set reopening date. There will be a big announcement on all of our social media platforms when that date is set.… 

    Is it pet friendly?

    No pets are allowed on the property. There are a number of native (and non-native) birds who live there.

    I wanted to have a little bday party (20 ppl); are there restrictions? (Tables, tents, etc)

    please email me @ events@moanaluagardens.com for small gathering and informal events. I am happy to send you our online booklet and reservation processes.… 

    Are dogs allowed here?

    No, they have lots of ducks walking around who wouldn't be thrilled with a dog.

    Is there a walking path here?

    Moanalua Gardens is an open area 26 acre private park. There is a path in the rear named Pineapple Place, mostly used as a pedestrian/ bike path access. But it is the only paved walking path. The park is easy to get around all one big open grass… 

    View All 14 Questions

    Review Highlights - Moanalua Gardens

    Although there are lots of people that visit the place, they are mostly spread out our appoint the Hitachi tree.

    Mentioned in 22 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park

    Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park

    4.8
    (173 reviews)

    Visiting Pu'u Ualaka's State Park is on my top ten favorite things to do in Honolulu. The Park…read moreoffers spectacular views of the entire Southside of the Island. I travelled up Mount Tantalus to the Park yesterday with my daughter. We travelled through beautiful dense forest at the Park entrance. At the highest overlook, we could see everything and more from Diamond Head out to (and beyond) the airport. We could see all of Honolulu. I felt like we were on top of the world! Plaques offer fascinating overviews of the history and geology of the landmarks below. We could even see inside the famous tuff cone, Punch Bowl! Nearby is the first macadamia nut orchard in Hawaii. The overviews are paved with railings and easily accessible. The Park offers picnic areas with a couple pavilions and picnic tables. There is a charge for non-resident parking of $7 that can be paid electronically. Resident parking is free. Parking is limited, but there are several parking areas. We had no trouble finding parking mid week. Warning signs tell guest not to leave valuables in the car. Pu'u Ualaka'a State Park is only two miles from downtown Honolulu (maybe a couple more miles to the top). The Park is an easy 5 star and worth a visit.

    Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Park offers some of the best views of the greater Waikiki and Honolulu area…read more It's well worth the drive up for the panoramic vista that stretches from Mānoa all the way to Diamond Head, and out toward Honolulu Airport and Pearl Harbor. The park officially closes at 6pm, but I've walked in after hours before to enjoy the city lights, and the views are just as impressive at night. It's a bit off the typical tourist path, so it doesn't get overly crowded. Highly recommended if you want a different perspective of Honolulu.

    Leahi Millennium Peace Circle Garden

    Leahi Millennium Peace Circle Garden

    4.8
    (11 reviews)

    Finding the peace…read more.. Literally as Yelp direction kept leading me to Kapiolani Community College though close but not where it's at as it's actually to the left of Diamond Head State Park entrance which is quite easy to find. This little park is a slight hidden place that's pretty green and decently maintained with a couple of areas for you to enjoy one is closer to the entrance that has a lovely peek of the Wilhemina Rise area and a lovely place that I thought would be the perfect photo op spot for a cool gift from a thoughtful friend with BunBun is this cool cooler tote from TJ's! Using one of a bunch of stones and some benches for a place to relax and noticed a giant rock with a plaque that's a time capsule which will be opened on October 24, 2049! The other section is a bit more shaded as this circular garden has some stones placed with various peace quotes and though wanted to take more pics there was a gentleman chilling and didn't want to disturb him and majority of the area does have a path for easy access between gardens and up to Diamond Head as I've been here countless times and never knew this area existed is quite insane lol! A great spot for those that can't do the hike but enjoy a bit peace of time. Thank you!

    A chill little park outside of Diamond Head State Park. Great place to sit under the trees and…read morerelax after a hike at Diamond Head and before catching the bus back to town.

    Foster Botanical Garden

    Foster Botanical Garden

    4.5
    (284 reviews)

    What do I want to do on my birthday? Let's go take a walk in the park!…read more 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!

    Bruh the trunks are so massive they probably bigger than my house. Would definitely visit again…read morewith lumber to build a tree house.

    Booth District Park

    Booth District Park

    4.6
    (25 reviews)

    We went to Booth District Park a few weeks ago. It was my first time going there that I remember…read more It's a pretty big park and they have parking spaces all around the park. We went there for the playground but there wasn't any spaces in front of the playground so we had to walk just a little to get there. It's a really nice park to go to if you're in the area. They have a nice field, playground, basketball courts, and pickle ball courts. The playground is a little different from others because it has a zip line for kids. You hang onto a handle and with enough momentum you can swing yourself to the other side. My daughter loved that when we went to a park in California and we just never saw one of those in Hawaii. But now we know... They do exist! The playground is also in the shade so you won't get fried when waiting for your kids to finish playing. And there is a bench to sit and rest while you wait. Great park, we hope to go back there soon.

    This is a hidden gem in the heart of Pauoa…read more When I heard about the Yelp Earth Day Challenge, Booth Park immediately came to mind. My husband works for the DOE and wanted to "check out" this park last year. Although we live in Moiliili, the drive is quick since it's right off the freeway. So glad we did... It's now one of our top 3 parks to take the boys! The facilities are well maintained, shaded by the huge trees that offer parents and kids shelter from the midday sun. My oldest son (4.5yrs) loves the swings and riding his scooter around the basketball and tennis courts. My youngest (3rd) enjoys jumping off the concrete benches and mastering the playground (which is more elaborate than the usual city park playgrounds around town). There's spinning chairs, slides, a mini zip line, drums, and chimes that kids can make music with! So cool! Parking is fairly easy to find around the park perimeter. Area has been consistently safe when we take the kids (about once every couple of weeks). Great for all ages but adult supervision is still recommended esp for the littles.

    Sand Park Playground

    Sand Park Playground

    4.4
    (14 reviews)

    Long Story Short: Go, but only if you have military ID…read more Parents! If any of you hunting for an awesome gem playground amongst Hawaii's unusually monotonous offerings of playgrounds, you will be no doubt read the 5-Star reviews and start heading there straight away with kid in car seat. Well, is it Shangri-La? or a mirage? Simply put: If you do not have a military pass--it is indeed inaccessible to you. Do not try. As I did. You and your kid will end up having to retreat to Keehi Lagoon Beach Park and lick your wounds at the solid/adequate playground there. Yea, we did try to drive to Sand Park. And no amount of cuteness from our 2 year old could deter the rifle wielding guards from accessing their private playground! A foreign national would have had a lot easier time sneaking onto Mar-a-Lago while a president golfed there. The base guard, smartly, held on to my ID as we navigated the turn around to leave--and only gave my Civilian ID back to me once I was pointed in the right direction--back towards Nimitz underpass, where i had come from. I've heard from others this place is awesome. But be sure to go with one of our hard working military friends if you actually want to arrive there. :) And also, it may be an observation, but perhaps most of the playgrounds in Hawaii seem to be one of two pre-set versions of a playground. As if we got a bulk discount for buying Playground A, B, and nothing more. Perhaps the military bases had a different contractor--thus why they may have something new/different compared to the normal parks?

    The playground itself is very nice but a bunch of still water and mosquitoes near the benches. The…read morebenches are rusted through with jagged metal and sprinklers have created still water ponds under all shaded sitting areas.

    Moanalua Gardens - parks - Updated July 2026

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