Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden (Onomea)
Papaikou, Hilo
A Seaside Rainforest Garden With a Three-Tier Waterfall
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden (HTBG) is a nonprofit garden at 27-717 Old Mamalahoa Highway in Papaikou, north of Hilo, with more than 2,500 tropical plants and a three-tier waterfall. The garden says some of its plants are now extinct in the wild and that it serves as a seed bank for them. It is open daily 10 AM to 6 PM with last entry at 5 PM, and closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Allow 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Self-guided admission is $35 for adults, $25 for children 6–12 and free under 6; kamaʻāina pay $33 and active military $28, both in person with ID. Guided tours run Wednesdays at 9:30 AM for up to 10 people. The entry boardwalk is steep (about 100 feet of elevation change over 500 feet), wheelchairs, walkers and scooters are not permitted, and drones are banned. The garden's pages carry a notice that the scenic drive is closed on the Hilo side from September 16 and to enter from Kulaimano Road, while its directions text still recommends the scenic route — confirm your route.
Why Roamwise recommends this
A beautiful, slower-paced rainforest and ocean-view garden walk — pricier than the free waterfalls, but a highlight for plant lovers.
Best for: gardens and photography, a relaxed 2-hour visit, rainy days with a poncho.
Insider tip: confirm the driving route first (the scenic drive's Hilo side is closed per the garden), wear grippy shoes for the boardwalk and bring repellent.
- Safety notes:
- The garden's pages conflict on the driving route (scenic drive closed on the Hilo side from 9/16 per its banner) — confirm before you drive.
- Weather sensitivity:
- Wet and muddy after rain; boardwalk can be slippery.
- Price tier:
- $$
- Cost:
- $35 adults, $25 kids 6–12, free under 6; kamaʻāina $33 and active military $28 with ID, in person. (checked October 2026)
Reviews: Google MapsYelp
Local tips
- •Adults $35
- •kids 6–12 $25
- •kamaʻāina $33 and military $28 (in person, with ID).
- •Open daily 10 AM–6 PM
- •last entry 5 PM
- •closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's.
- •Steep entry boardwalk
- •no wheelchairs, walkers or scooters allowed.
- •Enter via Kulaimano Road if the scenic drive is still closed on the Hilo side.
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