Foster Botanical Garden in Hawaii

Foster Botanical Garden
A trip to the Foster Botanical Garden is perhaps the best way to escape the busy metropolis of downtown Honolulu without ever actually leaving the city. An oasis of tropical greenery just across the street from Honolulu’s famous Chinatown, this botanical garden holds one of the largest collections of tropical plants in the United States, several of which are endangered or even extinct in the world outside.

The Foster Botanical Garden’s roots are older than many of the exotic trees and plants that grow there. Started in 1853, Hawaiian Queen Kalama leased a small patch of land to Dr. William Hillebrand, a German doctor who also held the distinction of being one of the founding members of the Hawaiian Medical Association. His keen interest in tropical plants led to his developing a particular expertise in Hawaiian flora, and upon his return to Germany he was also considered a great botanist. The land was later sold to Thomas and Mary Foster, who would bequeath the botanical garden to the city of Honolulu in 1930. The Foster Botanical Garden opened its doors to the public in 1931, and has since been added to Hawaii’s Register of Historic Places.

Walking along this garden and arboretum that spans over fourteen acres of lush, tropical trees and other plants including a garden of primitive cycads, a garden displaying hybrid orchids, a butterfly-friendly garden, and a palm garden. There is also an “economic garden” that houses herbs and other plants that people use for food, textiles, dyes, and medicinal properties.

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The Foster Botanical Garden is open 9am-4pm daily, and is closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day. Guided Tours are offered Monday through Saturday at 1pm and by special appointment. Admission is $5 for adults, and $1 for children ages 6-12. Contact information is 808.522.7066.

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