Garden of Eden Arboretum

Garden of Eden Arboretum is a privately run botanical garden on Hana Highway at mile marker 10.5, between Kailua and Keʻanae. It is a paid garden walk with Pacific and waterfall lookouts, not a roadside pullout. Its meandering paths pass labeled tropical plantings and open lawns. Set aside at least 45 minutes; an hour or more gives you time to explore beyond the first viewpoint. If all you want is a quick waterfall glance, this is more commitment than you need.

The entrance map helps you choose how much of the grounds to see. There are about 2.5 miles of packed-gravel paths, with a bamboo stand, orchard, pond, broad lawns and planted collections along the way. Some areas can also be driven through, so ask which route fits your time before setting off. You don't need to cover every path to get a good look around.

Lookouts open toward the Pacific, Puohokamoa Falls and Keopuka Rock, the offshore landmark seen in the opening sequence of Jurassic Park. The rock is partly screened by the valley from the garden's overlook, so give your eyes a moment to find its outline. The waterfall is viewed from above; the garden paths do not take you to its pools, and swimming is not allowed from the property. For a photo at the ocean overlook, keep some of the palms and planted slope in the foreground so the frame shows the garden opening onto the water.

More than 700 plants are labeled across the garden, from Hawaiian native and indigenous species to tropical and subtropical varieties. Look for koa, rainbow eucalyptus and bamboo among the trees and flowers. The labels make this more rewarding than a quick pass through pretty landscaping: you can stop on the plants that are new to you and see how the garden mixes native species with plants from elsewhere.

Landscape designer Alan Bradbury began developing the grounds in 1991, and the garden opened to visitors in 1996. He first imagined the property as a retreat for a recording studio, but salt air and rainforest humidity damaged the equipment. When people began wandering in through an open gate, the plan changed to a garden. It was first called Pua Nani Tree Farm; visitors started calling it the Garden of Eden, and that name stuck.

This is rainforest country: passing showers are common, mornings tend to be wetter, and mosquitoes vary with conditions. Shoes with grip and insect repellent are useful. The gravel paths have different grades, with some gentler sections, but the whole garden is not a consistently level route; ask about the easier paths if that matters for your visit. Peacocks and ducks live on the grounds, and dogs are not allowed.

A Garden Cafe food truck is listed at the entrance, and picnic tables and covered pavilions give you a place to eat while looking toward the falls, ocean or orchard. Restrooms and parking are on the property. The entry gate is 9 feet 2 inches high; taller vehicles are directed to the cafe parking area by the exit and can walk up the entrance lane. National park passes do not cover this privately run attraction.