Name of Garden:
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
History:
The Garden was created through the untiring efforts of one man, Dan J. Lutkenhouse, who discovered Onomea Valley in 1977 while vacationing with his wife, Pauline. Mr. Lutkenhouse purchased the 17-acre parcel for its seclusion and beauty, without knowing exactly what to do with it. Quickly abandoning ideas for a commercial venture which would destroy the natural environment, he decided instead to establish a botanical garden to preserve the valley and its beauty forever.
Description:
The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is a museum of living plants that attracts photographers, gardeners, botanists, scientists, and nature lovers from around the world. The Garden's collection of tropical plants is international in scope. Over 2,000 species, representing more than 125 families and 750 genera, are found in this one-of-a-kind garden. The 40-acre valley is a natural greenhouse, protected from buffeting tradewinds and blessed with fertile volcanic soil.
Address:
27-717 Old Mamalahoa Highway
Papaikou, HI 96781
Phone: 808-964-5233 FAX: 808-964-1338
DIRECTIONS:
By Car:
From Hilo: The Garden is located about 8 1/2 miles north of Hilo. Take Route 19. Watch for a large blue highway sign on the right saying "Scenic Route." About 1 1/2 miles on the left is our registration office.
From Kona: Follow Route 19 to the Hamakua Coast until you are about 10 miles from Hilo. Pass the Pepeekeo post office. Watch for blue highway sign on the right saying "Scenic Route." Turn left at the cross road intersection before the pedestrian overpass. Driving time from Kailua, Kona is at least three hours. Please keep this in mind when planning your visit as our last entry into the Garden is at 4pm.
Admission and Hours:
The Garden is open from 9am to 5pm everyday, with Garden admissions ending at 4pm. This self-guided tour takes an average of about an hour and a half. The walking distance is just over a mile, round trip.
Admission for a day is $15 for adults, children ages 6 - 16 are $5. Children under 6 are free.
Website:
http://www.htbg.com/
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