I'm so glad I didn't miss this place while visiting Hawai'i--it's one of the nicest botanical gardens I've ever seen. A wide variety of beautiful plants, easy-to-navigate trails, a dramatic ocean view (look for the blowhole in the rocks!), and a very pretty waterfall...I can't imagine anyone not enjoying this. Do bring bug repellent, and plan to spend a couple... more

We first became aware of Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden by reading Sue Henry's mystery novel, "The Refuge." If you are going to the Big Island, it is a great primer because of her attention to details regarding things to see and do on the island. Plan for at least two hours and bring a camera. The scenery is as beautiful... more

I didn't even know this garden was there when planning my trip. We just ran across it when we decided to take the scenic drive just north of Hilo. But you won't want to miss this! The entrance is about half way through the scenic drive you see signs for off 19 a few miles north of Hilo. The scenic... more

This garden is a must-see if you love green things. The cost to maintain the infrastructure here must be incredible, so I was happy to pay the admission cost. My 6-year old daughter was entranced by the many flowers, and easily walked the paths. Beautiful views of the ocean as well. more

This garden was on my list of the top two things we saw on the Big Island. I live on Oahu and have been to many botanical gardens but this one had flowers I'd never seen, a beautiful waterfall, and a walk right up next to the ocean! My son (22 months old) loved the plants, the little wishing well,... more

I love photography and any time I am in the islands I love to capture pictures of the beautiful flowers so I figured I would give this place a try. It is absolutely gorgeous, so many plants and they have a private waterfall on the property and even some exotic birds. My young son was not thrilled by going there... more

We visited the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden on our way to the volcano and were very glad we made the stop. This garden is quite large with a variety of plants, flowers, and trees like I have never seen before! There's even a waterfall and beautiful trails along the ocean with gorgeous views. I took hundreds of pictures here -... more

We stopped at the gardens on our way to see the Volcano today. I've lived here for the longest time and have never gone to the gardens. Now that I have seen it, I can't believe that I didn't go earlier. It is a beautiful walk through a tropical rain forest with so many different kinds of flowers and a... more

What a beautiful place! We spent almost three hours wandering among the plants and flowers. Many of them I have never seen before. Huge blooms, gorgeous colors. I wasn't bothered by mosquitoes but one of the women with me was so repellant may be needed. Took many pictures and even more memories home. Don't miss it. more