Important Information on Our Walking Tours
With our botanical garden and rainforest walking tours, you get to discover a rich variety of plants and trees from beautiful Hawaii and from all around the world! It’s a true eco-adventure not to be missed! Before you arrive, check out these commonly asked questions from our guests.
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This is the only place in Hawaii where you can view thousands of plants in a botanical garden, see several waterfalls, play in a giant maze, and ride a zipline all in the same place. Not only that, but you can enjoy beautiful views of Mauna Kea, the Pacific Ocean, and a paniolo cattle ranch all from our gardens. It is truly a special place.
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Book a guided garden tour with our Garden Site Supervisor for a detailed description of the plants in our collection. See, smell, and even taste them. If you have a question or want to reserve your tour, contact our customer service at 808-963-5427 and we will be happy to help you.
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From Kona or Waikoloa:
Take Highway 19 to Waimea and go toward Hilo on Highway 19. We are about 10 minutes beyond the Laupahoehoe Train Museum which is at mile marker 25. After the 17 mile marker, you will come to a bridge over the Umauma Gulch. Look for our sign that will be on the hillside on the right side of the road just past the bridge. Slow down as you go up hill past the bridge as the right turn is partly hidden and easy to miss. Turn right at Leopolino Road, the first paved road past the bridge, then right again in a block at the next paved road (Old Mamalahoa Highway) to reach the gardens.From Hilo:
Take Highway 19 toward Waimea and Kona. You will see a pedestrian overpass at the 15 mile marker, then a long bridge over a gulch a short time later. At the top of the hill, just past the 16 mile marker, turn left at the paved Leopolino Road, then right after a block at the next paved road (Old Mamalahoa Highway) to reach the gardens. You may also see our Hawaiian warrior tourist spot sign on the right side of Highway 19 at the turn.From Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park:
Take Highway 11 into Hilo. In Hilo the highway will become Highway 19. Take Highway 19 toward Waimea and Kona. You will see a pedestrian overpass at the 15 mile marker, then a long bridge over a gulch a short time later. At the top of the hill, just past the 16 mile marker, turn left at the paved Leopolino Road, then right after a block at the next paved road (Old Mamalahoa Highway) to reach the gardens. You may also see the King Kamehameha sign pointing out Kamae’e Falls as an area of cultural significance on the right side of Highway 19 at the turn.From Keauhou or South Kona via South Point/Volcano:
Follow Highway 11 toward South Point and Volcano. Continue on Highway 11 into Hilo. In Hilo the highway will become Highway 19. Take Highway 19 towards Waimea and Kona. You will see a pedestrian overpass at the 15 mile marker, then a long bridge over a gulch a short time later. At the top of the hill, just past the 16 mile marker, turn left at the paved Leopolino Road, then right after a block at the next paved road (Old Mamalahoa Highway) to reach the gardens. You may also see the King Kamehameha sign pointing out Kamae’e Falls as an area of cultural significance on the right side of Highway 19 at the turn. -
No, but if it rains, we will provide you with one while you are in the gardens.
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Visit our Garden Tours page for individual pricing. Your garden or zipline ticket is good for a week of visits to the garden.
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Yes, we take all major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
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No. You can drive directly to the overlook at Kamaee Falls and the paved walkways at the Rainbow Walk and the Rainforest Trail. The Arboretum and Children’s Maze are easily accessible from the Rainbow Walk. If you enjoy walking, there are additional trails on the Rainforest Trail extension and Hanapueo Stream Trail.
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Yes, in certain areas. Of course, with a venue of our size, there are areas that are not suitable for all guests, but there is variety for everyone.
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Yes! We commonly offer discounts for active military personnel, kamaʻāina, travel agents and concierge staff. For these discounts, call our Customer Service (888-947-4753) or email us at [email protected].
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Access to the pool beneath Kamaeʻe Falls is closed. The beauty of Kamaeʻe Falls is best admired from the top of the gulch at the viewing platform.
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Weather can be unpredictable in Hawaii, but the gardens are open every day except in cases of severe weather. Umbrellas and rain gear are available in our guest services center. Please review up-to-date weather conditions to plan your trip.
The weather for Hakalau usually shows up raining. Even when weather forecasts say there may be a high percentage chance of rain, the rains fall at night 70% of the time. Although the weather widget puts our location in the Pacific Ocean, we are actually on the coast!
The Big Island climate is interesting. We have almost every climate zone that exists on earth here on the Big Island. There is a better chance of seeing a rainbow in Hakalau, because we get pineapple sprinkles on occasion. Seeing rainbows in Hawaii is a special experience; seeing them for the first time at Botanical World is magical.