What started as a labor of love and a dream of conservation, the Garden of Eden Arboretum is the creation of arborist and landscape designer, Alan Bradbury. Bradbury began development of the rainforest property in 1991, and four years later, opened doors to the public. The goal; to restore ecosystems and promote Hawaiʻi’s wonderful species.
Located along the scenic Hāna Highway, the Garden of Eden Arboretum is a prime example of natural beauty. Taking over nearly 26 acres, the garden is home to over 700 plant species, including the largest variety of kī (ti) plants in Hawaiʻi. (This plant has many uses and the water-resistant leaves are great for raincoats, hula skirts, shoes, and leis.)
The Garden of Eden Arboretum is an inspiring site to visit, not only for the natural beauty and diligent conservation practices, but for what the garden means to our culture. It serves as an example of just how much we love our land, how much we love our culture, and how much we want to share that with you all.
What the Garden of Eden Arboretum Offers
The garden offers the ability to walk or drive along scenic trails where you’ll see forests, the Puohokamoa Waterfall, and ocean views. With so much to do, there are guided tours that educate you on the variety of exotic and native plants, picnic areas to enjoy lunch from their Garden Cafe food truck, and family-friendly activities, like birdwatching.
You will also come across their art gallery, full of local photography, glasswork, ceramics, jewelry, and so much more. The gallery is a wonderful way to experience local art and grab you and your loved ones a gift.
If you’re looking for some adventure near the Garden of Eden Arboretum, Rappel Maui offers a tour using ropes to safely explore the cliffs and waterfalls. While it isn’t associated with the Garden of Eden Arboretum, this opportunity is located close by.
Everything You Need to Know About the Garden of Eden Arboretum
Location & Contact Information
The Garden of Eden Arboretum is located at 10600 Hāna Hwy in Haiku. If you’re on the Road to Hāna, it’s on mile marker 10.5. You can contact them by phone at (808) 572-9899, or by email at info@mauigardenofeden.com.
Hours
The garden is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., including all holidays. The nice part is there is no reservation required.
Price
Admission to enter is:
- $20 for 16-years or older
- $10 for children ages 5 to 16
- Free for children 5-years and under
There are also discounts for parties of five or more people, members of the military, students, AAA members, and Kamaʻaina (Hawaiian residents).
Parking
There are a few free parking lots located around the garden. While parking usually isn’t a problem, depending on the time of year and number of visitors, be advised that spots may fill up more quickly.
Best Time to Visit
The Garden of Eden Arboretum is always beautiful no matter the time of year, but the best time to visit, factoring in everything like weather, greenery, and crowds, are the shoulder seasons. These seasons fall between April to May, and September to October.
If you’re looking to avoid wait times once you are here, it’s recommended to go when they first open, or after 2 p.m.
What to Bring
Good walking shoes are a must, as you’ll certainly get your steps in. For other clothing items, we recommend a hat and light jacket (and don’t forget your mineral sunscreen!). Your phone and a camera are a must to capture the amazing wildlife of the garden, and a guidebook is always nice so you can learn more about the plants and garden’s history.
Learn More About Maui’s Beautiful Flora
At the Maui Ocean Center, we have an amazing Plant Life exhibit with species found throughout our Hawaiian islands. We also offer our Hawaiian Culture & Botanical Plant Tour, a 90-minute tour led by an experienced naturalist where you’ll experience Maui’s flora, but also learn about the deep cultural connections of Hawaiians to the land and sea. (Our restaurant and gift shop are a must on your visit, too! No aquarium ticket required for either.)
Reserve your tickets for the Maui Ocean Center today.
When traveling to Maui there will never be a shortage of things and places to see. Make sure you’re always abiding by local and cultural laws when exploring the natural beauty of Maui and most importantly, relax! That’s what you came to do after all.
