
Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary
A seven-acre botanical sanctuary in South Kona, Hawaii, offering peace, stunning coastal views, and unique themed gardens.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Butterflies are active

Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary
Best Time
Butterflies are active

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A seven-acre botanical sanctuary in South Kona, Hawaii, offering peace, stunning coastal views, and unique themed gardens.
"It is my favorite place on the whole island. It’s super peaceful and incredibly beautiful."

🚶♀️ Wander and Reflect
Take your time to explore the diverse gardens and enjoy the peaceful energy. It's a place to truly relax and breathe.
🦋 Spot the Butterflies
The butterfly garden is a must-see! Visit in the morning for the best chance to see them fluttering among the flowers.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Butterfly Garden
South Kona
A vibrant haven teeming with pollinators and colorful butterflies, offering a magical experience for all ages.

Galaxy Garden
South Kona
A unique garden designed with celestial inspiration, featuring hibiscus and offering a remarkable, almost otherworldly, landscape.

Coastal Views
Overlooking Kealakekua Bay
Expansive vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the historic 'Place of Refuge' provide a breathtaking backdrop for peaceful contemplation.

Peace Statues
Throughout the sanctuary
Discover statues and icons representing diverse faith beliefs, fostering a sense of global unity and spiritual harmony.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquility
Discover Unique Gardens
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Wander and Reflect
Take your time to explore the diverse gardens and enjoy the peaceful energy. It's a place to truly relax and breathe.
🦋 Spot the Butterflies
The butterfly garden is a must-see! Visit in the morning for the best chance to see them fluttering among the flowers.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera to photograph the stunning coastal vistas and unique garden features.
☕ Enjoy Local Coffee
Sip on some delicious local coffee while you stroll through the gardens.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Wander and Reflect
Take your time to explore the diverse gardens and enjoy the peaceful energy. It's a place to truly relax and breathe.
🦋 Spot the Butterflies
The butterfly garden is a must-see! Visit in the morning for the best chance to see them fluttering among the flowers.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera to photograph the stunning coastal vistas and unique garden features.
☕ Enjoy Local Coffee
Sip on some delicious local coffee while you stroll through the gardens.
🧘♀️ Yoga Classes Available
Check for yoga classes offered in their beautiful studio for a truly healing experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary for its profound tranquility, stunning natural beauty, and unique themed gardens, particularly the butterfly and galaxy gardens. Many find it a deeply relaxing and healing place with breathtaking coastal views. Some visitors also appreciate the opportunity to attend yoga classes and support local artists.
"There is a beautiful array of plants that are so beautiful. In some areas, you can see all the way to the ocean. They just put in a butterfly garden and all the butterflies were around. It was very relaxing. I highly recommend the visit."
Bethany Pepper
"What a lovely garden. There are so many beautiful native plants & flowers & nice views & spots to be still & soak up the beauty & peaceful energy."
Dana Bannister (ecofriendlyhawaii)
"Beautiful garden with a cool yoga studio.
I accidentally found Joanne’s class on Kona Yoga website.
It was just my hubby and I attending the morning class on Wed. It starts at 10:30am.
This slot isn’t listed in the Paleaku Garden’s website.
Joanne is very friendly and personable. She immediately learned our levels and taught us poses best for us.
After hours of flight, I was feeling still on my whole body and the practice helped ease it.
Great class!
After the practice, we explored the beautiful garden. It was very nice and healing."
M W
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary is located in Captain Cook, Hawaii, on the Big Island. It's accessible by car, offering expansive views overlooking Kealakekua Bay.
The sanctuary is nestled in South Kona. While specific directions can vary, it's generally well-regarded as a destination worth seeking out for its unique offerings.
The gardens are best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking through seven acres of tropical botanical paradise.
Yes, the sanctuary is near the 'Place of Refuge' National Historical Park and Heavenly Hawaiian Farms, known for its coffee.
While not explicitly detailed in all sources, parking is generally available for visitors to the sanctuary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The gardens are open year-round from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, offering ample time to visit and enjoy the serene environment.
Admission to the International Peace Gardens (a similar concept) is free, and Paleaku Gardens is also generally considered accessible without a strict entry fee, though donations are welcome.
Advance booking is typically not required for general entry to the gardens. However, if you plan to attend specific events like yoga classes, it's advisable to check their website or contact them directly.
Yes, Paleaku Gardens hosts yoga classes, which are highly recommended by visitors for their healing and relaxing qualities.
Visitors can support the sanctuary by purchasing local art, books, and crafts from their shop, which features talented artists and makers.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
Explore seven acres of tropical botanical paradise, including a unique Galaxy Garden, a vibrant Butterfly Garden, and statues representing various faiths. Enjoy expansive coastal views and peaceful spots for reflection.
Yes, children often enjoy the Butterfly Garden and the Galaxy Garden, which can be a fun place for hide-and-seek. The peaceful atmosphere is also conducive to a calm family outing.
The sanctuary features a beautiful array of native plants and flowers, with a special focus on hibiscus in the Galaxy Garden and a dedicated butterfly garden.
Visitors often mention the unique Galaxy Garden, the peaceful statues representing different faiths, and the recently added butterfly garden. They also have their own lava tube that can be viewed.
Absolutely! The diverse flora, stunning coastal views, and unique garden designs make it a photographer's paradise.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
While not a full-service restaurant, visitors can enjoy good local coffee while exploring the gardens.
Picnics are generally welcome in many garden settings, but it's always best to check for specific rules regarding outside food and drink. The focus here is on the sanctuary experience.
For dining options in the Kona area, Super J's and Pine Tree Cafe are often recommended by locals and travelers.
The sanctuary primarily focuses on its gardens and peace sanctuary aspects. While coffee is available, a full-service cafe is not a primary feature.
The Kona region is famous for its coffee. You can also find local fruits and other Hawaiian delicacies in nearby towns.
📸 📸 Photography
The Butterfly Garden, Galaxy Garden, and the panoramic coastal views are prime locations for stunning photographs.
Photography is generally encouraged to capture the beauty of the sanctuary. However, always be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage.
Morning light is ideal for capturing the vibrant colors of the flowers and butterflies. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also provide beautiful, soft lighting for the coastal views.
As with most public spaces, drone usage may be restricted. It's advisable to check with the sanctuary management for their specific drone policy.
Look for the geckos that often lurk in the plants, capture the intricate details of the flowers, and frame shots with the expansive ocean backdrop.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The sanctuary's peaceful atmosphere is a great way to introduce children to nature and tranquility. It's a place where they can run around safely (within designated areas) and appreciate the beauty of plants and wildlife. Remember to bring comfortable shoes for little feet as you explore the seven acres.
🧘♀️ Wellness Seekers & Yoga Enthusiasts
Attending a yoga session here can be a deeply healing experience, especially after a long journey. After class, you can further immerse yourself in the peaceful energy by exploring the beautiful gardens and enjoying the calming coastal views.
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
The expansive coastal views provide breathtaking backdrops for landscape photography, especially during sunrise or sunset. Don't miss the chance to photograph the diverse native flora and perhaps even a local gecko. The overall peaceful ambiance allows for unhurried shooting, ensuring you can capture the essence of this botanical paradise.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Themed Gardens: A World of Wonder
Another significant attraction is the Butterfly Garden, a recent addition that has quickly become a favorite. This vibrant space is abuzz with pollinators and butterflies, creating a magical and serene atmosphere. Visitors often express delight at the sheer number of butterflies present, making it a highlight for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Beyond these, the sanctuary is home to a beautiful array of native plants and flowers, showcasing the rich biodiversity of Hawaii. The gardens provide a peaceful setting for contemplation and appreciation of nature's artistry.
Peace and Spirituality
Visitors often comment on the profound sense of peace and harmony they experience while wandering through the gardens. It's described as an incredibly beautiful and healing place, perfect for sitting, breathing, and soaking in the positive energy.
This spiritual aspect, combined with the natural beauty, makes Paleaku Gardens a unique destination for those seeking a tranquil escape and a moment of reflection on interconnectedness and well-being.
Capturing the Beauty: Photography Tips
The Galaxy Garden provides a unique, almost otherworldly backdrop, while the coastal views overlooking Kealakekua Bay offer dramatic and serene scenes. Don't forget to look for the local geckos that often inhabit the plants, adding a touch of local wildlife to your shots.
For the best results, consider visiting during the morning hours for vibrant colors and active wildlife, or during the late afternoon for the soft glow of golden hour on the ocean.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit