Moanalua Gardens, Honolulu - A lush path winds through a beautiful garden.
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Moanalua Gardens Honolulu

4.2
·2k reviews·Honolulu, United States

A tranquil 24-acre park in Honolulu, famed for its majestic Monkey Pod tree and serene atmosphere.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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Moanalua Gardens, Honolulu - A lush path winds through a beautiful garden.

Moanalua Gardens Honolulu

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil 24-acre park in Honolulu, famed for its majestic Monkey Pod tree and serene atmosphere.

4.2
(2k reviews)

"Discover the serene beauty of Moanalua Gardens, a peaceful oasis with spectacular trees."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Reopening Status

The park has reopened, but confirm before you go. Recent visitors confirm it's open! :ticket:

Bring Cash for Entry

Admission fees apply. Some visitors find it a bit pricey for the experience. :moneybag:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Famous Monkey Pod Tree

The Famous Monkey Pod Tree

Central lawn

An iconic, sprawling tree with branches that twist and turn, famously wrapping around a palm tree.

Koi Pond and Ducks

Koi Pond and Ducks

Near the entrance

A serene spot to observe colorful koi fish and ducks. Feeding them is a popular family activity.

Rare Plantings

Rare Plantings

Throughout the gardens

Discover a variety of mature trees and unique flora, offering a tranquil escape.

Planning Your Visit

Reopening and Admission

Moanalua Gardens has reopened after a period of closure. While the website may not always reflect the latest status, recent visitors confirm it's open. Be prepared for an admission fee, which some find steep for the experience.

What to Expect

This is a peaceful park, not a botanical garden. Focus is on beautiful, mature trees, including the famous Monkey Pod (Hitachi) tree. The former royal guest house is not accessible to the public. Noise from the nearby freeway can be a factor.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Good for families, koi feeding
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Bringing home that Koa 😝😝#track #hawaii #xyzbca #fyp #statechamps #moanalua
@not4dream
16.4K likes • 97.9K views

Check Reopening Status

The park has reopened, but confirm before you go. Recent visitors confirm it's open! :ticket:

Bring Cash for Entry

Admission fees apply. Some visitors find it a bit pricey for the experience. :moneybag:

͙ ͙ モアナルアガーデンからGM😎☀️🌳 ͙ 小さく写ってる新郎新婦👰🏼💑この方たちレンタカーで来て駐車場でこの衣装に着替えてた😅カメラと三脚も持ってたから自分たちで撮影したんだろうな〜🤔 ͙ 早くこんな感じに晴れて欲しい✨お布団干したいです💓 ͙ 皆さま素敵な週末を〜😽💕💕明日は晴れそうかな☀️☀️ ͙ ͙ #Hawaii #oahu #honolulu #moanaluagardens #drive #hawaiitrip #instahawaii #instagood #808 #ALOHA #ハワイ #オアフ #ホノルル #モアナルアガーデン #ドライブ #レンタカー #この木なんの木 #日立の樹 #モンキーポッド #ハワイ旅行 #ハワイ大好き #ハワイに帰りたい #ハワイ病
kanakooooo_1112
263 likes • 0 views
Monkey Pod Tree, aka Hitachi Tree. 日立の木、モンキーポッド^ ^ この生命力に感動! #monkeypod #日立の樹 #hawaii #honolulu #ハワイ#moanalua #モアナルアガーデンパーク
tr_72s
136 likes • 0 views

Feed the Koi & Ducks

Purchase food at the entrance for a delightful family activity. :duck: :fish:

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking around the park to admire the trees and scenery. :athletic_shoe:

🌿 この〜木なんの木 🌳 #moanalua #garden . . #hawaii#honolulu#waikiki#dayoff#blue#sky#trip#travel#likes#instagood#vacation#summer#sea#genic_mag#gopro#ocean#beach#happy#parmtree#findtravel#genic_hawaii#ハワイ#夏休み#海#モアナルアガーデン#ゴープロ#タビジョ
elle.saori
130 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Reopening Status

The park has reopened, but confirm before you go. Recent visitors confirm it's open! :ticket:

Bring Cash for Entry

Admission fees apply. Some visitors find it a bit pricey for the experience. :moneybag:

Feed the Koi & Ducks

Purchase food at the entrance for a delightful family activity. :duck: :fish:

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking around the park to admire the trees and scenery. :athletic_shoe:

Enjoy the Monkey Pod Tree

Don't miss the famous, uniquely shaped Monkey Pod tree. It's a photo highlight! :camera:

What Travellers Say

4.2
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Moanalua Gardens is praised for its stunning, mature trees, particularly the iconic Monkey Pod, and its peaceful atmosphere, making it a serene escape. Visitors enjoy feeding the koi and ducks, and the clean restrooms are a plus. However, some find the admission fee a bit high for the experience, and the inaccessible former royal guest house is a point of disappointment for a few.

"Garden?
I would characterize this as a park with some very beautiful large trees and plenty of mango 🥭 trees among them.
Although some call this botanical but it is far from it for one, the former royalty 👑 guest house 🏠 or retreat isn't accessible to the public for years as we were told.
Just one restroom 🚻 by the main entrance and for our surprise, the restrooms are very clean and neat.
Overall a little disappointed not have anything discovered except trees, the freeway right next to this park didn't help with the constant noise.
The admission even for locals isn't justified whatsoever, out of state visitors find out the hard way."

HosFar FarHos

"It's really peaceful and nice to walk around or just enjoy the scenery. It's not very big, but it's big enough. My daughter and wife enjoyed feeding the ducks and koi fish. It was a great experience for my family."

Kalama

"The trees are spectacular, we just walked around for 30 mins or so, and fed the ducks and the koi with food we purchased at the entrance. The public bathrooms are nice. The ducks and the fish were a highlight. There are picnic tables. The admission is for the whole day so you could leave and go get food and come back later to picnic. Has a famous Hitachi tree."

Carolyn Grasso

What People Like

Spectacular trees
Peaceful atmosphere
Koi and duck feeding

What People Dislike

Admission fee
Inaccessible buildings
Freeway noise

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Moanalua Gardens is located near the Honolulu International Airport. Driving is the most convenient way to reach it. Parking is available on-site. Public transportation options might be limited, so check local bus routes if you're not driving. TikTok

Yes, there is parking available at Moanalua Gardens. Some visitors have noted that paid parking might be implemented, so it's good to be prepared for that possibility. Reddit

While specific routes can change, it's generally recommended to check TheBus schedules for routes that go near Moanalua Gardens. Driving is often considered more straightforward for tourists. TikTok

Moanalua Gardens is about a 15-20 minute drive from Waikiki, depending on traffic conditions. It's a relatively short trip, making it a feasible half-day excursion. Instagram

Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Honolulu and can be a convenient way to get to Moanalua Gardens if you don't have a car. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, there is an admission fee to enter Moanalua Gardens. While some locals might find it a bit high, it's generally considered worth it for the unique trees and peaceful atmosphere. Reddit+1

Moanalua Gardens has reopened to the public. It's best to check their official website or recent visitor reports for the most current operating hours, as these can sometimes vary. Reddit

Information on advance ticket purchases is not widely available. Typically, you can purchase tickets upon arrival at the gardens. Reddit

The admission fee is generally per person. It's advisable to confirm the exact pricing structure upon arrival or by checking their official channels. Reddit

While some attractions offer resident discounts, it's not explicitly mentioned for Moanalua Gardens. It's always a good idea to inquire at the entrance or check their website for any potential local rates. Reddit

🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience

The main attractions are the beautiful, mature trees, especially the famous Monkey Pod tree. You can also enjoy feeding the koi and ducks, and simply strolling through the peaceful grounds. TikTokInstagram

Yes, families often enjoy Moanalua Gardens. Feeding the koi and ducks is a highlight for kids, and the open spaces are great for them to explore. Reddit+1

Yes, there are picnic tables available, and the admission fee often allows you to leave and return for a picnic later in the day. It's a great way to enjoy the scenery. Reddit

Yes, there are public restrooms located near the main entrance. Visitors have noted they are generally clean and well-maintained. Reddit

The 'Hitachi Tree' is the popular name for the large Monkey Pod tree in Moanalua Gardens, known for its impressive, sprawling branches that create a unique, almost sculptural form. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

The Monkey Pod tree is a must-photograph. The koi pond and the lush greenery also offer beautiful shots. Early morning light can be particularly stunning. Instagram+1

Yes, photography is generally allowed in Moanalua Gardens. It's a popular spot for photographers looking to capture the unique trees and serene landscape. Instagram

While personal photography is fine, professional shoots or extensive equipment might require special permits. It's best to check with the garden management if you plan on a professional photoshoot. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best lighting for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer, more appealing look. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in most parks and gardens to ensure the safety and tranquility of visitors and wildlife. It's highly unlikely to be permitted without explicit authorization. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Moanalua Gardens is a great spot for families looking for a relaxed outing. The highlight for children is often feeding the koi and ducks at the pond near the entrance. Purchasing food at the entrance makes this an easy and engaging activity. Reddit

The open lawns provide space for kids to move around, and the impressive Monkey Pod tree is sure to spark their imagination. While it's not a playground, the natural beauty and the chance to interact with the pond life offer a delightful experience for younger visitors. Remember to bring comfortable shoes for walking. Reddit

📸 Photographers

For photographers, Moanalua Gardens offers unique opportunities, especially around the iconic Monkey Pod tree. Its sprawling, twisted branches create dramatic and artistic compositions. Instagram+1

Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the beauty of the gardens, casting a warm glow on the lush greenery and the majestic trees. The koi pond also provides opportunities for serene shots. While personal photography is encouraged, be mindful of any restrictions on professional equipment or extensive setups. Instagram

🌳 Nature Lovers & Relaxation Seekers

If you're seeking a peaceful escape and appreciate mature trees, Moanalua Gardens is an excellent choice. It's a place to unwind and connect with nature, away from the city's hustle. TikTok

Take your time to stroll through the grounds, admire the diverse flora, and find a quiet spot to simply sit and enjoy the tranquility. The gardens offer a different kind of Hawaiian beauty, focusing on the serene power of nature. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Iconic Monkey Pod Tree

The star attraction of Moanalua Gardens is undoubtedly the magnificent Monkey Pod tree, often referred to as the 'Hitachi Tree' due to its appearance in a Hitachi company advertisement. This colossal tree is renowned for its incredibly wide canopy and uniquely twisted branches that spread outwards, some even appearing to embrace nearby palm trees. Its sheer size and intricate structure make it a breathtaking sight and a prime subject for photographers. Instagram+1

Visitors are often awestruck by its presence, describing it as a living sculpture. The tree provides ample shade, making it a popular spot to relax and admire nature's artistry. Its distinctive form is a testament to years of growth and the unique microclimate of the gardens. TikTok

While the tree itself is the main draw, its surrounding lawn offers a perfect setting for photos, picnics, and simply soaking in the serene atmosphere of the gardens. It's a truly memorable natural landmark that defines the Moanalua Gardens experience. Instagram

A Peaceful Urban Oasis

Moanalua Gardens offers a welcome respite from the bustling city life of Honolulu. Despite its proximity to the airport and a major freeway, the gardens maintain a surprisingly tranquil ambiance. The well-maintained lawns and mature trees create a sense of calm and natural beauty. Reddit

While not a traditional botanical garden with extensive labeled collections, its charm lies in its simplicity and the grandeur of its trees. The presence of a koi pond and ducks adds to the serene environment, providing a gentle soundtrack to your visit. It's a place where you can wander, reflect, and appreciate the natural elements. Reddit

Many visitors find the gardens to be a place of 'energy' and 'spirit,' offering a chance for 'tree hugging' and a connection with nature. It's an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll, a quiet picnic, or simply to enjoy a moment of peace amidst the vibrant Hawaiian landscape. TikTok

Visitor Experience and Value

Reviews for Moanalua Gardens are generally positive, highlighting the beauty of the trees and the peaceful atmosphere. The opportunity to feed the koi and ducks is a particular hit with families, creating memorable moments. The cleanliness of the restrooms is also frequently mentioned as a positive point. Reddit

However, some visitors express reservations about the admission fee, particularly for out-of-state tourists, feeling that the experience might be underwhelming for the cost. The former royal guest house is also noted as being inaccessible for years, which some feel limits the historical exploration aspect of the visit. The constant noise from the nearby freeway is another point of contention for some. Reddit

Despite these criticisms, many still find value in the unique natural beauty and the tranquil escape Moanalua Gardens provides. It's often described as a 'beautiful park' with 'spectacular trees' that offers a different kind of Hawaiian experience beyond the typical beach attractions. TikTokInstagram

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