Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden, Hawaii’s largest and most scenic botanical garden.
Located at the northern foot of the Koolau Mountains, it covers an incredibly vast area of 1.6 square kilometers (about 400 acres)!
You can see a wide variety of plants, including native Hawaiian flora, as well as species from the Philippines, Africa, Sri Lanka, India, Polynesia, Melanesia, Malaysia, and Tropical America.
The name “Hoomaluhia” means “to give peace, to protect” in Hawaiian. True to its name, this spot is sure to make you feel a sense of peace, surrounded and protected by the majestic nature.
Since the garden is managed by the City and County of Honolulu, most activities are free of charge.
It’s a hidden gem where you can enjoy breathtaking scenery, fishing, camping, and many other activities!
The Fishing Lake at Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden
Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden is home to Hawaii’s only free fishing lake.
Fishing is only available on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. You can borrow fishing rods for free, and the fish are always biting!
Walk-ins are usually fine as there are often extra fishing rods available, but on Saturdays during peak season, they might run out. It’s a good idea to make a reservation in advance.
By the way, the most commonly caught fish is the Red Devil cichlid, which is known for its distinct red color.
There are also other types of fish, such as carp and peacock bass.
Once you get the hang of it, you can easily catch about 20 fish in an hour.
The only tricks are to use a piece of regular bread rolled into a ball for bait and to set your bobber a little bit deeper.
Fishing is catch-and-release, so please be sure to release the fish back into the water after you’ve had your fun.
Feeding the Wildlife at Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden
The area on the opposite side of the fishing lake is a no-fishing zone, but here you can encounter a variety of wildlife, including lots of fish, birds, and mongooses.
Even if fishing isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy interacting with Hawaii’s wildlife.
It’s a highly recommended hidden gem for families, and kids are sure to love it!
By the way, the weather in this area changes quickly and it rains often, so we recommend bringing rain gear and insect repellent.
Taking a walk or hiking while enjoying the stunning scenery is incredibly refreshing.
Picnicking in the Great Outdoors at Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden
Everywhere you look in Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden is a scenic spot with breathtaking views.
You can also have a picnic or camp while soaking in this magnificent natural environment!
Camping is available to visitors as well, but a permit is required in advance. If you’re interested, you can apply through the City and County of Honolulu’s website.
Also, be aware that if you leave food out, wild animals like pigs, birds, and mongooses might take it, so be sure to store it securely.
Picnicking is, of course, allowed anytime, so grabbing a plate lunch from a nearby spot is a great idea.
Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden: General Information
| Name | Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden |
| Address | 45-680 Luluku Rd, Kaneohe, HI 96744 |
| Map | |
| Hours | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Admission | Free |
| Estimated Time | 30 minutes or more |
| Closed | Christmas Day and New Year’s Day |
| Restrooms | Available |
| Parking | Available (Free) |
| URL | Official Website Fishing Reservation Page |
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