Moanalua Gardens is one of Hawaii’s most iconic tourist spots, especially famous among visitors from Japan.
Here you can see the famous “Hitachi Tree,” which appears in a long-running TV commercial for the company Hitachi, accompanied by its well-known song!
The grounds are very spacious, and it was originally the property of King Kamehameha V. Interestingly, it’s not a public park but a private garden on a residential estate.
Relaxing on the vast lawn is a great way to soak in the natural beauty of Hawaii.
This incredibly famous tree has been featured in the commercial since 1984, so it’s definitely a must-see spot.
The Famous Tree is a Monkeypod
The famous tree is actually a monkeypod, a type of tree commonly seen throughout Hawaii.
Its scientific name is Albizia saman.
Its leaves fold up at night as if sleeping, which is why it’s also called a “rain tree” or “sleeping tree” in various parts of the world.
It’s not actually native to Hawaii; it primarily grows in Central and South America. Surprisingly, it is sometimes considered an invasive species in Hawaii.
The tree is currently about 170 years old, stands 25 meters (about 82 feet) tall, and its canopy has an incredible diameter of 40 meters (about 131 feet)!
It blooms in May and November, producing an abundance of red and pink flowers.
There are many other plants from around the world planted here, making it a delightful place for a leisurely stroll.
Photo Spots for the Famous Tree
With its impressive presence and the open, green surroundings, the tree is a perfect photo spot.
You can get creative with your photos, like using forced perspective to make it look like you’re pinching the tree, or taking a group jump shot.
My personal recommendation is to take a wide-angle shot from underneath the tree—it creates a really nice atmosphere!
If you go first thing in the morning when no one is around, you can take pictures without other people in the background, making it feel like you have the tree all to yourself.
During the winter rainy season, you might even be lucky enough to see a rainbow behind the tree!
Nearby, there is also the “Grandmother Tree,” considered a sort of elder sister to the “Hitachi Tree.”
It’s even larger than the Hitachi Tree and is the biggest tree in Moanalua Gardens!
It has recently become a popular wedding venue and is another fantastic photo spot with stunning scenery, so be sure to check out the “Grandmother Tree” as well.
How to Visit the Famous Tree
While admission used to be free, there is now an entrance fee and a parking fee to visit.
Previously, the Japanese company Hitachi generously covered the maintenance costs with an annual donation, but that agreement has now ended.
Please pay at the register in the visitor center before entering the gardens.
The restrooms are located just inside the entrance for your convenience.
The gift shop sells small souvenirs like “Hitachi Tree” T-shirts and fish food for the nearby koi pond, so be sure to stop by if you have time.
Basic Information
| Name | The Hitachi Tree (Konoki Nannoki) |
| Address | 2850 Moanalua Rd A, Honolulu, HI 96819 |
| Map | |
| Hours | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Admission Fee | Adults (12+): $10 Children (6–12): $7 Children (under 6): Free Parking: $2.50 (regular vehicles), $7 (large vans for 10+ people) |
| Closed | Open year-round |
| Estimated Time | About 20 minutes |
| Restrooms | Yes |
| Parking | Yes (paid) |
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