On the Hana Highway you’ll get the opportunity to stop at the Garden of Eden Arboretum. Yes, I’m pretty sure this is what the biblical Garden of Eden was supposed to be like. Beautiful tropical trees and flowers, peacocks, a waterfall… It’s beautiful and absolutely worth stopping at and enjoying the trails. I find that the winding Road to Hana is best enjoyed making lots of stops, and for me, the Garden of Eden Arboretum is at the perfect point in the drive to make it both an fun stop and a good break from being in the car.
The Garden of Eden is an Arboretum, not necessarily a botanical garden. What’s the difference? This is like a beautifully designed forest with gardens mixed into it. Have you stopped here before and wandered through the tower bamboo or seeing the giant hibiscus flowers? Add it to your plans now, because you’ll love it. If you have any questions about visiting the Garden of Eden or driving the Road to Hana, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you have a wonderful Aloha trip!
Highlights of the Garden of Eden Arboretum
If you don’t live in a tropical place or haven’t gotten to spend a lot of time in Hawaii, Maui’s Garden of Eden Arboretum is really going to be a highlight for you. There are lots of trails that go all through the different types of gardens, there are views looking out towards the Pacific Ocean and the Big Island of Hawaii, and the atmosphere is magical. One of my favorite parts of the Garden of Eden Arboretum is the bamboo forest. Yes, there is a bamboo forest down on the Hana Highway, but this one has actual pathways and is meant to be explored. It may not be as much of an adventure as traversing unmarked trails in the bamboo groves, but it’s a great way to experience it without getting lost.
For the kids, their favorite part of wandering through the Garden of Eden was seeing all the peacocks and ducks. There are lots of birds roaming around the property and some of them are not afraid of people. Keep your distance, but enjoy the beautiful bird in this beautiful, huge garden.
Tips for a Great Visit to the Garden of Eden on the Road to Hana
When you visit the Garden of Eden Arboretum on Maui, plan to be here for at least an hour. There are lots of trails that will take you all around the property. Give yourself time to sit and enjoy the sights, to listen to and watch the birds, and to spend time at the waterfall overlook. If you’re visiting in the rain, that’s actually okay. There are lots of shelter areas and getting to hear the weather move through the trees in awesome. On a sunny day, if you’ve brought a picnic, there are a few places that you can enjoy lunch or snacks throughout the Garden of Eden. Take your time!
For my photographer friends who’ve come to Maui to capture the details of the plants and wildlife, bring your good camera into the Garden. There is a main parking area where you can easily drop your gear back off to your car if this isn’t quite your photography vibe, but if you like birds and flowers, you’re in for a treat. The macro photography opportunities throughout the Garden of Eden Arboretum are fantastic. Hawaiian flowers and the imported species you’ll find here are so very intricate and vibrant. I think this is a wonderful place to get lost in the art of taking photos.
Being Prepared for Maui’s Arboretum
I think the standard gear for any activity on Maui is hiking sandals, such as Keens, and a light rain jacket. The weather systems move through Maui so quickly that you can be enjoying a beautiful morning and then be socked in with thick, wet clouds all around you. For this, you’ll just want to stay as dry as you can, but then also you don’t want to slip and fall. Many of the paths and trails around the Garden of Eden Arboretum are grassy or slick when they’re wet. Having traction for your walk is necessary!
Another thing to think about, and this is the only place on Maui that this has been a problem for me, is the mosquitoes. The dense vegetation and moisture here is ideal for these bugs and this is one of the only places in Hawaii that the mosquitoes have thought that I’m delicious. Bring your bug spray and maybe wear long sleeves for your time at the Arboretum on Maui, but hopefully you won’t have to worry about the mosquitoes during your visit.
Parking and Accessibility at the Garden of Eden on Maui
As you exit the Hana Highway to visit the Garden of Eden Arboretum there is an entry gate where you can pay your fee ($20 per adult, $10 ages 5-16), and then you can venture up into the gardens. There is a primary parking area that’s central to the different trails and then more parking up by the picnic area. Everything is interconnected, so getting around is easy.
If you’re concerned about accessibility throughout the Garden of Eden Arboretum, there are some slopes and some trails that include rooty areas and some stairs. When you look at the map, the accessible trails are clearly noted. I will say though, parts of the level, wide trails that are considered accessible may still be difficult to cover if it’s a moist, slick day, but there are still quite a few interesting sights and beautiful views that are not a bother.
Garden of Eden Arboretum Operating Info
To complete your planning, here is all the information to plan your adventure and time wandering through this beautiful botanical garden/arboretum.
- Operating Dates/Season: year round, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Office phone number: 808-572-9899
- Company website: Garden of Eden
- Arboretum address: 10600 Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708
More Things to Do on Maui
Some people visit Maui over and over and love every minute on the island while others visit once and that’s enough. We’re in the middle of that, but always enjoy out experiences all around the island. I see Maui as the island for beaches and hiking, with some wonderful state parks and, of course, Haleakala National Park. Others see it as a place to check into a resort and vege out for a week. You do you, but at least go experience some of what makes Maui such a beautiful, fun place to explore.
Here are our top picks for things to do when you’re visiting Maui:
- Beach days all around the island
- Snorkeling at Olowalu
- Hiking at Haleakala National Park (skip sunrise, people)
- Drive the Road to Hana or Northwest Loop (no need to do both)
- Visit Honolua Bay Magical Enchanted Forest (north of Lahaina)
- Visit the Maui Ocean Center
- Whale watching from November to March
- Relaxing and enjoying the vibes of Kihei, Wailea or Paia (Lahaina when it’s more recovered)
Here are more ideas for things to do on Maui:
Where to Stay on Maui
My favorite part of Maui to stay is Kihei. I like the location being convenient to any sort of trip plan, and being an actual town with regular businesses and neighborhoods, it’s a great place to find good dining options AND be close to the beach. Wailea is quite a bit fancier and the Paia is much more mellow with fewer option. Lahaina has always been a popular place to stay on Maui, but since the fires it’s been in slow recovery. There are still resorts around Lahaina, but the town is still undergoing full reconstruction.
Having said that, check out the map below for ideas of where to stay on Maui and the types of accommodations you’ll find.
I hope you’ll consider visiting the Garden of Eden Arboretum on the Road to Hana. It’s one of the prettiest places on Maui and a great stop during your loop of the island. If you have any other questions about visiting Maui or planning an island hopping adventure, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a beautiful Hawaii trip. Aloha!
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