Kahanu Garden History
Kahanu Garden provides a glimpse back in time. The earliest Polynesian voyagers first settled in areas such as Hāna where there was abundant rainfall and fertile soil for reliable farming.
On the rugged Hana coast, along the far eastern shores of the Hawaiian island of Maui, Kahanu Garden grows in splendid isolation, nestled in the one of the largest native hala (Pandanus) forests in the Islands. Plant collections from the Pacific Islands are the focus here, particularly plants of value to the Hawaiian people as well as other cultures of Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia. Kahanu Garden is situated in the storied land of Honoma’ele and home to Pi’ilanihale Heiau, a massive lava-rock structure that is believed to be the largest ancient man made structure in Polynesia. This awe-inspiring cultural site in the garden is registered as a National Historic Landmark.
Visitors to Kahanu Garden will learn about the cultural relationships between people and these remarkable plants that were transported around the Pacific on ancient voyaging canoes. Among the different ethnobotanical collections at Kahanu Garden is the world’s largest collection of breadfruit cultivars, which serves as a germplasm repository for this important South Pacific food crop.
Kahanu Garden provides a glimpse back in time. The earliest Polynesian voyagers first settled in areas such as Hāna where there was abundant rainfall and fertile soil for reliable farming.
Important Information: Please wear a mask and practice social distancing when you arrive in our parking lot, upon check in and while walking in the Garden. This helps to keep us all healthy and safe!
Wander leisurely around the garden and linger at what intrigues you – plants, archaeological and cultural features. You create your own adventure. Meet the people of Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia through the plants that are so integral to their culture.
Visit the thatched canoe house and imagine what it might have been like to travel great distances across open ocean not knowing what you would find. Experience the spirit (mana) of the chiefs of old and savor the serenity of this secluded place.
Reservations Appreciated, Book Now
Departure: Monday through Friday
Tour Times: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
Tour Duration: 1.5 hours (recommended minimum)
Ticket Prices:
Adults (18 and older) – $12
Kamaaina – $7
Teen (17-13) – $5
Children (12 and younger) – free
Hana Residents – free
A guided tour of Kahanu Garden will reward you with a deeper experience and sense of place. Your guide will reveal archaeological features and intriguing stories not covered in the self-guided tour, and share with you the captivating tales of a region so rooted in history.
Hear the mo’olelo (stories) of ancient Hawai’i and of Chief Pi’ilani who ruled over these lands in the 16th century. You will see firsthand some of the traditional uses of the plants brought to the islands by the first Hawaiians. Many of our guides grew up in this culturally rich region and are experts in practices and traditions passed down to them by their elders.
This tour is closed until further notice.
This tour is closed until further notice.
Tour Type: Guided Tour
Departure: Monday through Friday
Tour Times: 11:00 a.m. Monday – Friday.
Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
Tour Duration: 2 hours
Ticket Prices:
Adults (13 and older) – $30
Children (12 and younger) – free
This year’s online auction theme is “Caring for the People who Care for the Plants.” Our gardeners have worked tirelessly during this extraordinary time. Help NTBG by supporting our ohana who care for our living collections and gardens every day.
Free Yoga This Friday, September 11 Join Naomi for a free garden yoga class on […]
Our South Shore Visitor Center is offering free body movement classes everyday in September! With school back in session, many families are spending more time hunched over their computers. Come enjoy gentle guided movement to work out those kinks.
Go on a scavenger hunt, meet the scientist, or explore a new species! Join our staff for engaging, hands-on Ho’ike Circles highlighting our work and the plants we care for.
The Kampong’s efforts to grow plants native to Florida fulfill a dual role: conservation of native flora and public education.
Nina Rønsted Ph.D., Director of Science and Conservation Schiedea is an endemic Hawaiian plant lineage […]
Diane Ragone, PhD. Director, Breadfruit Institute The Regenerative Organic Breadfruit Agroforestry demonstration in McBryde Garden […]
Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI)’s July 2020 issue of BGjournal includes extensive coverage of NTBG’s […]
