With endless summer weather comes endless opportunities for summer activities: swimming, surfing, hiking, and perhaps my favorite — camping trips. While camping in Hawaii may look a little different than on the mainland, we do, in fact, have more to offer than beachfront campgrounds. Many of Hawaii’s best inland campgrounds are nestled within our favorite state parks, but there is one unique campground that is found in the heart of one of Hawaii’s prettiest botanical gardens.
Nestled at the base of the majestic Ko’olau Mountains in Kaneohe, the sprawling 400-acre Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden is a true gem. Tucked away off the beaten path, this gorgeous garden is one of Oahu’s most peaceful camping retreats.
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Once you drive through Ho’omaluhia’s entrance, you will be immediately surrounded by a magnificent garden full of vibrant, tropical flora that stretches on for miles. Exhale, and you will surely feel your stress melt away as you enjoy the scenery and settle in for a weekend of relaxation.
Daniel Ramirez/Flickr
With nearly 30 picturesque campsites to choose from and plenty of restrooms available throughout the garden, you won’t find a bad campsite here.
Daniel Ramirez/Flickr
Each campsite comes with access to picnic tables and a fire pit as well as nearby comfort stations and outdoor showers.
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It isn’t the amenities that will make you fall in love with Ho’omaluhia, though: it is the incredible natural beauty you will find here.
Daniel Ramirez/Flickr
Established in 1982, an emphasis is placed on conserving plants native to Hawaii, though the garden is home to tropical plants from around the world, including distinct areas housing flora from Sri Lanka, Africa, India, Malaysia, and Polynesia, among other tropical destinations.
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The real gem of this lush, jewel-green oasis is one of Hawaii’s few freshwater lakes; at 32 acres across, the unnamed lake’s sheltered location keeps its waters clear, clean and teeming with life. On Saturdays and Sundays, visitors are encouraged to participate in the garden’s catch and release fishing program — a fun event for the whole family.
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In addition to a lake and fishing program, Ho’omaluhia is also home to countless walking and bike trails, a day use area, and a visitor center with an exhibition hall, workshop, and botanical library.
Daniel Ramirez/Flickr
So, what are you waiting for? You’ll want to visit this one-of-a-kind campground nestled in the bounds of a breathtaking botanical garden as soon as possible.
Daniel Ramirez/Flickr Campsites are available on the weekends for three days, Friday through Monday. A weekend of camping at Ho’omaluhia requires a permit that will cost $32.
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden is located at 45-680 Luluku Rd, Kaneohe, HI 96744, and is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. For more information, or to reserve your campsite, click here.
jongela19/Flickr
Daniel Ramirez/Flickr
Owen and Aki/Flickr
jomil75/Flickr
Joel/Flickr
Campsites are available on the weekends for three days, Friday through Monday. A weekend of camping at Ho’omaluhia requires a permit that will cost $32.
If you’re looking for more incredible campgrounds, particularly those that are perfect for someone who hates camping, click here.
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