Foster Botanical Garden — Attraction in Honolulu

Visited on 2/11/25.

The main points of attraction in choosing to visit this botanical garden was price ($5/ per non-resident), and proximity to other nearby attractions.

Before entering the gardens, there is a small shop. I wouldn’t call it a gift shop, per-say. There’s nothing related to the actual botanical garden in there. A bit of a let-down to the suckers who love to buy pins, shirts, and other memorabilia (people like me). There was some local (?) art in there for sale.

Entering into the garden the staff were friendly and the grounds were quiet and kept very clean. I could hear and see traffic / activity through the chain-link fence that is dividing the gardens from the public street.

The grounds felt quite bare at several junctions, and it made me wish that plant life was used more strategically to help create an effect of seclusion within a busy part of the city. Many short, plain grassy areas.

The blooming trees and bushes certainly were successful in attracting tons of butterflies, but the butterfly area looked unfinished as there weren’t many physical indicators to let you know you were in the right spot to see butterflies . It didn’t exactly give “butterfly garden” vibes.

The orchid collection/the greenhouse was the most enjoyable portion of the botanical gardens for mainlanders like me who collect indoor plants. There was a wide variety of plant types, many of which were labeled with very little visibility or simply just unlabeled altogether.

The plants looked well-cared for and were arranged beautifully to best showcase so many different types of plants while utilizing as much space as possible inside the small greenhouse.

I saw some of my favorite plants while exiting through the wheelchair exit/entry ramp. They have a lot of cool ones planted by the ramp hiding over there that you can’t see by just taking the plain ole stairs!

I personably would feel inclined to pay an entry fee that is 2-4x more than the current modest entry fee of $5 if it enables Foster Botanical Garden to better utilize the plain grassy majority of the place so that it can continue growing into the greater potential of the space so that there is a reason for people to spend...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Foster Botanical Garden in Honolulu, and it was an unforgettable experience! This hidden gem is a must-see for anyone who loves nature and tranquility.

Stunning Variety of Plants The garden boasts an impressive collection of tropical plants, many of which are rare and exotic. Walking through the winding paths, I was captivated by the vibrant colors and diverse foliage. The collection of palms, orchids, and flowering trees was particularly stunning.

Peaceful Atmosphere The serene ambiance of the garden made it the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The gentle sounds of birds and the rustling of leaves created a calming backdrop as I explored. There are plenty of benches and quiet spots to sit and soak in the beauty around you.

Informative Signage Throughout the garden, informative signs provide details about the various plant species and their origins. This educational aspect added depth to my visit, allowing me to appreciate the botanical diversity even more.

Perfect for All Whether you’re a plant enthusiast, a casual visitor, or looking for a peaceful place to relax, Foster Botanical Garden has something for everyone. I highly recommend taking a leisurely stroll through the garden, bringing a camera to capture the beauty, and perhaps even packing a picnic to enjoy on the lush grounds.

Overall, my visit to Foster Botanical Garden was a highlight of my trip to Hawaii. It's a beautiful sanctuary that showcases the incredible biodiversity of the islands. I can’t wait to return on...

I was impressed by the beauty of the grounds and the friendly lady at the entrance who was incredibly helpful. As avid supporters of local communities, my partner and I always make it a point to explore botanical gardens during our travels, and we also enjoy browsing their gift shops.

During our visit, we were informed that the gardens would be closing at 4 PM, so we made sure to head over before that time. However, our experience took a disappointing turn when we saw an older woman working in the gift shop on August 24, 2023. As we approached the door, she made direct eye contact with us and promptly turned the sign to "closed" before locking the door. It was disheartening to encounter such behavior, especially when we had been looking forward to exploring the shop.

Regrettably, this incident left us with the impression that the gift shop does not value its customers. It's unfortunate that a single instance of rudeness can overshadow an otherwise enjoyable visit. As travelers who appreciate supporting local establishments, we were disappointed by this encounter and are unlikely to return due to the discourteous treatment...