12-05-21 Ho`omaluhia Botanical Garden

Went to Ho`omaluhia Botanical Garden with Richard and Don this morning.  Minh and Lena didn't show up and when we called we learned they had gone to Koko Head Botanical Garden...mixups.

The day was hot and humid so we walked down to the lake, taking pictures along the way, then gave up without exploring much else.

HOOMALUHIA BOTANICAL GARDEN

"to make a place of peace and tranquility"
400 acres of geographically laid out botanic garden
endangered and rare plants
network of trails to facilitate visitor enjoyment
32-acre lake (no swimming) Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden was designed and built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide flood protection for Kaneohe. The facilities include a day use area, campgrounds, and a Visitor Center with lecture room, exhibition hall, workshop and botanical library. The hours of operation are:

• 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily
• Closed Christmas (December 25) and New Year's Day (January 1).

The geographical regions which are predominately represented are the Philippines, Hawaii, Africa, Sri Lanka & India, Polynesia, Melanesia, Malaysia, and Tropical America. The environment is ever changing as the plants are maturing.
 
VISITOR CENTER: Everyone entering Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden should come to the Visitor Center first. This includes hikers, bicyclists and joggers. The center also provides information on programs being offered, permits, car passes and special events. Call (808) 233-7323.
GATE OPENINGS: The gate is open  daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is closed at 4:00 p.m.  On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, cars with prior permit applications or car passes may use the later gate opening from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and exits only are from 9:00 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.
PROGRAMS: Hoomaluhia offers many ways to become involved in the environment through nature walks, hiking, camping, crafts, cloud-watching and other programs to enhance environmental awareness. The programs at Hoomaluhia emphasize ecology, the study of relationships between human cultures and the plant world. Day use and camping programs can include ethnic, craft, botanical, horticultural and environmental activities.
GUIDED NATURE HIKES: are offered at 10:00 a.m. on Saturdays and 1:00 p.m. on Sundays. Please call (808) 233-7323 to register.

CAMPING: Kahua (campgrounds) are opened for programs including camping. Tent camping is a low-cost, energy-efficient part of the environmental experience for families, individuals and groups. Permits are required and must be validated at the Visitor Center. Camping is available from 9:00 a.m. Friday through 4:00 p.m. Monday.

THINGS TO BRING:

• stove or hibachi and fuel
• food and cooking equipment
• cooler and coolant (ice)
• insect repellent (if sensitive to insect bites)
• rainproof tent and rain gear
• sleeping gear
• lanterns and flashlights
• other personal items

PERMIT APPLICATIONS: Permits for camping are issued via the City and County of Honolulu on-line camping permit system.  Permits for other activites are issued directly at Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden. For telephone inquiries and reservations, call (808) 233-7323.
A WORD OF CAUTION: Plants contain a wide range of substances used by humans as food, medicines, dyes, poisons, etc., but leaves, fruits, seeds and thorns may cause skin irritations, sneezing, external or internal discomfort, eye inflammation or puncture wounds.

• A basic rule in any botanical garden is never put any unfamiliar plant or plant part in your mouth and use caution in touching any unfamiliar plant you encounter.
• To preserve this fine collection, visitors are prohibited from picking any part of the growing plants or removing any plant material from the garden. Section 10-1.2, ROH.

ALCOHOL is not permitted.
BALL PLAYING: There are no facilities for organized ball playing at Hoomaluhia. Ball playing is not compatible with nor appropriate in this Botanical Garden.

CAR PASSES: Car passes are required for all vehicles remianing after 4:00 p.m. The speed limit is 15 m.p.h. Drivers are reminded that vehicles, including bicycles, must remain on designated roads or paved areas at all times and are not to be driven or parked on the grass, gravel paths or shoulders for any reason. Park in a proper stall and walk a few steps farther.

DAY USE: The day program area (Pa Launa) is available for people participating in programs at Hoomaluhia. Programs are arranged through the Visitor Center.

ELECTRICITY: Use of the City's electricity for lights, appliances, etc., or hook-up for water in connection with camping or night picnicking is not permitted. No generators of any type shall be operated at any campground.

FIRES: Build fires only in fireplaces, grills or on fire pads. Leave ashes in grills or on fire pads. Empty hibachis into grills or onto fire pads.

KITE FLYING: Please inquire at the Visitor Center.

LAKE AND STREAM USE: Due to impurities in the streams, swimming and boating are not permitted.
PAY TELEPHONE: One is available at the Visitor Center.
PEACE AND TRANQUILITY: Hoomaluhia means "to make a place of peace and tranquility." The operation or use of any audio device that annoys other garden users or neighbors is prohibited except by permit. Please be considerate of others.

PETS: Please do not bring pets.
PICNICKING: The picnic area is located near the Visitor Center. Permits are required for groups.

TENTS AND TARPS: Tents and tarps must be free-standing. Do not tie or attach anything to trees or structures.


For further information, please contact:

Honolulu Botanical Gardens
Department of Parks and Recreation
50 N. Vineyard Blvd.
Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
Phone: (808) 522-7060
E-mail: hbg@honolulu.gov