Nestled in Mānoa Valley at the base of the Ko‘olau Mountains sits Harold L. Lyon Arboretum, a Research Unit of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, a 194-acre sanctuary home to more than 6,000 types of plants, from rare native Hawaiian flora to vibrant tropical trees and endangered plants.
Founded in 1918 by the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association (HSPA), Harold Lyon served as the Arboretum’s first director, and sought a means to restore degraded watersheds through reforestation, using the grounds as a test site. The Arboretum has grown into a world-renowned botanical garden and vital research center focused on conservation, education, and the restoration of Hawai‘i’s unique ecosystems.
Today, visitors can wander trails through a variety of gardens, see a stand of rare native palms, and experience the off-the-beaten-path magic of this living rainforest museum just minutes from downtown Honolulu.
Whether you’re an O‘ahu resident or a visitor, if you’ve never been to the Lyon Arboretum, it’s time to discover this incredible hidden gem tucked into Mānoa Valley.
Tips for enjoying your visit:
Arrive Early
Mornings are cooler, less crowded, and the lighting is perfect for photos as the mist lifts from the valley.
Prepare to Explore
Bring water, a hat, a rain jacket, mosquito repellent, and shoes with some traction to explore up to seven miles of hiking trails.
Take Your Time
Each visit brings a unique experience whether recent rain feeds the waterfall, the passing ‘ōhi‘a ‘ai blooms paint the ground fuscia, or you spot a native bird such as the
‘amakihi. Pause to take notice of what is present for your visit. The Arboretum is meant to be savored slowly.
Trailing Taro
We're proud to support the Friends of Lyon Arboretum with the launch of our Trailing Taro print, inspired by the terraces of dryland taro.
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