Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden | 10 Great Kids Activities on Oahu

Fun Kids Activities on Oahu at Ho’omaluhia

Nestled in the lush Ko’olau Mountain range on the island of Oahu, Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden offers a peaceful 400-acre refuge showcasing the diverse tropical flora of Hawaii. Its name aptly translates to “peaceful refuge” in Hawaiian, setting the tone for visitors to escape amid tranquil landscapes adorned with vibrant hibiscus, heliconia, ginger, palms, and more. Within this refuge, kids activities on Oahu abound!

The garden features several thematic areas exhibiting plants used for food, medicine, and other purposes. Winding through the verdant grounds are over 32 acres of hiking trails, allowing exploration of the themed gardens, forested areas, and picturesque lake.

We used to live in Kaneohe minutes from the garden and made regular visits to play and explore in this free space. Since we know the garden so well, I want to share some of our favorite family activities. Even if you’re not a plant person, you will find something to enjoy at Ho’omaluhia.

Preparing for a Visit to Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden

Getting There

Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden is tucked against the Ko’olau mountain range in Kaneohe, on the windward (eastern) side of Oahu, about a half hour drive from Waikiki.

• Address: 45-680 Luluku Rd. Kāneʻohe, Hawaiʻi 96744
• Park Hours: 9am – 4pm daily
• Park entrance fee: None

What to Pack

The gardens lie at the foot of the Ko’olau mountain range which means great views, but also a higher chance of rain. Be prepared for mud, bugs, and the occasional rain squall.

On a sunny, summer day, however, the humidity and bright sun can take a toll. Bring along water and sunscreen for a better experience.

Feeding ducks and fish is one of the popular kids activities on Oahu. If you’re hoping for a close encounter, bring a bag of oats.

1. Take a Hike

The garden features several thematic areas exhibiting plants used for food, medicine, and other purposes. Winding through the verdant grounds are over 32 acres of hiking trails, allowing exploration of the themed gardens, forested areas, and picturesque lake.

Grassy meadows, muddy stream trails, dense jungle, gravel, pavement, sweeping panoramas, and even a bog – there is a little something for everyone. The trails are fairly short, but you can link them together and make a more substantial hike. Pick up a map at the visitor center or find one here. If hiking is a favorite kids activities on Oahu, find more family-friendly options here.

2. Float a Boat

There are several pullouts and parking lots along the length of the road that passes through Ho’omaluhia. Over the years, I’ve tried them all, but Kahua Lehua was the most delightful discovery. It starts with stunning views from the parking lot which passes a camping area. If you take the trail downhill to the right, it opens up into pixie meadow, an open expanse to explore.

When we stumbled across the meadow many years ago, there was a small stream bubbling alongside the meadow. It inspired me to make paper boats dipped in paraffin for water-proofing and return for a morning of boat races.

We returned to the meadow recently and discovered that the stream is buried under a tangle of vegetation. You can only access part of the stream where it tumbles into a larger pool at the beginning of the meadow.

My now tween had different plans in mind anyway. We used the space for what he termed extreme soccer as he punted the ball from the hilltop into the net we set up far below.

3. Camping

The gardens are only open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day. If you want to extend your visit, get a camping permit so you can roam free. They do lock you in the garden at night, but they have escape times at 5:30 pm and 9:00 pm if you decide to bail.

Camping

• 9:00 am Friday through 4:00 pm Monday
• Camping within the garden is a wonderful natural experience for families, individuals and groups.
• Find and Reserve a Campsite
• Important Camping Information

4. Climb a Tree

Long ago Micah claimed a low-branching tree down by the lake as his own. He takes great pride in climbing that tree. It’s been a long progression. Each visit he would be a little more daring and climb just a little bit higher until he finally made it to the perfect perching branch with views over the lake. There’s something satisfying about climbing a tree. Feel free to borrow Micah’s or search for another to make your own.

5. Catch a Fish

Over the years I regularly saw kids and families walking in happy groups to the back of the lake with bamboo fishing poles swinging at their sides. For some reason, I thought it was an organized event or school group. Turns out the catch and release fishing program is open to everyone. They even loan you the poles (bamboo with barbless hooks). Just stop at the visitor center on the weekend and they’ll set you up. Afterwards, hike around to the back of the lake where volunteers are available to help you master your fishing technique. Making the perfect bread ball is a bit of an art form. Bring your own bread – or shrimp if you want to catch something other than tilapia. Micah was delighted by the experience.

Saturdays & Sundays 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

• Check in at the Visitor Center. It is a 20 minute walk to the fishing area.
• Bamboo poles may be borrowed from 9:30 am until 1:00 pm, on a first come, first served basis.
• No casting allowed
• Recommended: walking shoes, insect repellent, rain gear
• Call 808-233-7323 for more information

6. Host a Birthday Party

Ho’omaluhia is an easy and fun place for a kid’s birthday party. You can reserve a pavilion for free so you have chairs, shelter, and built-in entertainment all around. Micah had his 3rd birthday party at the garden with a scavenger hunt, nature-themed crafts, and fishing.

7. Enjoy a Picnic

Living close to the garden made it a fun spot for lunch. There are a few pavilions with tables or you can simply pick a shady tree with a view. A change of scenery makes everything taste better.

8. Take a Class

Ho’omaluhia offers a free preschool nature hour monthly. Each month has a different theme (frogs, fruits, ducks and coots, etc) and the classes involve storytelling, singing songs, and crafts. Classes are usually held 10:30 am – 11:30 am on the third Tuesday of each month. You can find out more at the visitor’s center or check the community calendar here.

9. Feed the Ducks + Fish

Feeding ducks is perhaps the greatest toddler activity of all time. Maybe that and playing with cardboard boxes. If you have young children bring along birdseed, rice, or oats to feed the ducks which are typically found by the lake. Sometimes you will spot black “ducks” in the group which are actually endangered Hawaiian coots. Their massive feet help them forage on mudflats without sinking like built-in snowshoes.

Throw some food into the lake and you will find a writhing mass of fish. You can watch them slide over one another to get to the food. Beware, they have teeth. Baby Mila stuck her toe in the water once and a fish took a sample.

10. Go Biking

Kid-safe biking areas on the windward side are scarce. If you want to avoid traffic head to the last parking area in the garden. Mila learned to ride her bike here amid a chorus of birdsong and a bright mountain landscape. The hills make biking challenging (and fun), but that parking area is large and flat with little traffic making it a great beginner spot.

Explore more kids activities on Oahu at Ho’omaluhia

And there you have it! Ten kids activities on Oahu at Ho’omaluhia. Head out and explore this weekend. If you’re looking for more ideas, check out my favorites –

• A roundup of family-friendly hikes on the windward and Waikiki sides of Oahu.
• Unique ideas for adventurous families on Oahu
• Favorite things to do in Waikiki.
• Family photos. Let Little Bird take you off-the-beaten-path for a family photo session that’s actually fun! See family sessions taken nearby here, here, and here.