Curious about a rainforest tucked away in Honolulu? Welcome to Lyon Arboretum. This botanical garden spans 200 acres. The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa manages it. Lyon Arboretum sits at the top of Mānoa Valley.
Established in 1918, the Hawaiian Sugar Planters’ Association created it. They wanted to restore the watershed. They also tested tree species for reforestation. Living plants of economic value were collected here. Dr. Harold L. Lyon was the original director. He planted nearly 2,000 tree species.
In 1953, the HSPA gave the arboretum to the University of Hawaiʻi. They stipulated that it remain an arboretum and botanical garden. After Lyon’s death in 1957, it was renamed in his honor.
Today, Lyon Arboretum emphasizes native Hawaiian plants. Its collection features palms and gingers. You will also find heliconias and bromeliads. Native species thrive in the ethnobotanical gardens. Polynesian cultivated plants are also displayed.
Lyon Arboretum is next to the City & County of Honolulu’s water supply land. It is also near state conservation land. Paradise Park used to be nearby. It was a theme park, but it is separate from Lyon Arboretum.
The Lyon Arboretum maintains an active seed bank. By 2024, it banked 33 million seeds. This includes seeds from threatened plants. The seed laboratory is part of the Hawaiian Rare Plant Program.
Adding to the intrigue is the park’s abandoned seismograph station. It has a reputation for being haunted. Some say they have felt a mysterious cold presence.
Lyon Arboretum is one of only two Level IV arboreta in Hawaiʻi. It is accredited by Morton Arboretum’s ArbNet. This makes it a world-class destination. It boasts over 5,000 tropical plant species.
The Lyon Arboretum also spearheads the Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death Seed Banking Initiative. This is an important conservation effort.
You can also enjoy various activities here. Join a lei-making workshop. Indulge in the flavors of jams and jellies made from plants grown here. Or try weaving Hawaiian lauhala. You might prefer a yoga and mindful hike.
Lyon Arboretum is a beautiful place. It is a landmark in conservation efforts. It serves as a showcase for the university.
The Lyon Arboretum is open Monday through Friday. The hours are from 9 am to 3 pm. Access is limited to reservation only. So book your visit in advance. Explore Lyon Arboretum and discover its botanical treasures.