Moanalua Gardens

Beneath the sprawling canopy of a monkeypod tree, a story unfolds at Moanalua Gardens. This isn’t just any tree. This is the Hitachi tree, an iconic symbol known throughout Japan. Moanalua Gardens is a 24-acre private park, generously open to the public. It’s a serene escape, just 15 minutes north of bustling Honolulu. The gardens boast rolling green fields and tranquil groves. They offer respite and a connection to Hawaii’s rich history. Moanalua Gardens was once part of the vast 6,000-acre estate belonging to the Kamehameha Royal Family. In 1884, Samuel Mills Damon inherited this land. He moved into Prince Lot Kapuaiwa’s summer cottage in 1890 and began its restoration. Inspired by a trip to Edinburgh, Damon commissioned a young Scottish horticulturalist, Donald Macintyre. Macintyre transformed the land in 1898, creating the Moanalua Gardens we know today. He planted shade trees, mangoes, and of course, monkeypods. Exotic plants flourished in glass atriums scattered throughout the grounds. Within Moanalua Gardens stand two significant landmarks. The Kamehameha V Cottage, originally built in the 1850s, has been moved several times within the park. It reflects the history of the Hawaiian monarchy. The other landmark is the magnificent Hitachi tree, a monkeypod with a unique umbrella-shaped canopy. The city recognizes it as an exceptional tree, protected from removal or destruction. While open to the public, Moanalua Gardens operates on privately owned land. A small entry fee applies, but children under six enter free. Discounts are available for older children, Kama’aina, and military veterans. The Gardens are accessible by car, bus, and offer private parking. A gift shop provides souvenirs, snacks, and drinks. Remember your visit to Moanalua Gardens with a memento. While parts of the park are accessible for people with disabilities, the unspoiled nature of some areas may present challenges for those with limited mobility. Moanalua Gardens is more than just a park. It is a living testament to Hawaiian history, a peaceful sanctuary, and home to a tree that connects Hawaii to Japan.