Lyon Arboretum

Over 7 miles (11 kilometers) of trails run through the Lyon Arboretum. As you walk, you might encounter some of the garden’s 25 species of birds. One of the most popular trails, to ‘Aihualama Falls, is just over a mile (1.6 kilometers), and the feeling of sitting by the 40-foot (12-meter) falls, surrounded by the sound of birdsong and housands of plant species, really lets you know that you’ve left the city and are fully immersed in Hawaiian nature.

Visitors can explore the arboretum independently on a self-guided tour, or get a bit more information with a docent-led tour. The arboretum also offers garden-themed workshops and guided group hikes.

• The Lyon Arboretum is open to the public and free to visit, but you need a reservation.

• Visitors are required to sign in at the visitors’ center, where they can acquire trail, bird, and garden guides.

• The majority of trails are not wheelchair-accessible. Some gardens may be viewed from the paved sidewalks surrounding the visitors’ center.

• Pets—with the exception of service animals—are not allowed.

The arboretum is less than a 20-minute drive from Honolulu; or you can take the number 5 bus to Mānoa valley, get off at the last stop, then walk around 10 minutes up past Paradise Park to the arboretum. Lyon Arboretum offers visitors free parking, but there are a limited number of stalls and they fill up quickly. Paid overflow parking is available at the Paradise Park lot down the road.

Lyon Arboretum is open to the public Mondays through Fridays from morning until mid-afternoon. It is closed on weekends and on both state and federal holidays. The arboretum hosts a number of community classes and events throughout the year: Check the schedule at the website.

Next to the arboretum, the Manoa Falls Trail is one of the most accessible and rewarding hikes on Oahu, leading walkers on an easy route to lush, verdant views of Manoa Valley and ending at a 150-foot (46-meter) rushing waterfall. Note, however, that parking at the arboretum is reserved for arboretum visitors and all others (including those going to the Mānoa Falls Trail) will be towed.