9 Botanical Garden Visits in Hawaii Worth Booking

1.Princeville Botanical Gardens Tour and Chocolate Tasting Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 774 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $126Our pick

Walk Princeville Botanical Gardens with guides such as Troy, Lauren, or Zoe, sampling tropical fruit, honey, cacao nibs, and at least five single-origin chocolates. Expect terraces, creek beds, stairs, hills, loose gravel, and generous shade. Walking sticks, umbrellas, and organic bug spray are provided.

“Beautiful grounds, knowledgeable tour guide, great tasting spots. A hidden spot in Princeville and wonderful experience!”

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2.Snorkel to Coral Gardens or Molokini Crater

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 689 reviews · 3 hours · from $89

Spend a laid-back afternoon aboard the Malolo catamaran, sailing from Maalaea Harbor to Molokini Crater or Coral Gardens. Your captain picks the site according to ocean conditions. Snorkel with tropical fish, watch for turtles and rays, and enjoy gear, flotation devices, hot dogs, drinks, and friendly help from crew members such as Ashley, Erika, SeaBass, and Captain Kiwi.

“This was a great little trip! The staff were so helpful and knowledgeable. It was my first time snorkeling and they were very informative and ensured everyone was geared up properly. Overall would definitely recommend!”

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3.Maui Afternoon Snorkel Aboard Malolo to Molokini or Coral Gardens

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 519 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $89

Board the 55-foot Malolo catamaran in Maalaea for an afternoon snorkel at Molokini Crater or Coral Gardens. Your captain chooses the safer site according to wind and swell. The crew supplies gear, flotation aids, instruction, lunch, and drinks. Expect about three hours on the water, with whale sightings possible from December through April.

“Then snorkeling was at a great spot. We saw a lot of fish, turtles and a lot of whales. We had so much fun. The crew was very friendly. Highly recommend them.”

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4.Big Island Waterfalls Tour with Swimming and Botanical Garden

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 513 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $297

Spend about 10 hours crossing the Big Island from Kona or Kohala to Waipio Valley, Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. Swim at private Kulaniapia Falls when conditions allow. Guides such as Derek, Dreu, Drew, and Stephen add island stories, while lunch, snacks, drinks, transport, and admissions are included.

“All/most of the major sights on the east side of the island. Stephen made it easy for all - from us to college students to a cute 8 yr old and her brother.”

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5.Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 393 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $187

Spend about 5.5 hours exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea, Thurston Lava Tube, Chain of Craters Road, Rainbow Falls, Liliuokalani Gardens, and Big Island Candies. Guides such as Jill, Josh, and Julie add local stories and volcano lore. Pickup is available at Hilo’s port, airport, and select hotels.

“This tour was excellent! Perfect amount of time spent at each site. The variety of sites were great. Felt like you got a good sense of this side of the Island. The tour guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and entertaining! She was native of the Island and wealth of knowledge. We really enjoyed the tour!”

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6.Small Group Coral Gardens Snorkel & Waterslide Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 351 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $130

From Maalaea Harbor, you’ll spend about three hours snorkeling at Coral Gardens, with possible stops at Turtle Town or Molokini Crater if weather changes the plan. The boat carries up to 65 people and includes lunch, gear, drinks, sunscreen, and a 25-foot slide. Captains such as Paul and Greg add local stories and easygoing humor.

“Captain Ron was the best! 👍🏽The crew was magnificent. All of the snorkeling gear from shoes, face masks floating devices to make it accessible and as easy and convenient as possible. The experience was wonderful truly a great day.”

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7.Byodo In Temple, Waimea Botanical Garden-Waterfall: Includes Fees

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 291 reviews · 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $164

See Oahu’s southeast coast, Byodo-In Temple, Chinaman’s Hat, Waimea Valley, Dole Plantation, and Honolulu landmarks in one 8.5-hour outing. Captain Vince or Justin leads the tour, with Waikiki hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, Wi-Fi, and admission to Byodo-In and Waimea included. Lunch, treats, and the optional Waimea golf cart cost extra.

“Our tour guide Justin was great. He was super knowledgeable and was great to learn about the history of Hawaii. He went above and beyond to make our experience great. Would 1000% recommend.”

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8.Allerton Garden Guided Group Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 159 reviews · 2h 30m · from $63Best value

Spend 150 minutes walking through Allerton Garden with an English-speaking guide. You’ll see Moreton Bay fig trees from Jurassic Park, golden bamboo, tropical flowers, fruit trees, statues, and water features while learning about the Allerton family and the garden’s design. Wear closed-toe shoes and prepare for rain, sun, and about 30 steps.

“It was simply a very enjoyable morning seeing the greenery in a wonderful natural setting”

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9.Allerton Garden and Estate Tour with Sunset Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 55 reviews · 3 hours · from $106

Walk Allerton Garden with guides such as Ron, Randy, or Makai, tracing tropical paths, streamside plantings, sculptures, and Jurassic Park filming spots. Then visit the Allerton home and Queen Emma’s cottage before a light dinner and beverage on the lanai at sunset. Closed-toe shoes are required.

“Our tour guide Randy led us through the Allerton Garden with interesting facts, historical background and plant info. Randy pointed out the Jurassic movie filming scene locations and even took great photos for us. We’ve done this sunset tour twice and will take it again during our next trip to Kauai.”

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