With a climate unlike the rest of the United States, Hawaii is home to some of the country’s most unique gardens. Featuring thousands of species of tropical plants and flora indigenous to the islands, there’s little better than these 16 beautiful Hawaiian botanical gardens – except maybe the Wahiawa Botanical Garden, a little slice of heaven miles away from the nearest beach. Found in the center of Oahu, you’ll feel as though you’ve entered the pages of a fairy tale at the picturesque Wahiawa Botanical Garden.

Hidden off a side street in the small town of Wahiawa, located in the center of Oahu, is a magical slice of paradise home to a variety of stunning plants and several meandering walking paths perfect for an afternoon stroll.

Wahiawa Botanical Garden/Facebook

Often considered the “tropical jewel” of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens, the Wahiawa Botanical Garden is located nearly 1,000 feet above sea level. This area receives an average of 65 inches of rain each year, allowing a variety of tropical flora to flourish.

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Found on a high plateau in central Oahu between the Waianae and Ko’olau mountain ranges, this enchanting 27-acre botanical garden features everything from taro to native Hawaiian ferns - and everything in between.

Wahiawa Botanical Garden/Facebook

Here, you’ll also find bamboo forests…

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…a variety of colorful plants and flowers….

Wahiawa Botanical Garden/Facebook

…and even rainbow eucalyptus trees!

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The garden was first planted in the 1920s when the Hawaiian Sugar Planters’ Association leased the land from the State of Hawaii for experimental tree planting.

Wahiawa Botanical Garden/Facebook

Many of the garden’s large trees date to this era, though the Wahiawa Botanical Garden wasn’t established and opened to the public as a garden until 1957.

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With a seemingly never-ending supply of meandering paths and new surprises around every turn, you’ll feel as though you’re exploring an enchanted fairytale-inspired forest at this picturesque garden.

Wahiawa Botanical Garden/Facebook

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The Wahiawa Botanical Garden is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, and is located at 1396 California Avenue, Wahiawa, HI 96786.

Wahiawa Botanical Garden/Facebook

Wahiawa Botanical Garden/Facebook

Just miles away from this lush oasis is another botanical garden that is entirely different: the Koko Crater Botanical Garden is home to a variety of cactus species, but is just as magical as the Wahiawa Botanical Garden. Love exploring Hawaii’s parks and hidden gems? We think you’ll adore these 14 enchanting spots found across the islands.

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Address: 1396 California Avenue, Wahiawa, HI 96786