Lyon Arboretum

Lyon Arboretum is a public botanical garden of the University of Hawaiʻi at the back of Mānoa Valley, with its entrance at the end of Mānoa Road. Its trails run through tropical and subtropical plants, with an emphasis on native Hawaiian plants, conservation biology and Hawaiian ethnobotany. The land began as an HSPA test site for reforestation trees and sugarcane seedlings, and the University of Hawaiʻi later accepted it from HSPA. It is open on weekdays and closed on weekends and State and Federal holidays, and admission is free, with a suggested donation. Construction on the property can close it at the last minute, so check the arboretum's homepage before you go. Parking is free but limited and first-come, first-served, with paid overflow parking in a lot down the road, and Mānoa Falls trail hikers who park in the arboretum lot are towed. Every visitor signs in at the Visitors Center. Wear closed-toe shoes with good traction, since trails can be narrow, slippery and uneven, and bring insect repellent, a hat, sunscreen and rain gear. Stay on the marked paths, keep out of streams and ponds, where leptospirosis and other harmful bacteria may be present, and watch for falling branches in windy weather. Pets other than service animals, smoking, vaping, drones and taking plants, rocks or soil are not allowed.