Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden

E Komo Mai! Welcome!

The Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden in Onomea is a favorite nearby outing from Koili Point. Our family enjoys its extraordinary variety of tropical plants, and it pairs naturally with a relaxed day exploring the Hāmākua Coast.

Planning a visit from Koili Point

Plan your route before leaving and check the garden’s visitor information for current admission, opening hours and any closures. The scenic road is narrow and winding; arrange transport that suits your group rather than assuming it is an easy walk.

The founder and his wife, Dan and Pauline Lutkenhouse, settled just up the road from us in Onomea in about 1977 after seeing the area on vacation.

For about 17 years, Dan and an assistant basically created the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden by hand -- deciding not to use bulldozers and even wheelbarrowing in rocks/dirt as needed. How amazing was that!

Our family likes going there finding the variety of flora to be amazing. From its website; "HTBG is a living classroom that attracts photographers, gardeners, botanists, scientists, and nature lovers from around the world. The bioreserve contains over 2,000 species, representing more than 125 families and 750 genera.

The garden’s paths lead through a tropical valley with streams, waterfalls and views of the Pacific. Its official visitor guide suggests allowing about 90 minutes to two hours. Check accessibility information before booking: the route includes steep sections.

If you like nature, don't want to drive a long distance to a great wonder, HTBG is a great place to visit.

Make it part of a Hāmākua Coast day

Start with the garden’s official visitor guide, then explore our Hāmākua Coast sights and local food ideas. You can return to Koili Point for a quiet afternoon on your lanai after your outing.

Aloha!

Plan your oceanfront stay near Hilo

Check dates and book direct: Hale Honu on Houfy · Hale Koholā on Houfy. Traveling together? Book both homes for up to 8 guests.

If there are topics you would like to know more about in future blogs, kindly let me know at koilipoint@gmail.com. Mahalo! Len