Kahanu Garden, long considered one of Hana's best-kept secrets, blends natural beauty with historical and educational significance to form a garden plucked from the soul of Hawaii.
Self-guided walking tours take visitors through parts of the 123-acre garden, where they will see the world's largest collection of 'ulu or breadfruit (a staple food in much of the Pacific), a Canoe Garden featuring the 24 species of plants brought to Hawaii in early Hawaiian voyaging canoes, and unusual collections of coconut and kava.
An ancient Hawaiian temple, called a heiau, is located on the Garden grounds. Hale o Pi'ilani Heiau, considered by experts to be the largest heiau in the Pacific, is still intact. It was built between the 13th and 16th century and is thought to have been the residence of Pi'ilani, Maui's revered 16th century king. The stone platform of this impressive structure is 570 feet by 290 feet with the front wall rising over 50 feet. Hale o Pi'ilani Heiau covers almost 4 acres and represents an engineering feat unrivaled anywhere in Hawaii at the time. It was uncovered from dense overgrowth in the 1970s. Due to the sacredness of this ancient site, visitors are not allowed to walk on the heiau.
The National Tropical Botanical Garden, chartered by U.S. Congress in 1964 to preserve tropical plant diversity, manages Kahanu Garden. NTBG operates four non-profit gardens in Hawaii that specialize in growing plants unique to the islands. Each of these four gardens has a different environment and unique collection of plants that complement the history and geology of the site.
Kahanu Garden, just outside of Hana, is located off Hana Highway. Look for Mile Marker 31 and turn toward the ocean onto 'Ula'ino Road. Drive 1.5 miles crossing a stream bed. Just after the stream crossing is the sign for Kahanu Garden. Self-guided tours are available Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The Garden is closed on weekends. A $10 per person tour fee (children 12 and under are free) helps to support this non-profit organization and perpetuate its work. For information call 248-8912.
