In Kaneohe, off the beaten path on the lush windward side of Oahu, you'll find tranquil Ho`omaluhia, a garden with plants from tropical regions around the world - and a campground.
(Excerpted from the first edition of the
Oahu camping has its challenges. Unlike the other islands in Hawaii, many of Oahu's campgrounds have litter and/or rowdiness issues. However, you can find a few very nice, clean, quiet, safe and scenic places to camp on Oahu. The Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Gardens in Kaneohe is one of them.
Ho 'omaluhia lives up to its name, which translated to English means, “to make a place of peace and tranquility.” This is a very peaceful environment. And rules are very strict about noise; for example, even in the middle of the day, radios and CD players must be kept low enough to not disturb camping neighbors.
The gardens meander through 400 acres and are back dropped by the green, castle like peaks of the majestic Ko‘olau Mountains. Plants from tropical regions around the world are grouped here geographically, and special emphasis is placed on conserving Hawaiian Native Plants. The verdant Hawaiian garden here like many of the others here has some very nice tent sites, along with clean indoor restrooms and showers.
You can camp here free of charge from 9 a.m. Friday to 4 p.m. Sunday, except for Christmas and New Year’s Day. There is no camping on the other days of the week, but this is a nice place to stay for the weekend. While it doesn't’ have 24-hour security, everyone I spoke with said it is very quiet.
The gate to the gardens closes at 4 p.m. and those camping there will be given car passes so they can use the later gate that is open from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Considering all this, and that it is a mile hike from the gate to the first campground, this takes it off the list for “party spots.” Since it doesn't’ have beach access, it’s not a place where big extended families gather with good Hawaiian music and food either. People come to the gardens to enjoy the flora and fauna and the peacefulness.
While there's no beach here, there's a trail that will take you to a wonderful spot for watching the sun rise over the ocean. A variety of eco programs are offered at the gardens throughout the week ...
More Oahu Garden and/or Camping Information at this site:
