Harold L. Lyon Arboretum
|
Estimated Number of Palms
|
400+
|
|
Tier 1 — World-Class Palm Destinations Gardens where palms are a defining feature of the landscape or collection. These locations offer some of the most immersive and diverse palm experiences in the world.
|
|
|
Tier 2 — Major Palm Collections Gardens with strong and intentional palm displays, often as part of broader tropical or botanical collections. Palms are a featured and memorable part of the visit.
|
|
|
Tier 3 — Palms in Context Gardens where palms are present within the collection, often in conservatories or climate-controlled environments, or as part of a wider range of plant displays. Many Tier 3 gardens offer exceptional botanical experiences overall, even when palms are not a primary focus.
|
Tier
|
|
Rainforest Arboretum in Honolulu Showcasing Lush Tropical Landscapes and Diverse Palm Collections
Located in Mānoa Valley just outside Honolulu, the Harold L. Lyon Arboretum is a 200-acre tropical rainforest preserve managed by the University of Hawaiʻi. Established in 1918 as an experimental station for reforestation, the arboretum has evolved into a rich living collection of tropical plants from across the Pacific and other regions of the world. Visitors can explore a network of forest trails that wind through dense, humid landscapes where palms grow naturally alongside towering trees, bamboo groves, and cascading waterfalls. The setting feels more like a wild rainforest than a traditional botanical garden, offering an immersive experience where palms are encountered within a layered, natural ecosystem. With its scenic trails, abundant rainfall, and exceptional plant diversity, the Harold L. Lyon Arboretum provides a unique opportunity to experience palms thriving in a true tropical forest environment.