Tropical Zone Gardening: Visting Hawaii - general information thread , 1 by Metrosideros

Metrosideros wrote:
Be sure to cruise all the County and State Beach Parks on the Hamakua Coast. Including Hakalau, which is private, but open to the public. Perfect for a weekday picnic (a bit crowded on weekends).

The Puna Coast is the most beautiful scenic drive (State Hwy. 137, Kapoho - Kalapana Rd.)

The Saddle Road for native plants. Stainback Hwy., if you have a 4-whl.-drv.

Kona side is the most tourist-trap-like.

Hilo side has the most gardens (because of the water).

Carol & Bob are the best of neighbors. If you like tropical plants, you will be impressed and surprised, when you see the gardens that they are building. Their well cared for collection rivals any botanical garden on the Island for content. Each time I've been there, Carol always shows me plants I've never seen before. You'll also be sure to learn something about Hoya!

The DLNR Arboretum on Kilauea Ave. is worth seeing (your allowed to collect fruit & seeds with a simple permit) in Hilo.
Also the Botanical Gardens at the University of Hawaii at Hilo (Cycads and Palms; I helped plant them).

There are Palm Society, Bamboo Society, Native Plant Society and Vireya Society plantings at Pana'ewa Zoo near Hilo.

This photo is a picnic area in old Sugar Cane factory ruins at Hakalau Beach Park. A privately owned and maintained recreation area for the public!