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Visiting the Captivating Garden of Eden Arboretum

ByMari
Panoramic view of the lush green valley and the ocean in the distance, with tropical plants and a misty horizon at the Garden of Eden.

The Road to Hana is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, unforgettable stops and opportunities to take in the beauty Maui has to offer. For us, the Garden of Eden Arboretum was a perfect addition to our Road to Hana itinerary, offering a chance to explore beautiful landscapes, see rare flora, and appreciate stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

If you’re planning your drive from Paia, which is generally considered the starting point of the Road to Hana, the Garden of Eden is located about 45 minutes from the start. You can easily stop there without continuing on the entire Road to Hana, but if you are doing the long drive, it’s a great chance to stretch your legs.

Entrance to the Garden of Eden Arboretum with a large wooden sign above the pathway, surrounded by tropical plants and a bird of paradise sculpture.

What makes this spot particularly ideal for families is its flexibility—whether your kids are awake and eager to explore or napping in the backseat (like ours often did on the Road to Hana drive!), Garden of Eden Arboretum can still work for your crew. You can choose to drive through the entire property, allowing you to enjoy the lush surroundings from the comfort of your car, or park and venture out on foot to discover some of the garden’s trails and sights up close. Or you can do a little of both, like we did!

Is the Garden of Eden Arboretum worth it?

Yes! The chance to see the famous rainbow eucalyptus trees was initially the reason I wanted to visit the Garden of Eden. The trees have vibrant, multi-colored bark creating a surreal, almost painted look. Originally native to the Philippines, the rainbow eucalyptus has found a home in the warm, tropical climates of Hawaii. You can also spot them in other states like Florida, Texas, and California, but there’s something magical about seeing them in Maui’s lush landscape.

Close-up view of the intricate bark pattern of a rainbow eucalyptus tree, highlighting the different hues and smooth texture.
Close-up of a rainbow eucalyptus tree trunk displaying vivid streaks of green, orange, and red colors in its smooth bark.

Informative plaque about the rainbow eucalyptus tree, detailing its origins from the Philippines and New Guinea, set against a background of tropical plants.

Why is the rainbow eucalyptus tree colorful?

The rainbow eucalyptus tree’s colors come from its unique bark shedding process. As the outer layers of bark peel away, they reveal bright green inner bark underneath. Over time, this inner bark ages and changes colors, transitioning through shades of blue, purple, orange, and maroon. These layers create the tree’s multicolored appearance, with different hues visible at once, giving it a painted look. This natural process is part of the tree’s growth cycle, contributing to its stunning, rainbow-like effect.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Beyond the rainbow eucalyptus trees, the garden is also known for its cinematic history. Portions of the popular Jurassic Park movies were filmed here, adding an extra layer of excitement for movie buffs. The Keopuka Rock, which you can see from the overlook inside the Garden, is the ocean view opening scene of the movie. If you’re a fan of the film, consider adding a trip to Kualoa Ranch in Oahu, another famous filming location in Hawaii, to your trip.

View of the Keopuka Rock from the Garden of Eden Arboretum, with tropical plants and palm trees framing the scene under a misty sky.

The Garden of Eden is a privately-owned site but reservations are not required. This makes it a convenient stop even if you’re unsure of your exact timing on the Road to Hana. Unlike some other spots that may be overcrowded or difficult to access, the Garden of Eden Arboretum is relaxed, allowing you to explore at your own pace without the pressure of crowds.

On our visit, the staff at the entrance told us that the garden now is run by a father and daughter team. As you wander through, you’ll notice how well-kept the grounds are, with a variety of paths with different levels of interest and mobility.

The garden features a map on their website with a printed copy given to you upon entering, showing which areas are accessible by car and which are best explored on foot. This helped us plan our visit, ensuring we could see the main highlights while keeping our kids comfortable.

Illustrated map of the Garden of Eden Arboretum on Maui’s Road to Hana, showing trails, overlooks, picnic areas, restrooms, waterfalls, and key landmarks including the Keopuka Rock Overlook, Puohokamoa Falls, and the art gallery gift shop. Highlighted trails indicate nearly level terrain for easier walking.

Exploring the Garden with Kids

When we arrived, both of our kids were asleep from the drive, and we appreciated that we could explore a good portion of the garden without waking them. We took a leisurely drive through some sections, enjoying the atmosphere and lush views from the car. I love this flexibility for families because you can adapt your visit to suit the moods and energy levels of your little ones.

When our oldest woke up, we parked and ventured onto the shorter trails, giving him a chance to explore some of the garden’s spots up close. His favorite moment was the seeing waterfall near the trail. All of the trails are relatively flat and very-friendly to anyone who can walk on natural surfaces.

A child in a red rain jacket smiling while standing in front of a wooden railing overlooking a lush valley with a small waterfall in the distance.
Child in a red rain jacket climbing steps surrounded by tropical plants, with a view of the ocean and Keopuka Rock overlook in the background.

The rainbow eucalyptus trees are undoubtedly a highlight of the garden, and another standout spot within the Garden of Eden Arboretum is the overlook area, where you can see out across the Pacific Ocean.

Tips from a Parent

The Road to Hana is known for its frequent and unpredictable rain showers. It sits in a lush, tropical part of Maui where rain showers help maintain the climate for the natural flora and fauna. During our visit, it rained intermittently, and the Garden of Eden is fully outdoors. To fully enjoy your time here, come prepared with waterproof gear. We recommend bringing:

  • Rain jackets for each family member with hoods: Kids’, Women’s and Men’s.
  • Waterproof shoes or sandals that are easy to slip on and off: Kids’, Women’s and Men’s.
  • Umbrellas to cover you during unexpected showers.
  • Snacks and drinks, especially if you’re traveling with kids. There is a small concession stand and a gift shop, but having your own supplies means you can picnic.
  • Insect repellent: There are lots of mosquitoes around, so don’t forget to put on insect repellent before heading out to keep the bites away. Here is our favorite DEET-free option.
  • Sunscreen in case the sun does peak out on your visit. Remember that Hawaiian law only allows reef-safe sunscreens like this one.

I also recommend bringing extra clothes for the rest of your Road to Hana drive and packing one or two large trash bags to store any wet clothing.

Lily pond with purple water lilies and round green leaves, surrounded by tropical plants, with a view of the ocean in the distance.

Another tip I’d like to share: don’t wake your kids! Our littlest slept through the entire Garden of Eden visit, and we let him rest. Waking him could have resulted in a cranky toddler, and neither he nor we would have enjoyed the visit as much as we did. He was in a much better mood to experience the rest of the Road to Hana having taken a serene nap under the jungle canopy to the sounds of the Hawaiian rain.

Planning Your Visit to the Garden of Eden Arboretum

Garden of Eden Arboretum Tickets

Admission to the Garden of Eden is $20 for adults (16 years and older) and $10 for youth (ages 5-16). Children under 5 can enter for free. Discounts are available for groups, military, students, AAA members, and Kama’aina. Reservations are not required.

Hours of Operation

The Garden of Eden is open daily including all holidays from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Location

The Garden of Eden Arboretum is located at 10600 Hana Highway (Mile Marker 10.5) along Maui’s scenic Road to Hana.

Three peafowls grazing on the grass in the Garden of Eden Arboretum, surrounded by tropical plants and trees.
White hibiscus flower with dew-covered petals and a bright pink stamen, against a background of green leaves.

Facilities at the Garden of Eden

The Garden of Eden offers well-maintained, brand-new restrooms that are cleaned daily, ensuring comfort for all visitors.

For those planning a meal break, there are several scenic picnic areas throughout the garden. Visitors can bring their own packed lunch or grab a bite from the Garden Cafe food truck located at the entrance. There are beautiful pavilions with picnic tables, offering nice views of Pu’ohokamoa Waterfall, Keopuka Rock (featured in the Jurassic Park movies), and the orchard.

Trail Accessibility

The Garden of Eden’s trails are made of packed gravel, with some being more level than others. While the terrain varies, a trail map is available to help identify the path. Visitors using strollers or wheelchairs are encouraged to use their discretion when choosing which paths to explore.

Close-up view of a small waterfall flowing into a pool surrounded by dense green foliage and trees in the Garden of Eden Arboretum.
Jade vine plant with cascading turquoise flowers hanging from a tree branch, set against a backdrop of dense tropical foliage.

Additional Resources for Your Hawaii Vacation

If you are planning a Hawaii vacation, be sure to check out our other blog posts:

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Final Thoughts

After visiting the Garden of Eden Arboretum, it’s clear why this spot is considered a gem along the Road to Hana. The rainbow eucalyptus trees alone are worth the visit, offering a unique sight that you won’t find in many other places. The Garden of Eden also provides a chance to explore tropical plants, waterfalls, and ocean views without the challenge of longer hikes that may not be suitable for young children. I highly recommend visiting it if you have the chance!

Do you have questions or need further advice? Feel free to email me or send me a message on Instagram. I’m always happy to share more tips and insights to help you improve your family’s adventures.

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