Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

In a 40 acre sheltered valley protected from buffeting tradewinds with rich volcanic soil, this garden specializes in rain forest plants. The collection of tropical plants is international in scope and there are over 2,000 species, representing more than 125 families and 750 genera. Some of the Garden's enormous mango and coconut palm trees are over 100 years old. The Garden was created by an energetic former trucker, Dan J. Lutkenhouse, who discovered Onomea Valley (meaning "the best place") in 1977 while vacationing with his wife. Mr. Lutkenhouse purchased the 17-acre parcel for its seclusion and beauty, without knowing exactly what to do with it. Quickly abandoning ideas for a commercial venture which would destroy the natural environment, he decided instead to establish a botanical garden to preserve the valley and its beauty forever.