The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo invites the public to celebrate National Public Garden Day Saturday, May 9, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Botanical Garden on the UH Hilo campus. This event is being held in conjunction with National Public Gardens Week, held May 8–17, across North America. To mark the occasion, the Botanical Garden at UH Hilo offers three free guided tours. 

• 9:00 a.m. – Ancient Survivors: The Secret World of Cycads: Journey back in time to explore the garden’s world-class collection of prehistoric cycads, focusing on the fascinating biology and global conservation of the ancient Zamia genus.

• 10:00 a.m. – Living Galleries: The Art and Engineering of Bromeliads: Discover the vibrant "living galleries" of the rainforest as we explore the unique water-trapping biology of bromeliads and the stunning local hybrids developed by Hilo’s own David Shiigi.

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  11:00 a.m. – Princes of the Tropics: A Journey Through the Palms: Experience the architectural grandeur of the palm family, from the soaring heights of Pigafetta filaris to the understory elegance of Licuala and the evolutionary story of our native Hawaiian Loulu (Pritchardia).

   

The Botanical Garden at UH Hilo was started in 1990 and is home to over 130 species of cycads, as well as hybrid bromeliads and gigantic palms. In December 2024, it was recognized as an accreditation garden by the Botanic Gardens Conservation International.  The Botanical Garden at UH Hilo is open daily with no admission fee.

Free Event - Free Parking
Best place to park is off Lanikaula in the lot across from the Baptist Church. Meet in cafeteria breezeway between the gardens.