Lyon Arboretum
Lyon Arboretum occupies nearly 200 wet acres at the back of Mānoa Valley, with palms, gingers, native Hawaiian plants, ethnobotanical collections, and research facilities.
Artwork inspired by Juliette May Fraser
Lyon Arboretum occupies nearly 200 wet acres at the back of Mānoa Valley, with palms, gingers, native Hawaiian plants, ethnobotanical collections, and research facilities. Rainfall supports luxuriant growth but also mud, mosquitoes, falling branches, and fast-changing trail conditions. Plant conservation and seed banking make the site more than a scenic path to a small waterfall.
Register or reserve as currently required and do not confuse Lyon’s entrance with the Mānoa Falls trailhead. Wear traction, protect against mosquitoes, clean footwear, and follow closures that safeguard both visitors and research collections. A 2–3 hours visit to Lyon Arboretum works best when Mānoa rainforest remains part of the plan instead of an afterthought.
- Setting
- Oʻahu
- Central question
- Mānoa rainforest
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
Quick guide
- Start with
- Begin with native plant collections so the larger story has a clear physical anchor.
- Look closely at
- Compare research nursery with Mānoa rainforest; their relationship is what makes this stop distinctive.
Know before you go
- Start with
- Use native plant collections to establish the place before widening the visit.
- Look closely at
- Compare research nursery with Mānoa rainforest rather than treating either as background.
- Connect the story
- Rainfall supports luxuriant growth but also mud, mosquitoes, falling branches, and fast-changing trail conditions.
- Plan around
- Register or reserve as currently required and do not confuse Lyon’s entrance with the Mānoa Falls trailhead.
Good to know
At Lyon Arboretum, do not separate native plant collections from Mānoa rainforest. Register or reserve as currently required and do not confuse Lyon’s entrance with the Mānoa Falls trailhead.
Notice these
- native plant collections
- research nursery
- Mānoa rainforest