Friends of Lyon Arboretum

It's basically by Manoa Falls hike and it's in a jungle. Like basically we in the jungle. Surrounded by plants it definitely feels like you have escaped into a different world.I appreciate the fact that they hold plant sales here twice a year because usually this place is blocked off from the public until they open it up just for this.

Huge botanical garden with small waterfall located at the University of Hawaii in Manoa. This garden is well over 100 acres and there are multiple trails. You could spend hours here but I only went to a few points of interest. Wonderful photo opportunities with varying elevations. Free entry for the public but don't be afraid to donate to its preservation and upkeep. It's up to you how much you want to donate. Small gift shop on site where you will need to sign in as a visitor. Literally next door to Manoa Falls so if you're planning to hike the falls, why not visit the Lyon Arboretum as well?

Truly in awe of how lush and gorgeous this arboretum is. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but once you make it inside, it's like a whole different world. The Lyon Arboretum has the most vibrant plants and some of the most fabulous views that I've seen within Hawaii. My friend and I visited the arboretum after hiking nearby Manoa Falls. The arboretum is actually located within Manoa Falls Park, and the entrance is located just before the beginning of the Manoa Falls hike. We hadn't planned on visiting, but we decided to check it out since it was so close. Best decision that we could have made! While we really enjoyed the hike to Manoa Falls, we both enjoyed the hike through the arboretum so much more. Entrance into the arboretum is free with a reservation, but it's just a nominal fee of $5 if you stop by same day. We paid the fee at the visitor's center and were given trail maps to follow along our journey through the greenery. The visitor's center also has other maps and souvenirs for purchase. There are actually quite a few trails that run through here. We started our hike off without looking at the maps but then realized that we kind of needed them. That's when we realized that we couldn't find them. It's not a huge arboretum, but it is easy to get lost depending on how and how deep that you decide to go in. Would highly recommend that you use the trail map if you're planning a longer hike. We ended up hiking up to Aihualama Falls which weren't as grand as Manoa Falls, but it was still really beautiful and secluded. The hike to Aihualama Falls was also extremely gorgeous! We were practically surrounded by beautiful flowers during most of our hike. We literally stopped just to smell and admire them. We found the most vibrant orchids, roses, tropical wildflowers, succulents, and so much more. The gardens are so amazing here. The great lawn is so impressive! I was actually kind of bummed that I didn't bring my lunch because the lawn is the PERFECT place to sit out and have a picnic! We saw a few people relaxing out on the lawn and enjoying themselves, but it was so empty and secluded. Plus, the view of the mountains from the lawn is ridiculous! A spot that I could definitely see myself chillin' at all damn day. It was so lovely. We hadn't planned on doing any long or strenuous hikes here, so we just went with the flow. I will say that you can really get your hike on here. I think we ended up doing 3 or 4 miles from, but we weren't really prepared for the inclines through the forest since we had originally planned to only hike Manoa Falls. Make sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen and bug spray. We were there in the early afternoon but it was already super warm, and many parts of the arboretum are exposed. Also, the bugs can be quite aggressive in certain areas. Nothing that a little bug spray can't handle though. All in all, I'm extremely impressed. I would definitely come back to this arboretum to partake in a more extensive hike and for a picnic.

I. love. this. place. so much. There's nothing bad to write about. It's a huge, beautiful area that's well maintained and has a variety of plants with descriptions. You have to reserve a spot online right now because they're limiting the number of people that can visit at a time. I like this system because you get to enjoy the arboretum in peace without it being overcrowded. It's free but they do encourage donations.

I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place yet. It's probably because I want to keep it my little secret. I've been here a handful of times and always send visitors while I'm working. Lyon is a wonderland of tropical forest. It has a suggested donation of $5 per person, which is basically nothing. The gardens are expansive with a meandering trail that occasionally follows a brook and eventually ends up at a little waterfall. The waterfall isn't always running. If you can visit after a good rain, that's the time, plus it'll smell amazing. The last time I came, I brought some friends who are big gardeners. We spent two hours wandering, only leaving because they were closing. There are so many random little peaceful spots to find a moment. Otherwise, the views, both macro and micro are spectacular! Getting there can be a little dicey. It's above the trailhead to Manoa Falls on a narrow road. There are hikers everywhere that you should probably avoid running over. Take your family, honey, best friend, mom, whomever (or just yourself) and spend a few hours enjoying being surrounded by nature.

I took this hike many years ago when I visited Hawaii and this time, I took the family. What a treat. So much fun. The grounds were so lush and green. Many little trails here and there. Not too strenuous, but enough to get your heart pumping. Unlike the last visit, this time it was not too wet. Family enjoyed their time and can't wait till next time. Mahalo!

Reviewing just for the annual spring plant sale, which was absolutely fantastic. You had to register online, and tickets went fast. I was lucky enough to score one for the first day, right at the start. You got an hour to shop, and they replenished inventory throughout the day so that everyone got a chance at getting their favorite plants. I will have to go back to actually explore the arboretum - the glimpses I could see looked absolutely gorgeous.

The Lyon Arboretum is one of the best FREE points of interest to visit on Oahu. It's a great place to enjoy nature and native hawaiian plants in a very safe environment. There are over 7 miles of hiking trails - some are wide and easy to navigate, some are off the beaten path but still not difficult or treacherous. During COVID you can only visit by making a reservation online, and as of the date/time of this post, the Arboretum is currently closed to the public due to maintenance/construction projects (no ETA for re-opening has been announced yet). But once they do re-open, you should book a time and check it out. Be sure to bring a waterproof jacket and bug repellant.

So happy Lyon Arboretum is open with reservations now! I hadn't been in probably over 10 years and it is just as beautiful as I remember, now with the wonderful addition of formal trails. Even the sign by the gates brings back some really wonderful memories. With recent COVID restrictions, visit hours were limited to 2 hours (9-11a or 1-3p). The check-in time was 8:45-9:15a and the gates were closed until 10:45a. Masks were required. The timing ended up being perfect with a toddler! We were able to slowly walk/carry her to the waterfall and back in plenty of time. The limited number of tickets was also nice as the trails did not have very many people on them. Although the maximum group allowed was 5 (worked out for the three of us + grandma and grandpa), the maximum on a reservation is 4. So we made 2 separate reservations. My only wish was that they might consider opening on a Saturday. We were able to take advantage of the federal holiday today, but otherwise cannot go during the week due to work. If you are able to go and can spare some money, please consider donating at the gate or online: https://giving.uhfoundation.org/funds/12043404

Beautiful views and scenery. Bring your camera and water and maybe a small snack. The hike is not that bad and easy on your knees.