One of the National Tropical Botanical Garden’s gardens, on the coast near Hāna. It protects Piʻilanihale Heiau, which NTBG describes as believed to be the largest ancient structure in Polynesia, along with a large living collection of breadfruit and other canoe plants.
Why we love it
Standing beside the massive stone walls of Piʻilanihale is the most powerful cultural stop on the Hāna side, and the garden around it tells the story of the plants that fed Hawaiʻi.
Current conditions: A Kona low storm in March 2026 toppled trees and some breadfruit and closed the garden for cleanup (NTBG, Mar. 17, 2026). NTBG’s current self-guided page lists normal weekday hours.
What to expect
Turn off the Hāna Highway onto ʻUlaʻino Road and follow it to the garden entrance. The self-guided route takes about an hour at minimum; give it more if you want to sit with the heiau. Paths run through breadfruit groves and coastal lawns to the platform’s towering terraced walls. The heiau is a sacred site, so view it from the paths and don’t climb or move stones. It’s open weekdays only, so plan your Hāna day for Monday through Friday and arrive well before 3 p.m.
Know before you go
- Days
- Self-guided visits Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Guests should leave by 3:30 p.m. Closed weekends for self-guided visits.
- Admission
- Adults $18; kamaʻāina with Hawaiʻi ID $10; children 12 and under and Hāna residents with ID free.
- Reservations
- Booking online is encouraged; guided tours require reservations and can sell out. Call (808) 248-8912.
- Time needed
- About one hour minimum for the self-guided walk.
- Respect
- Piʻilanihale is a heiau (temple). Stay on paths and treat it as the sacred place it is.
