Friendship Garden Trail - A Hike Through Nature
When you think of the Hawaiian Islands, what comes to mind? Maybe beautiful beaches, incredible hiking trails, and tropical gardens brimming full of stunning plants. If you're looking for one spot on the island Oahu that has it all, there's only one place you absolutely must visit: Friendship Garden.
High above Kaneohe Bay on ten beautiful acres of trees, flowers, birds and solitude is Friendship Garden. Known for its history full of beauty that can be found in this special corner paradise; parking though poses quite a challenge. The Friendship Garden Trail meanders through a 10-acre hiking area in a peaceful, verdant forest high above Kaneohe on Oahu's beautiful windward shore.
The trees in the garden were planted as part of what eventually became Hawaii's first multi-racial community, Kokokahi ("of one blood"), where people from all ethnic backgrounds came together to live and work.
It has two loops, a lower and an upper loop, and both of them are unpaved. The park has landscapes that seem to be "un-manicured," but were in reality well planned and designed. In various parts of the park, different plant types are planted in groves.
Some of the buildings in the gardens add to the overall appeal. These structures include a tea house, a stone lantern pavilion, lava stone platform stairs, and a copy of an enormous decorative stone basin given by a Japanese university.
From the many lookout points found along this trail, you will be able to see a sweeping panoramic view of Kaneohe Bay and surrounding areas. Also visible are Chinaman's Hat to the north, Makapu'u to the south, and the Ko'olau Mountains to the west.
The Friendship Garden is only accessible to the public during daytime hours and is completely free of charge. There are no toilets or other amenities available at this location.
