About our rating systemIn 1972 Makato Nitahara turned a 20-acre papaya patch just outside Hilo into a tropical garden. Today Nani Mau (“forever beautiful”) holds more than 2,000 varieties of plants, from fragile hibiscus, whose blooms last only a day, to durable red anthuriums imported from South America. It also has rare palms, a fruit orchard, Japanese gardens (with a bell tower built without nails), an orchid walkway, and a ginger garden. In 2012 Los Angeles tour operator Helen Koo bought the then-neglected property, restoring the gardens with the help of four full-time gardeners. She also opened a garden restaurant that’s popular with tour companies; the buffet lunch, served daily from 10:30am to 2pm, is $18 and includes garden admission.
Hawaii (The Big Island)› Attraction
Nani Mau Gardens
421 Makalika St , Hilo
Our Rating
Hours
Daily 10am–3pm
Phone
808/959-3500
Prices
$10 adults, $5 seniors and children 4–10; with lunch, $18 adults, $15 seniors and children 4–10
Web site
Nani Mau Gardens
Other
From Hilo Airport, take Hwy. 11 south 2 miles to second left turn at Makalika St., and continue 3/4 miles.
Hours
Daily 10am–3pm
Phone
808/959-3500
Prices
$10 adults, $5 seniors and children 4–10; with lunch, $18 adults, $15 seniors and children 4–10
Web site
Nani Mau Gardens
Other
From Hilo Airport, take Hwy. 11 south 2 miles to second left turn at Makalika St., and continue 3/4 miles.
Map
421 Makalika St Hilo Hawaii (The Big Island)Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
