Tropical Rain Forest Nature Walk
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Port
Honolulu, Hawaii, US
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$219.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Travel to the enchanting, lush rain forest deep within the beautiful Valley of the Rainbows.
Nestled beneath towering jungle trees, Lyon Arboretum is one of the world's premier botanic gardens.
Join an eco-tour in this exotic rain forest paradise where 5,000 species of plants, including the most extensive collection of palm tree varieties on Earth, bathe in the eternal, fragrant mist provided by more than 185 inches of rainfall each year. As you explore the 200-acre garden, colorful blossoms, including bromeliads, hibiscus, orchids, and anthuriums surround you, and tropical birds sing nearby.
The arboretum is also home to many rare and endangered native Hawaiian plants, and a special area is devoted to the most important species used by the ancient Polynesians. Your guide will discuss the garden's interesting history and efforts to save some of the rarest plants in the world, and describe the ancient Hawaiians' use of many important species.
In the heart of the valley below Pu'u Pia, emerald, cloud-swept hills have witnessed a steady procession of uses, from taro farming to cattle ranches, coffee plantations and Japanese rice paddies. With the arrival of New England missionaries, Victorian mansions were built, and the University of Hawaii was founded. Traveling through the ancient valley, which offers excellent photographic opportunities, you will learn about the fascinating local history and mythology.
Visit Pu'u Uala'kaa -- the hill of the rolling sweet potatoes -- at an elevation of 1,048 feet above the glistening waters of Waikiki. From this lofty vantage point, where Elvis Presley had a picnic lunch in the movie Blue Hawaii, you will experience a breathtaking 180-degree panoramic view of Oahu's scenic southeast coastline and sometimes a glistening double rainbow arching across the Valley of the Rainbows far below.
Notes:
Minimum age is 5 years. Two hours of walking is required over approximately a half mile. Wear sturdy non-skid walking shoes. Tour does not operate on Sundays. Bring a rain jacket Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable sunscreen. Bring bottled water.