| Camping on Oahu has its challenges. Unlike the | | | | swimming). |
| other islands in Hawaii, many of Oahu's | | | | Ho 'omaluhia Botancial Gardens is located near |
| campgrounds have litter and/or roudiness issues. | | | | several wonderful sightseeing, water play and |
| However, you can find a few very nice, clean, | | | | other destinations including the Byoda Temple |
| quiet, safe and scenic places to camp on Oahu. | | | | tucked away in the Valley of the Temples and |
| The Ho'omaluhia Botanical Gardens in Kaneohe is | | | | featuring a larger than life Buddha statue, |
| one of them. | | | | meditation garden and pond with 10,000 koi; |
| Ho 'omaluhia Botanical Gardens lives up to its | | | | Kaneohe Bay with its white sandbars appearing as |
| name, which translated to English means, "to | | | | tiny islands in azure waters at low tide; the cities |
| make a place of peace and tranquility." This is a | | | | of Kaneohe and Kailua with several shopping and |
| very peaceful environment. And rules are very | | | | dining opportunities; the country and very |
| strict about noise; for example, even in the middle | | | | Hawaiian town of Waimanalo where horses still |
| of the day, radios and CD players must be kept | | | | roam free and the beach is one of the best on |
| low enough to not disturb camping neighbors. | | | | the island; and Kailua Bay, the quintessential water |
| The gardens meander through 400 acres and are | | | | playground of the Windward side that offers a |
| back dropped by the green, castle like peaks of | | | | long stretch of white sand and protected waters |
| the majestic Ko'olau Mountains. Plants from | | | | popular with beginning boogie boards, kayak |
| tropical regions around the world are grouped | | | | paddlers and windsurfers. |
| here geographically, and special emphasis is placed | | | | A variety of programs are offered at the |
| on conserving plants native to Hawaii. The | | | | gardens throughout the week such as orchid |
| Hawaiian garden here like many of the others | | | | growing, weather making, and botanical drawing to |
| here has some very nice tent sites, along with | | | | name a few. Some of these have fees, while |
| clean indoor restrooms and showers. | | | | others are free of charge. For a current schedule, |
| You can camp here free of charge from 9 a.m. | | | | use the contact information above and request |
| Friday to 4 p.m. Sunday, except for Christmas | | | | one. |
| and New Year's Day. There is no camping on the | | | | Hawaiian ecology is emphasized in these programs. |
| other days of the week, but this is a nice place to | | | | Day use and camping programs can include ethnic, |
| stay for the weekend. While it doesn't have | | | | craft, botanical, horticultural and environmental |
| 24-hour security, everyone I spoke with said it is | | | | activities. Free guided nature hikes, covering topics |
| very quiet. | | | | such as local birds, cloud watching and medicinal |
| The gate to the gardens closes at 4 p.m. and | | | | plants, are offered at 10 a.m. on Saturdays and 1 |
| those camping there will be given car passes so | | | | p.m. on Sundays. |
| they can use the later gate that is open from | | | | The catch to this free and peaceful campground |
| 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Considering all this, and that it is | | | | in a garden? It's in a rainforest. So remember to |
| a mile hike from the gate to the first | | | | bring a waterproof tent and gear. It will still be |
| campground, this takes it off the list for "party | | | | warm though, so something light-weight, like the |
| spots." Since it doesn't have beach access, it's not | | | | poncho that fits in your pocket or a light-weight |
| a place where big extended families gather with | | | | jacket will work best. You may also want some |
| good Hawaiian music and food either. People come | | | | mosquito repellant, although I wasn't bothered by |
| to the gardens to enjoy the flora and fauna and | | | | them. You will find picnic tables here and campfire |
| the peacefulness. | | | | rings. If you want to use a tarp, bring poles |
| While there's no beach here, there's a trail that will | | | | because they don't allow tying anything to the |
| take you to a wonderful spot for watching the | | | | trees. A small camp stove or hibachi might also be |
| sun rise over the ocean. | | | | useful. |
| Tent sites are on the lawns and include fire pits | | | | You can get a detailed map with hiking trails in the |
| and picnic tables. You must bring your own | | | | Visitor Center or at Ho'omaluhia Botanical Gardens. |
| firewood and grills. | | | | However the Website's map doesn't include a |
| The staff members we spoke to in the garden's | | | | legend, so if you use it just know that the hiking |
| Visitor Center were warm, generous with their | | | | trails are shown by dashes, and the H-3 Freeway |
| time and very knowledgeable. The center | | | | is shown by bold printed dashes. Distances aren't |
| features an art gallery with cultural exhibits and a | | | | shown on the map, but the Visitors' Center can |
| botanical library. You'll also find a network of trails | | | | answer you questions. |
| and a lake (catch and release fishing; no | | | | |