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Hawaii’s Tropical Botanical Garden – a hidden paradise
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Glimpse of the flowering plants in the Garden
Planning a trip to Hawaii? Add the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden to your “must see” list! This amazing nature preserve and sanctuary sits on the gorgeous Onomea Bay and is located on Route 19 between Honokaa and Hilo. Its location is considered a bit out-of-the-way, but this only assures that the Garden is not crammed with tourists, allowing you to enjoy the full beauty at a leisurely, relaxing pace.
The Garden is truly a nature lover’s paradise. With over 2,000 species of tropical plants, 100 year-old mango and coconut palm trees, giant bamboo, flowering vines, enormous ferns, and enchanting orchids, this lush 17-acre tropical paradise captures the soul. A 500 foot-long elevated boardwalk dances it way down a dry streambed, allowing ease of passage, but still managing to capture and awe you with that deep rainforest-jungle feeling. The vision keeps inspiring you as you waltz down the Palm Jungle Trail through the Palm Vista, into the Giant Fern Circle, past the picturesque three-tiered Onomea Falls, along the Heliconia Trail, pausing to let your camera capture more gorgeous memories, through the Banyan Canyon, and onward to the glorious Onomea Bay. Each turn of the trail is a new delight and leaves you feeling light, almost giddy.
What’s truly amazing is that this sanctuary used to be an impenetrable jungle of invasive weed, thorn thickets and vines! It was due to the vision of Dan J. Lutkenhouse that this botanical garden was able to take root. Once a San Francisco businessman, Mr. Lutkenhouse discovered the valley while on vacation and its beauty overwhelmed him. He sold his business, moved to Hawaii and purchased the 17 acres, spending the next eight years disappearing into the jungle. Every day, he and his two workers took up their picks, shovels, and chain saw, clearing paths, but being ever so careful not to destroy the natural environment. All the work was accomplished by hand, no tractors - an amazing feat. His love of nature allowed his vision to unfold and create a living tapestry of spectacular plants and flowers, each location chosen by Mr. Lutkenhouse himself. It is truly a masterpiece. The Garden is now legally protected to insure the land will never be sold or commercially developed.
The Garden is a magical wonderland. Mr. Lutkenhouse has accomplished an everlasting vision of nature at its best. When your getaway takes you to Hawaii, take time to feast your eyes on this paradise!
For more information:
http://www.htbg.com/about.html
Where to stay: http://www.examiner.com/x-13576-Sacramento-Getaways-Examiner~y2009m6d23-The-best-resort-in-Hawaii--the-Hilton-Waikoloa-Village
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