1850s Trees First, Then a Lei for Someone You Love
Two stops that put Honolulu flower culture in your hands: a $5 downtown garden with trees planted in the 1850s, then a Chinatown lei counter where one family has tied garlands since 1959.
🗺️ Two Stops on One Map
🌳 Fourteen Acres of Living Records
Foster Botanical Garden sits on Vineyard Boulevard, fourteen acres of shade in downtown Honolulu. Some of the trees went into the ground in the 1850s under Dr. William Hillebrand and still stand over the paths. Most trees carry labels, so a short loop turns into a reading walk. Adults pay $5, Hawaii residents $3, children 6 to 12 pay $1. Last entry is 3:30 and the gates close at 4. Rain sends you into the Conservatory, and the garden shuts only on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
🌺 A Family Counter Since 1959
Cindy's Lei and Flower Shoppe has held the same Maunakea Street address since 1959, and the shop describes itself as a fourth generation family business. Lei are sold by flower, from plumeria and pikake to maile and ti leaf, and by occasion, from graduation to sympathy. Single flower leis start around $18 and a plain maile lei about $90, so ask at the counter what the day's flowers cost. Maile is the lei of respect, worn by grooms and handed to graduates, while ti leaf carries protection and good luck.
🧭 Garden First, Lei Last
Start at the garden gate at 9 and take the free 10:30 docent tour on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday; it runs about 90 minutes and reservations are recommended at 808 768 7135. Leave by noon, walk the 850 meters into Chinatown in about eleven minutes, and buy the lei last so it stays fresh. A lei goes over the shoulders, not into a bag, and the person you give it to should keep it on while you are together. Driving? Ask about curbside pickup.
