If you pass the Nuuanu Stream, you have missed the turn into the Gardens. If you are approaching from the Diamond Head side, you should take H-1 freeway and exit on the Vineyard Boulevard off ramp. Then proceed the same route as the Pali cutoff. If you suddenly end up lost, don't worry because there are many fast food stores and clothing centers or even a gas station to direct you in the right direction. Hawaii's people are very courteous towards our tourist.
Tourism is the number one economic endeavor, which provides wealth to our economy.
Queen Kalama, who leased a small area of the land to William Hillebrand, once owned this area. He was a young German doctor, a botanist by trade as well as a great physician. Mr. Hillebrand built a home for himself and his wife in the upper terrace area of the garden, which are towers of magnificent trees that were planted by him. Mr. Hillebrand later sold the gardens to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Foster who added and continued to develop the garden. The most significant sight the gardens presented are numerous different types of tropical plants from all over the world brought to Hawaii.