This is the finest botanical garden in
Honolulu and is located on 20 acres at the northern end of
Chinatown. German botanist William Hillebrand started the garden with trees planted on five acres that he bought from Queen Kalama.
Capt Thomas Foster bought the site in 1867 and continued planting. It is now a city park. Plants are arranged in groupings such as palms, orchids, plumeria and poisonous plants. Spices are grown in the Economic Garden.
These include nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon, black pepper, vanilla and other favorites. There is also an Herb Garden and Wild Orchid Garden. Many rare tropical plants are growing, such as large chicle trees, doum palm and kauri trees.
The Foster Garden is open from 9am to 4pm daily. A self-guided tour leads visitors through with corresponding trees marked. A guided tour is offered Monday to Friday at 1pm by reservation. Admission is charged.