Valley of the Rainbow and Lyon Arbroretum

[azrose]

"VALLEY OF THE RAINBOW AND LYON ARBORETUM"

 

Has any done this excursion? What were your thoughts? Thanks in advance :D

[jjduck]

Don't know about the tour, nor what "valley of the rainbow" is. My guess would be Manoa Valley, since that's where the arboretum is located. Do they take you to Manoa Falls? Haven't done that hike in years, but hear lots of people go there; can be muddy, definitely mosquito-ville.

 

We just "discovered" the arboretum a few weeks ago....and live within walking distance! :eek: Too funny! Anyway, it's beautiful, lots of foliage (and mosquitoes) and hiking opportunities. Best of all, it's free; altho they have a donation box.

 

Easy to get there on your own, either by car or public bus.

 

Ask away if you have specific questions.

 

Aloha!

Noreen.

[azrose]

Thank you very much for your reply....I had heard about the misquitoes too!! :eek: Here is the full description of the shore excursion to see if this helps anyone....just want to know if it is "worth it"....or if our time is best spend elsewhere.....thanks!!!

 

Valley of the Rainbow and Lyon Arboretum

 

Duration: Approximately 4 Hours

Price : $$

 

 

 

 

 

 

Travel with to the enchanting, lush rainforest deep within the beautiful Valley of the Rainbows. Nestled below towering jungle trees and surrounded by seven waterfalls, Lyon Arboretum, one of the world's premier Botanical gardens awaits you. Join a leading eco-tour company authorized to provide exclusive small group, guided tours to this exotic rainforest paradise where 5,000 species of plants, including the largest collection of palm tree varieties on Earth, bathe in the eternal, fragrant mists provided by over 185 inches of rainfall each year. As you explore the 200 acre garden, colorful blossoms, including bromeliads, hibiscus, orchids, and anthuriums surround you while tropical birds sing nearby. The arboretum is also home to many rare and endangered native Hawaiian plants, and a special area is devoted to the most important species used by the ancient Polynesians. Your nature guide will provide accurate information about the garden's interesting history and efforts to save some of the rarest plants in the world and describe the ancient Hawaiians use of many important species. Then visit the heart of the valley, below Pu'u Pia. These ancient, cloud-swept, emerald green hills have witnessed a steady procession of uses, from Hawaiian taro farms to cattle ranches, coffee plantations and Japanese rice paddies; then with the arrival of New England missionaries, the building of Victorian mansions and eventually the founding of the University of Hawaii. Traveling through the historic valley that offers visitors excellent photographic opportunities, you will learn about the fascinating local history and mythology. You will then visit Pu'u Uala'kaa the "hill of the rolling sweet potatoes," located 1,048 feet above the glistening waters of Waikiki. From this lofty vantage point, where Elvis Presley had a picnic lunch in the movie Blue Hawaii, you will experience a breathtaking 180 degree panoramic view of Oahu’s scenic southeast coastline and sometimes a glistening double rainbow arching across the Valley of the Rainbows far below.