Nani Mau Gardens, Botanical garden in Hilo, Hawaii.
Nani Mau Gardens is a botanical garden in Hilo featuring separate sections for flowering plants, fruit trees, ferns, and tropical species from around the world. The layout guides you through different environments, each with its own collection of plants and pathways.
The garden was established in 1972 by Makato Nitahara on land that once grew papayas commercially. This transformation turned an agricultural area into a destination for plant study and appreciation.
The garden features plants that have shaped life in Hawaii over time, and you can see how different species were used by earlier inhabitants for food, medicine, and crafts.
The garden is easy to navigate on foot, with clear pathways leading through all sections. A visitor center near the entrance provides maps and information to help you plan your walk.
A Japanese bell tower stands on the grounds, built entirely from thousands of wooden boards fitted together without any nails or screws. This remarkable construction technique represents traditional craftsmanship and surprises many visitors.
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