Kahanu Garden, Botanical garden in Hana, Hawaii, US.
Kahanu Garden is a botanical garden on Maui's northern coast, near Hana, with black lava seascapes and one of Hawaii's last undisturbed hala (Pandanus tectorius) forests. Its ethnobotanical collections focus on plants used by Pacific Island peoples, including the world's largest breadfruit collection, with about 150 varieties from over 17 Pacific island groups. The garden also contains Piʻilanihale Heiau, a National Historic Landmark built from basalt blocks and measuring 341 by 415 feet, with a front wall rising 50 feet.
Kahanu Garden was established in 1972 on Maui's northern coast, one of five gardens of the non-profit National Tropical Botanical Garden. Its grounds hold Piʻilanihale Heiau, a National Historic Landmark whose main terrace was built in the 14th century; its wings were added and rededicated in the 16th century, possibly after high chief Piʻilani of western Maui conquered the Hāna region and unified the island.
The garden displays traditional Hawaiian practices through its collection of indigenous plants, including taro, sugarcane, and breadfruit varieties used for generations. Visitors can observe how these plants shaped the daily life and food practices of Hawaiian communities.
The garden is accessible year-round and offers walking trails for visitors to explore the collection at their own pace. Comfortable shoes are recommended since the terrain is uneven and paths run over natural lava landscapes.
Piʻilanihale Heiau covers 3 acres (12,000 m²) and measures 341 by 415 feet, with a front wall rising 50 feet. Its main terrace dates to the 14th century; the wings were added and rededicated in the 16th century, possibly after high chief Piʻilani of western Maui conquered the Hāna region and unified the island.
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