Tropical Treasures: Hawaii’s Garden Delights & Lei Day Festivities

With AHS Host Keith Tomlinson
April 27 to May 3, 2025
Optional Extension: Big Island: May 3-7, 2025

 

Reserve your place now. Click here for program brochure and registration details.

Discover the islands of Kauai and Oahu, where horticultural wonders abound. Tour lush botanical gardens when closed to the public with the lead horticulturist. Enjoy exclusive tours at beautiful private homes and gardens. As guests at a botanist’s garden, learn about his efforts to cross-pollinate Ti plants and create new colors and textures. Marvel at breathtaking views of the Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon. Visit iconic sites including Pearl Harbor and experience a Lei Day festival in Honolulu. AHS Host Keith Tomlinson will share insights from his time at the University of Hawaii and has arranged a special tour of the renowned Bishop Museum where he previously worked. An optional post-trip extension on the Big Island is also available.

Read about this program in a Q&A with AHS Host Keith Tomlinson.

Trip Highlights:

  • Explore the stunning Hawaiian Islands of Kauai and Oahu and discover a diverse range of natural wonders, including lush greenery, thundering waterfalls, deserts, rainforests, volcanoes, and golden beaches.
  • Embark on relaxed hikes to search for elusive forest birds, sea birds, and spectacular geologic formations.
  • Explore lush botanical gardens on Kauai and marvel at breathtaking views of the Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon.
  • Experience iconic sites on Oahu including Pearl Harbor and the Bishop Museum.
  • Explore culturally significant gardens like the Lyons Arboretum and the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden.
  • Participate in the unique Lei Day celebration at Kapiolani Park in Honolulu, featuring a festive parade, lei making competition, crafts, and hula performances.
  • Join an optional post-trip extension on the Big Island, including exploration of Kilauea volcano, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, and coffee and garden tours on the Kona coast.