Lyon Arboretum

Managed by the University of Hawaiʻi, this hilly arboretum tempts with wildly unkempt walking paths through Oʻahu’s most accessible tropical rainforest. Its seminatural state is such a relief from the touristy, manicured tropical flower gardens so common elsewhere in the islands. Key plants in the Hawaiian ethnobotanical garden include ʻulu (breadfruit) and kalo (taro); ko, the sugarcane brought by early Polynesian settlers; kukui, which was used to produce lantern oil; and ti, which was used for medicinal purposes during ancient times and for making moonshine after Westerners arrived. It’s a short walk to Inspiration Point, or keep walking uphill for about 1 mile along a jeep road, then a narrow, tree root–ridden path to visit seasonal ʻAihualama Falls, a lacy cliff-side cascade. No swimming, sorry. On public transit, catch TheBus 5 from the Ala Moana Center toward Manoa Valley and get off at the last stop, from where it’s a half-mile walk uphill. If you’re driving, follow University Ave north onto Oʻahu Ave, then turn right and follow Manoa Rd to its end.