Keahua Forestry Arboretum

Located within the East Region on Kauai

Keahua Forestry Arboretum offers a variety of plant life from monkeypod and eucalyptus trees to exotic mango. The park has several picnic pavilions to relax on and fresh swimming pools and streams to cool off on a hot day. Several of the island's popular hikes like the Kuilau and Powerline trails begin here. You may also catch a glimpse of Mt. Wai'ale'ale if it is not wearing its customary robe of clouds.

Two easy 15-minute trails lead visitors throughout the park. To get to Keahua take Highway 56 north from Lihue. You will cross the Wailua River Bridge and then turn mauka onto Kuamo'o Road. The arboretum is 5 miles up the road.

Keahua Arboretum

Keahua Arboretum is the kind of place most tourists drive right past. Inland from Kapa'a, up a winding road with no signage worth mentioning, this free park is where locals go to swim, picnic, and escape the beach crowds.

What's Here

The Civilian Conservation Corps planted these tropical trees in the 1930s. Monkeypod, eucalyptus, and exotic mango trees now tower over the grounds. The canopy is thick and the air is noticeably cooler than the coast.

A stream runs through the arboretum with several swimming holes. Locals love this spot on hot days. The water is fresh and cold. Two short trails (about 15 minutes each) loop through the park. Picnic pavilions are scattered throughout.

Trailhead Access

The Kuilau Ridge Trail starts here. It is a moderate 2.1-mile hike with mountain and valley views. The Powerline Trail also begins nearby, connecting Kauai's east side to the north shore (though the full trail is a serious all-day commitment). On clear days, you might catch a glimpse of Mt. Wai'ale'ale from the arboretum.

Know Before You Go

The access road gets muddy after rain. 4WD is strongly recommended, especially in the final stretch. The arboretum itself can be muddy too, so wear shoes you don't mind getting dirty.

From Highway 56 in Wailua, cross the Wailua River Bridge and turn inland (mauka) onto Kuamo'o Road (Highway 580). The arboretum is about 5 miles up the road. Free entry, no facilities beyond the picnic pavilions. Bring your own water and food.

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John C. Derrick

Published by: John C. Derrick

Founder & certified Hawai'i travel expert with 20+ years in Hawai'i tourism, University of South Carolina climate-research training, and NOAA weather-station experience.

Keahua Forestry Arboretum Reviews

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Geolocation Data

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude: 22.06872814
Longitude: -159.4181795

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