NATIVE HAWAIIAN PLANT GARDEN AND CULTURAL LEARNING CENTER

The Native Hawaiian Plant Garden was established within the County owned Kohanaiki Shoreline Park in 2013 and includes more than 20 varieties of plants originally brought to Hawai’i by the early navigators.  These include food plants, medicinal plants, cordage plants and other plants that sustain life and contribute to protection of our ecosystems.  Learning how to propagate, plant and care for these plants as well as gaining knowledge of their uses is a main focus of our youth educational program.

A centerpiece to the garden is a 17’ Star Compass used to teach celestial navigation.  Engraved stones are inlaid in the grass and provide a learning tool to explain how the navigators used the ocean swells, wind, stars and other celestial bodies to discover the islands.

 In addition to these cultural features, the area also includes the largest traditional style Halau on Hawaii island.  This Halau provides a perfect spot for classes.