Department of Parks and Recreation > Honolulu Botanical Gardens > Permit Information
Permit Information for the Botanical Gardens
for Weddings, Photography & Facility Room Usage
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Permit Guidelines for All Botanical Gardens
The Honolulu Botanical Gardens offer five garden sites for weddings and other gatherings. These beautiful settings created by our tropical plant collections are home to many rare and endangered plants from around the world. Likewise, our visitors come from around the world to view these highly valued collections. The following permit guidelines help protect the many cherished plants growing here and maintain the tranquil atmosphere enjoyed by our visitors. We appreciate your cooperation in observing these guidelines.
- Permits are required for all wedding ceremonies, commercial photography/video, and other similar gatherings or events. Click here to view or print the “Application for Use of Parks Facilities”
- Permit applications shall be filed at least three weeks in advance.
- All permittees must observe garden hours. The gardens are open daily, except Christmas and New Year’s Day. Call individual gardens for hours of operation.
- Permitted parties shall not restrict or prohibit other visitor use of the gardens.
- Garden facilities and plantings may not be abused by any person. Collecting of flowers, leaves, or plants is not permissible.
- Parking is limited; carpooling is advised. Parking along roadsides, loading zones, and driveways is prohibited.
- Use of insect repellent and appropriate footwear is advised.
- Alcoholic beverage, receptions, confetti, and rice throwing is prohibited.
- Musical instruments and sound amplification are prohibited unless authorized by the permit.
- Physical amenities such as tents, chairs, tables, etc. are prohibited unless authorized by the permit.
- Commercial photography/video requires a separate permit as detailed below.
- Permits issued by the Honolulu Botanical Gardens shall be subject to the regulations of the Department of Parks and Recreation and the City and County of Honolulu Revised Ordinances.
- All persons, teams, or organizations, to whom permits are issued are liable for loss, damage, or injury to persons or property resulting from the use of the public facilities under such permits. Any damage to grounds or facilities must be fully restored.
- The Department of Parks and Recreation, City and County of Honolulu, is committed to making its programs and services accessible to everyone, including persons with disabilities. If you have need for reasonable modifications, please call the Honolulu Botanical Gardens at (808) 768-7135.
- For Foster Botanical Garden all permittees must end their permit at 3:30 p.m. to facilitate time to exit by 4:00 p.m..
Photography & Filming Permits
Permits are required for all commercial photography, videography and filming in the gardens. These include wedding ceremonies, family portraits, and other gatherings.
Still Photography and Video permit
Application must be filed 3 weeks in advance to the DPR Permits Office located at 650 South King St., 1st floor or by emailing application to dprpermits@honolulu.gov. Contact number is (808) 768-3440. Permit fee is $25 and must submit a copy of Liability Insurance. Click link for application form: (https://www.honolulu.gov/rep/site/dpr/dpr_docs/DPR_Application_Park_Facility_Use.pdf)
Commercial Films, Television and Feature Films Projects
Application must be submitted to info@filmhonolulu.com. Contact the Honolulu Film Office at (808) 768-6100 or click the link http://www.honolulu.gov/film-office to obtain permit requirements and information.
Teachers and Students Photography and Film Projects
Call the specific botanical garden location or send email to hbg@honolulu.gov. Copy of Indemnification Clearance is required for all DOE affiliated schools including UH. For questions about the Hawaii State Public School indemnification and approval process, please contact the Department of Education, Facilities Development Branch, at 808-784-5040 or send an email to use_of_facilities@hawaiidoe.org. For UH teachers and students, please contact the UH Office of Strategic Development or call (808) 956-4342 for complete information.
Use of Drones
The use of drones (Unmanned Aerial Systems) for photography or filming is prohibited, unless clearances are approved by the DPR, FAA, HECO and the Marine Corp Base Kaneohe (MCBK). Note: Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden is within the 5 mile radius limit of the MCBK military base.
Permittee must adhere to all Garden Rules including the NO PHOTOGRAPHY ON ROADWAYS and at front Garden entrance road. This is for safety reasons.
Weddings
The Honolulu Botanical Gardens offers five sites for weddings ceremonies. Due to limited parking, the number of guests per wedding party is as follows:
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- Foster Botanical Garden: 50
- Lili’uokalani Botanical Garden: 25
- Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden: 50
- Wahiawa Botanical Garden: 30
- Koko Crater Botanical Garden: 30
Foster, Lili‘uokalani, and Koko Crater botanical gardens
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Obtain permit application and information at: Foster Botanical Garden – Cashier’s Office |
Admission Fees for Foster Botanical Garden* General: $5.00 |
Wedding areas are available on a first come-first served basis. To view a larger version or print the map of the Foster Garden designated wedding areas, please click the image below:
Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden
To obtain a permit application and information please contact:
Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden
45-680 Luluku Road
Kāne‘ohe, Hawai‘i 96744
Phone: (808) 233-7323
Wahiawā Botanical Garden
To obtain a permit application and information please contact:
Wahiawā Botanical Garden
1396 California Avenue
Wahiawā, Hawai‘i 96786
Phone: (808) 621-5463
Facility Permitting
Indoor Facilities at the Honolulu Botanical Gardens
- Applicant must be a bona fide non-profit community organization or association organized exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, cultural, political, literary, educational, or other nonprofit groups operating exclusively for not-for-profit purposes.
- Business entities or individuals engaged in commercial or profit making activities may not apply for permit.
- Application to use garden facilities for activities such baby luaus, birthdays, wedding receptions, anniversary, family reunions, graduation party, etc. is not permitted (ROH, Chapter 27, Sect. 4C).
- Sale or offer for sale of any products, merchandise, services; or conduct any recruitment and fund-raising while using the room is not allowed.
- Qualified groups can reserve Lecture or Workshop rooms once a month for 3 consecutive months to allow equitable use by many other groups. Check back by emailing the garden for future availability. Rooms cannot be reserved for the entire year.
- Permitted use is allowed only on specific days and time periods.
Location and Information of Facilities Available
Ho`omaluhia Botanical Garden Facilities
Ho`omaluhia indoor facilities are used by the gardens for its program classes year round. Rooms may be used by a bona fide non-profit community organizations only when not in use for scheduled classes. Availability is limited and would need at least 30 days advance reservation.
Room use for private parties (e.g. baby luaus, birthdays, anniversaries, family reunions, graduation parties, etc.) is not allowed (ROH, Chapter 27, Section 4C). Commercial activities (e.g. sale or offer for sale of products, merchandise or services) while using these City facilities are prohibited.
To allow equitable use by many other community organizations, room use is limited to once a month use for 3 consecutive months, and thereafter, subject to availability. Rooms cannot be reserved for the entire year. Reservations are permitted between 9:30 to 3:00PM Monday to Saturday.
Call Ho`omaluhia Education Center at (808) 233-7323 or email hbg@honolulu.gov to check for availability.
Lecture Room: Capacity up to 30 people
- Amenities include tables, chairs, overhead projector screen, electrical outlets, and air conditions. No WIFI connection. Pre-packed foods (Bentos or sandwiches) and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed.
- Available from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM Monday to Saturday
Workshop Room: Capacity up to 50 people
- Amenities include tables, chairs, electrical outlets, and no air conditioning but has 2 large floor fans. WIFI connection is not available. Pre-packed food (Bentos and sandwiches) and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed. $25 fee is charged for kitchen use.
- Available 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM Monday to Saturday
Art Gallery: 841 square foot board walls.
- Amenities includes 841 square foot board walls usable for art work/paintings display, and equipped with lighting fixtures.
- Room has no air conditioning but has 3 large floor fans.
- Only non-profit organized Artists Group and Associations can reserve for a one month art show. Individual artist or private group art show are not permitted.
- Sale of art works are not permitted during exhibit.
- One month per year for each group/association
Indoor Facilities Reservation and Permit Rules and Guidelines:
- Permit is required to use garden facilities. Applicant must first call Ho`omaluhia Education Center at (808) 233-7323 or email (hbg@honolulu.gov) to check availability. If rooms are available, submit application at least 30 days in advance.
- Room capacity is based on existing fire code requirements and parking limits.
- Applicant must bring own equipment and accessories (e.g. computer, projectors, extension cords, hotspot, dry erase board, etc.). Tables and chairs will be provided for use however, users must keep it clean and leave tables/chairs back in the original set-up/arrangement prior to its use.
- Pre-packed food (bentos & sandwiches) and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed.
- Permit is subject to suspension or revocation by DPR-HBG for failure to comply with the above conditions.
Additional Information on Garden Rules: https://www.honolulu.gov/rep/site/dpr/rules/RulesHoomaluhia.pdf
Wahiawā Facility
Multi-purpose Room: Capacity up to 50 people (lecture style/without tables or 25 people classroom style/with tables)
- Amenities include tables, chairs, electrical outlets, and ceiling fans. WIFI connection is not available. Pre-packed food (Bentos and sandwiches) and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed. $25 fee is charged for kitchen use and a separate permit is required for that purpose.
- Available 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM Monday to Saturday
Indoor and Outdoor Facilities Reservation and Permit Rules and Guidelines:
- Permits are required for garden use—both on the grounds and in the Multi-purpose Room (MPR). Applicants must first call Wahiawā Botanical Garden at (808) 621-5463 or email (hbg@honolulu.gov) to check availability. If the Multi-purpose Room and/or the grounds are available, submit application at least 15 days in advance.
- Room capacity is based on existing fire code requirements and parking limits. Use of the grounds for weddings or other uses have specific requirements stated on the permit.
- MPR applicants must bring own equipment and accessories (e.g. computer, projectors, extension cords, hotspot, etc.). Tables and chairs will be provided for use however, users must keep it clean and leave tables/chairs back in the original set-up/arrangement prior to its use.
- Pre-packed food (bentos & sandwiches) and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed.
- Permit is subject to suspension or revocation by DPR-HBG for failure to comply with the above conditions.
Additional Information on Garden Rules: https://www.honolulu.gov/rep/site/dpr/rules/RulesHoomaluhia.pdf
Contact Us
Mailing Address: 50 North Vineyard Boulevard Honolulu, HI 96817
Phone: 808-768-7135
Fax: 808-522-7050
email: hbg@honolulu.gov