Lyon Arboretum Loop
The Harold L. Lyon Arboretum is a 200-acre arboretum and botanical garden that was established in 1918 as the Manoa Arboretum to demonstrate watershed restoration and test various tree species for reforestation. The Lyon Arboretum continues to develop an extensive tropical plant collection, emphasizing native plants. The arboretum contains over 15,000 plant acquisitions and also maintains an active seed bank.
Lyon Arboretum requires us stay together and hike as a group. We will be stopping together to talk plants and take pictures. Plan on 3-4 hrs for this hike. The hike follows Dick’s Loop, which is named after Dick Carlson (pictured below). He is a volunteer who linked many trails together to create this loop. The loop is a pleasant trail at the base of the Ko’olau Mountains, touching upon Aihualama Falls, blue marble trees with spectacular buttress roots, and the biblical Joshua tree.*
This hike is limited to 15 people, a reservation link will be posted 2 weeks prior to the hike. Please do not attend this hike unless you have received an email confirmation from the hike coordinator.
Lyon Arboretum suggests a $5 donation for visitors and non-members joining HTMC on this hike an additional $5 donation is requested for guests ages 18 or over.
Elevation Gain: 927 feet.
Trail Conditions: slippery, uneven footing, rough, slick, and muddy in spots, occasional steep scramble and mosquitos.
Trail Features: rare square stemmed bamboo, labeled plants, a tall majestic waterfall, and a wet, green lush forest.
Trail Route: loop.
Native Flora & Fauna: a native plant garden; non-native: palms, gingers, heliconias, bromeliads, and aroids.
Moku & Ahupua’a: Kona & Waikiki.
Interesting Note: Lyon introduced Mule’s Foot Fern to Hawai’i in 1927, which escaped the arboretum.
History of Trail Name: Dick’s Loop was named for Lyon volunteer Dick Carlson pictured below.
*The club takes no responsibility and disclaims any liability for the contents of hike descriptions including any inaccuracies, omissions, errors, misleading statements, incompleteness, or incorrect information. (click here to read our full disclaimer)