Moanalua Gardens says it will begin charging admission to help offset increasing operations and maintenance costs.

The following entrance fees will be effective starting April 15:

  • Adults, non-Hawaii residents – $3.00 per person;
  • Adults, Hawaii residents/military personnel – $1.00 per person; and
  • Children, twelve and under – free.

The money will also fund planned improvements at the privately owned gardens.

“Stewardship of Moanalua Gardens is a responsibility that I have taken very seriously since assuming ownership of the Gardens in 2007,” said John P. Damon, owner of Moanalua Gardens. “I have absorbed the ongoing cost of keeping the park open to the public and have implemented several measures to try to raise funds to help underwrite park operations. Unfortunately, these efforts have not raised sufficient revenue, and the gardens have been operating at a loss over the last seven years.”

Damon says planned improvements will include the restoration and renovation of the historic summer cottage originally built in the 1850s by Prince Lot Kapuaiwa, who would later become King Kamehameha V, repair of the visitor parking lot, along with improvements to various facilities within the property.

“These investments will create an enhanced experience for park visitors and allow for future opportunities for programs and events for visitors to the Gardens,” said Damon. “Moanalua Gardens holds a special place in Hawaii’s history and I appreciate the continued support of our neighbors, the park users and the entire community as we work to improve the Gardens for residents and visitors alike.”

The following is a statement from Alexander Alika Jamile, executive director and president of Moanalua Gardens Foundation:

A non-profit organization founded in 1970, Moanalua Gardens Foundation (MGF) is a separate entity from Moanalua Gardens. For the past 37 years, we have presented the annual Prince Lot Hula Festival at Moanalua Gardens free of charge. With Mr. John P. Damon’s permission, we will continue to maintain this tradition of free admission to the festival which has been expanded to two days this year. We invite the public and community to attend this year’s festival on Saturday, July 18 from 9 am to 4 pm and Sunday, July 19 from 10 am to 2 pm.

For more information, click here or call (808) 834-8612.