A ride out Nuuanu avenue, will reveal a wealth of trees and flowers. On the left hand side, shortly before reaching School street, you come to Foster Park. This old estate is now a public park, presented by Mrs. Mary Foster, but originally it was the garden of Dr. William Hillebrand. He was an early botanist and lover of flowers, who imported many new things into the islands and planted them here. The size of some of his old trees is now tremendously impressive. Besides this, the city has collected here many unusual plants. It also maintains a greenhouse in which visitors can see Orchids in bloom and many other unusual, exotic plants.
Farther out, Nuuanu avenue is bordered by the fine homes of some of Honolulu’s well-to-do citizens. From the road you can catch many glimpses of charming gardens. Farther up Nuuanu valley you run into a wild, natural growth. Here you can find Koa trees, yellow Gingers and green Tis.
Another interesting ride is through Manoa Valley, where there are many more homes and gardens. This takes you past the campus of Punahou school which holds a large number of interesting trees. Along its lower wall is the famous hedge of Night Blooming Cereus. These flowers have their blossoming period in July, August, and September.
If you follow Manoa Road, you will come to Waioli Tea Room, run by the Salvation Army Girls’ Home. In the garden there is a real Hawaiian grass house.
Returning down Oahu Avenue you come to a small square, called Kamanele Park, which holds an unusual Rainbow Shower tree. A turn to the left here will take you into the grounds of Mid-Pacific School; at the back is the nursery of the Mid-Pacific Horticultural Establishment to which visitors are welcome.
A short distance beyond Kamanele Park is the campus of the University of Hawaii. This holds many unusual plants and trees, including the famous Sausage tree (_Kigelia pinnata_). It grows in the lower corner, across from the fountain.
Still another interesting drive is to go toward Diamond Head from Waikiki, passing through Kapiolani Park, with its row of Ironwood trees (_Casuarina equisetifolia_), like mainland evergreens. The road around Diamond Head passes many more fine gardens, and farther on you come to the residential area known as Kahala.