XERISCAPE
Hālawa Xeriscape Garden
About Hālawa Xeriscape Garden
The Hālawa Xeriscape Garden displays a series of xeric (dry) plants in a residential-scale setting to demonstrate species capable of providing a visually attractive garden, while using less water than most currently popular plants. It was opened to public in September 1989, after several years of effort by the Board of Water Supply (BWS), as a way to educate O'ahu residents on ways to save water in lawns, gardens, and landscaped areas.
In these demonstration gardens, you can familiarize yourself with the kinds of plants and grasses that need less irrigation, as well as the variety of approaches that use water more efficiently in the garden. These approaches include irrigation techniques, cultural practices, and landscaping ideas that will provide for drought-tolerant gardens and landscapes.
Suggested practices that can save water are also seen at Hālawa. These include: mulching, soil alteration, turf mowing practices, thinning of planted areas, weed control, and fertilization.
Hālawa Xeriscape Garden is located in Hālawa Valley's Central Park Industrial Area. The garden re-opened to the public on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, after being closed at the end for 2023 for building upgrades including installation of energy efficient lighting and new roofing.
Location
Hālawa Xeriscape Garden (directions)
99-1268 ‘Iwaena Street
ʻAiea, HI 96701
(808) 748-5315
contactus@hbws.org
Hours of Operations
- Wednesdays, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- All visitors must sign in at the Garden Office before touring the grounds.
Announcements
- Become a member of the Friends of Hālawa Xeriscape Garden and join us for Weedy Wednesdays.
- No in-person or virtual workshops are currently scheduled at the garden.
- To align with statewide efforts to prevent the spread of invasive pests, free mulch is not available at the garden. Mulch piles are potential breeding sites for the Rhinoceros Beetle, an invasive scarab beetle that feeds on coconut palms. For alternative free mulch giveaway sites, check with the Honolulu Department of Environmental Services (ENV).
Facility Rules
- Visitors are allowed during posted public hours only. Please adhere to all posted closure notices on our website www.boardofwatersupply.com or on garden grounds.
- ALL visitors must sign in at the Garden Office.
- All organized group tours must be arranged with the BWS prior to visiting the garden. Unauthorized group events or tours are prohibited. Visit the BWS website to learn more about Speakers and Tours.
- Parking is reserved for garden visitors only. All others will be towed.
- Pets – except for service animals – are not allowed. Service animals must be controlled at all times to include, but not limited to harness, leash, or tether (unless use of these devices interfere with the service animal’s safety and/or effective performance of tasks).
- Smoking, vaping and use of e-cigarettes is prohibited on BWS grounds.
- Alcoholic beverages and use of illegal substances is strictly prohibited.
- Use of skateboards, roller skates or other play equipment is not allowed.
- Unauthorized taking of soil, rocks, water, animals, plants, or plant parts from the garden grounds is prohibited.
- The introduction of outside plants, terrestrial or aquatic animals, insects, or birds is prohibited.
- Do not obstruct, disturb or deface the paths, plants, signage, equipment, structures or facilities.
- Drone flying is prohibited on BWS property.
- Amateur photographers are welcome. Commercial photography or videography must have prior approval.
Related Links
Annual Open House and Unthirsty Plant Sale
Friends of Hālawa Xeriscape Garden
Hālawa Xeriscape Garden Tours
Updated: 07/06/2025