Kaha Garden

Kaha Garden was developed in 2007, by Hui o Ko’olaupoko, as a living example of how individual homeowners can help improve the local environment through the use of native vegetation and xeriscape gardens. The project replaced grass and invasive species along 150 yards of stream bank with native Hawaiian plants which can be used for soil stabilization, biofiltration and water conservation.

All plant species in the garden can be found naturally in dry coastal areas throughout the Hawaiian Islands and can thrive with only the water provided by rain events and occasional summer watering. Visitors can walk the garden pathways to see how plantings might appear in their own backyard. The project also included the installation of interpretative signs and the development of a website about Kaha Garden (http://kahagardens.com), designed by local elementary school students, to further explain the benefits of native landscaping and other best management practices.

Kaha Garden is maintained solely by community volunteers. In 2009, volunteers committed over 1200 hours of their time to the maintenance of the garden and donations from community members have allowed Hui o Ko’olaupoko to purchase gardening supplies and additional plants. Volunteers at Kaha Garden are taught to identify the native plants, learn their growing patterns and describe their historic and cultural uses so that when park users request additional information on plants, volunteers are then able to assist them in selecting the proper plant for their home and where to purchase it. Some of the most rewarding feedback from park users is the constant, “It looks wonderful,” and “Mahalo” volunteers receive while conducting the maintenance of the garden.

Future plans for the garden include installing additional signage, replacing the cement sidewalk with pervious pavers and expanding the planted area to include the opposite stream bank. Volunteer opportunities at Kaha garden are offered on the 4th Saturday of every other month from 8:30am-12pm. Upcoming workdays can be found on the Calendar of Events.

In June 2008, Kaha Garden was award Garden of Honor from Scenic Hawaii.

Kaha Garden was nominated for National award in 2009, click here for more information.

The project is located at 750 Kaha St. in Kailua on City and County of Honolulu Parks property. Project partners include City and County of Honolulu: Park Department, Hawaii Department of Health: Clean Water Branch and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for project funding, Hui Ku Maoli Ola, LET Academy, Hughes and Hughes Landscaping, students from local schools for sign and website artwork and local community volunteers who perform monthly maintenance. 

A special thanks to John and Maile Bay for their generous donation for the maintenance of the park.