Garden of Eden Arboretum

Garden of Eden Arboretum is one of the best stops on Maui's legendary Road to Hana, and it's genuinely family-friendly in a way that many of the roadside stops on that route are not. Located at Mile Marker 10, this privately maintained 26-acre tropical arboretum gives families a shaded, organized garden experience with some genuinely spectacular payoffs — including a viewpoint over Puohokamoa Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island.

Film buffs will want to know that this is the filming location for the iconic opening waterfall scene in Jurassic Park — a fact that immediately elevates the cool factor for older kids and teens. The connection to the film adds a layer of excitement to what might otherwise just be 'another garden.'

The grounds are beautifully maintained with labeled tropical plants, winding paths through dense vegetation, and several waterfall viewpoints. Free-roaming peacocks are a highlight for younger kids — they strut through the garden unpredictably and create spontaneous moments of delight. There's also a rope swing area that older kids enjoy.

Paths are compacted but not fully paved — a stroller is possible on the main routes but some sections are better navigated on foot. The gardens close at 3 PM, so arrive by 1 PM if you want the full experience. Most families spend 1.5 to 2.5 hours here.

Admission is charged per person, making it one of the pricier Road to Hana stops — but the scale and quality of the gardens, combined with the waterfall access and wildlife, make it worth it for most families. Combine with the Twin Falls stop earlier on the drive for a full morning of natural Maui beauty.