During a recent vacation on the Big Island, we visited Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. I'd been there in 2010, and was so captivated by this gorgeously cultivated paradise that I had to see it again, especially now that I'm more involved in gardening myself.

The site's on Onomea Bay, a short drive north from the town of Hilo. Steve and I arrived on one of the many rainy afternoons that region experiences (they offer umbrellas to borrow for free at the entrance). The sparkle of raindrops on delicate ferns, petals of bright flowers, and towering canopies of tropical trees was lovely, although someday I'd like to wander the paths in sunshine and take pictures without worrying about my phone-camera getting wet.

There were SO many flowers: orchids, anthuriums, heliconia, ginger... and undergrowth with striking leaves... and rare trees... I could've taken over 200 photos and only captured a fraction of the species on display.

Along with the lush growth that thrives everywhere, the garden is inhabited by koi fish in Lily Lake, red and blue macaws in the Founder's Birdhouse, and a'ama crabs on rocks along the cove. And then there are the views of Onomea Bay, and the mesmerizing waterfalls. At a viewing spot near the falls, I found a rock painted with a Snoopy scene and a message to pick it up and leave it at another special spot on the island. I decided to let it stay there for another (perhaps younger) Snoopy fan to come along.

I discovered the names of a few plants during the Hawaii visit, and tried to recall the identifying tags next to those I'd photographed in the garden, but also did a bit of enjoyable reading and image searching upon my return home. Additionally, it was enlightening to learn more about how the botanical garden was established, and the sustainability/species-preservation focus of those who tend to this amazing corner of the earth.