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Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden

Address

http://www.bishopmuseum.org/exhibit...
82-6188 Mamalahoa Highway
Captain Cook , HI 96704
808-323-3318

Hours

Mon-Sat 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Review

Photo Credit: Bud Hardwick
The Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden focuses on the ethnobotany of pre-European contact Hawaii. Besides the extensive collection of native and Polynesian plants there are numerous interpretive displays illustrating the traditional cultivation practices and land management strategies developed to insure the sustainability of resources. The botanical garden is part of the world famous Bishop Museum insuring the continued integrity and accuracy of the displays.

The Hawaiian Islands are the most isolated land mass on the entire planet. Formed of sterile volcanic material thrust up from the deep ocean floor, their native flora and fauna have all been derived from the accidental “landing” of far flung plants, insects, and birds. Later, the islands were colonized by Polynesian Islanders who brought with them many foreign species that were considered vital for survival. These circumstances have resulted in one of the most complex, fascinating, and constantly changing plant communities in existence. Since earliest times, humans have relied heavily on plants for much of their survival needs including: food, shelter, heat, light, clothing, medicine, tools, and construction material. Ethnobotany is the science of studying the relationship between people and the plants they now or have once used.

Amy Greenwell was a member of a large and prosperous Hawaiian family of merchants, ranchers and coffee growers. Following her mainland university studies and duties as a nurse during WWII she returned to Hawaii. Her great appreciation for both the natural environment and the Hawaiian culture found fruition in the field of ethnobotany. Among her many diverse accomplishments were significant archeological finds, in particular at Ka Lae, the South Point area (see article this website). At her home above the Kona coast, she developed extensive gardens faithfully following traditional agricultural practices. Upon her death these gardens and adjacent archeological site were bequeathed to the public to preserve and promote a thorough understanding of the traditional agricultural practices of ancient Hawaii.

Plantings and interpretive displays illustrate the complexity of Hawaiian botany and differentiate between indigenous, endemic, and Polynesian species. Further distinctions in the radically different biomes that exist on these steep sloped islands are presented in their relation to the cultural practices of the people who depended on them for survival. The dry coasts with isolated freshwater springs allowed coastal communities to develop. Immediately above them, dry forest provided hardwoods for construction. Higher still, cloud formation and resulting rainfall promoted the growth of a lush tropical forest as well as food plants, though free flowing freshwater often quickly disappeared into the porous volcanic mountainside. Finally, the highest elevations grew their own special species that tolerated extremes of wind, cold, and drought. In addition to the plant and cultural displays the garden is also famous for its cultivation of the Kamehameha butterfly; one of only two endemic species.

While many of the plants and practices found at this garden are typical of all the Hawaiian Islands there are features unique to the Big Island of Hawaii alone. Hawaii is the largest and geologically newest of the Hawaiian Islands and consequently its soils and freshwater sources are very different from older islands such as Kauai and Oahu. The sensitivity of Native Hawaiians to their environment resulted in a system of agriculture here that was unique in comparison to the other islands and is known today as the Kona Field System. One notable feature was the rectangular rather than pie-slice shape of boundaries which can be seen in the remnants of stone fences running through the property.

A visit to the garden is a special treat and is ideally enjoyed as a series of short visits rather than a single see-it-all stop. Located on a popular highway it’s not unusual for visitors even with limited time to pass it on several occasions during their island travels. After visiting some of the larger and more famous historic sites a return to the garden can seem new and fresh as greater understanding and appreciation become possible. Besides providing beautiful grounds to visit, the garden supports Hawaiian cultural traditions of land use through a wide variety of educational programs, specialized tours, plant sales, as well as conservation and cultural partnerships. For a wonderful blending of nature and culture a visit to the Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden is as rewarding as it is easy to enjoy.
Written By: Bud Hardwick
On: 2/5/2010

Directions

The Garden is located in the community of Captain Cook about 12 miles south of Kailua-Kona on the Mamalahoa Highway (#11). Driving south, look for highway mile marker 110 and turn left into the next driveway. Driving north toward Kona, look for the Manago Hotel on your left. The driveway to the Garden is a short distance further on the right, mauka (uphill) side of the road.

Map

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