If a trip to Hawaii isn’t enough of a draw, the state also has one of our favorite airports – Honolulu International. In addition to its connectivity and the sumptuous chocolate-covered macadamia nuts sold in the gift shops, the airport is soothing with serene greenery. That greenery is grouped into a calming trio of cultural gardens.
Take time before your flight to relax in the Chinese, Hawaiian or Japanese gardens; they wrap around the main terminal lobby, and the airport’s Y Concourse.
The Chinese garden is immediately recognizable by the bright yellow roof crowning the pavilion. The garden has an arched bridge, which Honolulu International officials say is meant to symbolize spanning the seas to promote world peace and understanding. Goldfish also splash around in the pond. Craggy rock formations feature pine and bamboo trees, as well as other native Chinese flora.
Nearby is the Japanese Garden. Cross a jaggedy bridge – to ward off any evil that might follow – to get there. Ahead sits a shingled wooden shelter, fitted with simple stone benches. The carp pond is surrounded by finely-formed pine and weeping willows, and stone lanterns illuminate the garden at twilight.
More fish grace the Hawaiian garden. They inhabit lagoons fed by springs and waterfalls. The garden also boasts banana, coconut, hala and kukui trees, and luau torches at night.
(Image: gadgetdude)
