The rainbow eucalyptus (Eucalyptus deglupta) sheds its bark in thin strips year-round, revealing a bright green inner layer that ages through blues, purples, oranges, and maroons before peeling again. No two trees — and no two patches on the same trunk — are ever exactly alike. Introduced to Hawaii in the late 1920s as botanical curiosities and later planted for lumber, these trees now grow wild across the islands, their twisted trunks a living canvas of color.
Introduced to Hawaii in the late 1920s, rainbow eucalyptus trees now grow wild across the islands, their trunks a living canvas of shifting color — no two trees are ever exactly alike.
This guide covers the best places to find them across four islands, from a roadside pullout on Maui’s Hana Highway to a quiet grove on Kauai. Whether you’re planning a dedicated hunt or a spontaneous stop, you’ll find what each spot offers and what to expect when you get there.
| Location | Island | Access | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hana Highway, Mile Marker ~7 | Maui | Small pullout, ~500 ft walk down steep hill | ~20 trees, quick stop, most photographed grove |
| Ke’anae Arboretum, Mile Marker 17 | Maui | Free entry, paved trails, parking lot | Less crowded, safe alternative, storm-damaged but open |
| Keahua Arboretum | Kauai | ~10 min off main road, ford crossing | ~30 trees, picnic tables, peaceful setting |
| Wahiawa Botanical Garden | Oahu | Free entry, easy drive, minimal hiking | Planted in 1929, central Oahu, accessible from anywhere |
| Kaloko Drive area | Big Island | Roadside, no formal trails, DIY parking | Untamed feel, vivid colors, local secret |
Each location offers a different experience — from a quick roadside stop to a full garden visit. Below, you’ll find the specifics on what makes each one worth the trip.
Hana Highway’s Painted Grove — Mile Marker 7, Maui
Just south of Papaaea Road, near Maui Garden Cafe, a small pullout on the Hana Highway fits two or three cars. From there, a roughly 500-foot walk down a slightly steep hill leads to a grove of about 20 rainbow eucalyptus trees. The trees here date back to the 1930s, planted originally to fight erosion. Most tourists speed past, so this spot often feels like a find. The colors — electric greens, fiery oranges, deep purples — show best when the bark is wet, so a light rain or an early-morning visit works in your favor. The pullout fills quickly; plan for a quick stop rather than a long linger.
Go early — by 8 a.m. the pullout is often taken and traffic on the Hana Highway builds fast. The soft morning light makes the colors pop without harsh shadows.
Ke’anae Arboretum — Mile Marker 17, Maui
About ten miles farther along the Hana Highway, Ke’anae Arboretum offers a safer, less hectic alternative. Entry is free, and the paved trails make the walk easy. The rainbow eucalyptus here shows bold greens fading into rich reds and blues. The arboretum took damage from storms and natural disasters in recent years, and restoration is ongoing, but the grove remains accessible. The paths are short but uneven in spots — sturdy shoes help. Because it’s less known than the highway pullout, you’re more likely to have the place to yourself. Pack water and snacks; shops are rare along this stretch of road.
Keahua Arboretum — Kauai
About ten minutes off the main road on Kauai, Keahua Arboretum holds roughly 30 rainbow eucalyptus trees. The bark here peels in neon green strips that slide into reds and purples. After a rain, the eucalyptus scent hangs strong in the air, and sunlight streaming through the canopy lights the colors like stained glass. Picnic tables make this spot easy to stretch out. Access requires crossing a ford — most cars manage it fine, but avoid speeding at the end. The trees were planted years ago for reforestation, and the grove feels calm and unhurried compared to Maui’s roadside stop.
Wahiawa Botanical Garden — Oahu
Planted in 1929, the rainbow eucalyptus at Wahiawa Botanical Garden on Oahu are among the oldest in Hawaii. Entry is free, the garden is easy to reach from anywhere on the island, and the walk is minimal. The trees here show lime green, blazing orange, and deep purple across their trunks. The garden is thick with other plants, but the rainbow trees dominate. Central Oahu location means you can pair this stop with a trip to the North Shore or windward coast without going out of your way. The garden is open daily, and the paved paths make it accessible for most visitors.
Kaloko Drive — Big Island
Near Kailua-Kona on the Big Island, Kaloko Drive holds a stretch of rainbow eucalyptus with no formal trails or signs. The trees grow right along the road, their bark vivid in greens, oranges, and purples. This grove feels less polished than the garden spots — more alive and untamed. Parking is DIY: find a safe spot on the shoulder, don’t block driveways, and respect private property. The bark here is exceptionally bright, and the lack of crowds means you can take your time. The area also puts you near Hawaii’s only desert for an ecological contrast if you want to round out the day.
The bark is delicate — peeling or touching it damages the tree and disrupts the natural color process. Look, don’t touch.
Best Timing and What to Bring
Spring and summer (April through August) bring more rain, which keeps the bark colors vibrant. Winter visits still impress, but the tones are softer. Overcast days beat harsh sun for photography — direct light washes out the colors, while cloud cover lets the blues and purples show. Morning after rain is the ideal window: moisture intensifies every shade. A polarizing filter on your camera cuts glare and boosts saturation. Sturdy shoes matter for the unpaved paths at Hana Highway and Ke’anae. Bug spray helps in wet zones. And pack out whatever you bring — these groves see growing foot traffic, and the aloha spirit applies to the trees as much as the people.
Young trees show fewer colors. Mature Hawaii specimens can display six or seven hues at once — the older the tree, the richer the palette.
Before You Go — Rainbow Eucalyptus in Hawaii
Which island has the best rainbow eucalyptus trees?
Maui offers the most accessible and photographed groves, especially along the Hana Highway. Kauai’s Keahua Arboretum has the largest single grove of about 30 trees, while Oahu’s Wahiawa Botanical Garden holds the oldest planted specimens (1929). The Big Island’s Kaloko Drive grove is the most raw and uncrowded.
Do I need a rental car to see them?
Yes, for most spots. The Hana Highway pullout, Ke’anae Arboretum, Keahua Arboretum, and Kaloko Drive all require a car. Wahiawa Botanical Garden on Oahu is the one exception — you can reach it by bus from Honolulu, but a car makes the trip far easier.
Can I touch the bark?
No. Peeling or touching the bark damages the tree and disrupts the natural shedding process. Rangers and local guides emphasize looking over handling — the colors are fragile, and the tree’s health depends on its bark staying intact.
When is the best time of day to see the colors?
Early morning or late afternoon. Soft, angled light makes the colors pop without the harsh shadows that midday sun creates. Right after a rain is even better — moisture on the bark intensifies the greens, blues, and oranges dramatically.
The Color of a Failed Timber Plan
What began as a lumber experiment — fast-growing trees for paper pulp and construction — turned into something nobody planned for. Island winds twisted the trunks, the wood warped during drying, and the timber proved useless. But the trees kept growing, shedding bark in patches and revealing colors that no plantation ever intended. Today, those “failed” trees draw more visitors than the lumber ever would have. If you’re planning a wider trip, our guide to island hopping across all six Hawaiian islands can help you connect the stops.
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