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20 Plant Nurseries in Hilo, HI

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Top Rated Farms in HILO

Garden Exchange Ltd
💬 138 reviews4.5
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Garden Exchange Ltd

Tropical Garden Center Supplier. Top products: tropical plants, garden soil and amendments, fertilizers, gardening tools, outdoor power equipment. Garden Exchange, located in Hilo, Hawaii, is a long-standing family-owned and operated garden center and equipment supplier established in 1964. The business serves as a comprehensive resource for local gardeners and professional landscapers on the Big Island. Their product inventory includes a diverse selection of tropical plants and seeds, high-quality soil amendments, fertilizers, and a full range of greenhouse supplies and garden tools. Beyond horticultural products, the company maintains a dedicated division for outdoor power equipment, featuring major industry brands. A core component of their operation is a full-service repair shop that offers parts, equipment maintenance, and pre-sale testing for all machinery. By combining horticultural expertise with technical mechanical support, Garden Exchange positions itself as a central hub for island-specific gardening success. They focus on providing localized advice tailored to the unique climate of Hawai’i, emphasizing community-based service and support for both amateur hobbyists and professional industry contractors.

📍Keawe Street, Hilo, Hawaii, 96720, US
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Paradise Plants Home & Garden
💬 78 reviews4.6
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Paradise Plants Home & Garden

Tropical and Landscape Nursery. Top products: Landscape trees, Palm trees, Native plants, Fruit trees, Water plants. Paradise Plants Home & Garden is a multi-generational, women-owned horticultural and home furnishing retailer based in Hilo, Hawaii. Operating for over 45 years, the business serves as a comprehensive resource for residential gardeners and landscape enthusiasts across the Island of Hawaii. Their horticultural operations focus on providing a wide variety of plant material specifically selected for Hawaii’s unique tropical climate. The nursery inventory includes a broad selection of landscape trees, palms, and native Hawaiian plant species, as well as water plants, herbs, and vegetables. They maintain a seasonal schedule for specialty items, such as bare-root fruit trees, which are imported annually. Beyond live plant sales, the company provides essential horticultural supplies including premium potting soils and fertilizers. Their facility is also equipped to support garden infrastructure, offering a curated selection of imported ceramic containers, stone statuary, and fountains designed for outdoor garden installations. The business functions as a hybrid garden center that caters to the practical needs of local homeowners while providing aesthetic enhancements for tropical residential landscapes.

📍51, Wiwoole Street, Hilo, Hawaii, 96720, US
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Kalapana Tropicals
💬 67 reviews4.8
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Kalapana Tropicals

Specialty Orchid Nursery. Top products: Cattleya orchids, Oncidium orchids, Dendrobium orchids, Paphiopedilum hybrids, Orchid repotting supplies. Kalapana Tropicals is a specialized horticultural nursery based in Hawaii, dedicated to the cultivation and sale of a diverse range of high-quality orchid species and hybrids. Known for its expertise in tropical orchid propagation, the business caters to a broad clientele ranging from casual home gardeners and gift buyers to serious orchid collectors and connoisseurs. Their operational model emphasizes the production of healthy, 'blooming size' plants, which are meticulously packed and shipped to customers worldwide. The farm utilizes professional growing techniques to ensure plants arrive in optimal condition, often shipping them in bud or spike for extended enjoyment. Beyond direct plant sales, Kalapana Tropicals offers specialized orchid care accessories, such as repotting kits and eco-friendly pots, and maintains a popular orchid subscription club. With a strong commitment to quality and customer service, the nursery has established itself as a premier provider of Hawaiian-grown orchids, frequently highlighted for the resilience and superior condition of their plants upon arrival.

📍Huina Road, Kurtistown, Hawaii, 96760, US
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The Mauna Kea Cloudforest Bioreserve
💬 36 reviews5
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The Mauna Kea Cloudforest Bioreserve

Conifer and Fruit Tree Nursery. Top products: Leyland Cypress, Blue Ice Cypress, Christmas Trees, Fruit Trees, Ornamental Conifers. The Mauna Kea Cloudforest Bioreserve is a multifaceted horticultural and conservation organization located in Hawaii, specializing in the cultivation of plants suited for high-altitude cloudforest conditions. The nursery operation is central to their business model, focusing on the production of field-grown Christmas trees, including Leyland and Blue Ice cypress varieties, as well as select ornamental conifers and fruit trees. Beyond retail sales, the bioreserve engages in contract growing for forestry and other commercial tree farms, with plans to expand into native plant propagation by 2025. Their production methods prioritize regenerative forestry practices, aligning their nursery output with broader goals of biodiversity, watershed protection, and carbon sequestration. The facility serves as a destination for both commercial customers and the general public, hosting seasonal plant sales while operating as a working arboretum and educational center.

📍2893 Kaiwiki Rd, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
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Rudy's Shade Inc
💬 15 reviews3.9
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Rudy's Shade Inc

📍623 Kealakai St
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No website listed
The Rainbow Connection
💬 13 reviews5
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The Rainbow Connection

📍16-711 Milo St
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Plant It Hawaii
💬 12 reviews5
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Plant It Hawaii

Fruit Tree Nursery. Top products: Fruit trees, Citrus trees, Tropical fruit trees, Tree care products. Plant It Hawaii is a specialized tree nursery operating for over 45 years with a focus on cultivating healthy, productive fruit trees tailored to the Hawaiian climate. As a dedicated horticultural supplier, the business operates as a primary source for both retail customers and agricultural stakeholders, providing a wide variety of fruit-bearing trees specifically adapted to local growing conditions. Their core operation involves the propagation and cultivation of high-quality saplings, including various citrus and tropical fruit varieties essential for island orchards and home gardens. Beyond plant sales, the company provides essential resources for long-term tree health, offering expert tree care guidance and distribution networks to ensure their trees thrive after transplantation. Their mission centers on supporting local agriculture and backyard gardening through the consistent supply of robust, localized fruit stock, positioning themselves as a trusted authority in regional arboriculture and fruit production.

📍17-384 Manono St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
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Jungle Mist Orchids
💬 11 reviews5
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Jungle Mist Orchids

Specialty Orchid Breeding Nursery. Top products: miniature cymbidiums, rare orchid species. Jungle Mist Orchids is a specialized horticultural nursery dedicated to the cultivation and distribution of rare and high-quality orchids. The business focuses primarily on the breeding and care of miniature cymbidiums and various rare orchid species, catering to plant collectors, botanical enthusiasts, and residential hobbyists. By maintaining a niche focus on specific genera, the nursery emphasizes the preservation and propagation of unique botanical specimens. They operate as a retail-facing horticultural entity, providing enthusiasts with direct access to uncommon and curated orchid varieties. Their mission revolves around horticultural expertise in orchid care and species-specific cultivation techniques, ensuring that customers receive healthy, mature plants. The business bridges the gap between commercial availability and rare collection, serving as a specialized source for those interested in the ornamental horticulture of epiphytic plants.

📍W Mamaki Street, Hawaii, US
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Royal Palm Enterprises
💬 5 reviews5
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Royal Palm Enterprises

📍15-1869 14th Ave
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Fruit Trees Kakuis
💬 4 reviews5
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Fruit Trees Kakuis

📍40th Ave
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No website listed
Newman's Nursery Inc
💬 4 reviews5
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Newman's Nursery Inc

📍Keaau, HI 96749
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Palms of Paradise
💬 4 reviews4.8
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Palms of Paradise

📍Kealakai Street, Hawaii, US
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💬 3 reviews5
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Novelty Greens

📍Malaai Road, Hilo, Hawaii, US
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H Eunice Nursery Inc
💬 2 reviews5
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H Eunice Nursery Inc

📍Kealakai Street, Hawaii, US
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Hawaiian Sunshine Nursery
💬 2 reviews4.5
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Hawaiian Sunshine Nursery

Tropical ornamental plant nursery. Top products: Anthuriums, Bromeliads, Ferns, Foliage plants, Living wall systems. Hawaiian Sunshine Nursery (HSN) is a large-scale horticultural operation founded in the 1980s, currently managing two 10-acre nursery sites in Waimanalo, Oahu, and Hilo, Big Island. The business specializes in the large-scale production of over 100 varieties of tropical plants, with a specific focus on Anthuriums, Bromeliads, ferns, and various palm species. They maintain high-quality standards through exclusive propagation agreements with global plant breeders. HSN operates primarily as a wholesale supplier, serving a wide network of retail garden centers, national retailers such as Home Depot and Lowe's, as well as commercial clients including hotels, resorts, and professional landscapers. In addition to plant production, the nursery serves as the exclusive Hawaiian dealer for LiveRoof and LiveWall systems, providing specialized green roofing and living wall solutions. The business emphasizes a B2B model, directing retail homeowners to their established network of local and national retail partners across Hawaii.

📍Awa Street, Hilo, Hawaii, 96720, US
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Kenneth Lee Nursery
💬 2 reviews5
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Kenneth Lee Nursery

📍1501, Railroad Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii, 96720, US
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Panaewa Foliage Plant Nursery
💬 2 reviews5
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Panaewa Foliage Plant Nursery

Wholesale Indoor Ornamental Nursery. Top products: Aralia Fabian, Chamaedorea-Seifrizii, Dracaena-Compacta, Dracaena Gold Star, Dracaena Hawaii Girl. Panaewa Foliage Plant Nursery has been operating as a dedicated grower and wholesaler of high-quality indoor foliage plants since 1984. The nursery specializes in the cultivation of tropical indoor varieties, with a product portfolio centered on popular species such as Aralia Fabian, Chamaedorea-Seifrizii, and various Dracaena cultivars including Compacta, Gold Star, and Hawaii Girl (Michiko). Their business model focuses on a B2B supply chain, serving as a primary source for professional plant designers, interior landscaping firms, and commercial plant rental services. By providing plant stock for interior installations, the nursery facilitates the integration of tropical greenery into diverse commercial and architectural environments. Their operational history spans four decades, maintaining a consistent focus on producing ornamental indoor vegetation suitable for regional distribution across the United States.

📍839, Awa Street, Hilo, Hawaii, 96720, US
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Puna Certified Nursery Inc
💬 2 reviews5
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Puna Certified Nursery Inc

📍17-4373 S Rd, Kurtistown, HI 96760, USA
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Aloha Green Nursery
💬 1 reviews5
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Aloha Green Nursery

Tropical foliage and agricultural grower. Top products: Tropical foliage, Ginger, Turmeric, Fruit. Aloha Green Nursery, established in 1998 on the Big Island of Hawaii, is a multi-generational agricultural enterprise rooted in a long history of professional nursery management. Founded by Steve Shropshire, a third-generation nurseryman with deep experience in the plant industry, the business leverages the Big Island's nutrient-rich volcanic soil and tropical climate to produce high-quality foliage for both domestic and international markets. Operating under the motto 'Environmental Principles in Practice,' the company manages hundreds of acres dedicated to diverse agricultural pursuits. While their legacy is built on the production and export of tropical foliage, their current operations have diversified to include sustainable fruit orchards and the cultivation of specialty crops such as ginger and turmeric. The company emphasizes land stewardship, food independence, and resource management, serving as both a commercial agricultural producer and a manager of large-scale land assets in Hawaii.

📍49 Wainaku St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
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Rare Leaf Hawaii LLC
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Rare Leaf Hawaii LLC

Houseplant and Rare Plant Nursery. Top products: Philodendron Billietiae, Philodendron Burle Marx Fantasy, Philodendron Burle Marx Variegated, Ceropegia Woodii, Variegated String of Hearts. Rare Leaf Hawaii LLC operates as a specialized horticultural retailer focusing on the cultivation and sale of houseplants, with a particular emphasis on rare or collector-grade specimens. Their core offerings center on Aroids, specifically various cultivars of Philodendrons, as well as a selection of succulent varieties such as Ceropegia Woodii. The business serves a customer base of indoor plant enthusiasts and collectors looking to elevate their interior spaces with curated botanical selections. By maintaining a catalog of both common and rare varieties, the nursery functions as a dedicated supplier for indoor gardening and ornamental plant enthusiasts. Their operations focus on the retail distribution of live plants, providing accessible pricing for both standard and variegated botanical specimens. The company facilitates sales primarily through an online digital storefront, catering to the growing market for exotic houseplants.

📍1490, Haleloke Street, Hilo, Hawaii, 96720, US
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Local Nursery Scene in Hilo

Hilo hosts a robust network of 20 nurseries and garden centers, reflecting the diverse horticultural needs of the Big Island. From high-altitude cloudforest specialists to lowland tropical fruit experts, the local market caters to both residential backyard gardeners and professional landscapers. These suppliers understand the specific demands of Hawaii's climate, where high rainfall and volcanic soils dictate successful planting strategies. Unlike big-box retailers, these nurseries provide plants already acclimated to local humidity, light levels, and pest pressures.

Comparison of Top Nurseries

Nursery NameRatingSpecializationType
Garden Exchange Ltd4.5Tropical plants, equipmentGarden Center
Paradise Plants Home & Garden4.6Landscape trees, native plantsLandscape Nursery
Kalapana Tropicals4.8OrchidsSpecialty Nursery
The Mauna Kea Cloudforest Bioreserve5.0Conifers, fruit treesConservation/Nursery
Rudy's Shade Inc3.9General plantsGeneral Nursery
The Rainbow Connection5.0General plantsGeneral Nursery
Plant It Hawaii5.0Fruit treesFruit Tree Nursery
Jungle Mist Orchids5.0Rare orchidsSpecialty Nursery
Royal Palm Enterprises5.0General plantsGeneral Nursery
Fruit Trees Kakuis5.0General plantsGeneral Nursery

Deep Dive into Nurseries

Garden Exchange Ltd serves as a central hub for Hilo, functioning as both a garden center and a mechanical repair shop for power equipment. Their 1964 founding date makes them a staple for long-term residents seeking professional soil amendments and consistent nursery stock.

Paradise Plants Home & Garden balances horticulture with home aesthetics, offering stone statuary alongside landscape trees. Their focus on multi-generational expertise ensures that clients receive tailored advice on palms and native Hawaiian species.

Kalapana Tropicals excels in the propagation of blooming-size orchids for global shipment. Their subscription club and specialized repotting kits make them the premier choice for orchid collectors seeking high-quality, resilient plant material.

The Mauna Kea Cloudforest Bioreserve focuses on high-altitude agricultural success, including Christmas trees and fruit varieties. They serve as a critical link between commercial reforestation goals and public access to ornamental conifers.

Rudy's Shade Inc operates as a general plant nursery, which typically implies a focus on shade-tolerant foliage and bedding plants suited for Hilo's canopy-covered or lush garden environments.

The Rainbow Connection provides a broad inventory of general nursery plants. Such nurseries often act as neighborhood hubs for standard landscape fillers and common tropical shrubs.

Plant It Hawaii specializes in citrus and tropical fruit trees, providing a critical service to home orchardists. Their guidance on tree health and long-term care helps bridge the gap between initial planting and harvest maturity.

Jungle Mist Orchids targets the niche collector market by breeding miniature cymbidiums and rare epiphytes. They are a primary resource for enthusiasts who prioritize botanical diversity and specialized species-specific care.

Royal Palm Enterprises provides general nursery stock. As a generalist nursery, they typically carry a wide array of palm varieties and landscape ornamentals suited for the Hilo climate.

Fruit Trees Kakuis focuses on fruit-bearing specimens. For the local gardener, this means access to cultivars that have been pre-selected for the specific rainfall and soil conditions found in Hilo’s tropical landscape.

Buying Guide for HI Gardeners

  • Check Acclimation: Always prioritize plants grown locally. Hawaii nurseries ensure stock is hardened off to local humidity, reducing transplant shock compared to imported big-box items.
  • Understand Soil Needs: Hilo soil is often acidic and high in organic matter due to heavy rainfall. Before planting, consult a local garden center about necessary soil amendments like lime or balanced volcanic-friendly fertilizers.
  • Native vs. Invasive: Focus on native Hawaiian plants when possible. They generally require fewer pesticides and less water, as they have evolved to thrive in local conditions.
  • Inspect for Pests: Examine foliage for signs of pests or disease before finalizing your purchase. Look for healthy, bright root systems if the plant is in a container.
  • Plan for Seasonality: While Hilo offers year-round growing, many fruit trees have specific planting windows. Use the expertise of nursery staff to determine the best months for your chosen species.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the benefit of buying from a local Hilo nursery over a big-box store?

A: Local nurseries provide plants already acclimated to Hilo’s unique tropical environment and high-rainfall conditions. Unlike big-box stores that often ship in bulk from other regions, local nurseries carry cultivars specifically selected for Hawaii’s soil types and pest challenges. You also receive expert, site-specific advice from staff who understand local weather patterns, ensuring higher survival rates for your investment.

Q: How do I choose the right soil amendments for Hilo’s volcanic soil?

A: Hilo’s soil is often acidic and rich in organic matter, which can affect nutrient availability. Visit a garden center like Garden Exchange to get soil tests or recommendations for lime to balance pH levels. Always ask for amendments that are specifically formulated for tropical plants or native species, as standard mainland fertilizers may not suit the rapid growth cycles found in the islands.

Q: When is the best time to plant fruit trees in Hilo?

A: While Hilo’s climate allows for year-round growth, the best time to plant fruit trees is typically during the cooler, slightly drier months to avoid root rot from excessive, constant saturation. Many nurseries, such as Plant It Hawaii, have specific seasonal schedules for bare-root trees and saplings, so it is best to check their current inventory and planting calendar before starting your orchard project.

Q: Are native Hawaiian plants better for my home garden?

A: Yes, native plants are highly recommended for Hilo gardens because they have evolved to thrive in local conditions with minimal intervention. They typically require less fertilization, fewer water inputs, and possess natural resistance to local pests. Incorporating native species also supports the local ecosystem and biodiversity, making your garden a more sustainable part of the island landscape.

Q: What is the difference between a nursery and a garden center?

A: A nursery is primarily focused on the cultivation and propagation of plants, often specializing in specific types like orchids or fruit trees. A garden center acts more like a comprehensive retailer, offering a wider range of horticultural supplies, tools, soil amendments, and hardscape materials like stone or fountains. Many successful Hilo businesses, like Paradise Plants, function as both to provide a one-stop-shop experience.

⭐ 4.8 average rating across 20 verified nurseries in Hilo

The most popular reviews:

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David E Deutscha week ago

Always pleasant, always helpful, always knowledgeable, impeccably clean place with unbelievably varied stock. This is the place to go.

Garden Exchange Ltd
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brooklyn reida week ago

I absolutely love Paradise Plants! I always end up leaving with more than I planned because they have such a great selection. Their plants are always healthy, and their pond plants have done really well for me. They also have the cutest whimsical garden and home knick-knacks that make the shop so much fun to explore. The staff are always so friendly and happy to help, which makes the whole experience even better. One of my favorite places to shop on the Big Island!

Paradise Plants Home & Garden
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Rosalie Quinn4 weeks ago

Wow! The Dracula inaequalis I ordered from here is still producing new buds months later, even after shipping all the way to the East Coast. My Masdevallia Pinocchio is absolutely adorable and arrived so healthy. It even showed up in bloom (still flowering), which was such a wonderful surprise since I didn’t order a blooming plant! I can’t wait to order more unique orchids from here. The quality, plant health, and shipping were all outstanding.

Kalapana Tropicals
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Hawaiian Honey AT&S4 months ago

New discovery and so happy with it! 10/10 recommended! Beautiful orchids! Magical place. Great selection of coffee and smoothies

Jungle Mist Orchids
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Jacqueline Wu4 months ago

A hidden gem in the hills adjacent to Hilo. Take a break from the tourist traps and immerse yourself in nature at the Mauna Kea Bioreserve. You’ll have a chance to learn to about their conservation work and what’s at stake if we as the human race aren’t better stewards of the land. At the end of your tour, you’ll be treated with a swim at their gorgeous private waterfall. Many thanks to Axel and the wonderful staff/volunteers that make it possible for the public to enjoy a little bit of heaven on earth.

The Mauna Kea Cloudforest Bioreserve
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Luana K5 years ago

Excellent customer service! They didn’t have a plant we wanted, but they had great suggestions on who else might. Super helpful and lots of aloha!

Hawaiian Sunshine Nursery