Oahu Tropical Garden: Balinese Pavilions, Palm-Fringed Paths, and Polynesian-Asian Plant Collections

Oahu Tropical Garden: Balinese Pavilions, Palm-Fringed Paths, and Polynesian-Asian Plant Collections

Greg and Lynn Boyer's Oahu garden, six years old, transforms a slope into a tropical paradise blending Hawaiian and Balinese styles.

• Two-story atrium entry: temple bells, screen roof, fish in urn among jungly plants.
• Back deck opens to verdant slope: palm fronds dance, gingers/heliconias glow, plumeria/gardenia perfume air.
• Deck steps down to valley floor; rock walls/fountains from gathered stones; concrete pavers for "fan palm path" to streamside patio.
• Three garden pavilions (destinations) connected by paths, steps, floating walkways.

Blend of South Pacific Styles

• Thatched-roof balé (Balinese pavilion) from kit on deck's second level—favorite relaxation spot.
• The Rice House (two-level, shipped from Indonesia) at mid-slope; friends stay overnight.
• Dining pavilion (local materials, mimics Balinese pavilion) nearby.
• Circle of palms on soil platform edged with stones recalls heiaus (ancient Hawaiian temples).

Annual Asia trips for sketching, painting, garden treasures. "It's a refuge, an escape. Reminds us of places we've traveled."

Bring Your Vacation Home

• Install a retreat (pavilion/daybed/pune'e) away from house—journey to reach it.
• Exotic woods (teak, rattan), synthetic grass-look rugs, Javanese batik/Hawaiian tapa for pillows.
• Containers: bromeliads, Caladium bicolor, cannas, elephant ears, small palms.
• Stone statues from Asia tucked in foliage for surprise.

Design: Greg Boyer-Hawaiian Landscapes, Kaneohe, Oahu, HI (808/239-8264)