The One Tree In Hawaii That S Worth Nearly Half A Million Dollars

With a climate unlike the rest of the United States, the Hawaiian Islands are home to some of the country’s most unique gardens. From cactus gardens to those hidden in plain sight, they feature thousands of species of tropical plants, and flora indigenous to the islands. And while these gardens are all truly unique in their own way, there is one garden hiding on the island of Oahu that is home to a giant monkeypod tree that generates nearly half a million dollars in revenue. Let’s take a look at this expensive tree, shall we?

The Monkeypod is both stately and iconic. It is easily one of the islands’ most cherished trees, enhancing landscapes and city streets, providing shade from the tropical heat, and serving as a constant reminder of Hawaii’s natural history.

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The tree can grow up to 80 feet in height, and was believed to have arrived in Hawaii in 1847.

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While you will find these unique trees across the Hawaiian Islands, you’ll find the largest one in Oahu’s Moanalua Gardens. It covers more than an acre, and is quite the sight to behold.

Patricia Barden/Flickr

Japanese electronics corporation Hitachi agrees. The towering, century-old monkeypod tree has served as the company’s advertising logo since 1975.

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Since 1975, the towering, century-old monkeypod has served as the advertising logo for Japanese electronics giant Hitachi. It is one of the most widely recognized corporate icons in Asia, as demonstrated by the busloads of Japanese tourists who visit the iconic tree every single day. It’s so well-known, in fact, that many people from Japan learn the Hitachi advertising jingle as children.

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And while the exact terms of the contract have not been disclosed, rumor has it that the current contract is similar to a previous ten-year pact in which Hitachi paid approximately $400,000 a year to use the monkeypod tree in its advertisements! And who said money doesn’t grow on trees?

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Moanalua Gardens is located at 2850 Moanalua Road A, Honolulu, HI 96819, and is worth a visit if you haven’t been! Have you ever visited this stately monkeypod tree? What about these 16 incredible botanical gardens?