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Amenities for these lucky ducks at Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens include a 32-acre lake and an abundance of greenery, including endangered and rare plants, set on some 400 acres of land.

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Lucky ducks

One sunny September day, amateur photographer Ricky Oshima took in the beauty at Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens in Heeia and came across these fortunate creatures who reside at the city's 400-acre park.

"The ducks looked so happy living over there -- so cute," he says. "It's such a nice place. I really enjoy (being out) in nature."

Oshima spends much of his time indoors, in the Hyatt Regency Waikiki kitchen where he's a chef. Exploring the great outdoors with his camera in tow is one of his favorite things to do in his free time.

Oshima says he was surprised that the park was so deserted on the day he visited.

"I didn't see people around at all. I want people to know about this wonderful park. Such beautiful nature."

If you want to take Oshima's advice, Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. They're closed on Christmas and New Year's. Call 233-7323 to find out more.

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Most of the birds Ricky Oshima saw were enjoying a leisurely day.

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One industrious duck built a nest.

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