Since 1957, the arboretum has expanded its many plant collections to include countless palms, heliconias, gingers, and other tropical plants from around the world. Lyon Arboretum is used for various ongoing research, such as micropropagation, seed storage, as well as a number of graduate student projects from the University of Hawai`i. Education is also an integral part of the arboretum: a number of classes are offered to the public, U.H. classes use the grounds for fieldtrips, and elementary schools come here for hands-on science classes. The arboretum is also a place for the community to get together through different groups such as Hui Hana, The Garden Club of Honolulu, and volunteer groups. Lyon Arboretum hosts three plant sales a year, involving several local nurseries, as well as plants grown in the arboretum greenhouses.

Lyon Arboretum is also a place for local people who want to escape the city, tourists who want to experience a tropical rainforest, artists who want to capture nature, and people who want to relax and meditate.

An Educational resource: Lyon Arboretum develops curriculum and teacher training for Island schools; maintains a living library for the use or scientists, University students, groups such as Elderhostel; and offers a wide range or classes a outings to the general public.

An Industry resource: Lyon Arboretum supports Hawai'i horticulture industry through outreach programs, workshops and plant propagation for public and commercial use.

An Academic resource: Lyon Arboretum Herbarium plant collection data compiled with GIS accuracy, extensive hybridization and cultivar development projects, and conservation biology efforts ha an international reputation 101 excellence.

A Cultural resource: The Beatrice H. Krauss Hawaiian Ethnobotanical Garden focuses on plants native to Hawai'i and those brought Polynesian settlers, including lo'i for growing taro, a food source central to Hawaiian culture.