Aibonito is known as La Ciudad de las Flores (city of the flowers). The town was founded in March 13, 1824 by Manuel Vélez.

Aibonito derives its name from a name given by the Indians, "Jatibonucu" which literally means "Great People of the Sacred High Waters". The tribe or yucayeque living in the area was known as Jatibonicu and it was lead by Cacique Orocobix (Indian chief). In fact, the Jatibonicu region covered the same area as the current towns of Aibonito, Orocovis, Barranquitas, Morovis and Corozal.

A legend also claims that one day a Spaniard wake up over the Asomante mountain and overwhelm by the beauty of the place he exclaim "Ay, que bonito" (Oh, how beautiful!).

Aibonito is territory is mountainous, located in the Mountain Range of Cayey, north of Salinas; south of Barranquitas and Comerio; east of Coamo; and west of Cidra and Cayey. Aibonito reaches one of the highest elevation point in the island. The town's highest peaks are Verdún (760 m), Piedra Degetau (730 m), El Indio (620 m), and Amoldadero (530 m). Many rivers cross the town including Aibonito, La Plata, Usabón, and Cuyón. The annual precipitation is approximately 90 inches and the average temperature is 75ºF.

The first Catholic church was built in 1825. The building was later replaced by the current church, which was started in 1887 and completed in 1897.

Aibonito is known for its flowers, and since 1969, a two-weekend event draws big crowds of locals and visitors. The Festival de las Flores (Flowers Festival) is celebrated every year from the last weekend of June up to the first weekend of July. It's considered the most important flower event on the island, the festivities include flower shows, handcrafts displays, kid rides, music and food.

Aibonito's main industry is chicken, followed by flowers, some tobacco, coffee and cattle.

There are many well-known "aiboniteños", among them:

• Rubén Berrios Martínez, politician
• Rafael Pont Flores, journalist
• Juan Martínez Capó, writer
• Manuel Alvarez Nazario, writer

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