7 The Best Kauai Botanical Gardens With Wonderful Tours
One of my favorite activities is exploring Kauai botanical gardens, that distinguishing it from other islands of Hawaii. Kauai is home to stunning gardens on both the north and south shores. Do you know why Kauai is known as the Garden Isle? Kauai Island is worthy of this name with its picturesque views and plant collection. If you are like those visitors who want a taste of both worlds, this island is best for you to visit.
Key Takeaways
- Nature’s Hidden Gems: Kauai’s botanical gardens offer stunning landscapes, rare plant species, a peaceful escape into nature, and a deep connection to Hawaii’s cultural and botanical history.
- Perfect for All Ages: Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or family, Kauai’s botanical gardens provide an enriching experience for everyone. Your visits support the protection of Hawaii’s unique flora for future generations.
- A Tour for Every Taste: From guided tours to self-exploration, each garden provides a unique experience, catering to various interests and adventure levels.
“In every botanical garden in Kauai, where flowers bloom, so does hope and the spirit of Hawaii.”
David Martins
So whenever you plan to visit this Hawaii island Kauai, remember to see one or more of these gardens. Here, everyone can enjoy the most significant aspects of multiple gardens, whether they want to take the perfect picture with the Jurassic Park Trees or have limited time to visit other gardens. These gardens have a variety of tropical flowers and plants.
The best time to visit is February and March when the flowers bloom. You will surely love every leaf and petal in these gardens. Before moving on, let’s discover Kauai’s top 7 best botanical gardens and their tours.
Top 7 Best Botanical Gardens in Kauai
Following are the seven best botanical gardens in Kauai to visit:
1) allerton botanical gardens in kauai
Allerton botanical gardens in Kauai 1 is located near the ocean in the Lawai Valley on Kauai’s south side. This lovely garden is home to 858 different plants and ferns. Movie lovers remember this garden for its beautiful Moreton Bay fig tree. This tree appeared in “Jurassic Park” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.”
Queen Emma bought this land and some of the greenery she planted at that time is still visible today. Now, plants from around the Pacific have added to the beauty of this garden. Some are huge and unique like heliconia, torch ginger, and bougainvillea. Allerton Garden address and phone number is:
- Address: 425 Lawai Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
- Contact: (808) 742-2623,
allerton botanical gardens in kauai Tours
Today, Allerton Garden is in charge of the National Tropical Botanical Garden and can only be visited with a guide. This is one of the well-known tours offered by the NTBG, which is also very informative and takes about 2.5 hours. In addition, Allerton Garden also holds tours and one can make the reservation online. A guide will lead you through the garden, providing insights into the plants and their history. Things to Remember are:
- The guided tours start at 9 am till 3 pm.
- Sunset tours daily have different timings.
- Discovery Combination Tour daily at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm.
- The “Allerton by Fire” tour is a unique experience that combines the beauty of the botanical garden with a traditional luau dinner. Then, you’ll enjoy a feast of Polynesian cuisine, live music, and a mesmerizing fire dance performance.
If you are willing to take the tour, arrive 30 minutes prior with Closed-toe shoes or secured hiking sandals. The tours involve bus rides to the garden. Buses depart on time and don’t wait for guests arriving after departure Mahalo.
For Tour Cancellation: A refund requires 24-hour cancellation notice, while groups of 8 or more need at least 5 days’ advance notice.
All tours leave from the South Shore Visitors Center. A short guided tram ride will take you into the garden. Here, you will discover some rooms known as “50 Places of a Lifetime” by National Geographic Traveler, a recognition that highlights the unique and breathtaking beauty of the Allerton Garden. This recognition is a testament to the garden’s exceptional beauty and the unique experience it offers to visitors.
2) McBryde Garden, Kauai
The McBryde Garden2 is the second in Lawai Valley and the largest ex-situ (off-site) conservation of native Hawaiian plants. A place that used to be a sugarcane plantation owned by McBryde today hosts kaupapa or Vulcan palm.
Kaupua, or Vulcan palm exists only in wild environments. It hosts all 27 canoe plants that colonists brought on voyages to create new settlements. The plant collections are easily accessible through self-guided or guided tours, including night tours on certain evenings. McBryde Garden address and phone number is:
- Address: 4425 Lawai Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
- Contact: (808)-742-2623,
Following are the seven best botanical gardens in Kauai to visit:
McBryde Garden Tours
Feel free to explore the McBryde Garden at your own pace with a self-guided tour. If you prefer a guided experience, you can join a tour that includes McBryde and Allerton Gardens. Also watch bay fig tree. This tree appeared in “Jurassic Park” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.”
History of the Allerton and McBryde Gardens
During your tour, you’ll uncover the fascinating history of these two Kauai botanical gardens. The history of these gardens is a testament to the island’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring legacy of those who have contributed to their development.
Queen Emma
Allerton Garden was created on land that was once the favored hideaway of Hawaii’s Queen Emma in the late 1800s. The sugar planter lady loved to plant roses, apples, mangoes, bamboo, and bougainvillea on the valley’s cliffs.
The McBryde family
The McBryde family acquired the land from her and conveyed the lower valley to Alexander McBryde in 1899. Alexander transported one of Queen Emma’s cottages to the valley floor and resided in it for a long time. He also planted ferns, plumeria, and palms in the beachside gardens.
The Allerton family
The Allerton’s who were world travelers and wealthy philanthropists, bought this from Alexander McBryde in 1938. Robert Allerton and his son, John Gregg Allerton, built a unique garden, like outdoor “rooms.” These rooms display plant walls, European statues, fountains, pools by the step of gravity, and cascading waterfalls.
the National Tropical Botanical Garden
In the 1960s, Robert Allerton found a group aspiring to build a tropical botanical garden for the USA. He gave money to the community to purchase the McBryde next to the Allerton Garden. Initially, the land was called the Lawai Garden, but after receiving donations from the McBryde family in 2000, it was renamed the McBryde Garden.
After Mr.John Gregg Allerton’s death, the Allerton Garden was handed over to a trust entity. Together with the McBryde Garden, now it is in charge of the National Tropical Botanical Garden today.
To Sum Up
If you are willing to take the tour, arrive 30 minutes prior with Closed-toe shoes or secured hiking sandals. The tours involve bus rides to the garden. Buses depart on time and don’t wait for guests arriving after departure Mahalo.
3) Limahuli Garden and Preserve
Situated on the North Shore of Kauai, the Limahuli Garden3 is the third National Tropical Botanical Garden of Kauai. This is a 17-acre terraced garden with taro fields and other plants and is part of the 985-acre Limahuli Preserve.
The garden is well-shaped and if one follows the trail, they will finally reach the top of the lava rock terraces. This spot was one of the historic places where oahi (fireworks) were burned. It was mentioned in the epic of Hiiaka (the volcano goddess Pele’s youngest sister).
The site preserves native culture and gives experience of ancient Hawaii. It is home to some of the rarest species of plants, like the kokio keokeo, which was once considered an extinct white hibiscus. You can pick a self-guided or guided tour; there are family, private, and specialty tours. Limahuli Botanical Garden address and phone number is:
- Address: 5-8291 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
- Contact: (808) 826-1053
Limahuli Garden Tour
If you choose to go alone, you are given an informative pamphlet to follow as you traverse the garden. The walk takes around 1.5 hours on a gravel path and lava steps with uneven surfaces and an elevation gain of 200ft. 2.5-hours tours with the garden’s guide are also provided. The Limahuli Botanical Garden is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
4) na aina kai botanical gardens kauai hawaii
Na Aina Kai botanical gardens Kauai Hawaii4 is a privately owned estate that turned into public garden in Kilauea where landscaping is on another level. Joyce and Ed Doty pursued art and gardening as their strongest passions and created the most profound bond with the land and people of the tropics.
Na Aina Kai is a privately owned estate that turned into public garden in Kilauea where landscaping is on another level. Joyce and Ed Doty pursued art and gardening as their strongest passions and created the most profound bond with the land and people of the tropics.
It is a 240-acre garden with a tranquil lagoon and 123 acres of hardwood forest. One could never guess that this artificial oasis took years of research and effort. It has more than 120 full-size bronze sculptures, a reproduction of Hawaiian ahupua’a, and even a replica of a Navajo village.
Nowadays, its mission is multifaceted, following the initial solid base of the garden’s vision. With several tour themes and settings, Na Aina Kai is the best place for everybody and even children can get their tours here.
The Na ‘Aina Kai garden is open Monday through Friday, except on weekends. By visiting their website, you can check hours, tour reservations, and additional information. Na Aina Kai Gardens address and phone number is:
- Address: 4101 Wailapa Rd, Kilauea, HI 96754,
- Contact: (808) 828-0525
Na ‘Aina Kai Tours
Several tours are offered on different days of the week, including the following:
- Ride: 3-hour open-air cart ride (youths must be 13 or older).
- Stroll: 1½-hour guided walking tour
- Beach walk: This walk is comfortable but has some reasonably steep sections (there are rope handrails in steeper places). It takes you from the formal gardens to wild nature and then down to the white sands of Kaluakai Beach.
- A walking tour of the formal gardens and the sculpture park is organized as a self-guided.
5) kauai botanical gardens Princeville
Kauai botanical gardens Princeville 5 is also located on Kauai’s North Shore. Some 20 years ago, it started as a hobby for Bill and Lucinda Robertson, but now it has become a full-time “love.” Nothing is better than walking through the jungle, seeing beautiful Kauai sights, and tasting chocolate.
The Robertssons cut down the jungle to regain their land and removed invasive species. Thus, they created a family-operated botanical garden with multiple plants and flowers. These gardens are home to fruit trees, unusual and rare plants, medicinal herbs, and coffee and cacao trees.
Just like McBryde Gardens (#2 here), the Princeville Gardens is rich in many plants that are native and healthy for food. It first opened to the public in 2010. Previously, this area of Kauai was used for cattle farmland. This garden is not only full of flowers but you can also savor chocolate there! The garden is open only during the provided guided tours. Princeville Botanical Gardens address and phone number is:
- Address: 3840 Ahonui Pl, Princeville, HI 96722
- Contact: (808) 634-5505
Princeville Botanical Gardens tours
The family-run Princeville Botanical Gardens offers a three-hour tour with chocolate, fruit, and honey samples. That’s where you’ll discover the unknown chocolate-making process and cacao and fruit trees nestled in the jungle. At the end, you have a 30-minute interactive session to learn about cacao, watch chocolatiers at work, and taste even more chocolate!
This garden is only accessible on a guided tour, which is available regardless of weather conditions. Walking sticks, bug spray, and umbrellas are given at the start. Keep in mind that some slopes and stairs are on the way. Want more details about this unique Princeville chocolate and Princeville garden combination?
6) Smith’s Tropical Paradise
Smith’s Tropical Paradise6 is a 30-acre lush garden park that is the perfect place to breathe fresh air and unwind. It is situated centrally in Wailua Marina State Park on the eastern part of Kauai, known as “The Coconut Coast.”
The garden is well-shaped and if one follows the trail, they will finally reach the top of the lava rock terraces. This spot was one of the historic places where oahi (fireworks) were burned. It was mentioned in the epic of Hiiaka (the volcano goddess Pele’s youngest sister).
This spot is just a few minutes from the main highway but still far away from intrusive traffic noises. It is an ideal place for a weekend afternoon picnic or a stroll through the garden. Kauai’s most famous luau shows are also recorded here. Smith’s Tropical Paradise address and phone number is:
- Address: 3-5971 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
- Contact: (808) 821-6895
Smiths Fern Grotto Tour
The Fern Grotto is a beautiful tour full of wonders. Ferns normally on the roof of grotto and are well known from centuries. This tour is in the Smiths boats specially designed and protected from sudden rain water. This tour takes almost one hour and thirty minutes.
7) Moir Gardens: kauai botanical gardens poipu
The Moir Gardens were developed in the 1930s and planted on the Kiahuna Plantation grounds in kauai botanical gardens Poipu. It was Alexandra Sandie Moir (the wife of the sugar plantation manager, Hector Moir) who created the garden.
This garden opened its doors to the public in the 1950s. It is now a visitor’s favorite spot and contains many rare plants and native species. This garden is also known as Pa’u a Laka (meaning skirt of lake and named after the Hawaiian goddess of hula).
What’s unique about this garden is that it was burned, so it doesn’t grow many tropical plants like heliconia, ginger, and hibiscus. Alexandra Moir knew these conditions so she filled it with cacti and succulents.
It has become a significant cactus and succulent garden next to “Huntington” and “the Royal Gardens of Monaco.” It has been published worldwide through many publications, like Great Gardens of America, Sunset, and Life magazines.
The garden is also home to other plants that don’t need much rain, like orchids, bromeliads, and many giant trees. It strongly connects to Hawaiian tradition with plants such as wiliwili, hau, coconut, and plumeria.
In addition, visitors can also find an extensive collection of foreign species collected by Moir’s brother-in-law, William Whitmore Goodall Moir. Multiple lava rock ponds in Moir Gardens have Japanese koi fish and water lilies that add to the Moir Gardens’ beauty.
- Address: Koloa, HI 96756
Role of National Tropical Botanical Garden
NTBG is a non-profit organization based in Hawaii, having primary objective to restore relationship between people, plants and places. Its mission is to discover, study, and share information about the planet’s tropical plants. Thus, it saves as much native Hawaiian flora for the next generation as possible.
It fulfills its mission by utilizing scientific research, habitat restoration, and education.
- The McBryde Garden was the first garden in the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) collection.
- The Allerton Garden was later added to the NTBG.
- The third one in the collection is the Limahuli Garden.
Additionally, two other NTBG gardens are away from Kauai, i.e., Kahanu Garden in Maui and Kampong in Coconut Grove, Florida.
I am sure you are ready to spend your coming vacation in Kauai, Hawaii. Must include to visit at least 1 tour in your itinerary for Kauai vacations. Here are some tips to make your tour memorable:
Tips to Visit the Kauai Botanical Gardens
- Use bug Spray: High trees, dense shades, and tranquil waters shelter those blood-sucking monsters. So don’t give bugs a chance. Protect yourself easily by spraying a bug killer.
- Book in Advance: Tours get filled up faster than you would imagine, especially in the peak winter season. So always try to book in advance. However, if you want, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
- Prepare for the Weather: In Kauai, a surprise shower is part of the magic. Tours continue throughout the day, irrespective of the weather. Therefore, carry a rain jacket in your backpack and don’t bother with every bit of drizzle and drop on the way.
- Comfortable Shoes: You’ll walk on uneven ground, so ensure your shoes are comfortable.
FAQ
Final Words
The island of Kauai is a wonder of nature’s creation with blessed flowers, lovely fruits, native flora, canoes, and rare plants. Kauai’s botanical gardens have a special place on the island. They’re among the most breathtaking places on the island.
When you are tired of exploring its beaches, these places are well worth visiting!
References & External Links
- Allerton Garden Kauai
- McBryde Garden Kauai
- Limahuli Garden Kauai
- Na Aina Kai botanical Garden
- Princeville Botanical Gardens
- Smith’s Tropical Paradise
