Kauai is home to 2 National Tropical Botanical Gardens sites, Limahuli Gardens and Preserve on the North Shore, and The Allerton and McBryde Gardens (which are adjacent each other) near the Spouting Horn. These collections feature native Hawaiian plants, Polynesian medicinals, palms, and breadfruit varieties.

 

Opened to the public in 1995, Limahuli Garden and Preserve (808 826-1053), in Ha'ena, covers 1000 acres of the Limahuli Valley and goes from sea level to 3300 ft. This creates a variety of unique habitiats for indiginous plants of Hawaii. Seventeen acres is dedicated to gardens open for tours.

 

The Allerton Gardens (808 742 2623) have the largest collection of rare plants in the world including some 26,000 species of tropical flora. Guided tours are available for the Allerton gardens, while both guided and self guided tours of the adjacent McBryde Gardens are available.

 

Na 'Aina Kai Botanical Gardens (808 828-0525) in Kilauea is a 240 acre site with a diverse array of attractions. Orchids, desert plants, hardwood stands, fruit orchards, water and bog plants, and a unique collection of some 60 bronze sculptures. Tours are available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

 

Smaller gardens are worth a look too. Kiahuna Plantation gardens are beautiful, as well as the adjacent Moir Cactus Garden.

 

Next to the public golf course in Kalaheo, is Kukuiolono Park. A short trail leads by a Japanese garden, Hawaiian legend stones, and vistas of the Pacific beyond.

 

Menehune Park in Waimea features native dry side plants.