Top Things to do in Kauai
Things to do in Kauai, Hawaii (HI): The Best Gardens
Relaxing and pristine Kauai (the Garden Island) is the least commercially developed of the Hawaiian islands. Waterfalls, scenic drives and more than 60 beaches dot the landscape. Some beaches have great snorkeling, others offer child-friendly tidal pools and some are perfect for all kinds of water sports. Dry-land activities include hiking the Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali coastline, taking a day trip to Waimea Canyon and experiencing life on a sugar plantation at Grove Farm Homestead Museum.
Restaurants in Kauai
1. Princeville Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,052 reviews
Princeville Botanical Gardens is a family owned and operated garden paradise located in the Princeville area on the magnificent north shore of Kauai. Established by The Robertson Family with the help of their close gardening friend Michael in 2001, this 9-acre property has been transformed into a breathtaking garden with dramatic landscaping in two steep valleys. The tour includes homegrown honey and fruit samples, as well as a chocolate tasting that teaches you the history of chocolate making. You'll have fun learning about the uses and folklore of native Hawaiian plants and exotic species from around the world. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Visitors can experience the garden on pre-scheduled tours on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Tours are not recommended for children under 6 years. Moderate mobility is needed to go on our nature walk. Please be sure to call us before visiting. Thank you!
Reviewed By MichelleK776 - Sacramento, United States
Expecting a typical botanical garden, I knew I would enjoy browsing through the flowers, but this is MUCH MORE. There is a little natural medicine, unexpected and very unusual plants, delightful grounds, a chocolate tasting and instructing, knowledgeable guide (Sara) and definitely worth the price. I would recommend this tour to ANYONE looking for something a bit unusual and entertaining on Kauai. Michelle K
2. Allerton Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,246 reviews
NTBG’s Allerton Garden Garden is located on the south shore of Kauai in the picturesque Lawai Valley. Tours run daily and include a ride from the Visitors Center in Poipu along a scenic coastal route and continue along the valley rim on a former sugarcane train railbed. Visitors disembark on the valley floor to explore this former private estate, named by National Geographic Traveler magazine as one of the 50 places to see in a lifetime. Plants form the walls of outdoor rooms, the canopy of trees the ceiling. Housed within are elegant statuary and water features. A popular spot for photos is the ‘Jurassic trees’, with their massive curving roots.National Tropical Botanical Garden is a nonprofit institution, dedicated to saving and studying tropical plants.
Reviewed By EthM_12 - Mission Viejo, United States
If you’re going to visit the botanical gardens, I highly recommend the Sunset Tour which includes a visit to the Allerton House along with the extensive gardens. Sabrina, our guide was very knowledgeable with both the history of the home, its owners and the various plants throughout the grounds. She also regaled is with some Hawaiian history, including the life of Queen Emmalani. The evening concluded with a nice dinner at the Allerton house after a short tour of the various rooms. We really enjoyed this tour, easy walking and full of information. Thanks also to Sabrina for making it so enjoyable.
3. Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 324 reviews
Reviewed By 184kathiel - Genoa, United States
It was hard (for me) to find where to turn into the gardens, but once we embarked on our tour it was well worth the effort. Informative and engaging tour guide, loved the fact that the property is self-sustaining, and we all appreciated the abundant, life-like bronze sculptures by a wide variety of artists. Highly recommend.
4. National Tropical Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 686 reviews
NTBG’s McBryde Garden and Allerton Garden are located on the south shore of Kauai in the picturesque Lawai Valley. Individual tours of each garden run daily and include a ride from the Visitors Center in Poipu along a scenic coastal route and continue along the valley rim on a former sugarcane train railbed. Visitors disembark on the valley floor to explore these outstanding gardens. McBryde, NTBG’s flagship garden, is home to the world’s largest collection of native Hawaiian flora, many endangered or having gone extinct in the wild. It is a “botanical ark”, filled with palms, flowering trees, ornamental flowers, and unusual plants from the tropical world. Allerton is a former private estate, named by National Geographic Traveler magazine as one of the 50 places to see in a lifetime. Plants form the walls of outdoor rooms, the canopy of trees the ceiling. Housed within are elegant statuary and water features. A popular spot for photos is the ‘Jurassic trees’, with their massive curving roots.National Tropical Botanical Garden is a nonprofit institution, dedicated to saving and studying tropical plants.
Reviewed By dennybruno - Merlin, United States
Just this weekend my daughter and I took the Allerton Tour and it was AMAZING! Wear your walking shoes and make sure your camera is fully charged as the vegetation and designs are INCREDIBLE! So much to see and learn! I MUST return to take this tour again as well as the others offered! Great for all ages above 16yrs.
5. Limahuli Garden and Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 649 reviews
Reviewed By JurgenR438 - Honolulu, United States
A local treasure under the shadow of the real BALI HAI! Lead yourself through the historical lands of ancient Hawaiians and learn a ton about the plants that they relied on to survive. There are plants here that you won’t find anywhere else and are on the verge of extinction. They provide a wonderful guide book as well as great signs to help you learn about the garden and it’s history. Since we live on Oahu, we were treated to free attendance otherwise you have to make a reservation.
6. Smiths Tropical Paradise
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 538 reviews
Reviewed By FarAway35393587817
I was immediately struck by the friendliness of the staff from the parking lot on. Everyone was well prepared to assist in any way. The ticket line was streamlined as we purchased tickets in advance and moved quickly through. We were greeted with shell necklaces which was a nice touch. The grounds were beautiful and there was just enough time to walk around it before the Imu ceremony. Afterwards, we grabbed some Mai Tai's that were already out at the bar. Some tables were reserved for families, but we were told to go to anyplace that had a napkin put in the glass as that meant it was open and available. It was nice to have a covered area with open sides to sit in as we did get a few drizzles of rain but enjoyed the breezes.. The buffet was very tasty with lots of variety. Again it was well run and everyone moved through pretty quickly. We found that after the first rush for drinks, we could go to the other bar and order any cocktail we wanted with little wait time. There was entertainment during dinner and afterwards we strolled over to an amphitheater for the show. I found the show to have lots of variety, the dancers seemed to enjoy their roles and it was impressive.
7. McBryde Garden
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 406 reviews
NTBG’s McBryde Garden is located on the south shore of Kauai in the picturesque Lawai Valley. Tours run daily and include a ride from the Visitors Center in Poipu along a scenic coastal route and continue along the valley rim on a former sugarcane train railbed. Visitors disembark on the valley floor to explore this outstanding garden, known for its diverse collection of tropical plants. McBryde, NTBG’s flagship garden, is home to the world’s largest collection of native Hawaiian flora, many endangered or having gone extinct in the wild. It is a “botanical ark”, filled with palms, flowering trees, ornamental flowers, and unusual plants from the tropical world.National Tropical Botanical Garden is a nonprofit institution, dedicated to saving and studying tropical plants.
Reviewed By Prius909 - San Diego, United States
We had a very interesting and informative guided tour at McBryde Gardens. We took the new Wailele (Waterfall) Tour. It is a great tour and highly recommended. We were fortunate to have Clayton as our driver/guide. Clayton is very knowledgeable on most subjects in the garden, be it fauna or flora. He made the tour much more enjoyable. We even got up close and personal with several head of cattle, as we crossed some pasture land on foot, enroute to the falls. In addition to the falls, we stopped at the Canoe Garden, the native plant garden, and the tree of life trail. Experiences may vary, as each guide will give you different looks at the property.
8. Moir Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 106 reviews
Reviewed By stefnpsp - Palm Springs, United States
What a great garden to wander thru and enjoy, part of the history of Kiuhana Plantation. Who knew succulents and ca it would grow so well in a beach environment?
9. Allerton Garden
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 3 reviews
