Going Green: Featuring the Magnificent Kauai Gardens

Kauai is called the "Garden Isle" because of its vast tropical treasures and plant life. You get to see some very rare flora in different spots of the island as well as the most important ones in famous parks and tended gardens. 3 of the 5 national botanical gardens are actually located in the island containing indigenous and ancient vegetation dating back since its earliest days. Here are the best Kauai gardens.

The National Tropical Botanical Gardens

The 3 national tropical botanical gardens are namely Limahuli Garden & Preserve, Allerton Garden and McBryde Garden. Limahuli Garden & Preserve features about 1,000 acres of gardens in the Limahuli Valley on the north shore of the island. Allerton Garden features over 100 acres of oceanfront gardens in the Lawai Valley on the south shore of the island. McBryde Garden several endangered Hawaiian plant and animal species.

Limahuli Garden & Preserve is open all week from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. except on Monday and Saturday. You get to see the high peaks created by thousands of years of rain and wind.

A guided tour for 2 to 2.5 hours or a self-guided tour for 1 to 1.5 hours will take you through 17 acres of garden and rainforest showing the natural beauty and riches of Kauai. Taro continues to thrive on very old lava rock terraces. Some native plants in the Kauai garden were actually brought by Polynesian explorers thousands of years ago. It is ideal to bring walking shoes, mosquito repellent and hat or umbrella.

Allerton Garden is a landscaped estate location presenting special collections of Polynesian herbal plants, coffee varieties, breadfruit cultivars, native Hawaiian plants, palms and erythrinas. Guided tours last 2.5 hours including a 15-minute tram ride and an easy walk for 1 mile. The Kauai garden is open for tours from Monday to Saturday. It is recommended to bring walking shoes, mosquito repellent and hats.

The McBryde Garden has some research and conservation collections as well as a laboratory where experts continue to study the various benefits of different native Hawaiian plants. The garden is located at Lawai Valley offering self-guided tours lasting 1.5 hours including a 15-minute tram ride plus a moderate walk for 1 mile. The garden is open from Monday to Saturday and visitors are advised to bring walking shoes, mosquito repellent, hats and bottled water.

Other Great Gardens of Kauai

Smith’s Tropical Paradise features 30 acres of fruits, flowers and other native Hawaiian vegetation in the Wailua River Valley plus a captivating backdrop of fish-filled lagoons. Kukuiolono Park is found on Papalina Road, Kalaheo on the grounds of the Kukuiolono Public Golf Course. The park is just adjacent to the golf course featuring Hawaiian legend stones, panoramic views of valleys, peaks, rainforests and the coast and a mini Japanese Garden. The place is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. with no entrance fee.

Na ’Aina Kai Botanical Gardens is located at Wailapa Road, Kilauea which is a 240-acre Kauai garden containing unique garden scenes, water features, hardwood plantation, beach and over 90 bronze statues. You also get to see the beautiful orchid collection and miniature ahupua’a.

Tours are available from Tuesday through Friday all-year-round. Moir Gardens at Poipu is found on the grounds of the Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation which used to be the estate of Hawaii’s first sugar plantation manager. Moir Gardens publicly opened in 1954 showcasing orchids, water lily ponds, cactus and succulents.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kauai Life

Kauai life is truly magnificent, exciting and pleasurable which undoubtedly explains why hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to the island every year. There are several natural and man-made attractions and sites that have existed for thousands of years leading to a solid cultural heritage. Before visiting, you need to have the answers to some FAQs to determine which locations and activities suit your trip best.

Learning More about the Island

1. Why is Kauai called the “Garden Isle”? 

Kauai got its name because of its rich tropical life filled with green valleys, deep jungles and beautiful gardens. Mt. Wai’ale’ale is home to the wettest spot on the planet, receiving around 400 inches of rain annually. 3 of the 5 National Tropical Botanical Gardens are located in the island namely Allerton, McBryde and Limahuli. Kauai life actually stemmed from abundant sugarcane fields, vegetable plantations and farms. A lot of plants you see today were originally brought by Polynesian explorers who intended to enhance agriculture and herbal methods.

2. What attractions should I look forward to?

There are both artificial and natural tourist attractions that define Kauai life well. You can find several ancient heiaus or Hawaiian temples where ancient villagers and chiefs used to worship their gods and goddesses. Here you will find artifacts and other sacred structures like totem poles. Ancient burial sites and secret caves are also found all across the island nearby captivating waterfalls, tropical jungles and seaside cliffs. Several popular movies were filmed in different spots of Kauai such as “Jurassic Park”, “Might Joe Young”, “King Kong” and “6 Days, 7 Nights”.

Kauai is around 5.1 million years old and has a number of popular volcanoes and peaks. It is also home to the enchanting Na Pali Coast which was formed from several volcanic eruptions. Experience the Great Canyon of the Pacific or Waimea Canyon which is more colorful than the Grand Canyon in Arizona. It is 10 miles long and have hiking trails leading to towns and tropical jungles.

3. What can I do in Kauai?

Some of the popular activities that resemble Kauai life include swimming, snorkeling, sand strolling, hiking, horseback riding, scuba diving, surfing, bodysurfing, windsurfing and experiencing festivals and luaus. Some must-see beaches include Hanakapi’ai Beach and Kalalau Beach. You should also try the Kalalau Trail from Ke’e Beach that takes you to some majestic views of valleys, coasts and peaks.

A lot of people get married Hawaiian style using authentic floral decorations, lei ceremonies and seaside landscapes. It is the perfect vacation spot for the entire family as well as lone individuals. There are a number of world-class hotels like the Hyatt, Hilton and Marriott. The downtown area is also bustling with Kauai life with festive bars and clubs, restaurants serving international dishes and shopping hubs.

More Questions

4. What natural attractions can I expect?

Na Pali Coast is home to the rare monk seals as well as other species like the nene geese, dolphin and humpback whale. Tourists come to watch whales and other marine life from December to April. You can also find a lot of waterfalls as you explore deeper into the island such as Wailua Falls, Opaekaa Falls and Manawaipuna Falls which was featured in “Jurassic Park”. Some of these spots can be trekked to or you may avail of a helicopter tour as well for a better view.

5. What can I expect about the weather?

Kauai life usually has moderate and comfortable climate and temperature. Poipu in the south shore is the sunniest while the western parts leading to Mana, Polihale and Kekaha are the driest. All coastal areas are generally sunny and comfortably warm. Temperatures tend to get cooler in the evening all across the island. Generally, it rains a lot in Kauai.

Discovering Famous Kauai Historical Sites

There is an abundance of Kauai historical sites since the island is over 5 million years old and is the oldest in all of Hawaii. Several explorers from Polynesia, Europe and America have already visited the island over several centuries so some structures and places have a legend to tell. Find out more about Hawaiian culture, history and tradition and unveil the secrets to some of Kauai’s treasures.

Built on Belief

There used to be several bellstones located all over the different islands of Hawaii. These were struck at a specific point to resonate a unique tone that can be heard from distance locations. The bellstone is rung to inform people from nearby villages and islands of a special event such as a royal birth.

The bellstone at Highway 580, Wailua, East Kauai is found downhill from two big boulders that were specifically placed to calibrate the Hawaiian calendars according to the winter and summer solstices. To reach the bellstone, go to Mile Marker #1 on Highway 580 or Kuamo’o Road until you reach the dirt road leading to the ocean. Follow the path until you reach the two big boulders. The Kauai historical site is 100 feet from the guardrail. It is illegal to move or deface any of the two boulders.

The Captain James Cook Monument is located at Hofgard Park, Waimea, West Kauai. It was erected in memory of the British sailor who influenced a lot of Hawaii’s history when he reached the Waimea Harbor in 1778. He led 2 ships namely Resolution and Discovery and is considered to be the pioneering westerner to ever set foot on Kauai. The Captain however, was killed by local villagers over a small rowboat dispute. The original monument can be found in the sailor’s hometown in Whitby, England.

Several bridges served important roles for many important Hawaiian villagers and events. Try visiting Hanalei Bridge at Highway 560, North Kauai. Vehicles can actually pass through the bridge since it has a 15-ton weight capacity.

The single lane requires all vehicles on one side to cross first followed by others on the opposite side. Hanapepe Swinging Bridge is located at Highway 50, South Kauai which is a foot bridge rebuilt after the 1992 hurricane destroyed the original one. Kauai historical sites include a lot of temples or heiaus such as Holoholoku Heiau, Malae Heiau, Napali Coast Heiau and Hikinaakala Heiau.

Famous Historical Landmarks

The Kilauea Lighthouse is located at the northernmost tip of the major Hawaiian islands. It was built in 1913 and used to have the largest lens of its kind guiding ships to and from the Orient. It stopped guiding ships in 1970 but still serves as popular tourist location. The lighthouse is also near the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge so people actually come to witness some rare birds and marine species.

Fort Elizabeth in Waimea, Southwest Kauai was built by the Russian doctor George Scheffer with the help of King Kaumuali’i in 1816. The original purpose for building the fort was not realized when Scheffer was brought back to Russia. King Kamehameha gained control of it afterwards.

Another natural Kauai historical site is Sleeping Giant in Kapaa, East Kauai. This is a Nounou Mountain ridge that has a very similar appearance to a sleeping giant. Invaders were warded off by Kauai villagers by lighting fires behind the mountain which illuminated the figure. Hiking trails that lead up the mountain are available for tourists.

The Top Kauai Activities You Should Not Miss

Kauai is very rich in natural resources, culture and traditions which is why you have to make the most out of your vacation. If you’re only planning to stay for a few days, make sure you do the most memorable Kauai activities that will truly make the trip worthwhile. These things are great whether you’re going solo, on a honeymoon or with the entire family. Make reservations and a sound budget today.

Appreciating Nature

Kauai has a lot of state parks and natural scenic views such as Koke’e State Park and Waimea Canyon. Koke’e State Park borders the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” and ranges more than 4,000 acres. Here you can enjoy over 40 hiking trails with captivating backgrounds. Waimea Canyon is 10 miles long, 2 miles wide and 3,600 feet deep featuring an array of colors.

The Na Pali Coast is one of the most popular sites in the island featuring 22 miles of volcanic cliffs. Take a boat or helicopter ride to view the coast fully. Helicopter rides are definitely preferred if you want a clearer picture of waterfalls, sea cliffs, mountains and volcanoes. The Limahuli Garden and Preserve is more than 1,000 acres of tropical abundance in Haena at the northern part of Kauai.

Some spots in Kauai have been used in movies and television shows. Find out where big hits like Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park, Gilligan’s Island, Blue Hawaii, etc. were shot by taking the Movie Tours via bus, 4x4 or helicopter. Learn more about the plantation life and fields of old Kauai by taking the Kauai Plantation Train which features wooden cars at Kilohana camp. You get to see the best of Hawaiian agriculture and produce like pineapple, coffee, tropical flowers and banana.

Enjoy the many open and commercial beaches and resorts all across the island where you can enjoy Kauai activities on and off shore. Some must-visit spots include Princeville resort, Hanalei Lookout and town, Ke’e Beach, the Coconut Coast and Kilauea National Wildlife Refuge and Lighthouse. Kauai is also every golfer’s paradise featuring some of the best golf courses in the world. Try a few holes at Poipu Bay Golf Course which has an attractive ocean view and challenging layout.

Modern Kauai Activities

If you prefer to explore the towns and cities in Kauai, there are also a wide array of restaurants, spas, shopping centers and business hubs available. Poipu Beach has several great dining places specializing in ethnic cuisine and seafood. In Hanapepe Town you can find Hanapepe Cafe for a romantic dinner and original slack key guitar tunes by Cindy Combs then visit the nearby galleries afterwards.

Hanapepe comes to life in the evening especially during weekends so expect to see clubs and bars offering delectable appetizers and cocktails. Tradewinds, a South Seas Bar is located in Coconut Marketplace in Kapaa where you can enjoy a Hawaiian style bar with karaoke, games and other fun Kauai activities.

Crafts and other gift items are available at Vintage Aloha in Hanapepe Road, Kalaheo. Glass art can be found at Kela’s Glass Gallery while Hawaiian tank tops, shirts and outfits are sold at Nite Owl T-Shirts in Eleele, Kauai.

Shopping centers and malls are also located in Lihue such as the Anchor Cove Shopping Center where you can buy Hawaiian books, crafts and souvenirs.

An Introduction to Kauai Vacation

Image Source: blog.gulivers.com

A Hawaiian trip is one of the most exhilarating experiences for any person in the globe. The 51st state of America features a lot of rich culture and history that will surely give you an unforgettable stay. A Kauai vacation is considered a top choice because of the various beautiful sights as well as the traditions that make it one majestic island. Find out more about the place especially its unique layout and geography.

About the Island

The name Kauai probably originated from Hawai’iloa, the Polynesian explorer who is known to have discovered Hawaii. Hawai’iloa was said to have a favorite son whom he named the island after. It also translates to “food season” or “place around the neck” just as how a father would lift his favorite child. The population in the island ranges over 60,000. The United States Census Bureau defines Kauai as Census Tracts 401 to 409. This includes all of Kauai County except for the islands Lehua, Ni’ihau and Ka’ula.

Kauai or Kaua’i is the oldest and fourth largest main island in the Hawaiian archipelago. It is also the 21st largest island in America which lies 105 miles across the Kaua’i Channel, just northwest of O’ahu. It is also called “Garden Isle” with blooming flora and fauna, great weather and captivating volcanoes.

The island is of volcanic origin with Kawaikini the highest peak standing at 5,243 feet and Mount Wai’ale’ale at the center of Kauai at 5,148 feet. It is one of the wettest places in the plant with annual rainfall resulting to deep valleys, canyons and waterfalls.

Lihue Airport is the main air transportation hub of the island. There are several towns and cities all over Kauai but majority of the distinctive ones are located from the northern tip of Hawaii Route 560 to the western end of Hawaii Route 50. Some popular places include Kapa’a, Lihu’e, Wailua, Princeville, Hanalei, Hanapepe, Kilauea, Lawa’i and Anahola.

Kauai resembles the shape of an almost perfect circle over an area of 552 square miles. The location provides warm waters from the Pacific Ocean as well as great temperature any time of the year. About half of the shoreline of the island is comprised of Kauai vacation beaches. You can expect to find some very rare species of animals and plants both on and off shore such as bamboo, orchid, hibiscus, sandalwood, eucalyptus, java plum, kiawe, iwi, nene goose, sea turtle, whale, dolphin and humuhumunukunukuapuaa.

What to Expect 

You get to enjoy several open and commercial beaches all across the island as well as the vast richness of marine life. Hiking is another great Kauai vacation activity because of its mountainous regions specifically the Waimea Canyon or the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” rising up to 4,000 feet. Another popular site is the Napali Coast featuring captivating coastline views, free-flowing waterfalls, secret sea caves and tall cliffs.

Enjoy the tropical weather of a Kauai vacation all-year round. Temperatures also drop later in the afternoon for cooler nights. There are micro-climates on the island wherein both lush and dry areas exist Mount Waialeale has a beautiful rainforest having more than 400 inches of rain per year.

Other areas usually have sunny days and warm breezes and surrounding sites around the peak are generally unaffected by the rain. Coastal spots have an average of 18 inches of rain annually. Rainfall usually occurs at night.