If you’ve ever been on the south side of Kauai, you know just how lucky Kukuiula is to call it home. Surrounded by the ocean, mountains and front row center to sunset views, it really is an endless summer. So if you’re looking to immerse yourself in a full south side experience, visiting our neighbors at the National Tropical Botanical Gardens is the place to start!
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Located just down the road from Kukuiula and next door to Spouting Horn blowhole is the South Shores Visitors Center. Here those interested in exploring the NTBG (National Tropical Botanical Garden) may purchase tickets, check in and find parking as well as transportation to and from the gardens. The gardens in question are Allerton Gardens and McBryde Gardens.
Allerton Garden was originally a home to Queen Emma and later became the estate of Robert Allerton’s, a designer and artist. McBryde rests next door in the postcard perfect Lawai Valley and was purchased by the McBryde family in the late 19th century for use as a sugar cane plantation. This valley offers an exceptionally diverse growing environment where the largest collection of native Hawaiian flora in existence can be found. There are four different tours to choose from, all of which showcase Kauai’s natural beauty.
SELF-GUIDED TOUR OF MCBRYDE GARDEN
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Visitors can explore the 50 acres that make up the iconic McBryde Garden at their own pace. Home to the largest living collection of native Hawaiian plants and the “Biodiversity Trail” guests will learn about rare, exotic and endangered species of plants from across the globe, in addition to extensive plant evolution.
Tickets: Adults: $40 Children: $15 (Under 5 are free)
When: Daily from 9am to 4pm.
Length: 2.5 hours
GUIDED TOUR OF ALLERTON GARDEN
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Visitors and guests enjoy a winding tour through the beautiful Garden Rooms and along the lush property. Don’t forget to snap a photograph under the same Moreton Bay Fig Tree as seen in the film Jurassic Park. Observe unique plants, water pools, fountains and one-of-a-kind sculptures.
Tickets: Adults: $80 Children: $40 (Under 5 are free)
When: Daily from 3:30pm to 4:30pm.
Length: 3 hours
The Sunset Tour
Guests will enjoy a deeper look into the original home of the Allerton family as well as specific Garden Rooms. The tour will finish with a bang! Guests will enjoy drinks and delicious Hawaiian appetizers on the home’s lanai at sunset. We don’t recommend missing out on this.
Tickets: Adults: $80 Children: $40 (Under 5 are free)
When: Daily from 9am to 3:30pm.
Length: 3 hours
Discover Combination Tour
For those who want to visit both Allerton and McBryde Gardens. Enjoy exploring both properties and a behind the scenes look at the NTBG horticulture center. A little extra bonus for those looking to master a green thumb!
Tickets: Adults: $50 Children: $20 (Under 5 are free)
When: Daily from 10:30am to 2:30pm.
Length: 2.5 hours
For more information visit www.NTBG.org.
