The South Side Visitors Center is located near the Spouting Blowhole just across the street. At the South Side Visitors Center, visit the grounds and check out the many beautiful flowers and native Hawaiian plants. In addition, amenities at the South Side Visitors Center include: restrooms, picnic area, snack shop and store. Furthermore, the South Side Visitors Center is a gateway to Allerton and McBryde Gardens Tour (two gems that exist only on Kauai).
National Tropical Botanical Gardens
While only 5 National Tropical Botanical Gardens in the world exist. There are three National Tropical Botanical Gardens on the island of Kauai. One is at Limahuli on the North Shore while the Allerton Garden and McBryde Garden can be found on Kauai’s South Shore. Both Allerton Garden and McBryde Gardens can be accessed at the South Side Visiors Center.
Allerton Garden
Probably, popularized by the film industry, the Moreton Bay fig trees that find their home in the Allerton garden is a major tourist attraction. Featured in blockbuster movies such as the original Jurassic Park and Pirates of the Caribbean, many flock to the garden for picture-taking of the trees and artifacts on the property. The Allerton Garden rests between the Pacific Ocean and the McBryde Garden offering spectacular views. While visiting the Allerton Garden, a beautifu landscape of native and endangered plants await. In addition, hidden gems only found at the Allerton Garden include: Diana’s fountain, the three pools, the mermaid room and the riparian area.
Information and Pricing for Allerton Gardens
The Allerton Garden tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours. Ticket prices for adults is $50.00; Children 6 to 12 is $25.00 and children under 5 are Free.
McBryde Garden
Another tour offered is the McBryde Garden. The McBryde Garden lies in the southern part of the Lawai Valley and has 50 acres of diverse plant collections for visitors to explore. The McBryde Garden is a self-guided tour. In addition, the McBryde garden includes: the Spice of Life Trail, Canoe Plant Garden and Biodiversity Trail. At the Biodiversity Trail learn and discover the evolution of plants for the past 400 million years. With that being said, the McBryde Garden is a great place for your future Botanist or Biologist to visit.
Furthermore, many plants from tropical regions around the world are brought to the garden for research and cultivation. As a result, the McBryde garden offers the largest collection of native hawaiian flora in existence. Consequently due to the expansive land area, expect the tour of duration for the McBryde Garden to be approximately 1.5 hours.
Information and Pricing for McBryde Gardens
After departing the South Shore Visitors Center, a shuttle will drop you off at the McBryde garden. Tour the garden at your own pace and catch a return shuttle to the South Shore’s Visitor Center. Ticket prices for the McBryde Garden: Adults $30.00; Children 6-12 $15.00 and Children under 5 are Free.
Allerton Garden: Sunset Tour
The Allerton Garden also offers a sunset tour. Allerton Garden at Sunset; Adults $95.00; Children 6-12 $45.00 and Children 5 and under Free. Consequently, the guided tour must be a minimum of four participants. Tour times 3:30-4:30. Additionally, The Sunset Tour comes with a tour of the Allertons property with beverages and a light dinner. Once for the rich and famous, Allerton Sunset Tour provides all with an opportunity to admire, indulge and unwind
Free Hula Shows: Thursdays from 2:00-2:45pm
National Tropical Botanical Garden invites you to experience a traditional hula show by Kauai’s award winning Halau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leinaala. The show highlights the wahi pane (sacred places) of Kauai with intriguing stories of our Hawaiian people, their connection to and dependence on plants both wild and cultivated. Hula shows are free to attend and is a great opportunity to visit the gift shop and register for a tour at one of the nearby Allerton and McBryde Gardens. Taking a tour earlier in the morning and watching the hula show in the afternoon is recommended.
Plan your Trip
Allerton Garden is intermingled with the McBryde Garden. However, the Allerton Garden and McBryde Garden are separate tours. Significantly, The Allerton Garden and McBryde Garden tours both depart the South Shore Visitors Center every hour from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the top of the hour.
The South Shore Visitors Center is on 4425 Lawai Road, Koloa, HI. It is located before reaching the Spouting Horn Blowhole on your right hand side. For reservations or inquiries call 808-742-2623
In Conclusion, before heading to the gardens, please be prepared as the weather can be unpredictable on Kauai. Visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather and terrain. In addition, the following items are suggested: comfortable walking shoes, rain and sun protection, water bottle, insect repellent.
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