Explore and embrace the full awe of Hawaiian nature at the Kauai Limahuli Garden and Preserve, one of the most beautiful places to visit on Kauai.
The beauty of the Hawaiian islands is immeasurable. From the sand to the sea to the mountains, everywhere you turn, no matter which island you visit, your eyes are met with beauty beyond imagination.
Before visiting Kauai island for the first time, many friends, family, and fellow travel writers told me that Kauai is one of the more beautiful, most preserved of the Hawaiian islands. And there is no place more fitting to experience the wonder of nature here, than the Limahuli Garden and Preserve.
Limahuli Garden and Preserve
The Limahuli Garden and Preserve is one of five National Tropical Botanical Gardens in the United States and one of top places to visit on Kauai. Here, you will find endangered plants and birds that you won't find anywhere else on earth. The space was built to highlight native and culturally-significant species in an authentic Hawaiian landscape.
Our group of travel writers opted for the self-guided tour, but there are also guided tours, family tours, and private tours available.
If you are also planning a self-guided tour, you pay at the front desk in the main building at the entrance, and are given a map and booklet packed with illustrations and information about the plants, trees, and wildlife you may come across in the garden.
Wildlife
In addition to numerous birds that call the Limahuli Garden and Preserve home, we also came across a few adorable little lizards. This guy was generous enough to stop and pose for a photo.
Plants
Throughout the garden and preserve, you will come across beautiful native plants and plants that were brought here from the many different cultures that inhabit the islands over the centuries.
Taro plants are staples on the Hawaiian islands. You see them quite a bit. It has a strong connection to the culture, beyond its popular food and medicinal applications.
The aloe plant has a long history on the islands. We came across these plants at another stop a few days later and were lucky enough to be given some aloe leaves to cut open and use the aloe on some of our poor sunburns!
Flowers
Large bright Hawaiian flowers stood out from the lush greenery throughout the Limahuli Garden and Preserve. We can't recall the names of the first two (We am not a garden person) but aren't they gorgeous?
This one We DO know as the Bird of Paradise, which is the Hawaiian flower.
Lush greenery
The entire space is overflowing with gorgeous greenery.
One of the favorite things about the Hawaiian islands are the massive trees. They are all so architecturally different than mainland islands, and many of their roots grow above the ground, creating quite a show of nature everywhere you go.
The gentle, quite streams that ran throughout the space added to the relaxing, calm state of this gorgeous botanical garden and nature preserve. It is truly one of the best places to visit on Kauai.
Travel tips
Some tips if you decide to visit the Limahuli Garden and Preserve:
- Wear comfortable walking shoes with stability. You'll be on your feet for a while, although there are benches here and there where you can rest along the journey. You'll be walking on trails, not paved concrete, so choose shoes that can get a little dirty.
- Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated.
- Wear sunscreen and bring some to reapply.
- Bring a light sweatshirt or jacket – depending on when you visit, the temperature can change a bit here.
- There are public restrooms you may use at the entrance of the gardens, by the main building.
- Bring your camera! It's incredibly beautiful and you'll want to take lots of photos.
Visit
Haena , HI 96714
Self-Guided Tour
Check in anytime between 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Plan for 1.5 hours (recommended minimum) Ticket Prices: Adults (18 and older) – $20 College students (with valid ID) – $10 Children (17 and younger) – free Guided Tour Tuesdays through Saturdays 10:00 a.m. Tour duration: 2.5 hours Ticket Prices: Adults (18 and older) – $40 College students (with valid ID) – $20 Children (10-17 years old) $20 with paying adult
Visit the Limahuli Garden and Preserve website for more information
More Hawaii Travel Bliss
Where to Stay in Kauai: The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas- Oahu Helicopter Tour: A Stunning Door's Off Adventure
Where to Stay in Honolulu: Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort
Hawaii, the Big Island Travel Guide
The admission to the Limahuli Garden and Preserve was complimentary as part of the Kauai What's Cooking press trip. As always, all opinions and photos are the own.
