A Safe Haven for Imperiled Plants
Located on the South Shore of the Hawaiian island of Kaua'i, McBryde Garden is nestled in the picturesque and historic Lawa'i Valley. The garden is a veritable botanical ark of tropical flora and home to the largest ex situ collection of native Hawaiian flora in existence. Our extensive collections of palms, flowering trees, rubiaceae, heliconias, orchids, and many others have been wild-collected by botanists and biologists from throughout tropical regions around the world and transported to McBryde Garden to research, cultivate and thrive.
Tours of McBryde Garden and the adjacent Allerton Garden depart from the South Shore Visitors Center daily. Visitors are transported into the garden via a short, narrated shuttle ride along the stunning coastline of the South Shore. Be on the lookout for whales, dolphins and other marine life as you make your way into the garden over a historic railroad trestle road and into the magnificent valley.
Mcbryde Garden History
The land now occupied by the McBryde Garden lies in the southern part of what was once the Hawaiian ahupua‘a (land division) of Lāwa‘i, originally extending along the Lāwa‘i Stream from the Kapalaoa Range to Lāwa‘i Bay.
Learn more about McBryde Garden and the early history of the Lāwa`i Valley.
McBryde Garden Self-Guided Tour, South Shore, Kaua`i
McBryde Garden visitors can explore 50 acres of diverse plant collections including Hawaiian native and ethnobotanical species, palms, rubiaceae (coffee family), zingiberales (heliconia family), and erythrina (coral trees). See exotic spices from allspice to vanilla on the Spice of Life Trail, and take a journey back in time in the Hawaiian Life Canoe Plant Garden and along the Biodiversity Trail.
View all of the collections at your own pace on this self-guided tour and catch the return shuttle to the South Shore Visitors Center at the top of every hour.
For more information please call: (808)742-2623
South Shore Combination Tour, South Shore Kaua`i
For visitors who want to see it all, the South Shore Combination Tour guides guests through select Allerton Garden rooms and McBryde Garden highlights. This tour offers a taste of both magnificent gardens.
A behind the scenes look at our state-of-the-art horticultural center is also included, where visitors will see rare plant cultivation and research in action.
Already have a reservation for the Discovery Combination Tour? View our visitor page for directions, parking, and more.
For more information please call: (808)742-2623
Tour Type:
- Guided Tour
Twilight Tour
Join us for an after-hours tour of exploration and discovery that takes place amongst Allerton and/or McBryde Gardens. Guided by the moonlight each tour is unique and the path will be dependent upon the season, weather, and Mother Nature in her most secretive time, twilight. Feel the gardens come alive in a whole new perspective.
This tour is limited in availability and size; dates are dependent upon the lunar phase. The tour is approximately 2 ½ hours long with up to 2 hours of walking on light trails; appropriate attire and shoes are required, no slip-ons or heels. Flashlight provided.
Call for more information: (808)742-2623
Tour Type:
- Guided Tour
Na Waiwai - Garden and Sailing Adventure Tour
Join Holo Holo Charters and the National Tropical Botanical Gardens on this truly one-of-a-kind Native Hawaiian cultural experience you will never forget. Fill the void for an authentic traditional Hawaiian activity as we take you off-the-beaten path for a unique land and sea exploration.
* Coupons and discounts not valid for this specialty tour.
You're invited to the 15th annual NTBG Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, December 8 at the South Shore Visitors Center.
