NTBG Stories

Deepen your relationship with plants

JAN 26, 2026

Year of the Kupu

As we continue our five-year journey of looking to planting oli (chants) for inspiration, 2026 brings us to a new chapter: the Year of the Kupu—a phase of emergence and new growth.

By David Bryant

FEB 17, 2026

Photo Gallery: The Bold and Sculptural Beauty of Heliconias

While roses tend to take center stage every Valentine’s Day, the tropical landscape offers its own spectacular alternatives to the classic symbol of romance.

By NTBG Staff

DEC 19, 2025

Plant Wins of 2025

Thanks to our community of staff, supporters, and partners, 2025 was a year filled with important plant wins.

By Jon Letman

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Recent Stories

OCT 17, 2025

Introducing our New Brand

By NTBG Staff

We are excited to share NTBG’s updated brand, a refreshed identity that honors the unique spirit of each of our five gardens while uniting us under a shared look and feel.

OCT 27, 2025

Announcing the winners of the 2025 ʻUlu Cook-off

By NTBG Staff

Hosted by Kahanu Garden and Preserve, this year’s ʻUlu Cook-Off brought the community together once again to celebrate the incredible versatility of ʻulu.

AUG 26, 2025

Allerton Garden Highlights: A Tour Guide’s Perspective

By Randy Bartlett

Join NTBG tour guide Randy Bartlett for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into five distinct rooms within Allerton Garden.

From the Magazine

Fall 2025

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OCT 21, 2025

Ensuring a Future with Botanical Gardens

By Jon Letman

NTBG’s mission remains steadfast, but today’s changing world presents new challenges.

OCT 21, 2025

Exploring the Colorful, Tiny World of Hawaiʻi’s Bryophytes

By Kassandra Jensen

From Hawaiʻi’s volcanic peaks and high elevation bogs to lowland and coastal areas, mosses and their relatives are found in almost every Hawaiian habitat.

NTBG in the News

January 23, 2026

Plant adoption program nurtures appreciation of native flora

By Jim Mendoza

A plant adoption program started by the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) on Kauaʻi helps islanders understand and appreciate Hawaiʻi’s native plants.

September 9, 2025

Banking on Pollen

By Adrienne Mason

When seed saving doesn’t work, pollen may be the answer to preserving botanical heritage

February 1, 2025

Makahiki in Hāna, Maui

By Donalyn Dela Cruz

How an entire community comes together to celebrate the season

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Highlights

APRIL 15, 2024

Exploring NTBG’s multi-strategy approach to saving Hawaiian seeds

By Dr. Dustin Wolkis

What does it take to store seeds of native Hawaiian plants? Learn about five examples that illustrate the range of storage challenges NTBG is addressing.

FEB 26, 2025

On the Edge of Revival: Hope Takes Root for the Kalalau Hau Kuahiwi

By David Bryant

A rooted cutting of the Kalalau hau kuahiwi (Hibiscadelphus woodii), a rare Hawaiian plant once feared lost, is now growing on Kauaʻi thanks to the combined efforts of passionate conservationists, cutting-edge technology, and years of collaboration.