McBryde Tropical Botanical Garden, Kauai
McBryde Tropical Botanical Garden is a lush botanical sanctuary in Kauai's Lawa'i Valley, featuring the world's largest ex situ collection of native Hawaiian plants. With diverse microclimates, rare tropical species, and scenic walking paths alongside streams and waterfalls, this garden offers both beauty and education. Visitors can enjoy self-guided exploration or learn from expert staff about native flora, conservation efforts, and traditional Hawaiian agriculture.
Situated in the lush Lawai Valley, this garden contains the world's largest ex situ collection of native Hawaiian plants. Many threatened, rare and endangered tropical plants from around the globe can be viewed here. The McBryde Tropical Botanical Garden was the first of five gardens that make up Hawaii's National Tropical Botanical Garden, a site containing nearly 2,000 acres of protected land where plants can flourish.
Once occupied by a sugar plantation, this land was purchased in the early 1970s and subsequently transformed into a botanical garden. The site contains many distinct microclimates, including hot, cool, wet, dry, meadow and cliff areas. Hundreds upon hundreds of plant species can be seen here, including many flowering trees, orchids, heliconias, rubiaceae, palms and others that have been collected from tropical regions around the world. The Canoe Garden showcases a fascinating collection of ancient Hawaiian plants and Maidenhair Falls, which is surrounded by ginger, allspice and chocolate plants.
The garden provides a space to not only enjoy the plants, but also study and learn about them. Here you'll find a state-of-the-art horticulture and micropropagation facility. McBryde's knowledgeable staff is available to answer any questions you may have about the plant life, conservation efforts and the history of the garden. Wandering the gardens, you'll see the lovely Lawai Stream and can cross it on a bamboo bridge.
Key Features of McBryde Tropical Botanical Garden
- World-class plant collection: Largest ex situ collection of native Hawaiian plants
- Scenic setting: Located in the lush Lawa'i Valley with tropical streams and cliffs
- Canoe Garden and waterfalls: Explore ancient Hawaiian plants and Maidenhair Falls
- Educational focus: On-site conservation labs and knowledgeable staff for guided learning
- Visitor experience: 15-minute tram ride and one-mile loop trail through diverse microclimates
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is special about McBryde Garden?
It houses the largest ex situ collection of native Hawaiian plants and features diverse tropical ecosystems with rare species.
How do I access the garden?
Visitors reach the garden via a 15-minute tram ride from the visitor center, followed by a self-guided or guided walking tour.
Is the walking path easy?
The main loop is about one mile and includes some stairs and uneven terrain. Most paths are grass or gravel.
Can I take photos?
Yes, photography is allowed for personal use and the garden offers many scenic spots like waterfalls and tropical groves.
Do I need a reservation?
Advance reservations are highly recommended, especially for the tram ride and guided tours. Walk-ins may be limited.