From vibrant green valleys to breathtaking gardens, there is no denying that you will find countless lush landscapes across the Hawaiian Islands. And while we love every single vista, sandy beach, and tropical oasis you’ll find in the Aloha State, there is one particularly magical garden hiding on Kauai’s southern coast that is an absolute dream. Upon entering the enchanting Allerton Garden at the National Tropical Botanical Garden, you are sure to fall head over heels in love with this gorgeous secret garden in Hawaii.
Established and curated by Robert Allerton, this 80-acre garden is tucked into the Lawai Valley on the southern shores of Kauai, and is transected by Lawai Stream.
Overlooking Kukuiula Bay, the garden is not only surrounded by incredible natural beauty, but is home to an extensive variety of plant collections.
Within the garden, you will find fragrant flowers, awe-inspiring trees and plants, as well as various sculptures and even man-made water features.
The picturesque garden has also been a filming location for quite a few movies - including the South Pacific musical, and the original Jurassic Park.
Queen Emma once resided above the valley, and a modest house that may have been her residence has subsequently been moved to the valley floor and renovated.
The entire valley - including what is now the McBryde Garden - was purchased by the McBryde family in the late 19th century to be used as a sugar cane plantation.
Robert Allerton, who had a lifelong passion for garden design, sculpture, and landscape architecture, came to Hawaii with his son, John Gregg Allerton, in 1938 and purchased a portion of Queen Emma’s plantation to transform into a residence and garden.
The garden’s landscape architecture was described by National Geographic Traveler as one of their "50 Places Of A Lifetime."
Allerton’s other famous garden is located in Illinois.
He used a variety of tropical plants in his landscape designs, although it wasn’t until later that he worked with various individuals and organizations in order to establish a tropical botanical garden on U.S. soil.
You'll find both flowering and non-flowering plants to admire.
Allerton Garden is now one of the five gardens that comprise the non-profit National Tropical Botanical Garden, making it not only one of the prettiest gardens to visit in Hawaii, but one of the largest as well. There are so many peaceful spots to enjoy here!
For more information, or to book a guided tour of Allerton Garden in Hawaii, check out the National Tropical Botanical Garden website. There are a number of wonderful ways to experience the landscapes here, including sunset tours, private tours, and even fire tours! While you're here in Koloa, be sure to book a long weekend at this incredible hotel and spa so you can (literally) soak up every ounce of beauty you can.
The National Tropical Botanical Garden has been around since 1964, and it just keeps getting better! How many of the NTBG's five gardens have you been to?
While the Islands as a whole are a tropical paradise just waiting to be explored, we've also rounded up some specific must-visit destinations for you: 15 of the best gardens in Hawaii for you to get lost in on your next day trip!
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/hawaii/16-beautiful-gardens-in-hawaii/
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