The Unique Botanical Garden In Hawaii With Its Very Own Lagoon

With a climate unlike the rest of the United States, you'll find some of the country’s most unique botanical gardens in Hawaii. These gardens feature thousands of species of tropical plants as well as flora indigenous to our beautiful islands, and while they are all gorgeous in their own way, none are quite as unique as the gem we’re sharing with you today, the Na ‘Aina Kai Botanical Garden. This 240-acre non-profit botanical garden doubles as a sculpture park and event venue and is also home to a gorgeous lagoon sure to make you swoon.

Nestled on Kauai’s northern shore in Kilauea, the Na ‘Aina Kai Botanical Garden and Sculpture Park is an often overlooked gem in the list of gardens in Hawaii.

Here, you will discover a diverse population of both indigenous flora and non-native plants from across the world, as well as a few other surprises. There is so much beauty to behold when you visit here!

Though Na ‘Aina Kai was established in 1982 by Joyce and Ed Doty in 1982, it wasn’t until 1999 that it became a non-profit organization and opened to the public.

What started as a landscaping project in a front yard has grown into a diverse group of gardens sprawled across 240 acres. You won't believe how small it once was!

Today, Na ‘Aina Kai contains thirteen unique gardens, a hardwood plantation, a tranquil meadow, a fern-draped canyon, and a pristine beach.

You will definitely want to explore every part of the gardens.

One of our favorite gardens is this international desert oasis full of cacti, succulents, aloe, agave, baobabs, and other desert plants.

Other highlights include a poinciana maze, which features a hedge of mock-orange plants with topiary and sculptures surrounded by a lava rock wall, a wild forest garden cacao, cinnamon, banana, vanilla and ginger trees, and even a children’s garden where you will find a wading pool, treehouse, train, log cabins, bridges, tunnels, and slides. Endless adventures await when you visit here.

But that’s not even the best part. In the center of it all, you’ll discover a jaw-dropping man-made lagoon that measures in at more than 100 acres surrounded by swaying palm trees and lush, emerald green gardens packed with picturesque plants.

You will feel like you've dropped into a perfect painting! The underwater life is as beautiful as the above-water world.

And if gorgeous gardens and a lush lagoon full of koi fish aren’t enough, there are more than 200 bronze sculptures hidden throughout the estate.

These life-size statues are quite striking, and you'll want to try to count how many you find during your visit! Incredible art on top of nature? Sign us up!

Situated on coastal land once used to farm sugarcane, Na ‘Aina Kai showcases an Eden-like world full of colorful plants, charming little gazebos, fantastic fountains, lovely lagoons, fish-filled ponds, and cascading waterfalls.

This is one natural attraction you won’t want to miss. Every part of it is simply stunning.

Whether you are searching for some peace and quiet or simply like surrounding yourself with natural beauty as often as possible, Na ‘Aina Kai is well worth a visit.

The botanical garden is open for tours Tuesday through Friday and is one of our favorite things to do in Hawaii. Get ready for an amazing day of exploration.

If you've been wondering, "Are there botanic gardens in Hawaii?" then you now know that the answer is a resounding yes! The Na ‘Aina Kai Botanical Garden and Sculpture Park is open Monday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. They are closed on Saturday and Sunday. This botanical garden is not open for self-guided tours, but you can make a reservation by calling 808.828.0525. For more information, visit the Na ‘Aina Kai Botanical Garden website or follow them on the Na ‘Aina Kai Botanical Garden Facebook page.

If you are eager for further outdoor exploration, check out another little-known natural oasis in Hawaii.