Nestled in one in every of Hawaiʻi’s most lush and ecologically various areas, the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) is a haven for plant lovers and nature seekers alike. Dwelling to the world’s largest assortment of native Hawaiian flora, it presents greater than scenic strolls—it’s a dwelling classroom, a conservation hub, and a tribute to Hawaiian cultural knowledge.
Wander via vibrant gardens surrounded by rainforest, and also you’ll discover endangered species being rigorously protected, conventional vegetation as soon as utilized in day by day Hawaiian life, and academic shows that deepen your understanding of those islands’ pure legacy. It’s not simply lovely—it’s significant. With 5 gardens and several other preserves throughout Kauaʻi and Maui, NTBG shares a narrative rooted in aloha ʻāina—deep love and respect for the land.
Banksia spinulosa in Kahanu Nationwide Tropical Botanical Backyard, Maui (Shutterstock)
A Imaginative and prescient Rooted in Safety
The Nationwide Tropical Botanical Backyard (NTBG) was based in 1964 by an act of U.S. Congress, establishing it as a nonprofit group with a singular mission: to check, preserve, and share data about tropical vegetation. It stays the one botanical establishment within the U.S. with a congressional constitution centered solely on tropical flowers.
The urgency was—and nonetheless is—clear. Hawaiʻi is dwelling to an astonishing variety of endemic species, a lot of which exist nowhere else on Earth. However habitat destruction, invasive species, and local weather change have pushed many native vegetation to the brink of extinction. NTBG stepped in as a steward, working alongside scientists, educators, and cultural practitioners to preserve not simply species, however the deeper relationships between vegetation, folks, and place.
NTBG’s work consists of seed banking, habitat restoration, cultural interpretation, and the safety of canoe vegetation—particular species like kalo (taro), ʻulu (breadfruit), and niu (coconut) that have been launched by Polynesian voyagers and stay very important to Hawaiian tradition and sustenance.
Hawaii Kauai Allerton Backyard fig tree trunks (Shutterstock)
The Nationwide Tropical Botanical Backyard (NTBG) on Kauaʻi
NTBG has three exceptional gardens on Kauaʻi’s south and north shores: Allerton Gardens, identified for its beautiful panorama and historic significance, McBryde Gardens, dwelling to the world’s largest assortment of native Hawaiian flora, and Limahuli Backyard & Protect. Every has its personal distinct ecology and story of stewardship.
Allerton Backyard
4425 Lāwaʻi Rd., Kōloa | Open Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Set throughout the lush greenery of Lāwaʻi Valley, Allerton Backyard is an clever fusion of panorama structure and botany. As soon as dwelling to Queen Emma, the valley was later reworked by Robert and John Gregg Allerton right into a dramatic tropical backyard full of fountains, sculptures, and iconic plantings—together with the towering Moreton Bay fig bushes featured in Jurassic Park.
Whereas its celeb bushes are the most important draw, Allerton Backyard additionally protects all kinds of native and unique species. Its excursions present cultural and historic context, weaving collectively Hawaiian tales with the legacy of the land and its restoration.
McBryde Backyard
4425 Lāwaʻi Rd., Kōloa | Open Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Simply up the valley is McBryde Garden, NTBG’s flagship conservation backyard. Spanning 200 acres, it homes the world’s largest assortment of native Hawaiian flora. Uncommon and endangered species thrive on this lush panorama, which additionally consists of medicinal vegetation, meals crops, and orchids.
McBryde can also be dwelling to the Breadfruit Institute, which promotes ʻulu as a climate-resilient meals supply throughout the tropics. Strolling via the backyard, guests can discover ethnobotanical plantings and restored agricultural terraces. A shuttle helps company entry totally different elements of the backyard, making it extra accessible for guests of varied skills.
Limahuli Backyard & Protect
5-8291 Kūhiō Hwy., Hā‘ena | Open Tuesday–Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–Four p.m.
On Kauaʻi’s rugged north shore lies Limahuli, the place cultural heritage meets ecological restoration. This backyard is nestled inside a standard ahupuaʻa—a land division that stretches from mountain to sea. Guided by Hawaiian stewardship ideas, Limahuli is a dwelling instance of how Indigenous land administration methods help thriving communities for generations.
Guests stroll via loʻi kalo (taro terraces), native plant zones, and restored forest areas, gaining perception into each pure and cultural methods. Interpretive indicators and guides share tales of resilience, reciprocity, and regeneration. The backyard additionally blooms the cultural significance of flowers and the way Limahuli Backyard preserves this side via its varied displays and academic packages.
Kahanu Backyard (Shutterstock)
The Nationwide Tropical Botanical Backyard (NTBG) on Maui
Whereas Kauaʻi hosts NTBG’s largest public gardens, the group additionally maintains a significant presence on Maui via Kahanu Garden and Preserve, situated simply outdoors Hāna. The backyard is famend for its lush greenery, providing a picturesque and verdant atmosphere. It additionally homes the world’s largest assortment of native Hawaiian flora, showcasing its distinctive biodiversity and alluring guests to discover its huge, lush landscapes.
Kahanu Backyard
650 Ulaino Rd., Hāna | Open Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Tucked alongside the windward coast of East Maui, Kahanu Backyard is dwelling to some of the vital ethnobotanical collections within the Pacific. Canoe vegetation like ʻulu, banana, and sugarcane flourish right here, grown not for present however for cultural preservation and schooling.
Kahanu Backyard additionally emphasizes the cultural significance of flowers, preserving their roles in cultural practices and historic narratives. Kahanu can also be the positioning of Piʻilanihale Heiau, the most important remaining historical Hawaiian temple. Constructed over centuries from lava rock, this sacred web site presents a strong connection to the deep historical past of Hawaiian management, non secular apply, and neighborhood.
Although much less manicured than different gardens, Kahanu’s setting is hanging—black lava fields, crashing surf, and the ever-present commerce winds. The backyard performs a key function in neighborhood resilience and meals sovereignty via its partnership with the Breadfruit Institute.
Professional Tip: The Road to Hāna is winding and scenic and this is only one cease. Plan for a sluggish, aware journey, and provides your self time to discover the backyard totally.
Past the Gardens: Seeds of the Future
NTBG’s mission extends far past its cultivated landscapes. The group manages the world’s largest assortment of native Hawaiian flora, defending hundreds of acres of native forest throughout the islands. These areas are sometimes accessible solely by helicopter or foot and function vital refuges for endangered species. NTBG additionally manages the world’s largest assortment of native Hawaiian flora, showcasing its distinctive biodiversity and alluring guests to discover its huge, lush landscapes.
In these areas, NTBG groups reforest slopes, propagate uncommon vegetation in nurseries, and safeguard genetic materials in seed banks. However they don’t do it alone—partnerships with cultural practitioners and different nonprofits be certain that this conservation work is holistic and neighborhood centered.
Know Earlier than You Go
Excursions: Every backyard presents various kinds of experiences, from self-guided walks with QR codes to guided, in-depth excursions. Go to ntbg.org to verify schedules and guide upfront—particularly throughout peak journey seasons.
Climate: Rain is widespread, particularly in Limahuli and Hāna. Put on sturdy sneakers, deliver a rain jacket, and think about bug spray. Trails could also be slippery however are typically nicely maintained.
Accessibility: McBryde Backyard is essentially the most accessible, with paved paths and a tram. Different websites like Limahuli, Allerton, and Kahanu embrace uneven terrain and steps.
Finest Time to Go to: Mornings and late afternoons provide cooler temperatures, softer mild for pictures, and fewer crowds.
Meals: There are not any eating places contained in the gardens, however you’ll discover tasty choices close by. In Kōloa, near Allerton and McBryde, attempt tacos at Da Crack, recent poke from Kōloa Fish Market, or a cool-down deal with from The Fresh Shave. Heading to Limahuli? Cease in Hanalei for snacks or a meal at Hanalei Bread Co. or Wishing Well Shave Ice. In the event you’re visiting Kahanu Backyard in Hāna, deliver your personal meals or look out for roadside stands like Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread, Hāna Farms, or native distributors promoting plate lunches and coconut sweet.
A Backyard That Offers Again
What makes NTBG so particular isn’t simply its tropical magnificence—it’s its goal. These usually are not decorative gardens frozen in time, however evolving landscapes of studying, therapeutic, and aloha ʻāina. It’s a spot the place science meets tradition, and the place every plant tells a narrative that connects it’s previous, current, and future.
So whenever you go to, take your time. Let the scent of plumeria linger. Hear for the wind via kukui leaves. Perceive that in Hawaiʻi, a backyard could be an act of resistance, a celebration of resilience, and an invite to recollect our relationship with the land.
