Between the 21 and 22-mile marker of Kilauea road on the island of Kauai is a haven for plant lovers. Na'Aina Kai, or "lands by the sea" in Hawaiian, is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens I've ever visited. It spans 240 acres full of hardwoods, orchards and themed gardens sprinkled with more than 60 bronze sculptures by George Lundeen and Joffa Kerr. There is also a maze, several ponds and a pristine sandy beach by the Pacific.
The garden is very popular, so you need to make advance reservations. Calling before you arrive in Hawaii is a good idea. We signed up for the 3-hour Stroll & Ride tour of the Formal and Wild Forest Gardens, which included the Children's Garden and the Carnivorous Plants Nursery. Each tour group is limited to 8 guests. Our guide, Mary, shared her knowledge of the gardens and of the co-founders, Mr. and Mrs. Doty.
Their Web site is well done but what we saw and experienced was naturally lusher than anything they have published online.
An hour and half stroll for $25 is the least expensive tour available. The most expensive goes up to $70 per person for a 5-hour tour. Our tour was $35 each--it's pretty steep for a tour in an island that's already defined as a garden. But it was worth it.
Na'Aina Kai Gardens
4101 Wailapa Road
Kilauea, HI
808/828-0525 |
