Lawa'i Road
Po'ipu, South Kauai
808-742-2623

This botanical gardens actually consists of two gardens: Lawa'i and Alberton Gardens. Lawa'i is a 186-acre preserve chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1964. This magnificent garden claims the world's largest collection of rare and endangered plants. The Herbarium alone contains 26,000 speciments of tropical flora.

Alberton is a 100-acre oceanfront garden. It was originially planted in the 1870's by Queen Emma who came here after the death of her husband and only child. The garden features sculptures, pools, fountains and flowers set among pathways that follow the stream and ocean. Tours also view the Alberton Estate house and Queen Emma's cottage.