National Tropical Botanical Garden

The National Tropical Botanical Garden is a garden complex on Kauai that combines two distinct areas: McBryde Gardens with native Hawaiian plants and Allerton Gardens with fountains and water features. Together the site spans 352 acres with diverse landscapes and plant collections.

Congress chartered this institution in 1964 to establish a network of gardens dedicated to protecting tropical plant species. This founding created an organization committed to scientific research and long-term plant preservation.

The gardens reflect how traditional Hawaiian cultivation and modern conservation work together to protect rare plant species while teaching visitors about them. This approach connects the island's knowledge with today's protection methods.

Visitors reach the gardens through a center near Spouting Horn Beach Park and can join guided tours lasting about two to three hours. Reservations are required, and the tours show both sections and their plant life.

The large fig trees in Allerton Gardens served as filming locations for scenes in the movie Jurassic Park. These impressive trees with their spreading branches remain visible and recognizable today.

Location: Kauai County

Inception: 1964

Website: http://ntbg.org

GPS coordinates: 21.90670,-159.51100

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:41