Limahuli Garden and Preserve

Limahuli Garden and Preserve is a botanical garden on the North Shore of Kauai that spreads across a large area and contains native forest ecosystems with a mountain stream running through it. The public section open to visitors covers a smaller curated portion of this landscape, allowing people to see the variety of plants and natural features of the valley.

The garden was founded in 1967 and opened to the public in 1995 as a conservation effort to protect plant habitats. The site contains archaeological structures that point to a long history of human settlement in this valley.

Traditional taro cultivation takes place on centuries-old lava rock terraces, maintained by families whose ancestors originally settled in Limahuli Valley. The way the land is shaped shows how deeply connected people are to this place, a relationship that continues today.

Visitors should book ahead and be aware that access is limited to the public area, which is explored on foot. The grounds are hilly and require reasonable fitness, so bring comfortable shoes and water.

The site is marked by archaeological remains dating back 1,500 years that document the earliest settlement of the valley. These structures are visible to visitors as they walk through the grounds, making it more than just a plant collection.

Location: Kauai County

Inception: 1967

GPS coordinates: 22.22030,-159.57600

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:04