From vibrant green valleys to breathtaking gardens, there is no denying that you will find countless lush landscapes across the Hawaiian Islands. And while we love every single vista you’ll find in the Aloha State, there is a magical garden hiding on Kauai’s southern coast that is an absolute dream. Upon entering the enchanting Allerton Garden, you are sure to fall head over heels in love with this incredible destination.
Established and curated by Robert Allerton, this 80-acre garden is tucked into the Lawai Valley on the southern shores of Kauai, and is transected by Lawai Stream.
Family O’Abe/Flickr
Overlooking Kukuiula Bay, the garden is not only surrounded by incredible natural beauty, but is home to an extensive variety of plant collections.
Cheryl Marland/Flickr
Within the garden, you will find fragrant flowers, awe-inspiring trees and plants, as well as various sculptures and even man-made water features.
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Family O’Abe/Flickr
The picturesque garden has also been a filming location for quite a few movies - including the South Pacific musical, and the cult classic Jurassic Park.
John Kroll/Flickr
Queen Emma once resided above the valley, and a modest house that may have been her residence has subsequently been moved to the valley floor and renovated.
Cheryl Marland/Flickr
The entire valley - including what is now the McBryde Garden - was purchased by the McBryde family in the late 19th century to be used as a sugar cane plantation.
Family O’Abe/Flickr
Robert Allerton, who had a lifelong passion for garden design, sculpture, and landscape architecture, came to Hawaii with his son, John Gregg Allerton, in 1938 and purchased a portion of Queen Emma’s plantation to transform into a residence and garden.
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The garden’s landscape architecture was described by National Geographic Traveler as one of their “50 Places Of A Lifetime.”
Chuck b./Flickr Allerton’s other famous garden resides in Illinois.
He used a variety of tropical plants in his landscape designs, though it wasn’t until later that he worked with various individuals and organizations in order to establish a tropical botanical garden on U.S. soil.
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Allerton Garden is now one of the five gardens that comprise the non-profit National Tropical Botanical Garden.
Family O’Abe/Flickr
Glennia/Flickr
For more information, or to book a guided tour, check out the Allerton Garden website.
Family O’Abe/Flickr
Cheryl Marland/Flickr
Bruce_fulton/Flickr
John Kroll/Flickr
Chuck b./Flickr
Allerton’s other famous garden resides in Illinois.
Glennia/Flickr
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