KOLOA SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Best of Both Worlds: A Behind‑the‑Scenes Walk through Allerton and McBryde Gardens
A 2.5‑hour guided tour showing highlights of both Allerton and McBryde Gardens on Kaua‘i’s south shore.
Best of Both Worlds: A Behind‑the‑Scenes Walk through Allerton and McBryde Gardens.
Adventure brief
Best of Both Worlds: A Behind‑the‑Scenes Walk through Allerton and McBryde Gardens
Experience the beauty of nature on the Behind the Scenes Tour, a guided exploration that showcases select rooms of Allerton Garden alongside highlights of McBryde Garden — a two‑for‑one visit to the National Tropical Botanical Gardens in Koloa.
Situated on Kauai’s sun-soaked south shore, South Shore Gardens - National Tropical Botanical Gardens offers an immersive 2.5-hour guided experience, Best of Both Worlds, that combines the rich botanical diversity of Allerton and McBryde Gardens. Departing from the South Shore Visitors Center in Koloa, this tour invites visitors into the carefully curated landscapes of two renowned Hawaiian gardens. The First stop, Allerton Garden, is famed for its elegant landscape design that artfully blends native species alongside tropical introductions. Sculpted groves of banyan trees and towering palms create a dramatic backdrop for rare orchids and vividly colored heliconias. Visitors gain insight into the garden’s history as a former plantation and film location, with knowledgeable guides explaining the ecological significance of each area. Moving into McBryde Garden, the tour highlights an extensive living collection of native Hawaiian plants and conservation projects devoted to protecting endangered species. Expect to encounter lush wet forest habitats with endemic ferns, koa trees, and vibrant hibiscus flowers. These gardens offer an unmatched setting for understanding Hawaii’s unique flora and ongoing preservation efforts. The path reveals hidden sculptures and water features that punctuate the landscape, providing natural focal points perfect for photography. Operated Tuesday through Saturday with flexible departure times, the tour suits all ages and fitness levels, requiring only comfortable walking shoes and a spirit for discovery. South Shore Gardens stands out in Kauai’s outdoor recreation scene by blending education with authentic tropical scenery, making it a vital destination for those drawn to botanical adventure beneath Hawaii’s radiant skies.
Route Schematic
Tour Route at a Glance
Key stops on the Behind the Scenes Tour, from the meeting point to featured areas in each garden.
South Shore Visitors Center (Meeting Point)
Guests depart from the South Shore Visitors Center; the known meeting address for departures is 4425 Lawaʻi Road, Koloa.
Allerton Garden — Selected Rooms
The guide leads visitors through select rooms within Allerton Garden to highlight key designed spaces and plant collections.
McBryde Garden — Highlights
The tour continues with featured highlights of McBryde Garden, presenting notable specimens and garden areas.
The tour is offered Tuesday through Saturday and runs approximately 2.5 hours.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Two Gardens, One Tour
This guided Behind the Scenes experience combines selected Allerton Garden rooms with curated highlights from McBryde Garden, giving visitors a concise introduction to both landscapes in a single outing.
Selected Allerton Rooms
The guide leads guests through select Allerton Garden rooms, emphasizing the garden’s signature spaces and designed plantings as part of the joint tour.
McBryde Garden Highlights
Alongside Allerton, the itinerary presents notable highlights of McBryde Garden so visitors receive a concentrated look at both properties on the same visit.
What the day feels like
What the Tour Feels Like
Over roughly two and a half hours, a guide escorts small groups through select rooms and featured areas of Allerton and McBryde Gardens, offering a curated glimpse of the south‑shore collections and designed landscapes.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
No specific gear requirements are listed for this tour.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
On which days does the tour operate?
The Behind the Scenes Tour departs Tuesday through Saturday.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours.
Where does the tour meet?
Departures are from the South Shore Visitors Center at 4425 Lawaʻi Road, Koloa, HI 96756.
What time do departures start?
Departure times vary and fall between about 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Which gardens are included on the tour?
The tour covers highlights of both Allerton Garden and McBryde Garden.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-10T12:13:21.800Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.