Limahuli Gardens

Limahuli Gardens

Limahuli Gardens is such a treat. The cost for a tourist is $20 to get in and $10 for Kama'aina. Today was Ohana day. The lady said every Saturday is Ohana day and admission would be free. WOW! I was so happy, free admission is always good. Just like the time we went to Vegas, the Mob Museum had free admission on Valentine's Day, and we just so happen to go on Valentine's Day.

The garden is known for these wonderful terraces. They of course were restored, but one can only imagine how beautiful it was back in Old Hawaii, before all the ancient structures came to ruin.

The garden is on 17 acres and the hike is about 3/4 mile long. But it does go uphill requiring someone cardio. They divert the water from Lumihau stream. The valley is protected by this project their doing to restore ancient culture.

We walked and walked. I thought the loi structures were cool, until we got to the rare plants. I don't know why I'm into rare plants, but these plants were freakin' rare. Like they were so rare that they don't exist anymore. I started taking choke pictures. I couldn't remember all the names, but I was amazed. Some of these plants don't exist anymore in the wild, but they exist here. One plant intrigued me, it was called the Alula. Although nearly extinct in the wild, it grows quite common in nurseries and even as a house plant. It was flowering and smelled amazing. Another plant was the iliau which is endemic to Kauai and related to the silversword plants.

We finally neared the end of the trail and I got the family picture I wanted for this trip. Terraces in the background, everyone was photogenic, the picture came out good.

We left and I was so impressed. I have to highly recommend this to my hiking friends who visit Kauai.