Kauai is blessed with several gardens to tour. We selected Na Aina Kai for two reasons. First, in addition to the botanicals, this garden features about 60 large bronze sculptures. Second, this garden offered a tram tour. The other gardens were primarily very long walks. Since I am now dealing with a mobility issue, we chose the tram tour.

Na Aina Kai is located on the North Shore of Kauai near Kilauea. Driving north from Lihue, look for Mile Marker 21 and then take the first right turn onto Wailapa Road. At the end of that road, enter through the iron gate.

A docent drives the tour tram to the formal gardens, where we entered on foot and walked short distances. During the rest of the tour, he would stop at points of interest and anyone could get off the tram for a closer look or to take photographs. This 2-hour tour had many stops, because there was an incredible variety of plants and trees. They ranged from carnivorous plants in the bog house to orchids, cacti, palms, eucalyptus varieties, ixora, ginger, hibiscus, African tulip trees, angel’s trumpet, bottlebrush, heliconia, spider lily, bougainvillea, bamboo, kukui, and breadfruit - and that is only a small part of the gardens.

However, it was the sculptures that brought the most comments from the tour group. Carefully selected and positioned in the garden, these large bronze pieces have a Norman Rockwell flavor. Many have a sense of humor to them, such as the kids getting a cat out of tree, or the fountain called "Hog Wash." Many are very sentimental, such as the elderly couple sitting on a park bench, or the grandfather-granddaughter playing checkers. My absolute favorite was a young woman on a swing. That sculpture was supported by one of her feet touching the ground and part of her skirt trailing to the ground.

In addition to the formal and informal gardens, several stands of hardwood trees (primarily teak and mahogany) have been planted. They can be harvested after 40 years of growth, and the profit will support the garden.

Our tour included a ride out to the point, where we had a lovely view of the ocean and valley below. This area and the former home of the owner are often used for weddings and other special events.

Na'Aina Kai Gardens
4101 Wailapa Road
Kilauea, HI
808/828-0525

Between the 21 and 22-mile marker of Kilauea road on the island of Kauai is a haven for plant lovers. Na'Aina Kai, or "lands by the sea" in Hawaiian, is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens I've ever visited. It spans 240 acres full of hardwoods, orchards and themed gardens sprinkled with more than 60 bronze sculptures by George Lundeen and Joffa Kerr. There is also a maze, several ponds and a pristine sandy beach by the Pacific.

The garden is very popular, so you need to make advance reservations. Calling before you arrive in Hawaii is a good idea. We signed up for the 3-hour Stroll & Ride tour of the Formal and Wild Forest Gardens, which included the Children's Garden and the Carnivorous Plants Nursery. Each tour group is limited to 8 guests. Our guide, Mary, shared her knowledge of the gardens and of the co-founders, Mr. and Mrs. Doty.

Their Web site is beautiful. What we saw and experienced was naturally lusher than anything they have published online.

An hour and half stroll for $25 is the least expensive tour available. The most expensive goes up to $70 per person for a 5-hour tour. Our tour was $35 each - it's pretty steep for a tour in an island that's already defined as a "garden." But it was worth it.