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.