Princeville Botanical Gardens Kauai
Discover paradise with a guided tour through lush tropical landscapes, exotic fruits, and exquisite chocolate tastings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temperatures, fresh start
Princeville Botanical Gardens Kauai
Best Time
Cooler temperatures, fresh start
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover paradise with a guided tour through lush tropical landscapes, exotic fruits, and exquisite chocolate tastings.
"An incredible tour! Sheri was our guide and she made this such a memorable experience."
🎯 Book the Chocolate Tour!
Don't miss the garden and chocolate tour; it includes fruit and honey samples too!
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
The 3-hour tour can be a bit strenuous, so wear good walking shoes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Exotic Fruit & Chocolate Tasting
Orchard and tasting area
Sample unique tropical fruits and exquisite chocolates, including cacao grown on-site. A true sensory delight!
Lush Tropical Landscapes
Throughout the gardens
Wander through a paradise of vibrant blooms, exotic plants, and ancient trees. A photographer's dream!
Educational Garden Tour
Various garden sections
Learn about Hawaiian history, plant uses, and sustainable practices from passionate, knowledgeable guides.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book the Chocolate Tour!
Don't miss the garden and chocolate tour; it includes fruit and honey samples too! +1
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
The 3-hour tour can be a bit strenuous, so wear good walking shoes.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially for the longer tours. The tropical heat can be intense.
📸 Capture the Beauty
The gardens are incredibly picturesque. Bring your camera for stunning photos!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book the Chocolate Tour!
Don't miss the garden and chocolate tour; it includes fruit and honey samples too! +1
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
The 3-hour tour can be a bit strenuous, so wear good walking shoes.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially for the longer tours. The tropical heat can be intense.
📸 Capture the Beauty
The gardens are incredibly picturesque. Bring your camera for stunning photos!
🍯 Taste the Local Honey
Many visitors rave about the unique taste of the honey produced on-site.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Princeville Botanical Gardens for its stunning beauty, educational tours, and delightful fruit and chocolate tastings. Guides are frequently highlighted for their knowledge and engaging personalities, making the 3-hour experience memorable. While the walking can be a bit strenuous, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it a must-do on Kauai.
"I really enjoyed this tour. And this is coming from someone who is not crazy about plants. But you can tell our guide Ash was passionate and I always love tour guides like that. The information I learned about plants, chocolate, ecosystems and our impact as humans is a lot more than what it was going in and that’s a win for me any day of the week. Not to mention you see beautiful flowers and try delicious fruits. Sure there are some mosquitoes in parts but it’s a tropical garden and the owners provide you a safe spray to keep them at bay so can you really complain."
Trevor Mello
"What a beautiful, educational experience. Our guide was so knowledgeable about the plants and her enthusiasm was contagious. We especially enjoyed tasting all of the local products and the chocolate. We would definitely recommend this tour for anybody who loves nature and wants to learn more about Hawaii."
Becky Erisman
"The tour was great! The gardens we're gorgeous with beautiful unusual plants. Troy was our guide. He was funny and informative. We were able to taste various fruits along the way. And we learned about chocolate manufacturing while tasting cacao fruit and various chocolates from around the world."
Kathlene Moreno
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Princeville Botanical Gardens is located in Princeville, HI. It's best accessed by car. Many visitors use GPS or follow directions provided upon booking their tour. Parking is available on-site.
Public transport options on Kauai can be limited, especially to more remote areas like Princeville. Renting a car is generally the most convenient way to reach the gardens.
The gardens are located at Ahonui Place, Princeville, HI. It's recommended to confirm the exact address and directions when booking your tour.
Yes, Princeville is near Hanalei Bay and other beautiful North Shore attractions. You can combine your garden visit with exploring beaches or waterfalls.
From Lihue Airport, take HI-56 N towards the North Shore. Continue on HI-56 N, which becomes HI-560 W as you enter Princeville. Follow signs for Princeville Botanical Gardens. The drive is approximately 45-60 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Princeville Botanical Gardens operates by appointment and tour only. It's highly recommended to book your tour in advance, especially for the popular chocolate tasting options.
The most popular tour is the 3-hour garden and chocolate tour, which includes fruit and honey tastings. Other tours may focus more on the botanical aspects. 
Tour prices can vary, but typically range from $50-$75 per person for the guided garden and chocolate tasting experience. Check their official website for current pricing.
The ticket usually includes a guided 3-hour walking tour, sampling of various tropical fruits, local honey, and a chocolate tasting featuring cacao grown on-site. +1
While specific discounts aren't always advertised, booking directly through their website or looking for package deals with other Kauai attractions might offer savings. Keep an eye out for any seasonal promotions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The standard guided tour, including tastings, is approximately 3 hours long.
The tour involves walking through the gardens, which can be a little strenuous at times due to inclines. However, most visitors in good health find it manageable.
You'll see a wide variety of lush tropical plants, fruit trees, cacao orchards, and beautiful flowers. The guides also share insights into Hawaiian culture and history. +1
Restroom facilities are typically available at the start and end of the tour, and sometimes at designated points within the gardens. It's advisable to use facilities before the tour begins.
Yes, photography is encouraged! The gardens offer many stunning photo opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The highlight is the tasting experience, which includes exotic tropical fruits, local honey, and a variety of chocolates. It's not a full meal, but a delicious sampling. +1
Often, you can purchase bottles of their unique honey or select chocolates after the tour. It's a great way to take a taste of Kauai home with you.
Yes, the Princeville area has several restaurants and cafes offering various cuisines. You can grab a meal before or after your garden tour.
While outside food and drinks are generally not permitted during the guided tour to maintain the garden's integrity and focus on the tasting experience, it's best to confirm their specific policy when booking.
The chocolate tasting is a highlight, featuring different types of chocolate and often including cacao fruit from the garden. It's an educational and delicious experience. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Every corner of the garden offers stunning photo opportunities, from vibrant flowers and lush foliage to unique fruit trees. The tasting areas also make for great shots.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's essential to check with the garden management before your visit if you plan to use a drone for photography.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes, while a macro lens can be useful for close-ups of flowers and fruits. A good smartphone camera will also capture beautiful images.
Generally, personal photography is allowed and encouraged. However, always be mindful of your surroundings and avoid disrupting other guests or the guides.
Morning light can be soft and beautiful, while late afternoon offers a warm glow. The lush greenery is vibrant throughout the day.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1While the tour involves walking, most children can manage it, especially with the promise of delicious treats. The guides are often engaging and can make the learning aspect fun for younger visitors. It's a wonderful opportunity for families to connect with nature and create lasting memories on Kauai.
💑 Couples & Romantic Getaways
+1Imagine wandering hand-in-hand through vibrant flora, discovering hidden nooks, and savoring exotic fruits and chocolates together. The educational aspect adds depth to the experience, offering shared learning and conversation starters. It's a perfect way to spend a peaceful morning or afternoon, connecting with each other and the stunning natural beauty of Kauai.
🍎 Foodies & Culinary Explorers
This is more than just a tasting; it's an educational journey into the origins of your food. The opportunity to sample ingredients grown on-site and learn about their production makes it a truly authentic culinary experience. Don't miss the chance to discover new tastes and perhaps even find a new favorite treat to take home.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Garden Tour
This isn't just a walk through a garden; it's an exploration of a living ecosystem. Visitors often feel a deep connection to the land, appreciating the love and intention poured into its care. The tour provides a unique perspective on Kauai's natural heritage and the importance of conservation. It's an experience that resonates long after you leave, with some guests even finding their allergies soothed by the garden's honey.
Key takeaways from the tour include learning about cacao cultivation, the medicinal properties of various plants, and the rich biodiversity of the Hawaiian islands. The guides are adept at tailoring the information to the group, ensuring everyone, from botany enthusiasts to casual visitors, finds something fascinating. It's a highly recommended activity for anyone wanting to understand Kauai beyond its beaches.
A Taste of Paradise: Fruit & Chocolate
The chocolate tasting is particularly renowned. You'll learn about the process of chocolate making, from the cacao fruit to the finished product, and sample exquisite chocolates. This often includes cacao grown directly on the property, offering a true taste of Kauai. Many visitors describe the chocolate tasting as a delightful and educational part of the tour, making it a must-do for any foodie.
Beyond fruits and chocolate, visitors also rave about the local honey. The unique flavor of the honey, produced from the garden's diverse flora, is often cited as a memorable part of the tasting experience. Some guests even find it beneficial for their health. The combination of fresh fruits, artisanal chocolates, and local honey makes the tasting an unforgettable culinary adventure.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit