There are three National Tropical Botanical Gardens on the island of Kaua'i: Allerton Garden, Lawai Garden and Limahuli Garden. Entrance to the gardens is fee-oriented and typically reservation-based, since most tours are guided by trained professionals. Although we tend to prefer self-guided expeditions, the gardens display a fantasic array of vegetation, much of which is native to Hawai'i. Birdwatchers will also be pleased with the magnificent assortment of tropical birds that soar the island of Kaua'i. Our personal favorite is Limahuli Garden on the North Shore, which expanses over 1000 acres in three different ecological zones and still contains an ancient lava rock terrace system. You can opt for a self-guided tour of this refuge, but you will have to pay an entrance fee and make reservations.

If you're heading to Hawai'i, chances are that you're going to want to head to a lu'au, if for no other reason than to say you've been to one. Often overpriced, a good lu'au can still be a good time if the food and entertainment are good. The Princeville Hotel (in Princeville on the North Shore) has just about the best commercial lu'au on-island. The food and service are outstanding, the entertainment is often enjoyable, and the view over Hanalei Bay is to-die-for. For a true Hawaiian lu'au, be sure to look in the local paper for fundraising and charitable lu'aus which are often less pretentious and more authentic.