This botanical garden is located in Ha'ena, near the end of the north shore road.  Be sure to allow yourself an hour or two to explore these botanical gardens.  You don't have to be interested in plants to appreciate the rare window to ancient Hawai'i which  Limahuli Gardens offers its visitors.

Only basic facilities are available: outhouses located at the parking lot only, drinking water is supplied along the way, and a guide book is part of the modest admission fee.  Mosquitoes can be a problem in this wet area (Skin-So-Soft is provided), and rain showers are frequent but usually brief (ponchos and umbrellas are provided).  Please stay on the well-marked pathway provided, and be sure to stay hydrated by sipping water from each station where it is provided for your use.  Parts of the path are steep, and may not be suitable for those with certain medical conditions.  There is no wheelchair access beyond the parking lot.

Makana Mountain towers above Lumahuli (see photos above), and was given the name Bali Hai by the producers of the movie South Pacific.  In Hawaiian "Makana" means "gift", giving us a clue to the importance of this mountain in ancient Hawaiian life.  Makana was used for the 'oahi ceremony, where light, dry logs were set aflame and flung off the mountaintop.  The strong winds would carry the firebrands as far as a mile out to sea.  This ceremony was reserved for very special occasions.

Pohaku-o-Kane (see photo above) means Stone of Kane.  Ancient Hawaiian legend tells us this rock is very significant.  This rock and his brother and sister were rolling around on the ocean floor long before humans inhabited Hawaii.  They all liked Kaua'i and decided to stay here.  His brother and sister fell asleep on the shore nearby, but this rock was determined to climb to the top of the ridge.  He tried and tried, but each time he fell back until Kane (a Hawaiian god) helped him to the top of the mountain ridge.  In return, the rock promised to remain awake and watchful, and report everything he saw to Kane.  Personally, I believe the legend - what other explanation can there be for such a large rock to be perched so precariously atop a high ridge, and remain there for so long?

Lumahuli is a special place with lots of mana.  Take the opportunity to rest for awhile at the Lookout.  Gaze around you to fully appreciate the natural beauty, and soak up some of the mana from this place to carry with you in your travels through these special islands.