The nonprofit National Tropical Botanical Garden is dedicated to saving and studying the world's threatened tropical plants, and to sharing what is learned.

Among NTBG's gardens are two gardens on the south shore of Kauai - McBryde Garden (NTBG's flagship garden) and the adjacent Alleton Garden (a former private estate), both located in the Lawai Valley. Tours of either of these gardens start at the Southshore Visitors Center, which is located a short distance from the rim of the valley. Visitors check in here and board Garden vehicles for a spectacular ride with sweeping coastal views as they descend into the valley, where they disembark and begin their walking tour.

See: McBryde Garden

See: Allerton Garden