“Major differences from our first visit in 2007”

We were surprised a bus now takes you to the estate on a paved road. In 2007 we were on a “Disney” like tram on a dirt road.We also remember the tour cost $30 dollars in 2007, now the price is $40. We were able to lower that expense by having a coupon we found in a magazine that gave a 15% discount. We saved $12 dollars!We sat on the left side where the ocean is located. But, on the right side since 2013, is a pretty private golf course.

A major difference we realized is they no longer take you to the Allerton beachside home where John Wayne once stayed. You need to book the “Sunset Tour” now to see that side of the estate. We were a tad disappointed.

Our tour guide, Hal, has real passion for the place. He knew all his plants, history and even played in a movie that was filmed here. The day before, though, we did observe a tour guide that gave more of an overview of Kauai. In essence, all these guides are excellent.

We enjoyed the various fountains and obviously the beautify of the plants, bamboo, trees and orchids.

As the tour ends, you do get to see the famous “Jurassic trees,” where the “eggs were found” in the 1993 classic. These Moreton Bay Fig trees from Australia are quite impressive. A number of movies have been filmed in this small valley.

We did have some volcanic vog and mosquitoes in our 2015 visit. Most of the patrons did not have spray. For the 18 people on the bus, mosquito spray should be supplied, particularly for $40 dollars per person. The Botanical Gardens wants you to buy the spray and water at their entrance.

The tour did last two and half hours. Having visited the second time gave us more of an appreciation for the beauty of the Allerton estate.

Visited May 2015