This is a well-known
botanical garden that you’ll find on Kiahuna Plantation in Poipu. Moir Gardens
was first opened to the public in the mid-1950s. Quickly becoming a popular attraction
to all visitors of Hawaii the garden expanded and grew to host rare plants
among the native species.
The Moir Gardens is actually named after a Hawaiian goddess of
hula because it is also known as Pa’u a Laka. Many tropical plants native to Hawaii
can be found, but because of the unusually dry climate some, such as ginger,
hibiscus, and heliconia will not grow well here. Instead the garden can be
found filled with cactus and succulent flowers that flourish in the dry heat.
After some time, Moir Gardens became one of the greatest
cactus and succulent gardens in the world. Having been featured in many
publications worldwide, this garden has skyrocketed in popularity. You’ll find
many plants here that require little rain like orchids, many trees, and
bromeliads. Don’t worry about stepping outside of local tradition because
despite the climate some local plants still grow here. For example, you’ll find
coconut, plumeria, hau, and wiliwili all over Moir Gardens.
For a more well-rounded cultural experience the garden also
features a variety of foreign species and even Japanese koi fish and water
lilies in several small to medium sized lava rock ponds.