Booking choice: The Princeville garden and chocolate tour, from $126 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
The Princeville Botanical Gardens tour asks guests to "be prepared for a walk in the woods": good walking shoes and a rain jacket. The gardens supply walking sticks, umbrellas and a DEET-free bug spray, so you do not need to bring everything.
Here is what to wear, what to pack, and what you can leave in the car.
The quick answer
Wear closed walking shoes with a good grip, light clothes, a hat and a light rain jacket. Bring water and a camera. Umbrellas, walking sticks and organic DEET-free bug spray are handed out at check-in, so bring your own repellent only if you prefer it.
What should you wear on the garden tour?
Light, breathable clothes you do not mind getting damp, closed walking shoes and a light rain jacket.
You are in a humid valley for three hours, mostly under the tree canopy. Shorts or light trousers both work; light trousers also help against mosquitoes.
Dressed for the woods? Check dates for the 9:30 garden walk with umbrellas and walking sticks provided.
Check dates for the Princeville garden and chocolate tourWhich shoes are best?
Closed walking shoes or trail shoes with a grippy sole: the route has several sets of stairs and uphill and downhill stretches on loose gravel.
Wooden bridges and stones get slick after rain, which on the North Shore is often. Flip-flops and smooth-soled sandals are the wrong choice. Guests' most repeated tip is simple: wear good walking shoes.
Do you need a rain jacket?
Yes: the tour runs rain or shine, and the gardens ask every guest to bring a rain jacket.
Umbrellas are handed out at check-in and most of the route is shaded by trees, so a light, packable jacket is enough. If a storm is forecast, the Viator booking cancels free up to 24 hours before.
What about mosquitoes?
Organic, DEET-free bug spray is provided at check-in; use it before you set off, and bring your own repellent if you prefer a stronger one.
Insect repellent to buy on site is listed as not included. Three hours by a creek means mosquitoes, so light long sleeves or trousers are worth considering.
How do you handle the stairs, gravel and cable bridge?
Take a walking stick, go at your own pace and hold the rails: guests describe the walk as gentle but "a little arduous" in places, with one cable bridge.
The tour is not wheelchair accessible and does not allow walkers or scooters, and it needs a moderate fitness level. Guests with balance problems find it hard going.
Ready for the terrain? Walking sticks are included on the three-hour tour.
Check dates for the Princeville garden and chocolate tourWhat should you pack?
Keep it light: you carry your bag for three hours.
- A bottle of water
- A sun hat and sunscreen for the open terraces
- A light rain jacket
- Your own insect repellent, if you prefer it
- A camera or phone
- A card or a little cash for the gift shop
Do you need sun protection in the garden?
Some: most of the walk is shaded, but the lawns and terraces are open to the sun.
A hat and sunscreen are enough. Bring water too; guests recommend it, and three hours in humid air is thirsty work.
What can you leave behind?
Snacks, umbrellas and walking poles: the tour provides fruit, chocolate, umbrellas and walking sticks.
Leave valuables in the car you park inside the gates. Coming with children? See the chocolate tour with kids for what little ones need.
Everything but your shoes and jacket is covered: gear, bug spray, fruit, honey and the guide's tip.
Explore the Princeville garden and chocolate tourFrequently asked questions
Can I wear sandals on the Princeville garden tour?
It is not a good idea: the route has stairs, loose gravel and slick bridges, and the gardens ask for good walking shoes.
Are umbrellas provided?
Yes. Umbrellas and walking sticks are included and handed out at check-in.
Is there bug spray?
Yes, an organic DEET-free island bug spray is provided. Bring your own repellent if you prefer a different one.
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Choose your tasting
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Princeville Botanical Gardens & Chocolate Tasting
- Guided walk through the 9-acre gardens, 9:30 AM start (check in from 9:00)
- Gourmet chocolate tasting: single-origin bars from around the world plus a taste of the garden's own
- Seasonal fruit samples and the garden's honey
