Sadie Seymour Botanical Gardens, Big Island
Sadie Seymour Botanical Gardens is a 1.5-acre educational garden in Kailua-Kona featuring a diverse collection of native and international plants. Established in 1986, it is home to a horticultural library, cultural exhibits, and the Kealakowa'a Heiau, an ancient Hawaiian canoe temple. Visitors enjoy guided tours and tranquil strolls through themed plant zones representing global flora.
Both beautiful gardens and archaeological wonders await you at these botanical gardens in the Kailua-Kona area. Located on the grounds of the Kona Outdoor Circle Educational Center, the Sadie Seymour Botanical Gardens were designed by landscape architect Scott Seymour in honor of his mother. Today the gardens feature common Hawaiian plants organized by geographic origin, many of which are native to the Islands.
Established in 1986, these lush gardens exhibit an impressive range of trees and plants from Hawaii, the South Pacific and beyond. Here you'll find plants from Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia, including eucalyptus, ixora and cuphea; African plants such as bismarckia nobilis; calabash from Central America; and South Asian spice plants such as clove trees, cinnamon, turmeric and lemon grass.
Spanning 1.5 acres, the Sadie Seymour Botanical Gardens provides an overview of the native and non-native plants that inhabit the Hawaiian Islands. A guided lunch tour explains the natural history of Hawaii and origins of different plants, including those that inhabited the island before the arrival of Polynesian explorers. The site also contains a horticultural library and educational center.
Visitors can also check out Kealakowa'a Heiau, an important archaeological site located on the grounds of the Kona Outdoor Circle Educational Center. Hawaiian for "temple on the way for dragging canoes," this ritual site built in the 1600s during the age of the Umi people was once used to construct and bless canoes. The site contains the ruins of a priest's house, an astrological temple, a ceremonial platform and a meetinghouse. Kealakowa'a Heiau is located along an important sacred trail that leads from the upland Koa forests down to Holualoa Bay, where the Umi launched their canoes.
Key Features of Sadie Seymour Botanical Gardens
- Diverse plant exhibits: Flora from Hawaii, Polynesia, Asia, Africa, and the Americas
- Educational focus: Includes a horticultural library and guided lunch tours
- Kealakowa'a Heiau: Historic Hawaiian canoe temple with archaeological significance
- 1.5-acre garden: Compact but rich in botanical and cultural diversity
- Accessible trails: Paved paths allow for easy self-guided or group exploration
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these gardens unique?
The gardens feature a global collection of plants organized by region, along with the historic Kealakowa'a Heiau - a rare archaeological site connected to canoe-building traditions.
Is there an educational component?
Yes, the site includes a horticultural library and educational center with guided tours explaining Hawaii's natural history and plant origins.
What is Kealakowa'a Heiau?
It's an ancient Hawaiian temple where canoes were once constructed and blessed, complete with remnants of ceremonial structures and an astrological platform.
Where is it located?
The gardens are located at 76-6280 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 - just south of downtown Kailua-Kona.
Is it a large garden?
While only 1.5 acres, the site is densely planted and rich with educational and cultural features.