Sadie Seymour founded Kona’s Outdoor Circle, a not-for-profit organization that aimed to “keep Hawaii clean, green and beautiful” in 1948. The compact botanical gardens were established within the grounds of the Outdoor Circle in 1986 when landscape architect Scott Seymour designed and established them in honor of his mother. Today you can explore 11 geographically arranged tiers of species, and visit an important Hawaiian archaeological site.

The Sadie Seymour Botanical Garden features an array of tropical species of trees, flowers and plants that are common to the area. Walk through the tiered garden as you discover the origins of some of the island’s most well known plants. See the native plants of the South Pacific, including Australia’s eucalyptus and the ixora, a common flowering plant of tropical Asia.

Navigate your way through the gardens with the help of the self-guide brochure, available at the gardens. The addition of illustrated signs makes a day at the 1.5-acre (6,000-square-meter) gardens both an educational and relaxing experience. Bring a picnic lunch and relax in the shady gardens to escape the sun. There is no food or drink available to buy on the grounds.

Visit Kealakowa’a Heiau, an ancient ritual site of great importance to the local Hawaiians. See where traditional canoes were constructed for traveling between the islands and the ceremonial platform where the canoes were blessed. The Outdoor Circle has an educational center where you can learn about the history of the region while exploring the lush plant life.

The Sadie Seymour Botanical Garden is located within the grounds of Kona’s Outdoor Circle, 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) outside of Kailua-Kona. The gardens are best reached by car, and free parking is available. There is no public transportation to the gardens however, taxis are available from Kailua-Kona.

The garden is open daily and admission is free however, a donation is suggested.