At the Garden, you will see over 200 species of plants that grew in the traditional farms and native forests of Kona before Captain Cook arrived in the late 18th century. There are endemic, indigenous, and Polynesian introduced plants. These include the most important plants in Hawaiian culture, such as taro and kukui, and scores of rare and endangered native species such as the beautiful koki‘o.

Established in 1974 by botanist Dr. Virgil Place, the Pua Mau Place Arboretum and Botanical Gardens occupy 45 acres on the slopes of the Kohala Mountains. The facility focuses on the preservation of native pua mau woody plants as well as many other important native species. Here botanists, ecologists and amateur plant lovers can discover the richness and diversity of Hawaiian flora. You'll find original sculptures, exposed red lava rock boulders and a magic circle of large stones. Stones are arranged in a way that they indicate the solstices and equinoxes throughout the calendar year.

Sadie Seymour (1907–1975) founded the outdoor circle to beautify the Kona community. The gardens were designed by landscape architect Scott Seymour on a wedge-shaped plot, and named in honor of his mother. They feature the cultivated plants of Hawaii, arranged in 11 tiers by geographic origin. The first tier contains native Hawaiian plants. Other tiers include Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia (featuring plants such as cuphea, eucalyptus, and ixora); Indo-Asia (lemon grass, and cinnamon, turmeric, and clove trees); Africa (Bismarckia nobilis); and Central America (calabash). The educational center also includes a horticultural library. Tropical gardening classes and other events are held in the center.