A garden and training site for future foresters…

Every garden is a reflection of its era and the focus areas that are botanically significant to the times. This arboretum has native Hawaiian dry forest that has been restored and is thriving. The dry forest is one of the most rare ecosystems in the world, and in Hawaii. There is only 10% left. This ecosystem is species rich and comprises many interesting trees, plants and vines. The arboretum also reflects land use models that are important in our world today.

We provide internships to land stewards who are interested in experiencing a comprehensive program to increase capacity, quality, and efficiency as they scale their projects.

We’re dedicated to giving you the very best training in seed collection, seed banking, nursery management and planting and maintenance. Please reach out if you want to know more.

Learn about one of the most rare ecosystems in the world!

Judge each day

not by the harvest

you reap but by

the seeds you plant.

– William Arthur Ward

To learn more about the history of the land you can see this storymap.

Offerings

School Group Tours

We care about the keiki in our community.
Our gift to the community is to host free tours to school groups- kindergarden through college. We have three tour options;
1)Garden tour- of dry forest, seed bank and nursery.
2)Seed collection
3)Botanical illustration

Service Learning

For local volunteers. Participate in the restoration cycle; from seed collection, banking, propagation, weeding, site preparation, out-planting, watering, monitoring. Ongoing volunteers will also be provided with educational materials.

Internship Request
Earth Awareness- Restoration Principles and Practices
We offer a high level two week training intensive for people visiting from outside of Hawai’i. This covers the entire restoration cycle. The cost includes housing in the garden, a small food budget, and training 5 days a week. Please inquire for more information.

News

What’s happening in the garden… 2025 events

Music and High Tea in the Garden, April 2025
a fundraising event to support the building of the pavilion/event center. info@josephrockarboretum.org!

We are located in Kailua Kona, Hawaii