Orchid enthusiasts, mark your calendars: the annual Hilo Orchid Show and Sale happens July 25-27!
Get ready for a blooming extravaganza as the 71st annual Hilo Orchid Show and Sale returns from July 25 to 27, showcasing the island's unique geography and the ethereal beauty of orchids. This year's theme, "Orchid Isle: Mauka to Makai," highlights the Big Island's diverse landscapes, from the mountains to the sea.
The event will take place at the Edith Kanaka'ole Multi-Purpose Stadium. The public is invited from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 26, and from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on July 27. Admission is $6 for adults, and those under 17 can enter for free. Discounted tickets are available before the show at Garden Exchange and Paradise Plants.
The Hilo Orchid Society's display will feature orchids that can be grown across the island, using an accurate layout of the Big Island and shelving to represent varying environments. Visitors can expect to see cool-growing, intermediate-growing, and warm-growing orchids, reflecting the island's diverse climate zones.
Four hula performances will take place, two each day on Friday and Saturday, adding a cultural dimension to the event. Demonstrations about how to grow orchids will be held during the event, offering practical tips for both beginners and experienced growers.
Last year, the Hilo Orchid Society was awarded the "Best in Show" display award, and Hilo Orchid Farm Hawaii won both top prizes. This year, about 17 orchid vendors and two amateur growers will curate displays, along with "quite a few" mini-displays.
A special area for keiki (children) will be set up to encourage young orchid fans. Food vendors like Texas Island BBQ, Munchi BOX, Thai Nong Khai Express, and Martha's Tamales will be on site to satisfy your hunger.
The event will kick off with a Hilo Orchid Show Gala Preview Party on Thursday, July 24, from 6 to 9 p.m. The gala features food, drinks, live music, orchid viewing, and pre-sales. Tickets to the gala are $100.
Mayor Kimo Alameda will give an opening speech for the show at 9:30 a.m. on July 25. Last year, an educational exhibit called "Keiki and Ohana Orchid World" was initiated and will continue this year.
The judges will choose the best displays and best orchids in many categories, with the two best plants determining the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion. The show promises to be a vibrant celebration of the Big Island's natural beauty and the art of orchid cultivation. So mark your calendars and get ready to immerse yourself in the world of orchids!
[1] Hilo Orchid Show and Sale. (n.d.). Retrieved March 12, 2023, from https://hiloorchidsociety.org/ [2] Hilo Orchid Show and Sale. (n.d.). Retrieved March 12, 2023, from https://www.hawaiiorchid.com/ [3] Hilo Orchid Show and Sale. (n.d.). Retrieved March 12, 2023, from https://www.hawaii-guide.com/events/hilo-orchid-show-and-sale/
In addition to the mesmerizing orchid displays that highlight the Big Island's diverse climate zones, the event will also offer educational sessions on gardening and home-and-garden lifestyle, serving as a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced growers. Furthermore, the special area for keiki (children) will encourage a love for gardening and environmental awareness, nurturing the next generation of green thumbs and plant enthusiasts in the community.
