Residents and visitors of all ages are welcome to enjoy a fun-filled day learning about ohia, Hawaii’s most common native tree, during the third annual ‘Ohi‘a Love Fest from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25.
The festival is free to attend and hosted at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo.
Ohia plays an integral role in Hawaii’s ecosystems and culture. Everyone is connected to ohia in some way, from the water we drink, the landscapes we protect, the lei we wear, the mele (songs) we sing, the beauty we take in while hiking, hunting or even driving over Saddle Road, to that beloved tree in your backyard or favorite forest.
The festival celebrates ohia and promotes awareness about this important tree and how to help protect it.
Come and listen to history and legends and take part in workshops, take a tour through a 3-D ohia forest experience, sow some ohia seeds to start your own mini forest and watch the three-time Emmy award-winning film “Saving ‘Ohi‘a — Hawai‘i’s Sacred Tree,” a documentary about the fight against rapid ohia death. Attendees are invited to get answers to questions about the fungal disease directly from ROD researchers.
‘Ohi‘a Love Fest features crafts, games, prizes, educational booths, a photo booth, live music, hula and food vendors. As a bonus, attendees will have free access to ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center and the planetarium.
The festival is a zero-waste event so bring your own reusable water bottles.
This event is put on by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife and University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service with support from the Rapid ‘Ohi‘a Death Working Group and ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center.
The astronomy center is located at 600 ‘Imiloa Place, Hilo.