Members of the Hilo Orchid Society are working to help Hawaii Island live up to its nickname as the Orchid Isle.
Although orchid growing is still an important industry, and orchids easily grow outdoors, the sense that orchids make the island a special place has faded, according to members of the Hilo Orchid Society.
“This island is orchid paradise, so we’ve been wanting to do something like this for a long time,” orchid society member Ellen Train said. “When we received over 1,000 donated orchids (from Kalapana Tropicals), we had to start putting these around the island.”
The Hilo Orchid Society, through its Orchid Isle Project, has reached out to the county government, businesses, other orchid societies and the public to encourage people to place orchids on their property where passers-by can see them.
“They are so beautiful and grow so easily here,” said member Carey Wost. “I think they add something unique to the Big Island.”
Members of the Hilo Orchid Society spent Wednesday morning placing orchids around the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel property.
While placing them on trees around the hotel, members spent time teaching the groundskeeping team how to place the orchids and how to take care of them afterward.
“This will be a great addition to the grounds of the hotel, with more color surrounding the entrance and exit,” said Matt Pickett, Hilo Hawaii Hotel general manager.
The Hilo Orchid Society already has placed orchids in public parks, near the Hilo Bayfront shops and Hilo Medical Center, and has donated a portion to the Kailua-Kona Orchid Society to place on the west side of the island.
After working on this project, the Hilo Orchid Society will be putting its focus onto the 68th Hilo Orchid Society Show and Sale.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hilo hosted the largest and most comprehensive orchid show and sale in the state at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium.
For the first time in two years, the Hilo Orchid Society will hold its show and sale in person, which will feature displays of thousands of orchids, including exotic species and hybrids not typically found at major retail and grocery store chains.
Orchids for sale will be suited to growers of all skill levels, and will also include other orchid-related items.
The show and sale will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, July 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 30, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 31.
More information about the Orchid Isle Project and the Orchid Society Show and Sale can be found at hiloorchidsociety.org.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com