Big Island celebrating seventh annual ʻŌhiʻa Love Fest this November

Conservation hui throughout the state – including several on the Big Island – will host events this month to share information and encourage the planting and protection of ʻōhiʻa lehua, a keystone species of Hawai‘i’s native forests and State Endemic Tree of Hawai‘i.

Although known for picturesque flowers ranging from scarlet red to vivid yellow, ʻōhiʻa lehua can be appreciated for more than its beauty. ʻŌhiʻa comprise 80% of Hawaiʻi’s native forests and play a key role in watershed protection and erosion prevention. ʻŌhiʻa are referred to as ka ʻupena o ke ola – the “net of life” which provide food, water, and habitat for several native animals and invertebrates – but their numbers are under threat.

Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death, a fungus discovered on Hawaiʻi Island in 2014, can kill ʻōhiʻa and spread over long distances, potentially impacting the trees statewide.

Celebrate, learn more about, and spread the love for this vital piece of our forest ecosystem at a community event in November as part of ʻŌhiʻa Love Fest.

This month’s events include:

• Friday, November 3 Kokeʻe State Park, Kauaʻi, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Weed and Feed sponsored by Keoki’s Paradise. Limited space, pre-registration required.

• Saturday, November 4 Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join us for the East Hawaiʻi Island ʻŌhiʻa Love Fest at the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, Komohana Research Extension Center, 875 Komohana Street. Tour the native plant garden, hear about the latest research on Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD), learn how to draw a honeycreeper, win prizes, collect new stickers, get a selfie with our mascot RODney, and more.

• Saturday, November 4 Kahului, Maui, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Look for the Hale ʽŌhiʽa at the Maui Nui Botanical Garden’s annual Arbor Day celebration. Learn about harvesting seeds to grow your own or adopt a ready-to-plant seedling. MNBG will also be giving away an additional 1,000 native trees in partnership with Hawaiian Electric Company, the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals (MALP), and Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program. The MALP Garden Expo will feature horticultural and tree care classes, a plant sale, and free activities.

• Saturday, November 18 Hanalei, Kauaʻi, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Limahuli Gardens: Hoʽolauleʽa and Plant Sale. Educational talks, cultural demonstrations, conservation booths, crafts, food and more.

• Saturday, November 18 Honolulu, Oʻahu 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Venture through the Honolulu Zoo, to find the ‛Ōhi‛a Love Fest near the African Savanna exclosures, playground and picnic lawn. ‛Ōhi‛a Love Fest is a FREE fun-filled family event, but zoo entrance fees still apply.

• Saturday, November 18 Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi Island, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join us at the Terraformation Ridge to Reef Restoration Center, 73-4485 Kahilihili, near the Kona airport. Tour the native plant greenhouse, learn how to save seed and germinate ʻōhiʻa, hear about the latest research on Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD), learn how to draw a honeycreeper, win prizes, get a selfie with our mascot, RODney, and many more fun, educational activities for all ages.

To learn more and receive updates on event schedule and activities, visit:

https://cms.ctahr.hawaii.edu/rod/EDUCATION-OUTREACH/%CA%BB%C5%8CHI%CA%BBA-LOVE-FEST