Kona Orchid Society to celebrate 40 years of orchid appreciation, education

The Kona Orchid Society will celebrate its 40th anniversary with the annual Mother’s Day Orchid Show and Plant Craft Sale next Saturday.

The Kona Orchid Society will host the show and sale at Makaeo Pavilion at Kona Old Airport State Recreational Area from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 3. Admission is $2, and the first 300 attendees will receive a free orchid plant.

There will be a $20 early bird admission for the first 100 attendees from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. They will receive the first access to sale plants and a complimentary cup of coffee.

There will be a display of blooming orchids created by Kona Orchid Society members and a sale from a wide selection of plants from orchid growers across Hawaiʻi Island.

Members of the nonprofit organization will attend the show throughout the day to answer questions and educate the public about the collection, culture, and appreciation of orchids.

“In addition to numerous orchid varieties from eight vendors, there will also be cactus, succulents, air plants, anthuriums, heliconia, bonsai, protea, bedding plants, bamboo, fruit and forest trees,” said Kona Orchid Society organizer Bob Zeller. “We’ll also be offering a variety of orchid growing supplies and ceramic pots.”

Crafted merchandise on sale includes hanging planters, arts and crafts, black pearl jewelry, pottery, stoneware, paintings, stained glass, wood/resin art, and fabric crafts.

Visit the Kona Orchid Society website for tickets and more information on joining the organization. Individual hobbyists and commercial growers meet at 6:30 p.m. on the second Friday of the month at the Makua Lani Christian Academy in Kailua-Kona.