Year of Our Community ForestsArbor Day Celebration

Ka mālama ‘ana i ka mo‘omeheu. I mea e ola ai mai kēia mua aku. Preserving culture. So that there is life to come.

November 8, 2025, 9 am to 2 pm

Grow Hawaiian Festival Image

About Arbor Day

Arbor Day at Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden and Community Forest (AGEG) has become a cherished annual gathering that brings community together in South Kona to celebrate mālama āina and forest restoration. Over the years, the event has expanded to include workshops, hands-on learning, a native tree and plant sale, and tree giveaways—all designed to deepen relationships between community and āina. Held each November, the event reflects Hawai‘i’s long-standing commitment to planting and stewardship, and this year carries special meaning as we recognize 2025 as the Year of Our Community Forests.

First celebrated in Hawai‘i on November 3, 1905, Arbor Day began with the planting of thousands of trees across the islands. Inspired by traditions from the continent, Hawai‘i’ quickly adapted the day to emphasize native species, community participation, and the protection of our unique kaiaola (ecosystems).

In 2025, Arbor Day takes on added significance as it aligns with Governor Josh Green’s proclamation of Hawai‘i’s Year of Our Community Forests. This statewide initiative highlights the role of nahele kaiāulu—forests and trees in our neighborhoods, parks, and schools—in sustaining environmental health, cultural practice, and everyday life. Community events like tree giveaways, educational talks, and volunteer workdays are part of a broader movement to restore resilient greenspaces and foster a deeper kuleana to place.

This year’s celebration at Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden on November 8 will feature the premiere of Ho‘iho‘i ‘ia kaiaola o Hawai‘i -- Ecological restoration in Hawaii -- a new short film by Kona Media Creative documenting the forest restoration work of partners across North and South Kona. Shot with drone footage and interviews at sites including Pālamanui Dry Forest, Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau, Kahalu‘u Kūāhewa, and local farms, the video showcases diverse restoration approaches based on site conditions and cultural values. The day will also include partner exhibits, ‘ono food, interactive activities, and the Garden’s annual members’ meeting—offering some- thing for all who care for Hawai‘i’s living landscapes.

WHY SUPPORT ARBOR DAY AT AMY GREENWELL ETHNOBOTANICAL GARDEN?

  • Support Community-Led Conservation

    Your sponsorship amplifies grassroots efforts to restore native ecosystems and promote mālama ʻāina through community participation.

  • Promote Environmental Education

    The event features hands-on learning, exhibits, and workshops that engage keiki and adults alike in the cultural and ecological value of native trees.

  • Celebrate the Year of Our Community Forests

    Arbor Day 2025 is part of a statewide initiative recognizing the importance of nahele kaiāulu—trees that shape the health and identity of our communities.

  • Showcase Your Commitment to Sustainability

    Sponsorship demonstrates your organization’s dedication to environmental stewardship, sustainability, and resilience in Hawai‘i

  • Increase Community Impact

    The event draws hundreds of attendees and supports public engagement, partner collaboration, and long-term conservation outcomes.

  • Support Cultural Revitalization

    AGEG integrates traditional Hawaiian knowledge and values in its restoration work, contributing to the perpetuation of traditional land management practices.

  • Launch a New Video on Ecological Restoration

    Be part of the premiere of Ho‘iho‘i ‘ia kaiaola o Hawai‘i, a professionally produced short film documenting collaborative forest restoration efforts across Kona.

  • Reach a Diverse and Engaged Audience

    Attendees include families, educators, conservationists, farmers, and visitors who care deeply about ‘āina and community.

  • Help Plant the Future

    Your support makes possible the distribution of hundreds of native trees and plants to the public, strengthening local reforestation and food security efforts.

  • Strengthen Local Partnerships

    Sponsorship connects your organization to a network of restoration leaders, cultural practitioners, educators, and nonprofits working to restore Hawai‘i from the ground up.

Garden Location


Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden
82-6160 Hawaii Belt Rd
Captain Cook, HI 96704
USA

Mahalo to our Partners & Funders:

Funding for this work is provided by the USDA Forest Service, Urban and Community Forestry Program. USDA, Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden and partners are equal opportunity providers and employers.

📸 Photography Credit: Salt Drifter Photography & Kristina Holladay

🎨 Artwork Credit: Kelsie Dayna for Kaulunani and Year of Our Community Forests