Arbor Day Celebration
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Annual Friends of Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden Meeting and Celebration, in partnership with Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative
Free Entry!
Join us as we celebrate trees, community, and the living heritage of our island home.
9:00 a.m. – Welcome & Opening
Gather at the Main Stage as we open this special day together. We’ll share a few announcements and set the tone for a day of learning, connection, and aloha ʻāina — love for the land.
9:15 a.m. – Opening Blessing
A blessing by Kauhane Heloca will open the Arbor Day celebration with gratitude and intention. Following the blessing, the Plant Sale, Tree Giveaway, and all Activity Booths will open.
9:30 – 10:30 a.m. – Nā Kūpuna o Kona Hema
Enjoy the lively music and hula of Nā Kūpuna o Kona Hema, whose ukulele, song, and dance bring the spirit of aloha to the Main Stage and fill the Garden with joyful energy.
10:45 – 11:30 a.m. – ʻUlu Co-op presents: Cooking with Sam Choy
Join Chef Sam Choy for a fun and flavorful cooking demonstration featuring local ingredients and island-style inspiration — a delicious way to celebrate our connection to the ʻāina.
11:00 a.m. – Guided Garden Tour
Meet under the Kukui nut tree at the picnic tables to join our guides for a walk through the Garden’s living collection of native and Polynesian-introduced plants, each with its own story and purpose.
11:45 – 11:55 a.m. – Video Premiere
Take a moment to relax and enjoy the premiere of our new Garden video, “Community Forest Restoration in Kona” highlighting our community’s role in stewarding Hawaii’s forests and cultural landscapes.
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. – Friends Annual Meeting
Everyone is invited to the Friends of Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden Annual Meeting at the Main Stage. Hear updates, meet board members, and learn how you can help nurture this community treasure.
1:15 p.m. – Afternoon Garden Tour
If you missed the morning tour, join us again under the Kukui nut tree for a final guided walk through the Garden — a peaceful way to close your day among the plants that sustain us.
2:00 p.m. – Closing
We close our celebration in gratitude — to our volunteers, partners, and community who help this Garden thrive. Mahalo for joining us to celebrate Arbor Day and the Year of Our Community Forests.
Logistics:
- When: November 8, 2025
- Where: 82-6160 Māmalahoa Highway, Captain Cook
Funding for this project provided by the Inflation Reduction Act and the USDA Forest Service, Urban and Community Forestry Program. USDA, Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden and partners are equal opportunity providers and employers.