Hilo Orchid Show returns – West Hawaii Today

For the 72nd year, the Hilo Orchid Show will return to Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium next week.

From July 24 to 26, the arena will be filled with colorful flowers organized in elaborate displays in line with this year’s theme: legends and lore.

“The displays are going to exhibit stories about different legends about orchids,” said Hilo Orchid Society President Kathy Gollaher.

Among the displays will be one based on the book “The Orchid Thief,” another inspired by Pu‘uhonua o Honaunau, and a depiction of the tale of how the slipper orchid got its name.

The displays will range in size from mini table top models to large-scale immersive exhibits. All of the orchids will be judged prior to the opening of the show, with awards and ribbons presented by the Hilo Orchid Society and the American Orchid Society.

There will also be orchids available for purchase from nurseries and other local growers. Gollager said some of the orchids are rare and cannot be found anywhere else.

“You can’t get these orchids in the stores.” Gollaher said. “They’re offering special plants. You can only get them at the orchid show.”

Hawaii Island, nicknamed the Orchid Isle, has long been regarded as an ideal place to cultivate orchids, and Gollaher said the annual show is a reflection of that.

“The Big Island has (almost) all of the climate zones except for arctic,” she said. “Orchids grow all over the world, and this is the perfect place to grow orchids. Some of our members have moved from the mainland, have retired over here specifically to grow orchids.”

Karl Mendonca, a member of the Hilo Orchid Society who is serving as this year’s show chair, said it is going to be the biggest one yet, with 18 vendors.

“We’re excited to have a bigger show this year with orchid vendors and more orchid displays,” he said. “I like to mention that the orchid show is a family event where we have activities for the keiki. We have a whole booth dedicated to them to learn about orchids, and we give away free orchids to the children.”

Mendonca said there will also be several hula performances, various food options and educational booths hosted by local nonprofits. An “orchid doctor” booth will also be on site, staffed by Hilo Orchid Society members available to answer questions about caring for the plants.

Tickets will be available for purchase at the show for $6 and can also be bought beforehand for $3 from Hilo Orchid Society members or at the Garden Exchange, Paradise Plants and Akatsuka Orchid Gardens. Admission is free for those 17 and under.

In partnership with the Hilo Rotary Club, the Hilo Orchid Society is providing free admission for veterans, first responders and their families on the first day of the show.

There will also be a preview party on Thursday, July 23, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. featuring live music, food and beverages, a sneak peak of the displays, and early access to orchids available for purchase.

Tickets are $115 (of which $40 is tax deductible), with proceeds benefiting the Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center and Hilo Orchid Society Scholarship Fund.

Tickets can be purchased at The Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo and Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center in Hilo. To purchase online, visit hawaiimediation.org/event/.

For more information about the orchid show, www.hiloorchidsociety.org.

Email Grace Inez Adams at grace.adams@hawaiitribune-herald.com.