* People interested in plants will want to get to the Makaeo County Pavilion at the Old Airport Beach Park early for the Kona Orchid Society Mother’s Day Sale. The sale starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. on May 11. There is a nominal admission fee, a host of educational offerings and a display of blooming orchids. But the real draw is the sale of a wide selection of beautiful plants from Hawai`i Island growers. In addition to orchids, you’ll find cactus, succulents, air plants, bonsai, protea, fruit trees, exotic tropicals, herbs, vegetable starts and bedding plants. Attendees can talk story with growers and on-site master gardeners for tried-and-true growing tips. For more information visit, https://www.konaorchidsociety.org/
* The island’s cowboy culture will be on display at the Honoka`a Western Week May 18 to 27. The public is invited to pull on their cowboy boots and join the fun in a full week of events, which starts with a parade and ends with a rodeo. In between there will be live music, a Saloon Girls contest, Cowboy’s Got Talent contest, beer tents, keiki events and Portuguese Soup and Smoke Meat contests. For more information, visit honokaawesternweek.org.
* Hawai`i wouldn’t be the special place it is without lei – these fragrant garlands of flowers and foliage are a symbol of Hawai`i and its aloha. In ancient times, Hawaiians wore lei to represent their ranks and their wealth, as well as to signify royalty or ali`i. The geography of the area, the religion of its people, and the tradition of the hula were all associated with the lei that Hawaiians wore. Today, you might find a lei in the local grocery store, a farmer’s market, or florist. If you have flowers in your yard, you might pick and string your own lei. It’s a beloved tradition in Hawai`i and one which is celebrated annually. May 1 is May Day - Lei Day in Hawai`i! So, wear a lei and when you do, think about the folks in Hawai`i who grow the flowers, those who string or weave the lei together and the vendors who sell them. It’s an important part of Hawai`i’s economy, tradition and ecoculture. And, May Day is not the only day for a lei. They are appropriate for birthdays, baby showers, weddings, graduations and any other significant celebration.
* LA Dodger’s baseball star Shohei Ohtani may be hanging out on Hawaii Island more often now that he has purchased a property at Mauna Kea Resort. Ohtani reportedly paid approximately $17 million for a lot in Mauna Kea’s new upscale development called “The Vista.” His home will be one of 14 luxury single-family mansions with an ocean view, complete with a private hitting and pitching facility for pre-season training.
Big Island Quiz
Can you name these areas?
