Saturday Briefing

By Luana Maitland

Outrigger properties commemorate Arbor Day with family crafts and plant giveaways. Three Outrigger properties will be giving away hundreds of native Hawaiian plants and sponsoring family-friendly crafts and activities at their Kumula‘au Arbor Day Celebration, slated for November 6 and 7 on Oahu, and November 8 on the Big Island.
This free annual Arbor Day celebration has become a popular activity for guests, visitors, and residents interested in seeing and learning about Hawaiian plants, their cultural significance, and the importance of protecting the islands’ unique environment. Although many native plants cannot be taken out of the state, among the free items being given away are a limited number of ti and hibiscus plants, pre-inspected and approved for transportation out of the state.

Kukui Nut Tree

The native plant giveaways are an extension of the hotels’ efforts to preserve and promote Hawaii’s natural environment. Native Hawaiian plants are a prominent aspect of all three properties’ gardens and landscaping.

“Hawaiians used many plants in their daily lives, for shelter, clothing, tools, medicine, sailing, and more,” said Kimberly Agas, Vice-President of Operations overseeing Outrigger’s beachfront properties. “We hope to share the cultural significance of these native plants with our guests, as part of their Hawaii experience.”

Specific Kumula‘au Arbor Day activities are as follows:

Thursday, November 6 – Outrigger Reef on the Beach
Hundreds of native Hawaiian plants will be given away in Waikiki at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., there will be free crafts and activities appropriate for the whole family, including la‘au lapa‘au (Hawaiian medicinal plants), kukui nut hū (spinning top) and bracelets, and an exhibit of calabash made from native Hawaiian woods. Native plants and certified cuttings will be distributed, while supplies last. Starbucks will also provide used nitrogen—rich coffee grounds to grow healthy plants. The event is free and open to the public. There will be a limit of one plant per family and subject to plant availability. Validated valet parking $5. For information, contact me at (808) 924-6007.

Friday, November 7 – Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach
Participants can enjoy a variety of exhibits and activities from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., including lei-making and information about kalo (taro) by Calvin Hoe. Native plants and certified cuttings will be distributed, while supplies last. There will be a limit of one plant per family and subject to plant availability. The event is free and open to the public. There will be a limit of one plant per family and subject to plant availability. Validated valet parking $5. For information, contact Ethan Chang at (808) 921-9731.

Saturday, November 8 - Keauhou Beach Resort
From 9 a.m. to 11a.m. in Kona at the Keauhou Beach Resort, participants will get information on native Hawaiian plants, including hala, halapepe, lama (Hawaiian persimmon), and ohia ‘ai (mountain apple). Native plants will be given away, while supplies last, courtesy of the Amy Greenwell Botanical Gardens. Horticulturalist Brian Kiyabu will be on hand to answer questions. The event is free and open to the public. There will be a limit of one plant per family and subject to plant availability. For information, contact Joanna Demeo at (808) 924-6018.

The hotels’ Arbor Day events grew from a collaboration between Outrigger and the Department of Land & Natural Resources’ Kaulunani Urban Forestry Grant Program. The Kumula‘au Arbor Day events are part of Outrigger’s Kalakaua Experience, an award-winning, year-round series of educational guest programs about Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage, both contemporary and traditional.

Guests and residents may also view native and indigenous Hawaiian plants the rest of the year on property at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach, whose grounds are landscaped entirely with native Hawaiian plants, and at the Keauhou Beach Resort, where a large variety of tropical and native foliage are showcased in the hotel gardens.