It’s orchid time. ADVERTISING It’s orchid time. Did you know that before the Big Island was Hawaii Island, it was called the Orchid Isle? Did you know that the vanilla bean comes from an orchid? Did you know that Hawaii
It’s orchid time.
Did you know that before the Big Island was Hawaii Island, it was called the Orchid Isle? Did you know that the vanilla bean comes from an orchid? Did you know that Hawaii has only three native orchid species, yet there are tens of thousands of worldwide? If not, it’s time to learn more about orchids.
Hawaii Island residents are fortunate to have an active orchid society and the Kona Daifukuji Orchid Club is a large part of that effort. Carol Zakahi, club historian and charter member, said the chiefly honor goes to Tom Kadooka, who founded Kona’s first orchid club.
“Club beginnings were simply social. There were several women and one man, Tom Kadooka who ran a tight ship. The club helped support the island orchid industry,” Zakahi said.
After several decades the club still calls the Daifukuji Soto Mission in Honalo home and continues to welcome new members. The 100-year-old Zen Buddhist temple is highly regarded in Hawaii’s plantation history and is still the center of Japanese cultural activities in West Hawaii. The striking architecture is largely traditional Japanese adapted to old Hawaii construction techniques.
“The club has grown to 60 members,” Zakahi said. “We are hoping to have younger members.”
The annual Kona Daifukuji Orchid Club Show is a Big Island orchid showplace that attracts many enthusiasts and cultivators. Orchid club members have been busy for several weeks preparing their prized specimens for the magnificent colorful blooming displays of cattleya, vanda, cymbidium and other exotic and fanciful varieties.
The 33rd installment begins at 8 a.m. Sunday at the temple in Honalo, which is located at mile marker 114 along Highway 11 north of Kainaliu. Boy Scouts in uniform will be assisting with safely guiding cars to parking spaces. Attendees are welcome to complimentary refreshments and a fresh orchid pin made by members as a welcome gesture while supplies last.
Tradition will take center stage at 10 a.m. with a Taiko drum performance by Kona Daifukuji Taiko. The cultural drum group was formed in 1988 by members of the Daifukuji Soto Mission youth group and Sunday school.
As a part of the “You Can Grow Orchids” theme, there will be experts on hand, including several charter club “Plant Doctors” who have more than 30 years of growing experience. They will be on hand to answer questions about choosing and raising a healthy plant. In addition, Zakahi said her display “Plates, Platters and Plaques” is a collection of orchid objects and memorabilia gathered over the years.
The orchid sale is known for the high-quality hybrid and specialty orchids offered to the public.
“There are people waiting in line when we open and we sell out most years,” said George Ikeda, an eight-year club member.
There will be also a “Plant Hotel” where buyers can “check-in” purchased treasures while enjoying the displays and activities. In addition, attendees can take part in demonstrations on orchid mounting and even a secret formula club fertilizer will be made available.
For more information, visit the club’s website at https://kdoc.us/ or check out the club’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/orchidsinparadise.
