Hawaii celebrates its Arbor Day

Koa is among the species of trees being offered for sale today at state nurseries in Hilo and Waimea. UH photo.

Today is Arbor Day in Hawaii, and the state is suggesting that residents “go green” by purchasing a native plant from one of its nurseries on the Big Island.

Division of Forestry and Wildlife nurseries in Hilo and Waimea will be offering the plants from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. today.

DOFAW is offering plant species popular with gardeners and landscapers. Proceeds will be used to support nursery operations and forest management.

Native species that will be available are include koa, koai‘a, ohia, hame, kokio (hibiscus), alahe‘e, pohinahina, sandalwood, and loulu. A few of the non-native species that will also be available including puakenikeni, Sugi pines, ylang ylang, gardenia, shower tree, and podocarpus.

The cost of plant species will range from $1 each for dibble tube seedlings to $15 each for 3-gallon pots. There are no limits on quantities purchased and all sales are on a cash-only basis.

National Arbor Day is on the last Friday in April, but many states observe Arbor Day on different dates usually according to best tree-planting times. In Hawaii it’s the first Friday in November.

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