HONOLULU – Hawaii communities are invited to join in the annual celebration of trees this week for Arbor Day Hawaii. Tree giveaways, planting and educational activities will take place throughout this month.
Gov. Josh Green formally proclaimed 2025 as the Year of Our Community Forests, highlighting the importance of the trees where residents live, learn and play, according to a press release. These trees provide connection to culture and a sense of place to Hawaii’s communities. They provide gathering spaces, shade to cool down, food to eat, wood for carving, leaves for weaving and flowers for lei, among many other benefits.
Kaulunani, the Urban and Community Forestry program of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) supports Arbor Day tree celebration events annually.
Everyone can be a steward of community forests this Arbor Day, the press release said.
“Whether you adopt a tree at a giveaway, plant and care for trees at a volunteer day, or celebrate trees at a community festival, you’re part of growing the community forest,” said DOFAW Urban and Community Forester Dr. Heather McMillen. “When we grow trees, we sustain communities.”
From Oahu to Hawaii Island, Maui Nui to Kauai, festivities span the state. Visit the Kaulunani Arbor Day Hawaii webpage to see a comprehensive list of events. There are over 40 events listed this year.
On Kauai, Ohia Love Fest will take place at Limahuli Garden and Preserve Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring a native plant sale, educational talks, local food and craft vendors, live music, keiki fun.
Arbor Day Hawaii has been recognized for more than 110 years and marks the beginning of the rainy season — an ideal time for planting trees in our island home.
Source: The Garden Island