Kunia Plant Show Showcases Blooming Orchids At Leilehua

Broaden your horticulturist horizons with a trip to the Kunia Orchid Show, set for March 22 to 24 in Leilehua High School gym.

And if you’re lucky enough to be the 2,013th person to walk through the doors, you’ll be going home with a very valuable gift basket full of blooming orchids.

Kunia Orchid Society member Callman Au, a Mililani resident, recommends planning an arrival sometime Saturday morning, if you’re really looking to win.

This is the sixth year Kunia Orchid Society has held its show at Leilehua High School, and Au said attendance has never been better. About 5,600 people come to the KOS show, which is in its 59th year.

The show features 13 displays of the best orchids, which will be judged by Honolulu Orchid Society’s nationally certified judges to determine the top winners.

Additionally, about two dozen vendors will participate in the “Kunia Kountry Store,” where a variety of orchids will be for sale. These include Phalaenopsis, Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, the popular Hono Hono orchid and more. Participating vendors also donate their plants to the 2,013th attendee, as well as the hourly door prizes.

The show and sale also feature daily educational lectures so novice and advanced orchid growers can gain additional skills and tips.

Friday’s lecture at 1:30 p.m. is on “Honohono Culture.”

Saturday’s lecture at 11:30 a.m. teaches “Orchid Mounting,” and another at 1:30 p.m. again discusses “Honohono Culture.”

Sunday’s lecture at 11:30 a.m. features “General Orchid Culture.”

The Rainbow Bonsai Club also will be available to give demonstrations of bonsai techniques.

The Kunia Orchid Society currently boasts 175 members and meets monthly in Mililani.

Leilehua High School is located at 1515 California Ave. in Wahiawa.

Admission to the orchid show is $2. For more information, call 623-8585.