Aloha! This page serves as our “master post” for all Lyon Arboretum community classes for the Summer, Fall, and Winter of 2023. More classes will be added as details are finalized.
Garden Club of Honolulu (GCH) members and provisional members: classes hosted in cooperation with GCH will have “GCH” in the title.
Refund policy: The deadline to request a refund is the Friday before the week of the class. (For example, if the class was Saturday the 14th, the deadline for a refund would be Friday the 6th.) After this point, no refund requests will be processed. Please note that Eventbrite’s fees are non-refundable. Mahalo. Our full refund policy can be found here (PDF).
(Classes that are currently accepting enrollment appear at the top of this page; classes that are at full enrollment or that have passed are recorded at the bottom.)
July
Tuesday, July 25 and Wednesday, July 26: Lei Making Class
Lei Making Class with Susan Naka and the Hui Hana Lei Volunteers – Tuesday, July 25, and Wednesday, July 26, 2023, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Participants will learn the wili technique for making a lei poʻo (head lei). “Wili” is a lei style that binds flowers to a base by winding raffia around the lei. Flowers and raffia will be provided, but attendees can bring their own flowers and foliage.
Hui Hana Lei Volunteers is a group of volunteers at Lyon Arboretum who are experienced in making wili style lei. These volunteers routinely make lei that have been ordered through Lyon Arboretum, using flowers and other plant material grown in their own gardens or cultivated at Lyon.
Participants should bring their own floral clippers or sharp scissors, an empty 1.5 liter plastic beverage container, and flowers/ foliage to use in their lei. Hui Hana Lei Volunteers will also provide some supplemental plant material. Please carefully review the supply list below.
Two workshops are available; the material covered will be the same in both workshops. Each participant may sign up for only one workshop.
The class will take place in the upstairs Visitors Center (VC).
Because this class is in high demand, please carefully review our cancellation and refund policy before signing up.
SUPPLY LIST: Participants should bring the following:
- Floral clippers (or scissors)
- Empty 1.5 L beverage container
- Flowers and foliage
- Water bottle (optional but recommended)
- Long sleeves and long pants (optional but recommended)
- Comfortable, closed-toed shoes with a good tread. (Required) You should be prepared to walk on uneven terrain.
- Bug spray (optional but recommended) The Arboretum has many mosquitoes.
Class date and time: Tuesday, July 25, and Wednesday, July 26, 2023, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Class size: 15
Price: $65 (includes $60 instructional fee and $5 materials fee)
Tickets open: 7/3/23
Tickets close: 7/14/23
SOLD OUT. To join the waitlist, visit our Eventbrite link: Tuesday, July 25 or Wednesday, July 26.
No refunds will be issued after 7/17/23. You can find our refund policy for community classes here.
August
Friday, August 4, 2023: Intro To Beekeeping with Max The Beekeeper
Intro To Beekeeping with Max The Beekeeper – Friday, August 4, 2023, 9:00 am – 2:30 pm
An intro into beekeeping. An excellent class for the true novice! In the class, we will be covering what kinds of equipment you will need, zoning laws, honeybee biology, and honeybee diseases.
About your instructor: Aloha! I’m Max the Beekeeper! I’ve worked with bees for 14 years! I’m here to educate the curious and the lovers of bees!
This class is a daylong retreat to learn about beekeeping. Participants will spend the day learning from a local expert. There will be a brief break for lunch, but participants should plan to remain on the premises. Please be sure to bring a bag lunch that does not require refrigeration. This class will consist of an indoor slide presentation and an outdoor portion to visit the hives.
Class location: Your class will take place in the Children’s Learning Center classroom at Lyon Arboretum. It is a brief walk downhill from our parking lot.
For this class, all participants must be 18 or older on the day of the class. For safety reasons, children cannot accompany participating adults. Thank you for your understanding.
ALLERGY INFORMATION: We will be going into the hives at Lyon Arboretum for a live demonstration. If you have an allergy to bee venom, please take the proper precautions (e.g., an epipen and be especially sure to follow the clothing guidelines below). Although safety equipment will be provided, some risk of stings will always be present when working with bees.
SUPPLY LIST: Participants must bring the following:
- Bag lunch (required) This is a daylong learning retreat.
- Water bottle (optional but strongly recommended)
- Long sleeves and long pants! (required) Pants MUST cover from ankles to waist. Although bee suits will be provided to borrow, they are not foolproof. Your clothing provides an additional layer of protection. Don’t forget socks to cover the ankle.
- Comfortable, closed-toed shoes with a good tread. (Required) No slippers and no crocs. When you visit the bee box, you should be prepared to walk on uneven terrain.
- Face mask to wear indoors. (Required) Your instructor requests that all participants wear a mask for this class. If you are not able or not comfortable wearing a mask, this may not be the class for you.
- Bug spray (optional but recommended) The Arboretum has many mosquitoes. Wearing insect repellant may make your time with us more comfortable. In addition, the length of this class makes it likely that you will want to re-apply your repellant during the class, so bringing extra is recommended.
If the instructor deems a participant’s clothing inadequate for any part of the class, that student may not be able to participate in part or all of the class. This is for everyone’s safety. Refunds will not be provided in the event that the student is unable to participate due to inadequate clothing/gear. (This includes remembering your face mask.) Mahalo for understanding.
Class date and time: Friday, August 4, 2023, 9:00 am – 2:30 pm
Class size: 10
Price: $55 (class fee; no materials fee apply)
Tickets open: 7/5/23
Tickets close: 7/26/23
SOLD OUT: To join the waitlist, visit our Eventbrite link: Intro to Beekeeping Tickets
No refunds will be issued after 7/28/23. You can find our refund policy for community classes here.
September
Saturday, September 9, 2023: Yoga and Mindful Hike
Yoga and Mindful Hike with Liz Kashinsky – Saturday, September 9, 2023, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Science has documented that both being in nature and mindfulness practices such as yoga and meditation are good for your health. Experience these benefits yourself by joining us on a mindfulness based guided hike through Lyon Arboretum followed by yoga in a beautiful studio with stunning views of Mānoa Valley. Class size is limited, so sign up early. Each yoga and mindful hike session focuses on a different theme and expression. Previous yoga experience is not necessary.
Please carefully review the supply list below.
The class will take place in the upstairs Visitors Center (VC).
Because this class is in high demand, please carefully review our cancellation and refund policy before signing up.
SUPPLY LIST: Participants should bring the following:
- Yoga mat
- Water bottle (optional but strongly recommended)
- Long sleeves and long pants (optional but strongly recommended)
- Comfortable, closed-toed shoes with a good tread. (Required) You should be prepared to walk on uneven terrain.
- Writing materials (optional but recommended)
- Bug spray (optional but recommended) The Arboretum has many mosquitoes.
- Hat with a brim (optional)
- Rain jacket or poncho
Class date and time: Saturday, September 9, 2023, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Class size: 11
Price: $30 (instructional fee; no materials fee applies)
Tickets open: 8/21/23
Tickets close: 9/4/23
To sign up, visit our Eventbrite link: Yoga and Mindful Hike (September) Tickets
No refunds will be issued after 9/6/23. You can find our refund policy for community classes here.
CANCELLED Friday, September 29, 2023: GCH Working As An Arborist in a 100 Year Old Hawaiian Arboretum
GCH Working As An Arborist in a 100 Year Old Hawaiian Arboretum with Tylor Schwarze – Friday, September 29, 2023, 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Update: CANCELLED due to road closure. We apologize for the inconvenience. We will be rescheduling this class to Spring 2024.
Experience the challenges, risks and rewards of working hands on as an arborist at Mānoa’s vibrant Lyon Arboretum. This class will cover the unique perspective of a climbing arborist fortunate enough to care for the impressive tree collection at a historic and one of a kind work site. You will see how the Lyon Arboretum’s Grounds and Collections Department uses novel techniques to benefit its collections of rare, endangered, indigenous, and sometimes downright bizarre tropical plant species. From harm-free climbing of palm trees to deliberate application of herbicides, this class will show what it takes to tackle invasive species, fight back the foliage and preserve the legacy of an over 100 year old botanical garden and research institution!
About the instructor: Tylor Schwarze is Grounds and Collections Volunteer Coordinator and Arborist at Lyon Arboretum and President of the Aloha Arborists Association
Please carefully review the supply list below.
The class will take place in the upstairs Visitors Center (VC).
Because this class is in high demand, please carefully review our cancellation and refund policy before signing up.
SUPPLY LIST: Participants should bring the following:
- Water bottle (optional but strongly recommended)
- Long sleeves and long pants (optional but strongly recommended)
- Comfortable, closed-toed shoes with a good tread. (Required) You should be prepared to walk on uneven terrain.
- Bug spray (optional but recommended) The Arboretum has many mosquitoes.
- Hat with a brim (optional)
Class date and time: Friday, September 29, 2023, 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Class size: 15
Price: $30 (instructional fee; no materials fee applies)
October
Saturday, October 14, 2023: Yoga and Mindful Hike
Yoga and Mindful Hike with Liz Kashinsky – Saturday, October 14, 2023, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Science has documented that both being in nature and mindfulness practices such as yoga and meditation are good for your health. Experience these benefits yourself by joining us on a mindfulness based guided hike through Lyon Arboretum followed by yoga in a beautiful studio with stunning views of Mānoa Valley. Class size is limited, so sign up early. Each yoga and mindful hike session focuses on a different theme and expression. Previous yoga experience is not necessary.
Please carefully review the supply list below.
The class will take place in the upstairs Visitors Center (VC).
Because this class is in high demand, please carefully review our cancellation and refund policy before signing up.
SUPPLY LIST: Participants should bring the following:
- Yoga mat
- Water bottle (optional but strongly recommended)
- Long sleeves and long pants (optional but strongly recommended)
- Comfortable, closed-toed shoes with a good tread (Required) You should be prepared to walk on uneven terrain.
- Bug spray (optional but recommended) The Arboretum has many mosquitoes.
- Hat with a brim (optional)
- Rain jacket or poncho
Class date and time: Saturday, October 14, 2023, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Class size: 11
Price: $30 (class fee; no materials fee applies)
Tickets open: 9/22/23 at 9 am
Tickets close: 10/4/23
SOLD OUT: To join the waitlist, visit our Eventbrite link: October Yoga and Mindful Hike Tickets
No refunds will be issued after 10/6/23. You can find our refund policy for community classes here.
Friday, October 27, 2023: GCH Orchids! Orchids! Orchids!
Orchids! Orchids! Orchids! with Peter Neifert – Friday, October 27, 2023, 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Enjoy a first hand experience with orchids. Learn how to grow new plants, repot old ones and have your questions answered about the basics of planting and caring for orchid plants. Peter Neifert will give a hands on demonstration and let workshop participants grow their own.
About the instructor: Peter Neifert is the owner of Olomana Orchids, a family owned and operated business in Hawaii with over 40 years of experience in the development of new Dendrobium hybrids. He is also knowledgeable about other orchid plants.
Please carefully review the supply list below.
The class will take place in the downstairs Visitors Center (VC) classroom.
Because this class is in high demand, please carefully review our cancellation and refund policy before signing up.
SUPPLY LIST: Participants should bring the following:
- Water bottle (optional but strongly recommended)
- Long sleeves and long pants (optional but strongly recommended)
- Comfortable, closed-toed shoes with a good tread. (Required) You should be prepared to walk on uneven terrain.
- Writing materials (optional but recommended)
- Bug spray (optional but recommended) The Arboretum has many mosquitoes.
- Hat with a brim (optional)
- Rain jacket or poncho (optional)
Class date and time: Friday, October 27, 2023, 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Class size: 15
Price: $40 (includes $30 class fee and $10 materials fee)
Tickets open: 9/27/23 at 9 am
Tickets close: 10/18/23
To sign up, visit our Eventbrite link: Orchids! Orchids! Orchids! Tickets
No refunds will be issued after 10/20/23. You can find our refund policy for community classes here.
Saturday, October 28, 2023: Native Plant Gardens Matter
Native Plant Gardens Matter with Tina Lau and Chai Blair-Stahn – Saturday, October 28, 2023, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Learn why growing native plants is important for humans and the environment. Plan your garden for success and enjoyment.
About the instructors: Tina grew up in Nuʻuanu valley and pursued a degree in Botanical Sciences from the University of Hawaiʻi of Mānoa. After graduating she immersed herself in the native environment and continues to advocate for the conservation of native plants and ecosystems. Chai graduated with a Master of Arts in Pacific Islands Studies from the University of Hawaiʻi of Mānoa, and has worked as an Environmental Educator for over eleven years with the Hawaiʻi Nature Center. He is also an Oʻahu Master Gardener, Group Leader for the Pacific Islands Institute, and a lecturer at Leeward Community College.
All materials will be provided for use; however, all students are asked to bring their own clippers (scissors will do) and garden gloves if desired to work with potting mix. Please carefully review the supply list below.
The class will take place in the Education Building Classroom.
Because this class is in high demand, please carefully review our cancellation and refund policy before signing up.
SUPPLY LIST: Participants should bring the following:
- Hand clippers
- Garden gloves (optional)
- Water bottle (optional but strongly recommended)
- Long sleeves and long pants (optional but strongly recommended)
- Comfortable, closed-toed shoes with a good tread. (required) You should be prepared to walk on uneven terrain.
- Bug spray (optional but recommended) The Arboretum has many mosquitoes.
- Hat with a brim (optional)
Class date and time: Saturday, October 28, 2023, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Class size: 15
Price: FREE
Tickets open: 9/27/23 at 9 am
Tickets close: 10/18/23
SOLD OUT. To join the waitlist, please visit the Eventbrite link: Native Plant Gardens Matter Tickets
No refunds will be issued after 10/20/23. You can find our refund policy for community classes here.
November
Friday, November 17, 2023: GCH Make Your Own Terrarium!
Make Your Own Terrarium with Susu Markham and Marybeth Fentriss – Friday, November 17, 2023, 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Be creative and have fun making your own terrarium. This workshop will provide a half gallon jar for each participant with moss, charcoal, potting soil, small gravel and plants. And of course you can take home the finished plant in a jar!
About the instructors: Susu Markham and Marybeth Fentriss are accomplished gardeners and creative individuals in pursuits as varied as needle arts and painting. They are active members of The Garden Club of Honolulu and contribute many volunteer hours on behalf of their community.
All terrarium materials will be provided for use. Please carefully review the supply list below.
The class will take place in the Visitors Center (VC) downstairs classroom.
Because this class is in high demand, please carefully review our cancellation and refund policy before signing up.
SUPPLY LIST: Participants should bring the following:
- Water bottle (optional but strongly recommended)
- Long sleeves and long pants (optional but strongly recommended)
- Comfortable, closed-toed shoes with a good tread. (Required) You should be prepared to walk on uneven terrain.
- Bug spray (optional but recommended) The Arboretum has many mosquitoes.
- Hat with a brim (optional)
Class date and time: Friday, November 17, 2023, 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Class size: 15
Price: $55 (includes $30 class fee and $25 materials fee)
Tickets open: 10/18/23
Tickets close: 11/8/23
To sign up, visit our Eventbrite link: GCH Make Your Own Terrarium Tickets
No refunds will be issued after 11/10/23. You can find our refund policy for community classes here.
December
Wednesday, December 6, 2023: Holiday Fresh Wreath Class! SOLD OUT!
Holiday Fresh Wreath Class with Hui Hana Lei Volunteers – Wednesday, December 6, 2023, 9:00 am – 11:30 am
Assemble your own fresh fragrant wreath for the holidays! With fresh juniper, pine, and other greens attached to a 12 inch straw base, this wreath will be a festive addition to your holiday celebrations.
About the instructors: The Hui Hana Lei Volunteers regularly meet at Lyon Arboretum to make Hawaiian style lei, table arrangements, and various items for the Lyon’s sales. We focus on using natural materials as much as possible in our creations.
The class will take place in the upstairs Visitors Center (VC).
Because this class is in high demand, please carefully review our cancellation and refund policy before signing up.
The wreath and plant materials will be provided for use; however, all students are asked to bring their own clippers (scissors will do) and additional ornaments or decorative items they wish to add to their wreath. Please carefully review the supply list below.
SUPPLY LIST: Participants should bring the following:
- Floral clippers (or scissors)
- Ornaments or decorative items to add to your wreath (optional)
- Water bottle (optional but strongly recommended)
- Long sleeves and long pants (optional but strongly recommended)
- Comfortable, closed-toed shoes with a good tread. (Required) You should be prepared to walk on uneven terrain.
- Bug spray (optional but recommended) The Arboretum has many mosquitoes.
- Hat with a brim (optional)
Class date and time: Wednesday, December 6, 2023, 9:00 am – 11:30 am
Class size: 12
Price: $40 (includes $30 class fee and $10 materials fee)
Tickets open: 11/6/23
Tickets close: 11/27/23
To sign up, visit our Eventbrite link: CLASS FULL – WAITLIST ONLY. Due to technical difficulties, we are unable to post a link to the Eventbrite site. Instead, please copy and paste the Eventbrite link to your brower address bar.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/holiday-fresh-wreath-class-tickets-708201729437?aff=oddtdtcreator
No refunds will be issued after 11/29/23. You can find our refund policy for community classes here.
Friday, December 15th, 2023 – Holiday Decor with Natural Elements
Holiday Decor with Natural Elements with Joji Baptiste and Julie Sandvold – Friday, December 15th, 2023, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
This class will supply the participants with materials to make holiday decorations for the home out of natural evergreens and other items
Joji Baptiste and Julie Sandvold are active leaders in The Garden Club of Honolulu where they generously give of their time as experts in Floral Design
All materials will be provided for use. Please carefully review the supply list below.
The class will take place in the Visitors Center (VC) downstairs classroom.
Because this class is in high demand, please carefully review our cancellation and refund policy before signing up.
SUPPLY LIST: Participants should bring the following:
- Water bottle (optional but strongly recommended)
- Long sleeves and long pants (optional but strongly recommended)
- Comfortable, closed-toed shoes with good tread. (Required) You should be prepared to walk on uneven terrain.
- Bug spray (optional but recommended) The Arboretum has many mosquitoes.
- Hat with a brim (optional)
Class date and time: Friday, December 15th, 2023, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Class size: 15
Price: $55 (includes $30 class fee and $25 materials fee)
Tickets open: 11/26/23 (Eventbrite has it listed as 11/19 but General Public sales go live on 11/26)
Tickets close: 12/08/23
To sign up, visit our Eventbrite link: Holiday Decor with Natural Elements Tickets
No refunds will be issued after 12/11/23. You can find our refund policy for community classes here.