Botanical Garden at UH Hilo celebrates Arbor Day, receives special recognition Nov. 8

JR Miles, right, leads visitors on a National Public Gardens Day tour

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo invites the public to celebrate Arbor Day Saturday, November 8, at the Botanical Garden on the UH Hilo campus. The event will take place from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. and is free to the public.

As part of the celebration, the Palm Garden at the Botanical Garden at UH Hilo will be recognized with ArbNet Accreditation, a milestone achievement that affirms the garden’s place within an international network of arboreta meeting rigorous global standards. This honor underscores the Palm Garden’s commitment to conservation, education, and community engagement, and celebrates its role as both a resource for Hawaiʻi and a contributor to the global botanical community.

To mark the occasion, the Botanical Garden hosts a plant giveaway while supplies last, offering community members the opportunity to take home a palm or bromeliad to plant in celebration of Arbor Day.

The celebration also features J. R. Miles, the horticultural manager of the Botanical Garden at UH Hilo, who presents “Caring for Your Palms,” a comprehensive guide to successfully growing and maintaining palms in Hawaiʻi’s unique environment. He will share practical tips on palm care, including choosing the right placement, proper watering and drainage, the importance of mulch in Hawaiʻi, fertilization basics, and how to troubleshoot issues like yellowing leaves, pests, and threats such as the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle.

Vegan food by Ital Grindz Ethiopian Cuisine will be available for purchase while supplies last.

Founded in 1990, the Botanical Garden at UH Hilo is home to a collection of cycads, palms, and bromeliads. In December 2024, it earned accreditation from Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), joining a global network dedicated to conservation, education, and community engagement.

“The Botanical Garden is committed to fostering awareness and appreciation of plants,” said Don Hemmes, who started the Botanical Garden at UH Hilo. “This Arbor Day celebration highlights the importance of trees and palms in our landscapes, our environment, and our everyday lives.”

Parking for the event is off Lanikaula Street, in the lot across from the Baptist Church. Guests should meet in the Hale Kehau cafeteria breezeway located between the gardens.

The UH Hilo Botanical Garden is open daily with no admission fee.