Upcoming Events
Koinobori
Koinobori have been displayed on the Moku Ola Bridge since 2017. This year, due to the unavailability of the bridge, the display will be installed at businesses and on light poles throughout the Waiakea peninsula from late April through May 5.
Genki Ball toss
Genki balls are a means of bioremediation for Waihonu. Utilizing this technique, the oxygen levels of the water have increased and the water clarity has improved.
Lions Legacy Project
The six Lions Clubs of East Hawai`i maintain the Lions Legacy Project at Lili`uokalani Gardens (under the big shade trees on the corner across from Suisan and Hilo Bay Cafe). Please wear closed toe shoes. Bring your favorite garden tools and gloves. Tasks include weeding, thinning, raking, hauling, and possibly even power washing the sidewalk from the south torii toward the two benches by a big banyan tree). Meet at the small pavilion in the southern quadrant. Cold beverages will be provided. There is a water fountain nearby for refilling personal containers.
Volunteer Day with USN
On Tuesday 3/10, 12 USN personnel plus 4 Friends volunteers moved 13 wagonloads (390 gallons) of accumulated muck out of Waihonu to help make this a happier place for the fish.
The Art of Pine Tree Pruning
Five trees in the Sister City Grove will receive some hands-on TLC during this workshop on the art of pine tree pruning.
Volunteer Day
After heavy equipment transited this area in late 2024 and again in August of 2025, some clean up and weed pulling is needed in this area.
The Art of Pine Tree Pruning
Phil Hulbert, garden designer, will teach this hands-on session. He retired to Honomu after 50 years in the Pacific Northwest designing, installing, and maintaining Japanese-style gardens. He is expert in niwaki and bonsai techniques to prune and train trees. Participants should meet at the east torii gate. Bring your favorite tools and gloves. Please wear closed toe shoes.
Submission Deadline - Banyan Drive Art Stroll
Submission deadline of entry forms for the Banyan Drive Art Stroll: deadline for email submission is 5:00 p.m. Details are in the “Call to Artists” available from Banyan Gallery in advance of this deadline.
Volunteer Day - Set up Lights
Monday 12/22 is set up day for the 9th annual illumination of the park — Garden Enchantment. Help will be needed to outline pathways with light stands and strands; to set up curtain lights at the tea house; to decorate a tree on a small surfboard and secure it to the island; to set out traffic cones; to assist astronomers or Lions Clubs as needed; and a host of other chores. Please wear work clothes and closed toe shoes. Lunch and cold beverages will be provided.
Volunteer Day
This is the goal: lava outcropping cleared of weeds; palm tree pruned and weeds removed from the base.
Fresh Look 2025 - Floral Design workshop and display
Workshops and floral design competition will be held in the park October 23-25. Sunday 10/26, the displays will be open to the public for People’s Choice voting.
Walk to End Alzheimer's
Sign up with the Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens team at alz.org/hawaiiwalk
He Hali`a Aloha No Lili`uokalani
The 26th annual celebration of the Queen’s birthday — He Hali`a Aloha No Lili`uokalani — is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 6, which is the first Saturday after the Queen’s birthday (September 2). Free family fun is set throughout the park including children’s games, cultural demonstrations, information and craft booths, mass hula, flower drop, food trucks, Hawaiian games, live entertainment and more. Overflow parking will be available at Aunty Sally’s in the Civic Center with shuttle service to the park
Volunteer Day
The community effort in this park is amazing and much appreciated. (photo by Jay Takaaze)
Volunteer Day
East entry under a big monkeypod tree. Pathway flanked by Lion Dogs, a gift from Nagazaki.
Volunteer Day
Of the 14 Sister Cities with Hawai`i County, seven are in Japan. A Sister City grove of black pine trees was established in 2018. Tree pruning and training classes are available from Phil Hulbert. Mike Sasaki, pictured here, donated the stone plaque marking the grove.
Volunteer Day
Cycad patch (aka Sago Palm) before and after in March 2020, the last volunteer project before the pandemic shutdown.
Volunteer Day
Help clean the gardens to prepare for the Queen’s birthday festival in September. Every Saturday in August from 8 to noon. Please wear closed toe shoes. Bring your favorite garden tools and gloves if you have them. If not, we have some to lend.
Volunteer Day
Lions Clubs and Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens partner to take care of the southern shaded corner of the gardens where the Lions Legacy Project is located. Periodic volunteer days include weeding, raking, thinning, power washing and other chores. Tools and gloves are provided.
Stargazing with Astronomers
Join local astronomers on the flat lawn area near the east torii entry in the early evening to learn more about Hawaiian skies.
Koi Nobori Display
Koinobori (fish windsocks) are flown to wish for health, perseverence, strength, and success in our children. The dates are based on Golden Week in Japan culminating with Children's Day on May 5.
Volunteer Day at Shoroan
Sweeping and raking of leaves, pulling weeds, light pruning all are on the list for Saturday 1/18/2025 volunteer day at Shoroan, the Urasenke tea house at Lili`uokalani Gardens.
Banyan Drive Art Stroll
Plein air demonstrations in the gardens, gyotaku at Suisan, printmaking at The Ice House are just a few of the many activities in the planning for a return of the annual Banyan Drive Art Stroll (suspended during the pandemic).
Garden Enchantment
Sponsored by Friends of Liliʻuokalani Gardens, the park is lit up for the holidays with displays throughout the gardens.
