The Big Island is thought to be home to more exotic palms than any other place in the world.
The Big Island is thought to be home to more exotic palms than any other place in the world.
Hawaii Island is considered one of the most important centers for cultivated palms on the globe — with close to 1,000 different species, many threatened with extinction, thriving in private gardens and commercial nurseries.
The Hawaii Island Palm Society wants to introduce you to this spectacular world with the launching of its summer membership drive and garden tours. Joining HIPS now will give you the unique opportunity to tour three extensive gardens that are not open to the public.
The tours in June, August and September include a garden on the Hamakua coast, a city-style garden in Hilo and a garden/nursery in Hawaiian Acres.
HIPS member Bo-Göran Lundkvist of Pahoa, an internationally recognized palm expert, says the palm-growing power of the Big Island is “a major reason why the International Palm Society … has held its weeklong biennial event here three times in the past.”
Annual HIPS membership is only $10. For more information about membership and the tours, call 333-5626 or visit www.hawaiiislandpalmsociety.com.