The Garden Island Orchid Society is a non-profit organization made up of members who have a wide range of involvement with and knowledge of orchids, ranging from hobbyists to commercial growers. Located on the beautiful island of Kauai, the Society promotes the knowledge, culture, use, and appreciation of orchids through lectures, orchid shows, demonstrations, and other means. For more information about the Society, please read our By-Laws.
Meetings
The Society meets the second Friday evening of the following months: February, April, June, August, and October. In December we meet on the first Saturday. We meet in the recreational hall of the United Church of Christ in Hanapepe, Kauai. A typical meeting begins with an Orchid Learning Center session that is an interactive question and answer session covering all aspects of orchid care. This is typically followed by a discussion of Society business, after which we break for refreshments. A featured speaker of other activity follows. After each meeting, every member is given a seedling orchid plant, or keiki, to take home and raise.
Members can browse through the Society’s orchid library at the meetings as well as ask our experts about orchid-related issues such as disease and pest problems. Potluck dinners occasionally precede our meetings.
Members receive a Society newsletter prior to each meeting that gives information about the upcoming meeting, the featured speaker and other Society news.
Orchid Shows
Twice a year, the Society conducts orchid shows with the help of our membership. These shows provide enjoyment to the public, generate interest in orchids, and raise funds for Society activities.
The Spring Fantasy Orchid Show is held for one weekend during March or April in the recreation hall at the United Church of Christ in Hanapepe. Admission is free. In addition to enjoying a beautiful display of orchid plants, attendees may purchase orchid plants as well as refreshments.
The Orchids in Paradise Show is held in conjunction with the Kauai County Farm Bureau Fair in August. The Society display is quite elaborate and gives all members an opportunity to participate. The display is located in the Farm Bureau exhibits tent. The Society also conducts orchid plant sales in the commercial tent.
Orchid Tours
From time to time, tours might be arranged to local orchid nurseries or gardens that have orchids on display and other places of interest to the members.
Becoming a Member
It’s simple to become a member of the Garden Island Orchid Society. Simply fill out the membership form below and return it, along with a check made payable to the Garden Island Orchid Society, to the address below.
Click here for Membership Application
After completing the application, send it along with $20 to:
Garden Island Orchid Society
c/o Walt Weiss
P.O. Box 1263
Lihue, HI 96766