The Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative will host the 10th annual Wiliwili Festival on Feb. 12 and 13. This year’s event will be held largely online with talks, virtual exhibits, demonstrations, an online silent auction, and virtual hikes scheduled throughout.
The Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative will host the 10th annual Wiliwili Festival on Feb. 12 and 13. This year’s event will be held largely online with talks, virtual exhibits, demonstrations, an online silent auction, and virtual hikes scheduled throughout.
The Waikoloa Dry Forest Preserve will also be open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday, and will feature guided hikes, a native plant giveaway, and a forest scavenger hunt for keiki.
The Wiliwili Festival is a celebration of the lowland dry forest and the iconic wiliwili tree, (Erythrina sandwicensis). Through interactive presentations, and experiential learning at the preserve, the Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative (WDFI) hopes to raise awareness about conservation in Hawaii and inspire the community to get involved with local organizations working to protect and restore Hawaii’s resources.
Throughout the virtual event, participants will hear from community leaders and educators from across the islands. Presenters will share about the storied places of the region, as well as some of the remaining native dryland forests found on the Big Island. There will also be hands-on plant activities for families, a wiliwili art instructional, and even a cooking demonstration with the Ulu Cooperative.
Upon registering for the event, participants can access virtual exhibits hosted by conservation groups and public agencies. These booths will have information and activities normally found at the Wiliwili Festival’s in-person community outreach event. Many organizations will also be hosting live Q&A sessions and presenting activities and offering giveaways.
Live virtual activities will be offered from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days. The full schedule of activities can be found at www.waikoloadryforest.org/wiliwilifestival.
The Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is supported by the community; all proceeds from this event will benefit their mission to protect, promote, and preserve native Hawaiian dry forest.
For more information, visit Waikoloadryforest.org or email wdfi@Waikoloadryforest.org.
