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April 9, 2026

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GARDEN CLUB OF HONOLULU FLOWER SHOW OPENS MAY 8 AT HoMA

The highly anticipated eventʻs theme ʻImagine That!' encourages community to see nature's gifts in new ways 

WHAT: Imagine That!, a Garden Club of America Major Flower Show, presented by The Garden Club of Honolulu (TGCH)
WHERE: Honolulu Museum of Art, 900 S Beretania St., 808-532-8700 
WHEN: May 8-10;  Friday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
TICKETS: Included with museum admission: $25 general, $15 Hawai‘i residents with ID, 18 and under free, members free; honolulumuseum.org/events

HONOLULU, HAWAI‘I—Honolulu’s biggest botanical event—The Garden Club of Honolulu’s triennial flower and horticultural show—takes over the Honolulu Museum of Art May 8 to 10. Every three years, thousands flock to see the spectacular exhibits of flower arranging, horticulture, photography, botanical jewelry and needle arts by talented club members.

The theme for this year’s show is "Imagine That!," selected to inspire the community to imagine a greener Hawai‘i. “Damage to our natural environment is an imminent threat to our lives and the economy,” says co-chair Nancy Shaw. “We hope that the flower show spurs people to take action, in ways large and small, so that collectively we build a greener, stronger, and safer Hawai‘i for future generations.”   

Timed for Mother’s Day weekend, the show is an inspiring way to celebrate with loved ones. Visitors can also experience the work of Toshiko Takaezu, a Hawai‘i-born artist who was greatly influenced by nature and Hawaiian landscapes, in the exhibition "Worlds Within," and enjoy Mother’s Day brunch at HoMA Café, where reservations are recommended.

The Garden Club of Honolulu’s show is one of only five Garden Club of America major flower shows held nationwide. The others are in Houston, Memphis, Milwaukee and Portland, OR. Judges from across the country fly to Honolulu to select the winners.

Event highlights:
• GCA-approved floral design competitions featuring native Hawaiian plants.

• Exhibitions featuring Hawaiian-centered conservation science and ecological stewardship.

• Botanical art and photography exhibits sharing the visions of voices and world-class designers and artists.

• Community engagement aimed at encourating sustainable gardening and plant-based environmental action.

Education and awareness
These major flower shows are as much about education as they are about spectacle. The Education Exhibit this year is called “From the Ashes, Nature Inspires Hope” and focuses on the aftermath of the 2023 wildfires on Maui. Visitors can learn how individuals and organizations are helping a community and landscape heal through the recovery and cultivation of native trees.

The Division II Horticulture Classes this year highlight native endemic, native indigenous, and introduced canoe plants. The “Challenge Classes,” which require members to cultivate specific plants from seed for the show, will feature koa, wiliwili and pōhinahina. Also expect to see anthuriums, pua kalaunu, pikake and orchids in the container plant division. And a class called “An Unthirsty Hawaiian Garden” calls for competitors to incorporate three or more coastal and dry land plants in a container.

The first flower show was held at the museum in 1931, shortly after the club was accepted into the national garden club organization. The purpose of the Garden Club of Honolulu is to broaden the knowledge of horticulture, floral design, conservation, and related botanical disciplines.

About the Honolulu Museum of Art

www.honolulumuseum.org

Communications: 808-532-8712

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