HoMA’s ‘Imagine That!’ Flower Show Brings Garden Club Artistry to Beretania Street

The Honolulu Museum of Art will transform into a botanical wonderland this weekend as the Garden Club of Honolulu presents “Imagine That!” — its signature flower show running May 8-10. The three-day exhibition promises to be one of downtown’s most visually stunning spring events, featuring dozens of floral arrangements designed around themes of creativity and environmental consciousness.

Located at 900 South Beretania Street, the museum’s galleries will showcase the work of local garden club members and guest designers who have spent months preparing their interpretations of the “Imagine That!” theme. The show emphasizes sustainable gardening practices and the creative potential of Hawaii’s diverse flora.

“This year’s theme really pushed our designers to think outside the traditional arrangement,” said Sarah Chen, a longtime Garden Club member who serves on the show’s organizing committee. “We’re seeing everything from miniature landscapes using native plants to dramatic installations that incorporate recycled materials.”

The selection process for botanical materials reflects Hawaii’s unique growing conditions and the club’s commitment to sustainability. Many participants have chosen to highlight indigenous Hawaiian plants like maile, ti leaves, and various native ferns alongside more familiar tropical flowers.

Behind the Arrangements

Garden club members began planning their displays in February, with many growing specific plants or sourcing materials from their own gardens. The show’s emphasis on imagination has led to unconventional material choices — some designers are incorporating driftwood from Oahu beaches, lava rock from recent Big Island collections, and even repurposed household items.

The museum’s architecture provides a dramatic backdrop for the floral displays. Arrangements will be positioned throughout the contemporary galleries, creating dialogue between the living art of the flowers and the museum’s permanent collection.

Visitor engagement is a key component of this year’s show. Interactive stations will allow guests to learn about sustainable gardening techniques appropriate for Hawaii’s climate, and several demonstrations are planned throughout the weekend covering topics like composting and water-wise plant selection.

Community Impact

The Garden Club of Honolulu has been organizing flower shows for over six decades, making “Imagine That!” part of a long tradition of horticultural education in the islands. This year’s event particularly emphasizes the connection between artistic expression and environmental stewardship.

Proceeds from the show support the Garden Club’s ongoing community projects, including school garden programs and native plant restoration efforts across Oahu. The organization has partnered with local nurseries and sustainable farming operations to source materials, keeping the economic impact within Hawaii’s agricultural community.

The timing coincides with National Garden Week, adding broader significance to the local celebration. Hawaii’s year-round growing season allows for flower shows that showcase blooms unavailable to mainland exhibitions during spring months.

Planning Your Visit

The show runs Friday through Sunday, with extended hours on Saturday to accommodate working visitors. General museum admission includes access to the flower show, making it accessible to both dedicated gardening enthusiasts and casual visitors exploring downtown Honolulu’s cultural district.

Parking can be challenging in the Beretania Street area during weekend events, so organizers recommend using public transportation or arriving early. The museum is easily accessible via several TheBus routes and is within walking distance of the Civic Center and State Capitol areas.

For Honolulu residents interested in sustainable gardening or simply looking for weekend cultural activities, “Imagine That!” offers both visual inspiration and practical information. The show represents the kind of community-driven arts programming that has made the Museum of Art a neighborhood gathering place beyond its role as a major cultural institution.

The Garden Club plans to announce its next major exhibition later this summer, continuing its tradition of bringing horticultural artistry to one of downtown’s most prominent cultural venues. For a community where outdoor living and gardening are integral to local lifestyle, events like “Imagine That!” demonstrate how artistic expression can grow directly from Hawaii’s natural environment.