Garden Club of Honolulu’s ‘Imagine That!’ Major Flower Show Lands at HoMA May 8-10
The Honolulu Museum of Art transforms into a floral wonderland this weekend as the Garden Club of Honolulu presents “Imagine That!” — their highly anticipated Major Flower Show running May 8-10. The three-day celebration promises an immersive experience where sustainability meets artistry in downtown Honolulu’s premier cultural space.
This year’s theme centers on environmental consciousness and community connection, with arrangements that showcase native Hawaiian plants alongside sustainable design practices. Visitors can expect to see everything from towering ikebana installations to intimate succulent gardens, all thoughtfully curated to reflect the islands’ unique ecosystem.
“We’re celebrating the marriage of art and nature while highlighting our responsibility to protect Hawaii’s natural beauty,” says Sarah Kim, lead designer and longtime Garden Club member. “Every arrangement tells a story about conservation and our connection to the land.”
A Showcase of Island Artistry
The show features more than 50 floral displays created by Garden Club members and guest artists from across Oahu. Past exhibitions have included dramatic bird of paradise sculptures in the museum’s central courtyard and delicate orchid arrangements that complement HoMA’s Asian art collection.
This year’s sustainability focus brings innovative elements like upcycled containers, drought-resistant plantings, and educational displays about native species conservation. The arrangements will be positioned throughout the museum’s galleries, creating unexpected dialogues between centuries-old artwork and living botanical sculptures.
Visitors will find installations in the Contemporary Gallery, Asian Art Pavilion, and the museum’s iconic outdoor courtyards. The juxtaposition of fresh florals against HoMA’s permanent collection — from Hokusai woodblock prints to contemporary Hawaiian artists — creates a uniquely local cultural experience.
Beyond the Blooms
The show includes hands-on workshops and demonstrations throughout the weekend. Saturday features a native plant propagation workshop at 10 a.m., while Sunday offers a sustainable arrangement class using locally sourced materials. Both sessions are included with museum admission and provide take-home plants for participants.
Local vendors will set up in the museum’s Garden Café area, selling everything from handmade planters crafted from reclaimed koa wood to specialty fertilizers made from Hawaii-grown ingredients. Food trucks featuring farm-to-table options will be stationed along Beretania Street, creating a festival atmosphere in the usually quiet museum district.
The Garden Club has partnered with several Honolulu nonprofits for the event, including the Lyon Arboretum and Hui Ku Maoli Ola, Hawaii’s native plant society. Representatives will be on-hand to discuss ongoing conservation efforts and volunteer opportunities.
A Weekend Cultural Destination
The flower show arrives at an ideal time for both locals and visitors looking for Mother’s Day weekend activities. The museum’s regular admission covers access to all floral displays, making it an affordable family outing that combines education with visual spectacle.
Parking can be challenging in downtown Honolulu, but the museum offers validated parking in nearby lots, and TheBus routes 1, 2, and 13 all stop within walking distance. The show runs Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For photography enthusiasts, the museum allows non-flash photography of the floral installations, though visitors should check with staff about specific arrangements that may include borrowed artwork or sensitive plantings.
The “Imagine That!” flower show represents more than just a weekend event — it’s a celebration of Hawaii’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community collaboration. As climate change and development pressure continue to impact island ecosystems, events like this one remind us of the beauty worth protecting and the creative solutions growing in our own backyards.
Garden Club of Honolulu has been organizing these major shows for over three decades, but this year’s emphasis on sustainability signals an evolution in both the organization and Honolulu’s broader environmental consciousness. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or simply appreciate beautiful spaces, this weekend offers a fresh perspective on the intersection of art, nature, and community responsibility in our island home.
