Banana Poka Round-Up

A Forest Fair

It’s a forest education fair for the whole family with a funny name – the Banana Poka RoundUp! An invasive pest from South America, the Banana Poka vine, with its gorgeous bubble-gum pink blossoms, is the “poster weed” for this zany annual event. It is just one of the many threats to the health and diversity of Hawaiian forests – and also a fabulous craft material. The RoundUp always features a huge tent where you can learn how to make a basket out of the pest.

Held in early summer, May 30, 2010, in Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow, the event features basket making, great live music, exhibits by organizations and agencies that work to save the environment, along with lots of activities for kids – face-painting, hiking, painting from nature, as well as making pressed plant cards and a walking stick from guava saplings.

Right after announcement of the “One-Person-Can-Make-A-Difference” Awards, a Crowing Contest is held – every one from little kids to adults join in!