It’s a forest education fair for the whole family with a funny name – the Banana Poka Round-Up! 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 Round-Up always features a huge tent where you can learn how to make a basket out of the pest.

Held in early summer (June 21, 2009 – Father’s Day!) 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!