This is the dream — some day there will be an abundance of koi nobori
Several years ago, Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens board member Kenji Kuroshima had this dream of flying koi nobori in the park for Boy’s Day (May 5). We don’t have the abundance of his dream — yet. With your help, Friends hope to increase the number of koi nobori this year.
This was the reality last year — two koi nobori on each pole. More will fly this year from Tuesday, April 30, through Sunday, May 5.
In Japan, koi nobori fly from April through early May to celebrate Children’s Day (Kodomo No Hi), a national holiday changed in 1948 to honor both boys and girls. Koi is a type of carp symbolizing courage and strength.
Bamboo poles are harvested near Hirano Store on the Volcano Highway and each year are donated to local fishermen at the end of the display through the assistance of Suisan Fish Market.
Koi nobori will be attached to freshly cut bamboo poles on Tuesday, April 30. Assembly area is adjacent to the parking lot at Mokuola, just off Lihiwai Street in Hilo.
Many hands are needed for this annual activity. If you have koi nobori to donate or wish to help with assembly and placement of the poles, please meet Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 30.
koi nobori on the Mokuola bridge
Koi nobori may be viewed at Suisan Fish Market, Hilo Bay Cafe, Pandamonia’s Paleta Palace, Shoroan, Lili`uokalani Gardens, Banyan Gallery, Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Grand Naniloa Resort, and across the bridge to Mokuola.
The bamboo poles remain in place through the annual Rotary Club of South Hilo fundraiser Hilo Huli on Sunday, May 5.
the annual Rotary Club of South Hilo event funds scholarships and grants in our island community
Here is a link to the Rotary Club of South Hilo page on Facebook and the event where you may order tickets.
U.S. Japanese Gardens 