New Member From Hawaii

[Kauaiguy]

Aloha from the beautiful Island of Kauai!

My wife and I moved to this island in 2004. If you're not aware of where it is, it is the furthest north island in Hawaii. It is the OLDEST and least disturbed and populated of the four major islands, Oahu, Hawaii (the big Island) Maui and Kauai.

There are only 62,000 people living in Kauai but .. on any given day, we have approximately 20,000 visitors per day. The island is small: 25 miles wide and 33 miles long .. but we have about 44 miles of open beaches. The beaches here CANNOT be owned by anyone, hotels, celebs ..etc, and MUST always be accessible by the public, even if the property next to the beach is owned by someone. They cannot fence off the beach areas.

About six months ago, I developed an interest in orchids and now have about 32 potted orchids in my upstair lanai. Seeing that, my wife just in the last week have developed the same interest and have just ordered $300.00 worth of orchids from Aloha Orchids in Honolulu.

I also realize that I have the PERFECT environment for raising just about any orchid that I can get my hands on. 95% of the time, the temperature here is between 72 and 78 deg and humid. Although we have a fair amount of wind and rains almost daily. But when it rains, it's most often only a brief shower, and I love it because it keeps the air fresh and clear. Because of the daily rains, this island is always green and that's why it's referred to as: the Garden Island.

At this time, my only question is: (and I'm sure there are lots more to follow) How are orchids identified? By the Flowers or by the leaves and stem structure? I find it difficult to understand by looking at pictures. They talk about pseudobulbs and I see that some of mine has bulbs below the stems while some have bulbs just above the roots.

Mahalo Nui Loa (Thank You Very Much) for any enlightenment you can give a wet under the nose old man.

K-Guy

[Tobi]

Aloha and welcome to the forum K-Guy. We have a few members from Hawaii. I just told
the most recent one that my wife and I are planning a 2 week aniversary visit there next
year. At this time we are planning on going to Maui and the big island of Hawaii. I originally
wanted to go to Kauai, but the wife thought it wasn't going to be exciting enough for her
taste, although I like the more quiet scenerio and thought it would be a good place to see
the rain forrests and perhaps some good orchid places to visit. We would love to
hear about what you are growing and see some pics when you can post. I recommend
that you either pick up a good beginners book (Ortho 's Complete Guide to Orchids)
and browse around the forum to get information about the different types. Seeing as
that you have the perfect environment to grow them, I'm sure you will be become an
addict with your new hobby.

[brandank]

Welcome from S. FL Kauaiguy! It sounds like you have found heaven. I am also fairly new to orchids as well and found I have some of the same ability as you to grow a wide variety of orchids very easily. I have been doing it now for 6 or 7 months but it feels a lot longer. I now have over a 100. Be careful it becomes an addiction that you can't shake and then you find a place were addicts meet like OrchidGeeks and they just get you more boost on them looking at all of their beautiful orchids and you say I have to get 1 of those and 1 of those. This place is full of threads that can help you with just about any orchid question you could possibly want to know. Welcome again and can't wait to see some pics of your chids'.

[jay]

Hello and welcome to the forum. Wow, it does sound like you have a great environment for raising orchids. And now that your wife is also interested, you two will have a great collection in no time. I look forward to seeing pictures and hearing more about your orchids.

[Kauaiguy]

Originally Posted by Tobi

At this time we are planning on going to Maui and the big island of Hawaii.

Other than the volcano and an arboreatum, there really isn't much to do in the big island. I have a friend who lived there for a year and I visited him often. Most of the time there was nothing to do.

There were only a couple of places where you can find a beach that is easily accessible for swimming, snorkling, fishing and surfing. Most of the areas below Hilo are surrounded by lava rocks.

Personally, I feel that there are more things to do here in Kauai, especially if you like doing what I consider "Water Recreation" i.e. Surfing, Swimming, Fishing, Boating, Kayaking, Snorkeling ...etc. Also, lots of places to go hiking and seeing hidden waterfalls. Did I mention that the island is loaded with waterfalls? Some you can drive to, others hike to and still others you can kayak to? The Helicopter rides are to die for if you want to see canyons, waterfalls and cliffs. Pretty spectacular!

Lots of movies have been shot here including but not limited to: Jurassic Park, Six Days Seven Nights, Blue Hawaii, King Kong, Raiders of the lost Ark, Gilligans Island just to name a few.

Just my two cents worth regarding The Big Island versus Kauai.

K-Guy

[butt0n]

Hello and welcome! Hawaii is an awesome source for orchids. You are very fortunate!

[patticake]

Hi K-Guy!! It's nice to have you with us! How lucky you are to be living in paradise! I have a challenge growing in up-state NY! Just searching through the old posts on this site is a great way to get a lot of info! I agree with the Ortho book. I also like Orchids for Dummies. It explains a lot in plain English!

[solay]

You are living my dream. My goal is to retire and move to Hawaii one day. I've never been to Kauai but is on my list of places to go. My husband is a windsurfer so we usually end up in Maui or Oahu. Been to the Big Island and love the turtles there. Not so much into lava flows and hot black rocks. Anyway, great to have you on board. Can't wait to see all those beautiful tropical orchids you and your wife has.

[evagentry]

Hello and welcome, you are living in the right place for orchid growing, thats for sure, there should have been tags of some kind in your pots when you recieved your orchid that will tell you what kind they are, many of them have simular psuedobulbs so looking at the flowers will tell you for sure.

[fred]

to the forum
nice to have you with us
you have come to the right place to share with an awesome bunch of knowledgeable geeks

[kmarch]

Hi Kauaiguy and Welcome!

I am fortunate enough to have a mother-in-law who lives in Honolulu so I am blessed to be able to visit Hawaii nearly every year.

Originally Posted by Kauaiguy

At this time, my only question is: How are orchids identified? By the Flowers or by the leaves and stem structure?

The answer to your question is, "all of the above." The identification of an orchid takes into consideration many, many different features of all of the structures fo the plant: its roots, rhizome, leads, pseudobulbs (or lack thereof), its stems, leaves, inflorescences, and all of the different parts of its flowers, even right down to how many tiny pollen sacs it has. The process of describing and identifying orchids is quite involved and the experts, called taxonomists, are highly trained individuals usually with degrees and years of experience.

[HawaiiMiki]

Welcome to the forum Kauaiguy, glad you have joined us.

Be sure to visit Patrick O'Day of Hawaiian Orchid Source for plants. He's on Kauai and has very good stuff. You'll be able to see how he grows his plants. He has plants that he got cultural awards for, so you know he's a good grower.

[PhalPal]

Welcome Kauai! I am so amazed that we do not have many, many members from the Hawaiian Islands. Perhaps your climate is just too perfect and nobody needs help??? My husband has never been to Hawaii and I am telling him that is a flat out SIN! We have been many places all over the world but NOT Hawaii. I was there when I was 17 when my brother was in the Navy. I only got the chance to see Oahu and it was no different from San Diego where I grew up. Kauai is our first choice because we love the outdoors and hate crowds. (like So Cal in the summer) I love anyplace with plants, nature and places to hike. Sounds like Kauai, huh??

I may be picking your brain soon as we plan our next vacation. I just might surprise him with this one. And Welcome! It's great to have you!

[Kauaiguy]

Originally Posted by PhalPal

I may be picking your brain soon as we plan our next vacation. I just might surprise him with this one. And Welcome! It's great to have you!

Let me know if you do plan to come to Kauai. As I get to know the members here better and better, I may get comfortable enough to meet with you if and when you get here.

I will be happy to try and answer questions you have regarding the island.

This IS a neat place to go if you like quiet and enjoy the outdoors and water activities.

K-Guy

[Kauaiguy]

Originally Posted by kmarch

The answer to your question is, "all of the above."

LOL! I was afraid you'd say that!

But I ordered the Ortho book (as some suggested here) and also the Encyclopedia of Orchids book.

Perhaps it's not too late for an old foggie like me to learn about orchids.

As they say in Hawaii.

Mahalo Nui Loa (Thank You Very Much)

Aloha

K-Guy

[arleneg]

Hi & welcome to the forum, Kauaiguy!

I lived in Hawaii (Oahu) many years ago. During that time, would you believe my family never ventured out to any other island?! LOL Anyway, first time I visited Maui was in 1999 and Kauai in 2005. Loved both islands! Next year, my husband and I will be visiting for two weeks...Big Island and Kauai. I'd like to visit with you...of course, after we get to know one another.

Looking forward to seeing pics of your 'chids.