Hawaii’s remote islands are known for their distinct natural environment and remarkable biodiversity. This unique setting often sparks curiosity about its flora, leading many to wonder if familiar trees like pines are part of the tropical landscape. The islands’ isolated evolution has fostered a rich tapestry of plant life, with much found nowhere else on Earth.
True Pines: An Introduced Presence
True pine trees (Pinus genus) are not native to the Hawaiian Islands. These conifers were introduced for reforestation, erosion control, and timber. Species like the Monterey Pine (Pinus radiata) from California, the Mexican Weeping Pine (Pinus patula), and the drought, fire, and wind-resistant Canary Island Pine (Pinus canariensis) were brought to Hawaii. An unplanned hybrid, “Hawaiian Pine” or “Kona Pine,” has emerged from a cross between Monterey and Mexican Weeping pines. These introduced pines grow rapidly in the Hawaiian climate.
Commonly Mistaken “Pine-Like” Trees
Many trees in Hawaii are mistaken for true pines due to their conical shape and needle-like appearance, but they belong to the Araucariaceae family. The Cook Pine (Araucaria columnaris) and the Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) are prime examples, with the Cook Pine being particularly widespread and often incorrectly identified as a Norfolk Island Pine. Cook Pines exhibit a slender, columnar form with short, horizontal branches and small, incurved, needle-like leaves. In contrast, the true Norfolk Island Pine has a broader crown and longer, more widely spaced branches. Both species are extensively used in landscaping, as windbreaks, and were historically planted for reforestation and lumber.
Hawaii’s Unique Native Forests
In contrast to conifer-dominated landscapes, Hawaii’s indigenous forests feature broadleaf flowering plants, reflecting millions of years of isolated evolution, with over 90% of its native species found nowhere else on Earth. The ʻōhiʻa lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) is the most common native tree, making up a significant portion of Hawaii’s forests and often colonizing new lava flows. This resilient tree is known for its vibrant, brush-like flowers that range from fiery red to yellow. Another prominent native species is the koa (Acacia koa), a fast-growing tree valued for its durable wood, historically used for canoes and now prized for furniture and musical instruments. Mature koa trees are distinctive, developing sickle-shaped phyllodes rather than true leaves.