The Hawaiian Islands host a unique collection of plant life that has flourished in isolation for millennia. This rich biodiversity contributes to the islands’ reputation as a tropical paradise, offering colors and scents found nowhere else. Hawaiian flowers are woven into the local culture, representing the hospitality and warmth known as the Aloha Spirit. Understanding these blooms reveals a deeper appreciation for Hawaii’s ecological and cultural tapestry.
Hawaii’s Official State Flower
The official floral emblem of the state is the native yellow hibiscus, Hibiscus brackenridgei. This flower is known in Hawaiian as the Maʻo Hau Hele and is one of seven hibiscus species endemic to the islands. It is a large, vibrant yellow bloom that typically grows on shrubs in dry forests and open lava plains. The Maʻo Hau Hele was formally designated as the state flower in 1988, replacing a generalized association with the red hibiscus. This change reflected a desire to honor a true native species, celebrating the unique heritage and ecosystems of the archipelago.
Iconic Blooms Used in Lei Making
The most recognized use of flowers in Hawaiian culture is the creation of the lei, a garland symbolizing greeting, affection, honor, or celebration. Lei adornments require flowers that are durable, fragrant, and readily available. The Plumeria, or Melia, is the most ubiquitous, prized for its sweet scent and characteristic five-petal spiral shape. Plumeria blooms come in colors including white, yellow, pink, and red, but they are perishable and do not hold up well.
Orchids, or Okika, are another mainstay of commercial leis due to their variety and superior durability. The small, long-lasting Dendrobium orchid is the most commonly used type, often strung in dense, purple or white strands. For a more delicate and valued lei, the small, white Pikake flower is used, known botanically as Jasminum sambac or Arabian Jasmine. Pikake, named after the Hawaiian word for peacock due to its association with royalty, possesses a rich, sweet fragrance often used for ceremonial leis.
Non-Native but Recognizable Tropical Flowers
Many flowers associated with the Hawaiian landscape are non-native species that have been successfully introduced and cultivated. The Anthurium is one such plant, recognizable by its waxy, heart-shaped spathe, which is often mistaken for the flower itself. These blooms, sometimes nicknamed “flamingo lilies,” are popular in floral arrangements and thrive in the warm, humid climate, appearing in colors from bright red to pink, green, and white. Anthuriums originate from the tropical rainforests of Central and South America.
The Bird of Paradise, Strelitzia reginae, is another example, with its unique structure resembling a brightly colored bird in flight. Native to South Africa, it has become a common ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping across the islands. Its striking orange sepals and blue petals emerge from a boat-shaped bract, providing a bold visual element. Many types of Ginger, such as the vibrant Red Ginger and the fragrant White Ginger, were also introduced to Hawaii. Red Ginger, or Alpinia purpurata, features striking red cone-shaped clusters of bracts. White Ginger, Hedychium coronarium, is sought after for its sweet aroma, making it a popular choice for personal adornment.