Hawaii’s iconic landscapes are defined by volcanoes, beaches, and towering trees that reflect the islands’ unique ecology. The term “big trees” refers to two distinct categories: massive native species that form the ancient forests and colossal non-native trees dominant in urban and coastal scenery. These giants range from culturally significant hardwoods prized for their strength to immense shade providers.
Hawaii’s Endemic Giants: Koa and ‘Ōhi’a
The Koa tree (Acacia koa) is the largest of Hawaii’s native species, typically found in upland forests. Mature Koa trees can reach impressive heights of over 100 feet and develop trunks exceeding 10 feet in diameter, making them the most massive endemic hardwood. Historically, early Hawaiians used its durable, water-resistant wood to craft long, deep-sea voyaging canoes called wa‘a.
Koa forests are ecologically important, enriching the volcanic soil through nitrogen-fixing capabilities. The wood remains highly prized today for instruments and furniture due to its rich color and unique grain patterns, known commercially as “figured koa.” This species is primarily found in mesic forests between 2,000 and 6,500 feet in elevation, providing habitat for many native bird species.
The ‘Ōhi‘a Lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) is the most common native tree, covering approximately 80% of Hawaii’s native forests. The ‘ōhi‘a grows everywhere from sea level to high elevations, even colonizing fresh lava flows. In favorable conditions, this slow-growing tree can reach heights between 66 and 82 feet, anchoring the native ecosystem as a major watershed protector. Its flowers, known as lehua, are culturally significant and used in traditional lei and hula altar adornments.
The Imported Titans: Banyan and Monkeypod
The largest trees in Hawaii, measured by the area they cover, are often introduced species that thrive in the tropical environment. The Banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) is famous for its sprawling, architectural growth habit, allowing it to cover an enormous amount of ground. This massive spread is achieved through aerial roots that descend from the branches and thicken into secondary trunks upon reaching the soil, supporting the canopy. The most famous example, planted in Lahaina in 1873, covers two-thirds of an acre, creating a massive, shaded public square.
The Monkeypod (Samanea saman) is another colossal introduced tree, often planted in parks and urban areas for its shade-producing qualities. Introduced in the 1850s, it is easily recognized by its wide, dome-shaped canopy, which can spread up to 100 feet across. Although the trunk may only reach 2 to 4 feet in diameter, the umbrella-like crown creates a distinct profile. The wood is moderately hard and highly valued for crafting wooden bowls and carvings sold across the islands.
The Visually Striking Trees
The Rainbow Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus deglupta) is one of the most visually striking trees in Hawaii, known for its rapid vertical growth and vibrant bark. This species can soar to heights of 200 to 250 feet, making it one of the tallest hardwood trees in the local forests. The smooth outer bark peels away in strips, revealing an inner layer that transforms from bright green to shades of blue, purple, orange, and maroon as it ages. The resulting multi-colored trunk gives the tree its common name.
Another tree with a distinct visual presence is the Kukui (Aleurites moluccana), officially recognized as the state tree of Hawaii. While not a giant like the banyan, the Kukui can grow to about 80 feet tall and is immediately recognizable by its pale, silvery-green foliage. This tree was an important “canoe plant” brought by early Polynesian settlers. Its oily nuts, known as candlenuts, were traditionally strung and burned for light. The light-colored leaves often create noticeable patches of pale foliage on the darker mountainsides.