The popularity of flowers in Hawaii is determined by their visual appeal, cultural significance, and use in the tourism industry. The islands’ tropical climate supports a breathtaking array of blooms, many of which are internationally recognized symbols of the Aloha State. Hawaii’s flora is a mix of plants that arrived naturally and those introduced by people throughout history. The most cherished flowers represent the islands’ spirit, used for decoration, ceremony, or the traditional welcoming gesture of the lei.
Hawaii’s State Flower and Its Varieties
The official state flower of Hawaii is the yellow hibiscus, specifically the native species Hibiscus brackenridgei, known locally as maʻo hau hele. This species is endemic to the islands, making it a unique and cherished emblem of the state’s natural heritage. Its sunny yellow color symbolizes the warmth and beauty of the Hawaiian Islands, and it was officially designated as the state flower in 1988.
The Hibiscus brackenridgei is characterized by large, vibrant yellow blossoms that can measure up to six inches in diameter. These flowers grow on shrubs that can reach up to 15 feet in height and are found across most of the main islands. While the native yellow variety holds the official status, the commonly seen hibiscus flowers in Hawaii are often hybrids. These hybrids display a wider array of colors, including red, pink, orange, and white. The striking appearance of the hibiscus, with its five delicate petals and prominent central stamen, ensures its place as one of the most recognized flowers associated with Hawaii.
The Fragrant Flowers of Traditional Lei Making
Flowers prized for their intoxicating scent and central role in lei making are among the most popular in Hawaii. The fragrance is considered an inseparable element of the lei, enhancing the emotional and spiritual connection between the giver and the receiver. This cultural practice elevates certain aromatic blooms to great significance.
The Plumeria (or frangipani) is perhaps the most recognizable lei flower, beloved for its sweet, tropical scent and soft, waxy petals. Plumeria flowers bloom in a spectrum of colors, most commonly white with a yellow center, but also pink, red, and multi-hued “rainbow” varieties. The flower represents love, new beginnings, and is famously used to signify romantic status: worn over the right ear means the person is available, and over the left means they are in a relationship.
Another highly esteemed flower for leis is Pikake (Jasminum sambac), also known as Arabian Jasmine. This small, delicate white flower was a favorite of Hawaiian royalty like Princess Kaʻiulani. It is collected in buds or fully open for stringing into leis that symbolize purity, love, and romance. Its powerful, sweet perfume is highly concentrated, making it a luxurious choice often reserved for special occasions like weddings. The Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa) is also frequently used for its intense, sweet aroma and waxy, white blooms, which create a dense and fragrant lei representing sensuality and commitment.
Dramatic Blooms of the Tropical Landscape
Many Hawaiian flowers are popular due to their striking, architectural forms and brilliant colors that dominate the tropical landscape. These blooms are favored for dramatic floral arrangements and as ornamental garden plants, prized purely for their visual impact.
The Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) is instantly recognizable for its sharp, crane-like shape and vibrant orange and blue petals emerging from a green beak-like bract. Native to South Africa, it thrives in Hawaii’s climate and resembles an exotic bird in flight, making it a favorite for adding a bold, sculptural element to gardens and cut flower displays.
The Anthurium is celebrated for its waxy, heart-shaped spathe, which is often mistaken for the flower itself. The true tiny flowers are found on the central, tubular spadix. These plants are popular for their glossy texture and long vase life, with common colors including vibrant red, pink, and white. Heliconia, sometimes called “lobster claw” or “parrot flower,” contributes to the dramatic scenery with its large, brightly colored, paddle-shaped bracts. These visually heavy blooms are common roadside and garden features.
Native vs. Introduced: The Reality of Popular Hawaiian Flora
An important distinction exists between the flowers commonly associated with Hawaii and those that are truly native to the islands. Many of the most popular and widely seen flowers were introduced by humans, either intentionally for ornamental or agricultural purposes, or accidentally. The Plumeria, Pikake, Bird of Paradise, Anthurium, and Tuberose are all examples of non-native species that have flourished in Hawaii’s ideal environment.
In contrast, native plants arrived by natural means, such as wind, waves, or birds, and evolved in isolation. Only the native yellow hibiscus (Hibiscus brackenridgei) and indigenous species like the ʻŌhiʻa Lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha), the flower of the Big Island, are examples of truly Hawaiian flora that have gained popular recognition. The predominance of introduced species highlights a conservation concern, as non-native plants can sometimes outcompete the unique endemic flora. Efforts are focused on protecting rare endemic flowers, such as the state flower, from habitat loss and invasive species.