Hawaii’s reputation for lush, vibrant plant life is well-deserved, offering a stunning array of tropical flowers. The constant warmth, high humidity, and rich volcanic soil create an ideal climate for diverse flora to flourish. However, many flowers people associate with Hawaii are introduced species that have become integral to the islands’ visual identity. The true floral story involves both these iconic newcomers and the rare, unique plants that evolved in isolation.
Identifying the Iconic Hawaiian Blooms
The most recognizable blossoms defining Hawaii’s tropical aesthetic are largely introduced species, prized for their striking colors and durable nature. The Hibiscus is the official state flower, though the native yellow species, Hibiscus brackenridgei, holds the official title and is known as Maʻo hau hele. Common garden varieties display large, funnel-shaped petals in shades of red, pink, and orange. These blossoms are ephemeral, typically lasting only a single day.
The Plumeria (also known as Frangipani) is universally associated with the islands due to its use in leis and its distinctive, sweet fragrance. Introduced in the 1800s, this non-native flower features waxy, five-petaled blooms in white, yellow, pink, and red. Its robust structure and strong scent make it suitable for stringing into garlands that hold up well in the tropical heat. Wearing a single bloom behind the right ear traditionally signifies the wearer is available, while the left ear means they are “taken.”
The Bird of Paradise is native to South Africa but grows prolifically in Hawaii. Its unmistakable form features a hard, beak-like spathe from which emerge bright orange sepals and vivid blue petals, resembling a crested, tropical bird in flight. Its architectural shape and bold coloring make it popular in modern floral arrangements. The Anthurium is widely cultivated for its glossy, heart-shaped red or pink structure. This colorful part is actually a modified leaf called a spathe, which surrounds a central, spike-like structure called the spadix, where the true flowers are located.
Flowers of Cultural Significance: The Art of the Lei
The tradition of the lei is a profound cultural practice, transcending simple decoration to become a symbol of affection, honor, respect, and celebration. Leis were originally brought to the islands by early Polynesian settlers and were historically worn by the aliʻi, or Hawaiian royalty, to signify their status and divine connection. The practice of making and exchanging these garlands is deeply embedded in the concept of Aloha.
While the introduced Plumeria is common in leis, other flowers and plants are prized for their fragrance, durability, or cultural meaning.
- Pīkake (Arabian Jasmine) is highly valued for its exquisite, delicate scent. The small white buds are often strung together in a rope-like style for weddings and honored guests.
- The Tuberose is a fragrant introduction, favored for its long-lasting scent and use in single-strand leis for special occasions like graduations.
- The Dendrobium Orchid is one of the most common materials in commercial lei production due to its variety of colors and long vase life.
- The Carnation was introduced in the 1800s and is still used, with red carnations traditionally worn by men.
- Beyond flowers, leis are also crafted from foliage, such as the fragrant, braided Maile vine, which is reserved for ceremonies, hula, and to symbolize respect.
Hawaii’s Native and Endemic Floral Treasures
In contrast to the islands’ introduced icons, the true native and endemic flora represent a unique ecological heritage, having evolved nowhere else on Earth. The ʻŌhiʻa Lehua is the most common native tree in Hawaii and is an important foundation species, often the first woody plant to colonize bare lava flows. Its flower, the lehua, is a distinctive pom-pom of stamens, typically fiery red but also found in yellow and orange. The tree is sacred to Pele, the volcano goddess, and the flower is central to the legend of the lovers ʻŌhiʻa and Lehua.
The ʻŌhiʻa forests provide habitat for native birds and are crucial for watershed protection. Other endemic species face serious threats, such as the Hawaiian gardenia, known as Nānū or Naʻu. This small tree, which produces fragrant white flowers, is federally listed as endangered, with fewer than 20 individuals remaining in the wild. Conservation efforts focus on protecting these rare floral treasures, which embody the irreplaceable biodiversity of the Hawaiian ecosystem.