Hawaii is globally celebrated for its lush landscapes and vibrant floral life. While many colorful tropical plants are associated with the islands, the quest for the state flower points directly to a specific native species. The answer is found not among widely planted garden varieties but within an endemic group of plants that represent the islands’ unique biological heritage.
The Official State Flower of Hawaii
The official state flower of Hawaii is the native yellow hibiscus, known scientifically as Hibiscus brackenridgei, or Ma’o hau hele in the Hawaiian language. This species was formally designated in 1988, resolving decades of confusion over which hibiscus variety represented the state. Historically, the broader genus Hibiscus was recognized as the territorial flower in 1923, leading many to assume the non-native red species was the intended symbol.
The choice of Hibiscus brackenridgei was a deliberate act to honor the islands’ unique flora, as this species is endemic. It is a tall, woody shrub that can reach up to 10 feet in height, typically found in the dry forests and low shrublands of the main Hawaiian Islands. Its large, bright yellow flowers, which can measure four to six inches across, stand out in contrast to the more common imported cultivars seen in ornamental settings.
This native yellow hibiscus is listed as an endangered species, primarily due to habitat loss and competition from invasive plant life. The designation highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect Hawaii’s fragile ecosystem and the rare plants unique to its geography. The flower’s selection thus speaks to both the natural beauty and the need for preservation.
Iconic Flowers Frequently Mistaken for the State Emblem
Many flowers that tourists associate with Hawaii are introduced species that thrive in the tropical climate but are not native to the islands. The Plumeria, or Frangipani, is the most common flower used in leis and is frequently mistaken for the state symbol. Plumeria arrived in Hawaii from Mexico and Central America in the 19th century and is cherished for its fragrant, waxy flowers that bloom in shades of white, yellow, pink, and red.
The Anthurium is another visually striking plant that is a mainstay of tropical floral arrangements and is cultivated for export. This flower, known for its glossy, heart-shaped spathes—often mistaken for petals—is native to Central and South America. It grows well in Hawaii’s humid environment and is available in colors ranging from deep red to bright pink and white.
The Bird of Paradise resembles a brightly colored, crested bird in flight. Originating in South Africa, this plant is used extensively in landscaping across the islands due to its architectural form and striking orange and blue coloration. These, along with many Orchid varieties, dominate the visual landscape of hotels and gardens, cementing their place in the popular imagination as Hawaiian flowers despite their foreign origins.
The Symbolism and Tradition of the Hawaiian Lei
The Hawaiian lei is a garland or wreath that symbolizes affection, greeting, honor, and celebration, rooted in traditions brought by early Polynesian voyagers. The practice is an expression of the aloha spirit. Leis are not exclusively made of flowers; they can be woven from leaves, seeds, nuts, shells, or feathers, with each material carrying its own specific meaning.
The etiquette surrounding the giving and receiving of a lei is a cultural custom. It is impolite to refuse a lei when it is offered, as this could be seen as rejecting the spirit of aloha conveyed by the giver. The lei should be worn draped over the shoulders, resting equally on the back and chest, and should not be removed in the presence of the person who presented it.
A closed lei should not be worn by a pregnant woman, as this custom symbolizes an umbilical cord around the neck. Upon leaving the islands, a traditional gesture is to cast a fresh flower lei into the ocean, hoping the wearer will one day return to Hawaii. This tradition underscores the deep cultural connection between the lei and the significance of welcome and farewell.