The official flower of Maui is the Lokelani, the Damask Rose (Rosa damascena). This designation is part of a tradition where each of the main Hawaiian islands has a specific floral emblem to represent its unique identity. While many associate Hawaii with native blooms, the Lokelani is the designated symbol for the island of Maui, representing its natural beauty and cultural heritage.
The Official Flower: Identification and Description
The Lokelani is botanically classified as Rosa damascena, a type of rose that has been cultivated for centuries across the globe. This variety is celebrated for its intense and luxurious fragrance, which is one of its most recognizable characteristics. The blooms are typically a deep pink or rose color, though shades can vary slightly.
The flower structure is often semi-double or double, featuring numerous petals arranged in a dense, layered fashion. This plant is a large deciduous shrub, which can grow to heights of up to seven feet in ideal conditions. The stems are armed with sharp thorns, a typical feature of the rose family.
Habitat and Growing Conditions
Unlike many of the endemic plants of Hawaii, the Lokelani is not native to the islands, having originated in Asia Minor and the Middle East. It was introduced to Hawaii in the early 1800s by settlers and European explorers. The plant quickly adapted to the mild, sub-tropical climate of Maui.
This variety of rose requires full sun to partial sun exposure for optimal growth and flowering. While it is not a widespread wild plant, it can be found thriving in cultivated gardens across the island. The Lokelani is sometimes seen growing on the lower slopes of Haleakalā, where the climate provides adequate moisture and suitable temperatures for the plant to flourish.
Symbolism and Traditional Usage
The Hawaiian name “Lokelani” translates directly to “heavenly rose,” which highlights the high regard for this particular flower. In Hawaiian culture, the flower is a symbol of beauty, elegance, and resilience, which reflects the spirit of the island itself. The bloom is also associated with themes of love, affection, and gentleness.
The Lokelani holds a specific and important place in the tradition of lei making on Maui. Because of its powerful and pleasing scent, the blooms are frequently used to create highly fragrant and visually striking leis. These leis are often reserved for special occasions and are recognized as symbols of admiration and the welcoming spirit of aloha.
Addressing Other Iconic Maui Flora
The official status of the Lokelani is sometimes confused due to the presence of other widely recognized plants on Maui. One such plant is the Haleakalā Silversword, or Argyroxiphium sandwicense subsp. macrocephalum. This plant is endemic to Maui, meaning it grows nowhere else in the world, and is a significant point of interest for visitors and scientists.
The Silversword is found only at high elevations on the dormant volcano Haleakalā, typically above 6,900 feet. It is a protected species known for its silver, sword-like leaves and its monocarpic nature, flowering only once before dying.
Despite its fame, the Haleakalā Silversword remains a protected, localized species, while the Lokelani holds the title as the island’s official floral emblem.