Often, when many travelers leave the plane and start breathing in Hawaii’s air, they say, “It smells like flowers.” Though not all of them are native, these six iconic tropical flowers of Hawaii perfectly encapsulate the island’s tropical beauty and romance.
Plumeria
Despite not being native to Hawaii, the ever-present plumeria inspires Hawaiians more than any other flower. The delicate, velvety bloom, often worn over the ear to signal relationship status, carries an addictive sweet scent. In 1860, a German botanist brought plumeria to the islands, where it thrived in Hawaii’s tropical environment and volcanic soil, leading to the cultivation of numerous varieties unique to Hawaii. During World War II, it was common for sailors and later other visitors to toss a plumeria lei into the sea when their ship approached Diamond Head. If the lei drifted ashore, they would come back. If it floats toward the ship, they will not return.
Visitors to the USS Arizona Memorial tossing individual plumeria petals into the sea to honor the dead are not unusual nowadays. Island airports are home to plumeria lei; plumeria trees grow wild along Hawaii’s roads, around hotels and public buildings, and throughout Hawaii Island’s coastlines and many Oahu paths. Plumeria, one of Hawaii’s iconic tropical flowers, holds a special place in the hearts of both locals and tourists in iconic tropical flowers of Hawaii.
Hawaiian Hibiscus
Officially, the state flower of Hawaii is the yellow hibiscus (hibiscus brackenridgei), sometimes referred to as the pua mao hau hele. Hawaii designated the hibiscus as the official flower in 1923 but omitted to mention a variety, which caused some uncertainty. Until Hawaii’s Legislature decided the yellow hibiscus was the national flower in 1988, many residents thought the native red hibiscus was the official flower. This is why you may find older pictures featuring the red hibiscus identified as the official flower. Hawaii is believed to be home to two indigenous and five endemic species of hibiscus, totaling seven identified species. Growers of the lovely flower created distinctive hybrids over time, resulting in the broad range of colors and sizes seen in Hawaii now.
The Koko Head Botanical Garden on Oahu showcases several of these variants. You can find the state flower above sea level in Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and the island of Hawaii, as well as in the yards of hibiscus connoisseurs; however, if you come across one in the wild, please refrain from picking it, as they are considered an endangered species in their natural habitat. Fun fact: Though the bloom lasts just one day or two, the hibiscus blossoms practically every day. This iconic tropical flower of Hawaii represents the state’s vibrant and diverse flora.
Bird of Paradise
Originally native to South Africa, this famous perennial with flowers resembling a tropical bird taking flight is currently rather popular in Hawaii, particularly for cut flower arrangements, due to its long-lasting blossoms and unusual colors. Famous floral artist Georgia O’Kee painted “White Bird of Paradise,” one of her most well-known pieces, during her 1940s trip to Hawaii. Most nurseries and flower stores carry Bird of Paradise, and you can also find it along numerous waterfall paths in Hawaii, including the popular Akaka Falls trail on Hawaii Island and the Road to Hana on Maui. As an iconic tropical flower of Hawaii, the Bird of Paradise adds a striking visual element to the island’s natural beauty.
Pikake
Hawaii’s beloved Princess Kaiulani chose the Hawaiian name for Jasmine, pikake, which means “peacock,” based on her favorite bird. Pikake is one of Hawaii’s most distinctive scents. Typically, the process of creating pikake lei involves weaving together numerous strands of buds, resulting in a “rope lei” rather than fully blossoming flowers. Brides, hula dancers, and privileged guests may wear these fragrant, delicate lei. Hawaii cherishes pikake, an iconic tropical flower, for its delicate fragrance and cultural significance iconic tropical flowers of Hawaii.
Ohia Lehua
The resilient, brilliantly colored Ohia Lehua (five varieties are indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands) is known as the first plant to start growing on desolate lava flows following a volcano’s eruption. The red lehua bloom is Hawaii Island’s official flower. Perhaps this explains why, in Hawaiian mythology, this flower is often associated with the volcano goddess Pele. The narrative goes as follows: After she arrived, the volcanic goddess found a beautiful man named Ohia appealing. Nevertheless, Ohia turned her down because he was in love with another woman, Lehua. Furious, Pele turned him into an ashy, twisted, and gnarled tree. Lehua asked the gods to undo him, but instead of infuriating Pele, they chose a middle ground.
To ensure that the lovers would always be together, they turned Lehua into a blossom on the ohia tree. If you remove a Lehua bloom from its tree, it is believed to shed tears, symbolizing the lovers’ sorrow over their separation. Ohia wood was a very valuable hardwood in Native Hawaiian society, though modern use is rare. Native Hawaiians used it to build houses, decks, benches, and gunwalls for their canoes. Native Hawaiians frequently used flowers in lei or decorations on hula altars. For medicinal purposes, people used the bark and immature crimson leaves. These lovely blooms abound on all of the main Hawaiian islands, especially at higher altitudes. Ohia Lehua, an iconic Hawaiian tropical flower, symbolizes resilience and cultural heritage.
Naupaka
These flowers, native to the Hawaiian Islands, are well-known for their pleasant scent and distinctive bloom form, which gives the impression that half of the flower is missing. A Hawaiian myth elucidates this phenomenon. Strictly forbidden to marry, a commoner became the object of affection for a lovely Hawaiian princess called Naupaka. An old wise man told them about a far-off heiau (temple) where they should worship and ask the priest for directions.
After spending days on the journey to the temple, the priest informed them he was powerless when they arrived. Heartbroken, Naupaka ripped the white bloom in half from her hair. She instructed her lover to go back to the beach; she would stay in the highlands, and she placed half of the bloom in his palm. This explains why the naupaka plant has two distinct-looking variants—one growing on the shore and one in the mountains—as well as why they seem to be in just half a bloom. These fragrant blossoms (the more delicate “female” mountain naupaka has more of) grow wild on the beaches and hiking paths of all the islands, as well as at locations like the Honolulu Zoo, Ala Moana Park, and Sandy Beach on Oahu. Hawaii celebrates the Naupaka, an iconic tropical flower, for its unique appearance and legendary background of iconic tropical flowers of Hawaii.
These six iconic tropical flowers of Hawaii are integral to the islands’ beauty and culture. Their presence in various locations across Hawaii ensures that visitors and residents alike can appreciate the unique charm they bring to the tropical paradise. From the ubiquitous plumeria to the resilient Ohia Lehua, each flower adds a distinct touch to Hawaii’s landscape and heritage. The inclusion of these iconic Hawaiian tropical flowers in various settings emphasizes their importance to the island’s cultural and natural heritage. These flowers are not just beautiful; they are symbols of the unique tropical environment and the rich history of Hawaii. Whether it’s the sweet fragrance of plumeria or the vivid colors of the hibiscus, these iconic tropical flowers of Hawaii make the islands a true paradise.