What Are Hawaiian Flowers?

The yellow plumeria is often used to make fresh leis.

The flowers found on the tropical islands of Hawaii are brightly colored and full fragranced. Some are native to Hawaii while some are introduced from other countries, notably South Africa, India and Japan. Migrating birds, the tides and blowing winds brought seeds from other countries to the island, helping slowly build Hawaii's unique flora.

Hawaiian Hibiscus

As of 2011, the official state flower of Hawaii is the Hawaiian hibiscus. This 4- to 6-inch flower has a yellow bloom with a reddish center. Other hibiscus varieties grow on the islands but only the Hawaiian hibiscus is native. The wild growing version of this plant is currently endangered

Plumeria

Plumeria is the most commonly used flower for Hawaiian leis and comes in a number of colors including yellow, pink and multiple colors on one bloom. It grows in clusters on plumeria trees, filling the islands with its fragrance. The trees are native to the islands, as well as tropical parts of North and South America.

Gardenia

Another plant native to Hawaii, the Hawaiian gardenia is related to the trees from tropical areas in Japan and China. The white blooms on these smaller trees are aromatic. Previously found on all islands, the Hawaiian gardenia, as of 2011, grows on O'ahu and Lana'i only, making it an endangered species.

Strawflower

The small blooming strawflower come in pink, cream pink, white, bronze and yellow. The flower head is shaped much like a daisy's, except what looks like petals on the strawflower are actually modified leaves. Originally from Australia, this flower thrives well in the tropical Hawaiian environment.

Rose of Sharon

The Rose of Sharon is native to India, and is the national flower of Korea, but thrives on the Hawaiian islands as well. The blooms is either pink, purple, white or red. The flowers attract insects that hummingbirds eat and hummingbirds too. The blooms are found on a woody shrub that grows between 6 to 12 feet high.

Bird of Paradise

A tall and unique looking flower, the bird of paradise originated in South Africa. The bloom is a combination of brightly colored petals of orange, reds and blue. The configuration of the petals resembles an exotic bird, giving the flower its name. Several different species of the flower are found on the islands, varying in sizes.

Pua Kenikeni

Originally from Australia, the pua kenikeni stands around 15 feet tall. The blooms on the tree are white or yellow in color. The fragrance they emit makes them an ideal for scenting coconut oil and for making leis.

References

• To-Hawaii.com: Hawaiian Flora
• 50 States.com: Hawaii State Flower
• University of Hawaii at Manoa: Plumeria; Richard A. Criley, February 1998
• Operation Ruby Throat: Rose of Sharon
• Species Profiles for Pacific Island Agroforestry; Fagraea Berteroana (Pua Kenikeni); W. Arthur Whistler and Craig R. Elevitch; April 2006
• Floridata: Strawflower