So, you want your living space to feel a little more ‘Pacific’! Hawaiian plants represent a colorful, iconic trove of mother nature’s green gifts. Unpack those potting materials and fish out your fertilizers, because it’s time to say ‘Aloha’ to your new host of plant pals: this is everything you need to know about growing Hawaiian plants & flowers.
What Is the Most Popular Hawaiian Plant?
The most popular of Hawaiian plants are, without a doubt, the Anthuriums. These ‘plastic plants’ are known for their supernatural shiny colors and incredibly thick, waxy ‘spathes’ (heart-shaped leaves). Although many attribute Hawaii with the honor of homelanding these delicate delights, Hawaii was not always host to species of Anthurium! It was not until 1889 that Samuel Damon, an American businessman, introduced Anthurium andreanum to Hawaii that this association began to take root. Nevertheless, today, more than 95% of all anthuriums are grown on the island of Hawaii, and their place as a characteristically Hawaiian genus seems here to stay.
Native Hawaiian Plants List
Disclaimer! You might feel the overload of beach vibes from this list. Continue at your own discretion.
Indoor
Booking a permanent vacation without ever leaving your apartment is now possible! Get ready for our indoor plants of Hawaii list.
Flamingo Flowers
- Science name: Anthurium andraeanum
- Description: We can bet you have seen Flamingo flowers before, even if you didn’t know their name! Their bright waxy, red heart-shaped spathes with yellow spadices are popular for their long-lasting bloom (on average two to three months), sometimes so shiny they’ve been said to resemble plastic.
- Uses & Symbolism: In addition to having great Hygge for your home, Anthurium andraeanum is excellent at absorbing airborne chemicals that can linger after the use of cleaning products, and general pollutants, too! Anthuriums are the most important cut flower in the Hawaiian floriculture industry, but they also have an international symbolic appeal. These flowers have a long cultural history, foreboding good luck in relationships for Feng Shui and being the mythological arrow of Cupid in ancient Greece.
Dendobrium Orchid
- Science name: Dendobrium spp.
- Description: The Dendobrium genus of orchids, first described in 1799, contains more than 1,000 species. Having appeared on the list of the 50 fundamental herbs of traditional Chinese medicine, Dendobrium orchids have come to thrive in the moist, tropical environments of Hawaii. With a little care and an eye on the thermostat, though, it can easily be grown indoors anywhere in the world!
- Uses & Symbolism: Traditional Chinese medicine has ascribed Dendrobrium the ability to treat thirst, fever, diabetes, infection, inflammation, cancer, eyesight and digestion– but one thing is for certain, and that’s that these babies can make a room look plant-astic! These orchids, in their beauty, have also come to symbolize love, refinement, beauty, charm, and thoughtfulness.
Bromeliaceae Vriesea
- Science name: Bromeliaceae vriesea
- Description: The spiny yet colorful flowers of Bromeliaceae species, coupled with their interesting foliage, bring the Hawaiian understory to any indoor space. Having evolved for the low low light of the Hawaiian ground-level, this Bromeliaceae (like most of its genus) make enthusiastic occupants of even the most fluorescent of indoor spaces.
- Uses & Symbolism: Although in South America, almost every part of Bromeliceae plants were used for food, shelter, fibers and ceremonies, earning the title ‘gift from the gods’, as a houseplant, Bromeliads are thought to bring protection from evil spirits.
Urban jungle apartment? No, give me a level up, – tropical paradise apartment!
For Landscaping
Building a mini-Hawaii in the comfort of your garden? Look no further. Plants native to Hawaii make for great landscaping companions, saturating your outdoor designs with light, airy, tropical breezes.
Pauohiiaka or Oval-Leaf Clustervine
- Science Name: Jacquemontia ovalifolia ssp. sandwicensis
- Description: Pāʻūohiʻiaka is a beautiful and vibrant flowering vine native to the Hawaiian Islands. The plant boasts slender, twining stems and heart-shaped leaves with a glossy green appearance. This greenie produces striking trumpet-shaped flowers that come in shades of lavender, making it an eye-catching addition to any landscape. What’s even better, it blooms all year round, with its peak display of beauty from December to July.
- Uses & Symbolism: Not only is it a charming ground cover, but its leaves also boast medicinal properties, serving as a cathartic for your body as well as your eyes and soul. And believe it or not, the young leaves are not just nutritious but also incredibly delicious when used in fritters. Get fryin’!
- This flower bears strong symbolism, even in the name itself! Pāʻūohiʻiaka, which means "Hi'iaka's skirt," pays homage to Hi'iaka, one of the goddess sisters of Pele, the mighty Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes. Pāʻūohiʻiaka is often used to create leis, traditional Hawaiian garlands worn or given as a symbol of affection, respect, and friendship.
Yellow Ilima
- Science name: Sida Fallax
- Description: This beauty hails from the Hawaiian Archipelago and other Pacific Islands, growing happily in sandy soils near the ocean. Its alluring yellow-orange petals and its knightly, serrated leaves make a vibrant and exotic addition to warm-weathered gardens.
- Uses & Symbolism: Native Hawaiians revered ʻilima flowers for lei-making, with around 1,000 blooms per strand. Now widely worn, these flowers were once exclusive to royalty. Beyond adornment, they may be used to garnish food, scent coconut oil, and craft practical items like baskets and thatching. Moreover, ʻilima held medicinal significance, easing pregnancy and serving as a love potion in Kiribati! ʻIlima symbolizes islands like Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, and Abemama in Kiribati, holding deep cultural significance. And guess what? It's got a variety of names in different Pacific languages.Its prostrate form represents Pele's brother, the god of taro planters, and its upright form is linked to Laka, the goddess of hula.
Naupaka or Fairy Fan Flower
- Science Name: Scaevola aemula
- Description: A window box or a garden bed – this flower can adapt to almost everything. With its long and strong stems, capable of reaching a height of up to 20 inches (50 cm), it becomes a sturdy alternative to other delicate flowering species.
- Uses & Symbolism: According to the tale, a woman, filled with heartache, tore the flower in half after an argument with her beloved. The gods, angered by their separation, transformed all Naupaka flowers into halves, destined to remain incomplete forever. The unfulfilled desire for a whole flower embodies the longing and search for lost love.
- The exotic yet flexible plants of Hawaii can transform, enlighten, and define your outdoor space, showing off your broad-horizoned and tasteful landscaping skills. Invite your friends over and enjoy the attention!
Top Native Flowers of Hawaii
Feeling like you could use some flowers in your hair? Let’s take a look at the top native flowers of Hawaii.
Frangipani
- Science Name: Plumeria spp.
- Description: Plumeria, also known as Frangipani, is a captivating flowering plant native to Hawaii, boasting fragrant, five-petal flowers in various colors like white, yellow, pink, and red. Their charming, pinwheel-like form carries an air of delight- and titillating wonder! These sweet-scented blossoms adorn trees that can reach up to 30 feet (9 meters) in height.
- Uses & Symbolism: In Hawaiian culture, Plumeria is more than just a pretty flower. Plumeria leis are popular for welcoming guests and celebrating special occasions. Beyond its cultural significance, Plumeria carries spiritual meaning, representing immortality and enduring love in Hawaiian folklore. The flower's enchanting scent is used to create scented oils and perfumes, infusing tropical allure into various beauty products.
Hawaiian Hibiscus
- Science Name: Hibiscus spp.
- Description: The yellow Hibiscus is Hawaii’s state plant, and for all the good reasons! It’s delicate, yet eccentric, and includes seven species native to Hawaii islands. Plenty of colors and moods to choose from, isn’t it? Once endangered, the hibiscus has seen a remarkable resurgence, with over thirty new species flourishing across the islands.
- Uses & Symbolism: In Hawaiian tradition, the hibiscus holds special significance when worn on a woman's ear. Adorning the left ear signifies a married woman, while wearing it on the right suggests she's searching for a husband. As Hawaii's state flower, it represents the spirit of the islands and their vibrant culture. Hibiscus is not only a symbol of femininity but also a reminder of life's transient nature. While the shrubs bloom daily, each blossom lasts only a day!
Ohia Lehua Flower
- Science Name: Metrosideros polymorpha
- Description: When you grow the Ohia lehua flower, you grow a plant, sprout a beauty, and cultivate the spirit of an ancient story! Its name, Ohia lehua, derives from the story of two lovers, Ohia and Lehua. Pele, the volcano goddess, saw the beautiful Ohia and fell in love with him; but in his faithfulness to Lehua, Ohia frustrated Pele’s desires, and the goddess turned the couple into a beautiful tree.
- Uses & Symbolism: The beautiful blossoms, reminiscent of flares of hot lava, represent Lehua. Picking a Lehua flower is said to bring rain, because the tears of Ohia and Lehua fall when they are separated. Take good care of these lovers, and you’ll find enduring love brought to your very garden!
Peacock Flower (Pikake)
- Science Name: Jasminum sambac
- Description: For all the romantics left out there, we present the peacock flower! Introduced to the Hawaiian islands in the 1800s, it swiftly became a royal favorite. Princess Kaiulani, enamored by both jasmine flowers and peacocks, named the blossoms "pikake," after the Hawaiian word for peacock.
- Uses & Symbolism: Pikake embodies the essence of love: the delicate white petals release a sweet fragrance, enchanting our hearts and our senses alike. A truly regal beauty!
Why buy a Hawaiian flower necklace in plastic? Weave your own with the flowers from your beautiful garden.
FAQ
What Are Some Unique Plants in Hawaii?
Of all the strange sights in the plant kingdom, Hawaii’s rare Silversword plant has got to be at the top! This glimmering land-urchin is slow growing and beautiful in its everyday form, living up to 50 years. More rare than the hard-to-find plant itself, however, is its flower! Other unique plants are Uluhe fern, Ilima flower, Hawaiian 'Ahinahina, and many others.
What Are Five Plants That Thrive in Hawaii?
'Aiakanene, Kou, Hinahina, Ma’o Hau Hele, Ipomea indica are all plants that grow and thrive in the climate of Hawaii. These greenies have chosen the location of residence correctly, haven’t they? Good taste!
What Plants Can Only Be Found in Hawaii?
There are quite a few endemic plants in Hawaii. Some endemic Hawaiian plants include certain species of Dracaena (D. aurea, D. fernaldii), Asteliaceae and Orchidaceae plants, and of course Argyroxiphiums, Hawaiian silversword plants. The list could go on and on, since Hawaii knows no shortage of rare species.
Our top list is coming to an end, but your refreshing plant vacation is just beginning. Now that you know everything about Hawaiian plants, you can create your own little paradise. Aloha!
