33 Beautiful Hawaiian Flowers: A Guide to the Best Blooms in the Islands

Last Updated on May 6, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford

When most people think of Hawaii, they imagine beaches, sun and sand. But there’s more to the Aloha State than that! Did you know that Hawaii is also home to some of the most beautiful flowers in the world?

With so many different types of plants and flowers to choose from, it can be hard to know which ones are the best. In this blog post, we will introduce you to some of our favorite Hawaiian blooms.

1. Alulu (Brighamia insignia).

Also known as the Hawaiian palm, this species is native to the island of Kaua’i. It is a member of the family Asteraceae, and is related to other plants such as daisies, sunflowers, and lettuce.

The alulu grows to a height of 20 feet (six meters), with leaves that are 12 feet (three meters) long. The plant is pollinated by moths, and produces a small, yellow fruit.

The alulu is endangered due to habitat loss and degradation. Its natural habitat is dry forest on the island of Kaua’i, but this has been cleared for agriculture and housing.

In addition, the introduction of non-native plants has led to competition for resources. As a result, the alulu is now found only in a few isolated populations.

The alulu is an important part of Hawaiian culture. It is used in lei making, and its wood can be used for carving. The plant is also believed to have spiritual power, and is sometimes planted near graves.

2. Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum).

Anthurium is a genus of about 1000 species of flowering plants, the majority of which are native to the tropical Americas. Anthuriums are also known as flamingo flowers or painter’s palette.

The name comes from the Greek words anthos (flower) and oura (tail), referring to the inflorescence’s spathe and spadix.

Most species of Anthurium are native to tropical America, where they grow in the understory of rainforests at elevations below 2000 m. A few species are found on tropical islands in the Pacific and Indian oceans.

3. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae).

The bird of paradise is a native plant to Hawaii. The bird of paradise is a flowering plant and the flowers are used in leis. The bird of paradise is also known as the crane flower. The plant grows to about six feet tall and the flowers are orange and blue.

The Bird of Paradise is an iconic Hawaiian flower that has been used in leis for centuries. The plant grows to about six feet tall and the flowers are orange and blue. The bird of paradise is also known as the crane flower.

4. Cosmosflower Beggarticks (Bidens cosmoides).

The plant is endemic to Hawaii and can be found on the islands of Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, and Hawaiʻi.

The flower has five petals that are white with yellow or orange centers. The plant grows in dry to mesic habitats from sea level to elevations of 1000m.

The flower is used in lei making and was once used as a dye.

5. Haha (Cyanea grimesiana ssp. grimesiana).

This is a subspecies of the Cyanea genus that is endemic to Hawaii. It is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 15 feet tall. The leaves are dark green and glossy, with a purplish tint on the underside.

The flowers are white, with purple streaks running through them. Haha blooms from June to August. The fruit is a small, black drupe.

Haha is found in mesic to wet forests, at elevations of 1000 to 3000 feet. It is common on the islands of Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii.

The Haha tree has many uses. The wood is hard and durable, making it good for construction. The bark can be used to make rope and clothing. The leaves are used in lei making, and the flowers are used in leis and for making tea.

6. Hawaiian Blue Ginger (Dichorisandra thyrsiflora).

It’s an herbaceous perennial plant in the family Commelinaceae, native to Brazil. The plant is grown as an ornamental in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide for its attractive blue flowers. It is sometimes used as a culinary herb, but its peppery taste is not to everyone’s liking.

The plant grows to about two meters (six feet) tall and has lance-shaped leaves. The blue flowers are borne in inflorescences of three to six flowers. The fruits are brown capsules containing black seeds.

7. Hawaiian Hibiscus (Hibiscus brackenridgei).

The hibiscus is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae. The genus includes both annual and perennial herbaceous plants, as well as woody shrubs and small trees. The native range of the genus Hibiscus extends from the western coast of tropical Africa to Polynesia.

The Hawaiian hibiscus (Hibiscus brackenridgei), also known as pua aloalo in Hawaiian, is a species of Hibiscus native to the Hawaiian Islands. It is endemic to the island of Maui, where it occurs in dry forest and shrubland habitats.

The Hawaiian hibiscus is a small tree or shrub growing to a height of six meters. The leaves are simple, lobed, and measure up to fifteen centimeters long. The flowers are white with a yellow center, and have a diameter of up to eight centimeters.

8. Hawaiian Iliau (Wilkesia gymnoxiphium).

This Hawaiian endemic plant is a member of the sunflower family. It grows in dry, open habitats on all the main islands except Niʻihau and Kahoolawe.

The iliau was once abundant on Maui, but it is now very rare there. It occurs in several types of dry forest habitat, as well as in open shrubland and dry grassland.

The iliau is a small, woody plant that grows to about 0.30 m (12 in) tall. The leaves are alternate, oblong-elliptic to lanceolate, and measure up to 12 cm (0.47 in) long by three cm (0.12 in) wide.

The leaf margins are toothed and the upper surface is hairy. The flowers are yellow, borne in heads of one to five flowers each. The fruits are brown, dry, one-seeded achenes that measure up to three cm (0.12 in) long by two cm (0.79 in) wide.

The iliau is pollinated by a variety of insects, including bees, flies, and beetles. The seeds are dispersed by wind and animals.

9. Hawaiian Red Cranesbill (Geranium arboreum).

The Hawaiian red cranesbill is a member of the Geraniaceae family and is endemic to Hawaii. It is a shrub that typically grows to a height of 0.30-0.91 m (12-36 in). The leaves are opposite, simple, and lobed with rounded teeth.

The flowers are solitary or in pairs, and have five petals that are pink to red in color. The fruit is a dry capsule with seeds that are dispersed by the wind.

The Hawaiian red cranesbill is found in mesic and wet forests at elevations of 0-1220 m (0-4000 ft) on the islands of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii.

It is common in the Koolau and Waianae mountain ranges on Oahu. The Hawaiian red cranesbill is a common plant in Hawaii and is often used in landscaping.

10. Heliconia (Heliconia rostrata).

A species of flowering plant in the genus Heliconia, family Heliconiaceae. It is native to Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador.

The plant is an herbaceous perennial that typically grows to a height of 0.75-15 m (29.53-59.06 ft). The leaves are oblong to lanceolate, with a length of 15-60 cm (59.06-23.62 in) and a width of 0.75-15 cm (29.53-59.06 in).

The flowers are borne on inflorescences that emerge from the leaf axils. The inflorescence is a raceme, with each flower having six petals. The flowers are typically red, orange, or yellow in color.

The fruit is a capsule that contains numerous small seeds. Heliconia rostrata is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a cut flower in bouquets. It is also used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments.

11. Hinahina (Heliotropium anomalum).

Growing to about a meter in height, hinahina is an endemic Hawaiian shrub found only on the islands of Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Maui, and Lānaʻi. It inhabits dry to mesic (moderately wet) forests from sea level to about 900 m (3000 ft) elevation. The species is listed as endangered by the state of Hawaii.

Hinahina has distinctive, silver-gray leaves and branches covered with soft, velvety hairs. The small flowers are white or pale purple, and they grow in clusters at the ends of the branches.

Each flower is only about a millimeter wide. The plant blooms throughout the year, but peak flowering occurs from May to November.

Fruit is not often produced, and when it is, the one-seeded berries are greenish white or pale purple. Hinahina is pollinated by small insects, such as thrips.

12. Ilima (Sida fallax).

Ilima is a species of flowering plant in the mallow family, Malvaceae, that is endemic to Hawaii. Ilima is one of the two state flowers of Hawaii, the other being Hibiscus brackenridgei.

Ilima is a small shrub or herbaceous plant that typically grows to 0.30–0.91 m (12–36 in) tall. The leaves are variable in shape, but are generally ovate to lanceolate, and measure 0.79–16 cm (0.31–0.63 in) long by 0.40–11 cm (0.16–0.43 in) wide.

The flowers are borne in clusters of two to seven, each flower measuring 0.97–12 cm (0.38–0.47 in) long by 0.91–11 cm (0.36–0.43 in) wide; they are generally yellow or orange, but can also be white or pinkish-red.

The fruit is a capsule containing two to four seeds.

Ilima is pollinated by a variety of insects, including bees, wasps, flies, and ants.

The plant is found in dry to mesic habitats on all the main Hawaiian Islands, as well as on Midway Atoll and Kure Atoll.

13. Kahili Ginger (Hedychium gardnerianum).

Kahili Ginger is native to the Himalayas and is a member of the Zingiberaceae (ginger) family. It gets its name from the Hawaiian word for “yellow,” kahili, referring to the color of the flowers.

The Kahili Ginger is an evergreen herbaceous perennial that can grow up to six feet tall and three feet wide. The leaves are lanceolate, dark green, and 12-18 inches long.

The fragrant flowers are yellow with orange or red markings and appear in clusters at the ends of the stems.

The Kahili Ginger is hardy in zones eight to 11 and prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It is relatively low maintenance and does not require much fertilizer.

14. Kanawao (Broussaisia arguta).

Kanawao is an endemic Hawaiian shrub in the family Campanulaceae. It is found only on the islands of Kauaʻi and Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi. The specific epithet arguta comes from the Latin word for “rough,” referring to the plant’s hairy leaves.

This species grows in dry to mesic forests at elevations of 610-1220 m (2000-4000 ft). It is a common shrub on Kauaʻi, but less so on Oʻahu.

The kanawao shrub has oppositely arranged, elliptical to oblong leaves that are hairy on both surfaces.

15. Koki’o (Kokia kauaiensis).

This is a Hawaiian endemic tree that reaches a height of about 30 feet. The koki’o is found only on the islands of Kaua’i and Ni’ihau, where it grows in dry forest habitat.

The koki’o was one of the first plants to be listed as endangered under the US Endangered Species Act, in 1992.

Today, there are only an estimated 50-100 mature koki’o trees remaining in the wild.

The primary threat to the koki’o is habitat loss and degradation due to human activity.

16. Koʻoloaʻula (Abutilon menziesii).

Koʻoloaʻula is a rare and endangered Hawaiian plant. It is found only in the Koʻolau Mountains on the island of Oʻahu. The plant is believed to be extinct in the wild, but there are a few plants in captivity.

The koʻoloaʻula is a member of the mallow family (Malvaceae). It is a small shrub that grows to about three feet tall. The leaves are oblong, and the flowers are yellow with five petals.

The plant gets its name from its red berries, which were once used to make lei.

17. Ma’o Hau Hele (Hibiscus brackenridgei).

This Hawaiian native hibiscus is found only on the islands of Kaua’i and Ni’ihau. It is a medium-sized shrub that can grow to be about six feet tall.

The leaves are dark green and glossy, and the flowers are a deep red color. Ma’o Hau Hele is an endangered species, and it is estimated that there are only about 100 plants left in the wild.

The Ma’o Hau Hele is an important part of Hawaiian culture. The plant was used by Native Hawaiians for a variety of purposes, including making lei, medicine, and clothing. Today, the Ma’o Hau Hele is still used in lei-making, and it is also grown as a ornamental plant.

18. Ma’ohi’ohi (Stenogyne rugosa).

The name “ma’ohi” is derived from the Hawaiian word for “native”. The plant is endemic to the island of Maui, where it is found in dry forests at elevations of 150-700 m (500-2300 ft). It is a shrub or small tree growing to a height of up to 15 m (50 ft).

The leaves are oblong to oval in shape, and measure up to 12 cm (47 in) long by five cm (20 in) wide.

The flowers are borne in clusters of two to four, and are white or cream-colored with purple streaks. The fruit is a drupe measuring up to three cm (one in) long.

19. Mamane (Sophora chrysophylla).

Mamane is a species of flowering plant in the legume family, Fabaceae. It is native to Hawaii, where it is the second-most common tree. The mamane tree grows to a height of 15–20 m (49–66 ft). The leaves are pinnate with 11–17 leaflets. The flowers are yellow, and the fruit is a pod containing several seeds.

Mamane trees are found in dry, open forests on the islands of Maui, Oahu, and Hawaii. The tree was introduced to Kauai in 1778 by British explorer James Cook. Mamane is also found on the Gilbert Islands and the Marquesas Islands.

20. Molokai Ohaha (Brighamia rockii).

It is a member of the genus Brighamia in the family Campanulaceae, and is closely related to two other Hawaiian endemics, B. insignis and B. schattaueri. The species was first collected by William Hillebrand on Molokai’s north coast in 1864, and was first described and named by Asa Gray in 1867.

Molokai Ohaha is a small tree or shrub growing to about six meters in height. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and oblong-lanceolate, with a pointed tip. The flowers are white, bell-shaped, and borne on a slender stalk. The fruit is a small, fleshy berry.

The Molokai Ohaha is found only in the northern part of Molokai, where it grows on cliffs and rocky outcrops. It is threatened by habitat loss and degradation due to livestock grazing, invasive species, and human development.

21. Nanu (Gardenia brighamii).

This native Hawaiian plant is found in dry to mesic forests on all the main islands. It is a small shrub that reaches a height of about three feet.

The evergreen leaves are smooth and glossy, with a leathery texture. The flowers are white and fragrant, with petals that are fused at the base. Nanu blooms from April to June.

The native Hawaiians used nanu for a number of medicinal purposes. The leaves were used to make a poultice for wounds, and the flowers were used to make lei. Nanu was also believed to have spiritual power, and was often planted near temples.

22. Naupaka (Scaevola taccada).

The Naupaka is a small, flowering shrub that is native to Hawaii. The Naupaka can be found on all of the main Hawaiian Islands, except for Lana’i.

The Naupaka has white, five-petaled flowers that grow in clusters. The Naupaka’s leaves are dark green and glossy. The Naupaka is a popular landscaping plant in Hawaii.

The Naupaka is considered to be an endangered species. The Naupaka is threatened by habitat loss and degradation. The Naupaka is also threatened by the introduction of invasive species. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the Naupaka.

23. Nehe (Wollastonia integrifolia).

This is a native plant of New Zealand that has been introduced to Australia. It is a small tree or large shrub that grows up to about seven meters tall. The leaves are dark green and glossy, and the flowers are white or cream-colored. The fruit is a small, black berry.

This plant is found in coastal areas of Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. It is a popular plant for coastal gardens because it is salt-tolerant and drought-resistant. Nehe is also a food source for native birds such as the tui (Prosthemadera novæzelandiæ).

24. Oahu Pilo Kea (Platydesma cornuta var. decurrens).

This native Hawaiian plant is an endemic species in the family Asteraceae. The plant is a member of the sunflower tribe (Heliantheae). It is found only on the island of Oahu, where it grows in dry forest and shrubland habitats at elevations of 0-600 m (0-2000 ft).

The Oahu Pilo Kea is a small, erect shrub that grows to 0.75-0.91 m (29-36 in) in height. The leaves are opposite, lanceolate to oblong, and measure 0.91-20 cm (0.36-0.79 in) long by 0.46-13 cm (0.18-0.51 in) wide. The leaf margins are serrate or dentate, and the leaves have a petiole 0.15-36 cm (0.06-14 in) long.

25. Oahu Riverhemp (Sesbania tomentosa).

Oahu Riverhemp is an invasive species of flowering plant in the pea family, Fabaceae. It is native to tropical and subtropical Asia, from India and Sri Lanka to China and Indonesia. However, it has been introduced to many other parts of the world, including Hawaii, where it is now a serious weed.

Oahu Riverhemp grows rapidly and can reach a height of 15 feet (or more). It has large, bright green leaves and produces yellow or white flowers. The plant is often found growing in wet areas, such as along rivers and streams.

26. Ohe ‘ohe (Tetraplasandra flynii).

A native Hawaiian species, ohe ‘ohe is a small tree in the family Asteraceae. It is found only on the island of Maui, where it is common in mesic and wet forests. The specific epithet flynii honors William A.Flynn, who collected the first specimens of the species in 1919.

27. Ohi’a Lehua (Metrosideros polymorph).

It is one of the most common trees in Hawaii and is also one of the most important. Ohi’a Lehua are found on all the main Hawaiian Islands except for Kaho‘olawe.

Ohi‘a Lehua play a vital role in Hawaiian forests. They are often the first trees to grow on new lava flows and help to stabilize the lava. They also provide shelter and homes for many birds, insects, and other animals.

The flowers of the Ohi‘a Lehua are very important to Hawaiian culture. They are used in lei (flowers worn around the neck) and are also used in traditional medicines.

28. Passion Fruit Flower (Passiflora edulis).

The flowers are about the size of a small saucer, with five petals and a prominent central stamen. The petals are white with purple streaks and the stamen is purple. The flower has a strong, sweet fragrance.

The Passion Fruit Flower is native to Brazil, but it is now grown in many tropical countries. It is the national flower of Paraguay.

The Passion Fruit Flower is the symbol of passion and love. It is often used in wedding bouquets and other arrangements.

29. Pikake (Jasminum sambac).

Also known as Arabian jasmine, Pikake is a sweet-smelling flower that is native to Asia. The flowers are small and white, with a strong fragrance that is said to be similar to the scent of roses. Pikake flowers are often used in leis and Hawaii’s state flower is actually a variety of pikake.

Pikake flowers have a long history in Hawaiian culture. They were brought to the islands by early Polynesian settlers and have been used in leis for centuries. The word “pikake” actually means “strewn jasmine” in Hawaiian, referring to the way the flowers are often used as decoration.

30. Plumeria (Plumeria rubra).

The flowers of the plumeria are large and fragrant. The tree is native to Central America and the Caribbean, and is widely cultivated in tropical regions.

The plumeria is a popular plant in Hawai’i, where it is known as lei flower. The flowers are used to make leis, which are worn around the neck or head.

The plumeria is also a popular tattoo design, often used to represent paradise or paradise lost.

31. Protea (Protea cynaroides).

This is one of the most popular Hawaiian flowers. It has a long and slender stem with small, delicate flowers. The petals are usually white or pink and have a soft, velvety texture. Protea is also known as the sugarbush or king protea.

Proteas are native to South Africa and were introduced to Hawaii in the early 1800s. They are most commonly found on the islands of Maui and Hawaii. Proteas are also grown in other parts of the world, including Australia, New Zealand, and California.

32. Pua Kala (Argemone glauca).

Pua Kala is an annual herb in the poppy family, Papaveraceae. It is native to Hawaii, where it is also known as Hawaiian poppy.

Pua Kala grows up to 30 cm (12 in) tall and has large, deeply lobed leaves. The flowers are white with a yellow center, and bloom from May to August. The fruits are large, spiny capsules that contain black seeds.

Pua Kala is a popular ornamental plant, and is often used in leis. It is also used in traditional Hawaiian medicine. The leaves and flowers are used to make a tea that is taken for stomach pain, diarrhea, and fever.

The seeds are ground into a powder and taken for coughs and colds. Pua Kala is considered a sacred plant by many Native Hawaiians, and is used in religious ceremonies.

33. Uki Uki (Hawaiian Lily).

This flower is native to Hawaii and is used in many leis. The uki uki has a strong fragrance and is very popular among tourists.

The uki uki is a beautiful flower that can be found in many different colors. The most popular color of the uki uki is white, but it can also be found in pink, purple, and even yellow. The uki uki is a very fragile flower and it is important to handle it with care.

What flowers are native to Hawaii?

The state of Hawaii is home to a wide variety of flowers, many of which are native to the islands. Some of the most popular Hawaiian flowers include hibiscus, plumeria, and orchids. All of these flowers can be found in abundance throughout the islands, adding to the already stunning natural beauty of Hawaii.

What blooms in Hawaii in February?

February is a month of transition in Hawaii. The weather is cooling down and the days are getting shorter, but there are still plenty of flowers blooming all over the islands. Here are some of the most beautiful flowers you can find in Hawaii this time of year.

The Hibiscus is one of the most iconic flowers in Hawaii. These brightly colored flowers can be found all over the islands, and they come in a variety of colors including red, orange, yellow, and pink.

Another common flower in Hawaii is the plumeria. Plumeria are often used in leis, and they have a sweet scent that is perfect for relaxing on a warm day. These flowers come in a variety of colors including white, pink, and red.

If you’re looking for something a little bit different, you can also find ginger flowers blooming in Hawaii in February. Ginger flowers are typically orange or yellow, and they have a unique shape that makes them stand out from other flowers.

Related: 20 Beautiful Mexican Flowers to Brighten Your Day (Symbolism and Pictures)

Conclusion

So, there you have it! A quick guide to Hawaiian flowers. Next time you’re in Hawaii, be sure to take some time to smell the flowers – you won’t be disappointed! Aloha!