Flowers are part of what makes Hawaiʻi feel so alive the moment you step off the plane. The warm air carries sweet, rich scents from blossoms that are as vibrant and diverse as the islands themselves. While not all are native, these tropical flowers of Hawaii hold deep cultural meaning, appearing in everyday life, lei traditions, and island legends. From the petals placed behind the ear to symbolize love or independence, to blooms that thrive on ancient lava flows, each one tells a story. In this guide, we’ll highlight six iconic flowers that have become symbols of Hawaiʻi’s natural beauty.
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Plumeria: Hawaiʻi’s Sweet-Scented Signature
No flower is more closely associated with Hawaiʻi than the plumeria. Though not native to the islands, this flower has become deeply rooted in local traditions and everyday life. With velvety petals and a heady, sweet fragrance, plumerias bloom in shades of pink, white, yellow, and red, often catching the eye — and the nose — of passersby.
Introduced to Hawaiʻi in the 1800s, plumeria trees thrive in the islands’ warm, dry climate and volcanic soil. You’ll find them lining roads, flourishing in hotel gardens, and even growing wild along coastal trails. Their flowers are commonly used in lei-making, especially the classic single-strand lei handed to arriving visitors.
Traditionally, where you wear a plumeria flower sends a message: behind the left ear means you’re taken, behind the right means you’re single. Whether part of a romantic gesture or a simple walk through a Hawaiian neighborhood, the plumeria captures the spirit of aloha in full bloom.
Hawaiian Hibiscus: The State Flower in Full Color
Among all the flowers found in Hawaiʻi, the hibiscus holds a special place—it’s the state flower and a striking symbol of the islands’ natural beauty. The official variety, hibiscus brackenridgei, is a vibrant yellow bloom known locally as pua mao hau hele. Though it wasn’t designated until 1988, hibiscus flowers have long captured hearts in the islands, often seen in shades of red, orange, white, and pink.
Seven species of hibiscus are native to Hawaiʻi, with some growing wild in highland forests or protected gardens. Over time, horticulturists have bred hybrids that now appear in an incredible range of colors and petal shapes, many of which you can view at places like Koko Head Botanical Garden on Oʻahu.
These delicate blooms typically last just a day or two, adding to their charm. Because they’re considered endangered in the wild, it’s best to admire them in their natural setting — not to pick. Whether growing in someone’s yard or blooming against a backdrop of lava rock, hibiscus flowers showcase Hawaiʻi’s colorful personality.
Bird of Paradise: Exotic Elegance with Lasting Impact
With its striking shape and vivid orange and blue petals, the Bird of Paradise is one of the most instantly recognizable tropical flowers in Hawaiʻi. Though native to South Africa, this exotic plant has become a staple in Hawaiian landscapes, prized for its sculptural beauty and long-lasting blooms.
Resembling a bird in flight, the flower adds a dramatic flair to both private gardens and public parks across the islands. It’s especially popular in floral arrangements due to its durability and eye-catching design. You’ll often spot Bird of Paradise blooming along scenic trails like ʻAkaka Falls on Hawaiʻi Island or the lush Road to Hāna on Maui.
The flower also carries an artistic legacy—iconic American painter Georgia O’Keeffe created one of her most famous floral works during her time in Hawaiʻi, titled White Bird of Paradise. Whether growing beside a waterfall or featured in a vase, this plant brings both elegance and structure to the tropical palette.
Pīkake: A Fragrant Favorite with Royal Roots
Among the many flowers in Hawaiʻi, few have a scent as captivating as the pīkake. Known elsewhere as jasmine, this delicate white blossom has deep cultural roots in the islands. It was a favorite of Princess Kaʻiulani, who named the flower pīkake — the Hawaiian word for “peacock” — in honor of her beloved pet birds.
Pīkake is often used in traditional rope-style lei, where buds (not fully bloomed flowers) are strung tightly together to create soft, fragrant garlands. These leis are commonly worn by brides, hula dancers, and honored guests at formal gatherings.
Though the flower itself is small, its presence is strong — especially in the evening when its perfume fills the air. You’ll find pīkake blooming in home gardens or sold at flower stands across the islands. It’s more than just a pretty bloom; it’s a sensory reminder of Hawaiʻi’s history, femininity, and grace.
ʻŌhiʻa Lehua: The Flower Born from Fire and Legend
Few flowers are as deeply tied to Hawaiian mythology and landscape as the ʻōhiʻa lehua. This fiery red blossom is often the first to grow on hardened lava after a volcanic eruption, symbolizing rebirth and resilience. It’s no wonder this flower is closely connected to Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, in traditional Hawaiian stories.
According to legend, a young man named ʻŌhiʻa rejected Pele’s affection, choosing his true love, Lehua, instead. In her anger, Pele turned him into a tree. The gods took pity on Lehua and transformed her into a flower on that very tree, ensuring the two lovers would never be separated. It’s said that picking a lehua flower brings rain — the tears of the parted lovers.
The ʻōhiʻa tree itself is essential to native ecosystems, growing mostly at higher elevations across all major islands. Its wood was once used in building canoes and homes, while the flowers were woven into ceremonial lei. Today, the lehua remains a powerful symbol of love, endurance, and Hawaiian identity.
Naupaka: The Half Flower with a Heartbreaking Tale
One of the most unique flowers found in Hawaiʻi is the naupaka, instantly recognized by its distinctive half-moon shape—as if only one side of the blossom ever bloomed. This unusual feature has inspired one of the most enduring Hawaiian legends, a love story marked by separation and sorrow.
The tale tells of a princess named Naupaka who fell in love with a man forbidden to her. When they sought spiritual guidance, they were told their love could never be. In her heartbreak, the princess tore a flower in half, giving one piece to her lover and sending him to the sea while she remained in the mountains. Today, two types of naupaka exist: beach naupaka, which grows near the shoreline, and mountain naupaka, found along forest trails—each appearing like just one half of a whole.
You’ll see these small, white flowers in parks, hiking paths, and sandy shores across all the islands. Despite their humble appearance, naupaka blossoms carry a powerful story—one of longing, distance, and enduring love.
Conclusion
The flowers of Hawaiʻi are more than beautiful—they’re storytellers, woven into the culture, landscape, and identity of the islands. From the bold hues of the hibiscus to the fragrant pīkake and the legendary naupaka, each bloom reflects a piece of Hawaiʻi’s spirit. Whether you’re walking through a botanical garden or simply catching the scent of a lei, these tropical flowers of Hawaii offer a connection to nature, tradition, and aloha that’s hard to forget.