Flora of Hawaii - A Natural, Evolutionary Wonderland

The Hawaiian Islands practically popped in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the result of mid-ocean volcanoes. Once every 100,000 years, one lucky plant would land on and thrive in the young and isolated Hawaiian Islands. By the time the Polynesians made their way to the archipelago of HawaiiI, it was already teeming with an array of diverse native flora. It is truly a feat of natural wonder that made the islands into the lush landscapes they are today.

A whopping 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometers) separate Hawaii from the closest land mass which is the continental United States, and because of its volcanic birth, Hawaii was never connected to any other continent. This means that Hawaii would not be as full of wildlife, plants, forests, or civilization if it weren't for migrating birds, stirring currents, and howling winds which helped transport seeds of various plant life to Hawaii, where the fertile volcanic soil helped nurture the growth of vast forests and grasslands.

Hawaii has become synonymous with its beautiful, vibrant, tropical flowers that, when strung together, create the sweet-smelling floral leis that adorn the necks of visitors from around the world. Each of Hawaii's Islands also has its own special flower and special color, with the state flower being the red hibiscus.

Island - Special Flower, Special Color:

  • Oahu - Ilima flower (Sida fallax), Yellow
  • Hawaii - Lehua blossom (flower of the Ohia tree), Red
  • Maui - Lokelani ("heavenly rose"), Pink
  • Kauai - Mokihana berry (native green berry), Purple
  • Molokai - Kukui (nut), Green
  • Lanai - Kaunaoa (orange-colored vines), Yellow
  • Niihau - Pupu shell (instead of a flower), White
  • Kahoolawe - Hinahina (fragrant flower clusters), Gray

    • The Islands natural, lush beauty, shimmering turquoise seas, and striking cliffs lined with a variety of tropical plants paint an ethereal picture. Hawaii's history is deeply rooted in nature, and just as deeply respected by the native people. An enchanting tale of how the islands were formed as well as the various plant species that Native Hawaiians have long-praised for their natural beauty, and for which millions of visitors have made the long journey to her coasts.

    The isolation of Hawaii from other land masses also led to the evolution of flora and fauna that are unique to the islands. Only one scientific explanation can account for the characteristics of Hawaii's native flora and fauna: organisms must have traveled to Hawaii's remote islands from far-away islands and distant continents, and through biological change evolved into flora and fauna that can be located nowhere else in the world.

    Through the theory of evolution, it is stated that some of the initial colonies must survive and go on to produce descendants. These descendants, over time and through biological adaptation and evolution, have resulted in many new species' that can only be found in Hawaii. It is important to remember that todays organisms are not the same organisms from the past. An organisms traits are shaped by genetic messages relayed regarding the environment in which it lives.

    Over various generations, traits become more prevalent as they are passed on from generation to generation. Not all evolutionary traits are good, however, with some organisms dying out even before they ever reproduce. A failure in adaptation. As best said by Charles Darwin, aptly known for his contribution to the theory of evolution, "It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change."

    Native Hawaiian Plants:

  • Ohai (Sesbania tomentosa): A favorite of local lei makers and experienced gardeners, with beautiful green oblong leaves and reddish colored petals.

  • Pamakani (Viola chamissoniana): This white-flowered relative of the garden violet can only be found on three of Oahu's rocky ridges in Waianae Ridge.

  • Ohia lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha): In the Hawaiian culture, lehua was the first person to step foot in a battle. Like the lehua, the ohia lehua was the first tree that Native Hawaiian's observed growing on barren lava fields. Its signature firework-burst flowers come in red, orange, and rarely yellow (lehua mamo). It also featured exceptionally dense wood, which is used in poi boards, kapa beaters, speers, and canoe gunwales.

  • Kokio (Hibiscus kokio subspecies): The ornate orange petals were used as a medicinal tonic, safe enough for children to consume. The bark of this native hibiscus plant also proved to be valuable, with its dye being used to color fishing nets and lines, making them less visible to the fish.

  • Ihi (Portulaca molokiniensis): This endangered purslane is federally endangered, and only existing on two of Hawaii's uninhabited islets: Molokini and Puukoae, located off the island of Maui and Kahoolowe.

  • Kupukupu (Nephrolepis cordifolia): Kupu, in Hawaiian, literally means "to sprout". This beautiful green fern has long been used by hula halau, to decorate alters, as well as the wrists, ankles, and as leis for hula dancers. It is believed that in wearing these beautiful ferns for adornment, that knowledge will take root and sprout within the dancer.

  • Lauae, Peahi (Microsorum spectrum): The unique leaves of "true lauae" are stunning, with green leaves that bend effortlessly, with small dark spots freckling this beautiful plant. Traditionally used as an adornment for hula, this fragrant native fern appears often in the ancient chants of Kauai.

  • Puukaa (Cyperus trachysanthos): The tall, green stems of this plant seem to sprout in various directions, complete with prickly-appearing buds on the end. Its natural habitat is the rich bottomland, coexisting with humans in certain remote locations on the islands.

  • Ilima (Sida fallax): The red or golden flowers of this shrub are beautifully delicate in appearance. Medicinally it was used by Native Hawaiians to help alleviate birth pains and to alleviate thirst. The flower has been honored since ancient times, with Queen Emma and Princess Kaiulani having favored its beautiful petals for the stunning ilima lei, which could require in upwards of 1,000 flowers which only last a single day!

  • Alaala wai nui (Peperomia blanda): As is hinted in its name, this relative of black pepper is known for its pungent tang. Native Hawaiians would use ashes from the plants stems and leaves to create a grayish-green dye that was used for kapa cloths, pa'u skirts for women, and to swaddle newborns. The extract of its juice has been noted to treat a wide variety of medical conditions, from asthma, to appendicitis, and disorders of the inner ear.

  • Waimea, Makae, Mamaki (Pipturus albidus): A stingless nettle, Native Hawaiians would beat the inner bark until it was a fine kapa cloth. Its leaves and bark are still commonly used, made into a calming tea.

  • Alula, Olulu (Brighamia insignis): The fragrant flowers of this plant once grew on Hawaii's rocky sea cliffs, but its natural pollinator is extinct. Its leaves appear to sprout from a bushel, with long single 5-petal flowers in white protruding from the bushel. You can view these plants in Hawaii's contemporary gardens.

  • Naupaka kuahiwi (Scaevola gaudichaudii): Other species of kauhiwa grow near the sea, however this variation grows only in the mountains. Its long slender petals are yellowish, and the berries of the plant were used to create a purplish-black dye which was used for various uses.

  • Kooloa ula (Abutilon menziesii): Also known as a red ilima, the flowers of the Kooloa ula were used to create leis fit for royalty like the yellow ilima flowers. Renowned for its elegance and long-lasting blooms, they can now be found in contemporary gardens.

  • Akia, Kauhi (Wikstroemia uva-ursi): Interestingly, Akia plants are considered to be a narcotic plant. Ancient Hawaiians would crush the bark, leaves and roots of the plant and throw them in salt water ponds to make the fish drunk, in turn allowing them to be easily caught. Its nickname "fish poison plant" perfectly describes the plant. It is noted that in 1840, Chief Kamanawa II was the first chiefly man that was found to be guilty of murder under new criminal laws at the time, which applied equally to all ranks. He is said to have hired another man to mix the deadly concoction of akia and another fish poison, upon which his jealous wife succumbed to the deadly mix upon drinking the poisoned ava drink.

  • Honohono (Haplostachys haplostachya): A type of scentless mint - not to be confused with the honohono orchid - only exists in nature on the Island of Hawaii in a single population. Captain Cook first recorded the plant during his voyage.

  • Kokoolau, Kookoolau (Bidens menziesii): This shrub has long been used to make a refreshing tonic which is said to help regulate the body's digestive system. Each species of the kookoolau has its own distinct flavor.

  • Kokio keokeo (Hibiscus arnottianus): The beautiful flowers of the white hibiscus plant are the only hibiscus known to be scented. During the day time, the flowers of the plant open are are white, and by the afternoon are a flush pink color.

  • Haha (Lobelia hypoleuca): The leaves of the Lobelia hypoleuca can grow several feet long, and were used by the Native Hawaiians for ceremonies to invite rainfall.

  • Haha (Lobelia niihauensis): The beautiful blue flowers of the Lobelia niihauensis look like they were made in some science fiction movie. Scientists believe that through evolution, the long floral tubes formed in unison with the long and curved beaks of native honeycreepers.