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Hawaiian Flowers Names

Hawaii is home to a diverse array of beautiful and unique flowers, many of which have significant cultural and symbolic meanings in Hawaiian culture. Here are some popular Hawaiian flowers along with their names:

  1. Hibiscus (Hibiscus brackenridgei) - Known as the state flower of Hawaii, the yellow Hawaiian hibiscus, or “maʻo hau hele,” is a symbol of beauty and delicate charm.

  2. Plumeria (Plumeria spp.) - Also called “frangipani,” plumeria flowers are often used in making leis and are known for their fragrant scent.

  3. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) - This tropical flower resembles a brightly colored bird in flight and is known as “mai’a laulei” in Hawaiian.

  4. Ohia Lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) - The red flowers of the ʻōhiʻa lehua tree are often associated with Hawaiian mythology, particularly the legend of Pele, the goddess of volcanoes.

  5. Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum) - These striking flowers, known as “kaona” in Hawaiian, come in vibrant colors and are popular in Hawaiian floral arrangements.

  6. Ginger (Zingiberaceae family) - There are several types of ginger flowers, such as red ginger (“awapuhi ulaula”) and white ginger (“awapuhi ke’oke’o”), often used in leis and traditional medicine.

  7. Heliconia (Heliconia spp.) - Known for their bright, banana-like bracts, heliconias are sometimes referred to as “Lobster Claw” and are known in Hawaiian as “pohaku mo’o.”

  8. Orchid (Orchidaceae family) - Various species of orchids grow in Hawaii, including the vivid and highly prized Hawaiian orchid, which is used in leis and decorations.

  9. Naupaka (Scaevola spp.) - This flower has a unique appearance, with petals that seem to be split in half. There are two types, beach naupaka (“naupaka kahakai”) and mountain naupaka (“naupaka kuahiwi”).

  10. Tiare Flower (Gardenia taitensis) - Known for its intoxicating fragrance, this flower, called “tiare” in Tahitian (and often associated with Hawaiian culture), is used in garlands and perfumes.

These are just a few examples of the rich floral biodiversity found in Hawaii, each contributing to the islands’ natural beauty and cultural heritage.