20 Hawaiian Flowers: Traditional and Native

As a tropical archipelago set away from much of the world, Hawaii is home to an array of exquisite flowers — some of which can’t be found anywhere else! Some of these flowers have made their way to tropical-inspired bouquets, others exist only in Hawaiian landscapes, and an important few appear in traditional Hawaiian ceremonies and celebrations.

We’re going to introduce you to some of the most popular Hawaiian flowers. You’ll learn about well-known favorites such as the bird of paradise flower and plumeria as well as lesser-known island wonders like ‘uki’uki and native yellow hibiscus.

What Flowers Grow in Hawaii?

Hawaii’s warm, humid climate supports hundreds of flowering plants. Native species include ʻohiʻa lehua, ʻilima, beach naupaka, nanu, and native yellow hibiscus. Introduced favorites include plumeria, anthurium, bird of paradise, heliconia, ginger, and orchids. The native plants are especially special because many are endangered and grow only on the islands.

Anthurium (Anthurium genus)

Whether you know it or not, you’ve probably seen anthurium before. These plants are popular houseplants due to their waxy green leaves and elongated flowers that are surrounded by colorful bracts known as spathes. Anthuriums are not native to Hawaii, but they were introduced over a hundred years ago and are now present throughout the islands. Anthuriums are also grown in Hawaii to be shipped to other areas as potted plants and cut flowers. The flowers are often said to symbolize welcoming hospitality due to their heart-shaped leaves.

USDA Grow Zone: 10 to 12
Sun: Part shade
Soil: Rich, moist, and well-draining

Beach Naupaka (Scaevola sericea)

If you walk along the Hawaiian coast, you may see the native beach naupaka popping up from sand and rocks. The salt-tolerant shrubby plants produce glossy green leaves and fan-shaped flowers. Hawaiian legend says that the flowers symbolize lovers that were separated and unable to reunite—love is cruel sometimes, isn’t it?

USDA Grow Zone: 10 to 12
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Sandy and well-draining

Beehive Ginger (Zingiber spectabile)

Although it’s in the same genus as the popular culinary ginger, beehive ginger is known for its showy flowers rather than spicy rhizomes. The rounded and textured ‘flowers’ are actually modified leaves called bracts. These bracts resemble beehives and can range in color from yellow to red to pink. This plant is native to Southeast Asia (not Hawaii) but is grown throughout the islands as an ornamental plant and cut flower.

USDA Grow Zone: 10 to 12
Sun: Part shade
Soil: Rich, moist, and well-draining

Bird of Paradise Flower (Strelitzia reginae)

The bird of paradise is another flowering plant that isn’t native to Hawaii but has become well-known on the island. As its name suggests, this plant produces stunning flowers that resemble the beautiful bird of paradise. The flower matches the colorful and tropical feeling associated with Hawaii. The exquisite flower is known as a symbol of magnificence as well as beauty. The flower’s lifted ‘wings’ can also symbolize the search to obtain a higher spiritual state.

USDA Grow Zone: 9 to 11
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Rich and well-draining

 

Bougainvillea

Papery bracts in magenta, orange, and white cover this climbing vine, which handles dry spells well. It looks stunning spilling over walls, fences, and trellises.

USDA Grow Zone: 9 to 11
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Well draining

Crown Flower (Calotropis gigantea)

Clusters of lavender or white starry blooms grow on this sturdy shrub. The flowers are thick and waxy, which helps them hold up beautifully when strung into leis.

USDA Grow Zone: 9 to 11
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Dry and well draining

Heliconia (Heliconia genus)

A large genus, heliconia consists of plants known as lobster claws and false bird of paradise. All of the plants are known for their vibrantly colored and interestingly shaped bracts that surround small flowers. Although heliconia plants aren’t native to Hawaii, they have become naturalized on the islands and are grown for cut flower production.

People often see these plants as symbols of youthfulness as well as prosperity and success. That means these flowers may be good gifts for individuals who are starting a new job or graduating.

USDA Grow Zone: 10 to 12
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Rich, moist, and well-draining

ʻIlima (Sida fallax)

This low growing native shrub bears delicate orange flowers that look like crinkled silk. It thrives in dry, sunny spots and is the official flower of Oahu.

USDA Grow Zone: 10 to 12
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Dry and well draining

Kokiʻo ʻUla (Hibiscus kokio)

This rare native hibiscus bears bright red blooms and is endangered in the wild. Gardeners and conservation groups work hard to keep it growing.

USDA Grow Zone: 10 to 11
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Well draining

Nanu (Gardenia brighamii)

This type of gardenia is native to Hawaii where it grows as a large shrub or small tree. Unfortunately, it’s quite rare and has become a federally recognized endangered species. And that’s a shame, since the gorgeous white flowers produce a delicious floral fragrance with hints of coconut.

Nanu flowers are sometimes used to create leis, but their diminishing populations make this practice less common. People also used the orange fruit’s flesh to dye fabric and kapa.

USDA Grow Zone: 10 to 11
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Well-draining

Native Yellow Hibiscus (Hibiscus brackenridgei)

 

Known as ma’o hau hele in Hawaiian, this type of hibiscus is native to the island of Oahu. It grows as a large shrub or small tree and produces large yellow blooms with long, showy stamens. Although some hibiscus species are quite common, ma’o hau hele is a federally endangered species.

This hibiscus species was designated as the official state flower in 1988. Its Hawaiian name means green traveling hibiscus, which may refer to the fact that the flowers become green when dried.

USDA Grow Zone: 10 to 11
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Dry and well-draining

ʻOhiʻa Lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha)

This native tree produces fluffy red blossoms and is one of the first plants to take root on fresh lava flows. It grows across a wide range of elevations and plays a vital role in Hawaii’s forests.

USDA Grow Zone: 10 to 11
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Acidic and well draining

Orchids (Orchidaceae family)

The tropical Hawaiian weather is perfect for a wide variety of orchids. However, only three orchids are native to the island state. While imported orchids readily grow throughout Hawaiian gardens, these native species are a bit rarer.

All types of orchids are seen as symbols of beauty, love, and thoughtfulness. That means ordering an orchid delivery can be a great way to help someone celebrate a birthday or remind them that you care.

USDA Grow Zone: 10 to 12
Sun: Bright, indirect light
Soil: Orchid bark mix

Pikake (Jasminum sambac)

Pikake flowers, also known as Arabian jasmine, are known for their alluring, sweet fragrance. Although they’re not native to Hawaii (they were introduced in the 1800s from Southeast Asia), they are now popular flowers across the islands. The flowers open at night and appear upon shrubs or vines.

They’re sometimes used to create delicate white leis that exude a strong fragrance. Since pikake flowers are seen as symbols of love and romance, these leis are especially popular at events like weddings and anniversary celebrations.

USDA Grow Zone: 9 to 11
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Rich and well draining

Plumeria (Plumeria genus)

When you think of a traditional Hawaiian lei, you may be envisioning plumeria flowers. Although these flowering shrubs weren’t introduced to Hawaii until the 1800s, they are now grown throughout the islands for lei production. In Hawaii, these flowers are sometimes known as melia.

The flowers are sometimes seen as symbols of good luck, especially when changes are occurring. This may be due to the flower’s beautiful appearance of their sweet, spicy, or fruity fragrance.

USDA Grow Zone: 10 to 12
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Sandy and well draining

Pua Kenikeni (Fagraea berteroana)

The blooms of this small tree start creamy white and age to golden yellow, all while releasing a spicy sweet scent. Many people say the fragrance hints at clove and jasmine.

USDA Grow Zone: 10 to 12
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Rich and well draining

Red Ginger (Alpinia purpurata)

While many people associated the word ginger with the zingy rhizome used to flavor curries and sauces, red ginger is an entirely different plant. In fact, red ginger aka ostrich plume, is in an entirely different genus than the popular culinary ginger. What red ginger lacks in flavor it makes up for in beauty—the plant produces showy displays of colorful bracts which many people refer to as flowers.

Red ginger is commonly grown as a cut flower for tropical flower bouquets. Hawaiian growers ship the long-lasting flower to other areas and also utilize the flower’s enduring nature to decorate graves. The bright red color also means red ginger is sometimes seen as a symbol of passion.

USDA Grow Zone: 10 to 12
Sun: Part shade
Soil: Rich, moist, and well draining

Tropical Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)

These large, ruffled blooms come in red, pink, orange, and yellow and flower nearly year round in warm climates. Many people tuck one behind the ear as a classic island accessory.

USDA Grow Zone: 9 to 11
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Rich and well draining

Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa)

Waxy white flowers release one of the most intense evening fragrances in any garden. The blooms grow in tall spikes from tuberous roots.

USDA Grow Zone: 7 to 11
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Rich and well draining

‘Uki’Uki (Dianella sandwicensis)

Also known as the Hawaiian lily, this flower isn’t a lily at all! However, botanists once thought it belonged to this well-known plant family. The flowers are quite small with blue, white, and yellow coloration and sit amongst tall, slender leaves. This growth form means people often plant ‘uki’uki as a border or groundcover.

Hawaiians have used the plant’s bright purple fruits to dye kapa—cloth made from tree and shrub fibers. People also used the plant’s slender leaves to make rope and thatch roofs. 

USDA Grow Zone: 9 to 11
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Well draining

Tips for Growing Hawaiian Flowers

Most Hawaiian flowers thrive in USDA zones 10 to 12, where frost never visits. You can find your zone with the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. If you live somewhere cooler, grow these plants in containers and move them indoors when nights drop below 50 degrees.

Tropical plants like rich soil, steady moisture, and plenty of light. Add a layer of mulch to hold in water, and make sure pots drain well, since soggy roots cause problems fast. The University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture offers helpful plant care resources if you want to go deeper.

Celebrate Any Occasion with Hawaiian Flowers

No matter if you’re celebrating a birthday, wishing someone luck during graduation, or just looking to add some tropical beauty to your life, Hawaiian flowers can help. The Bouqs Co. offers tropical flower bouquets that feature Hawaiian flowers like beehive ginger and anthurium. And if you want to enjoy Hawaiian flowers in a different way, you can look into creating your own lei.

When it comes time to explore other types of blooms, take a minute to learn about Mexican flowers, Japanese flowers, and African flowers.

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