Orchids, anthuriums, heliconias and ginger are commonly associated with Hawaiian gardens and landscapes, but none of these exotic flowers are native to the islands. Each island has its own designated official native or endemic plant (except Maui, whose official flora is an import). Spend your next visit to Hawaii on nature hikes searching for native flora, or ask for these native Hawaiian plants by name when ordering your next distinctive floral arrangement.
Oahu's official bloom is the yellow ilima. On the Big Island, the official bloom is called 'ohia lehua' and is considered sacred to Pele, the volcano goddess. Kauai's isn't really a flower at all - it's an anise-scented shrub called 'mokihana'. The designated plant of Maui is the pink lokelani - the only non-native bloom of the bunch. Molokai has the white kukui blossom. Lanai's official plant is 'kaunaoa', a yellow and orange air plant. Lesser-known Nihau Island claims the white pupu shell. And uninhabited Kaho'olawe is the heliotrope 'hinahina'.
Oahu's official bloom is the yellow ilima. On the Big Island, the official bloom is called 'ohia lehua' and is considered sacred to Pele, the volcano goddess. Kauai's isn't really a flower at all - it's an anise-scented shrub called 'mokihana'. The designated plant of Maui is the pink lokelani - the only non-native bloom of the bunch. Molokai has the white kukui blossom. Lanai's official plant is 'kaunaoa', a yellow and orange air plant. Lesser-known Nihau Island claims the white pupu shell. And uninhabited Kaho'olawe is the heliotrope 'hinahina'.
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