Hawaii Plants

There are more than 3000 species of native plants in Hawaii, as well as a considerable number of non-native species. One hundred and thirty-nine different types of ferns cover Hawaii. These lush, green plants were some of the first to arrive on the islands, sprouting up on the cooled lava flows. Often the first life in fresh lava flow, ohia lehua is Hawaii’s most abundant native tree. Highly distinctive, the ohia lehua can be identified by its crooked branches and red, pompom-like flowers. It can survive in numerous environments, including elevations from 1000 to 9000 ft. above sea level, and was a crucial hardwood used by ancient Hawaiians for temple idols, poi bowls, and spears.

Hawaii’s second-most prominent native tree is the koa, which is also indigenous to the islands. Capable of growing up to 100 ft. tall, the koa has sickle-shaped leaves and yellow flowers clustered into puffballs. Ancient Hawaiians used the reddish wood of the koa tree to fashion canoes, surfboards, and weapons. The hard wood is highly sought-after today as a material for making household furniture. Cattle and other feral animals have destroyed thousands of acres of Hawaiian koa, but, fortunately, the tree is highly resilient and has thrived under recent reforestation programs.

The Haleakala silversword, a spherical flowering member of the sunflower (asteraceae) family that grows close to the ground, nearly became extinct in the 1920s due to grazing by goats and cattle. The silversword is still very rare due to its limited range; the only place in the world it can be found is on the Haleakala volcano on Maui. However, protection programs within the Haleakala National Park have saved the species from extinction. Its thin, spiny leaves are covered with tiny silver hairs, and at the end of its 15- to 50-year life span it produces a tall stalk covered with maroon blossoms.

The ti plant, called ki in Hawaii, was introduced to the islands by Polynesian settlers. Sacred to the fertility god, Lono, and the goddess of the hula, Laka, ki became a symbol of power and good luck in Hawaii. A member of the lily family, the ti plant has shiny green water-resistant leaves, which were used as roof thatching, decoration, and rain capes. Ki grows abundantly throughout Hawaii, thriving in areas of low elevation where moisture is plentiful.

Hawaii’s state flower is the yellow hibiscus ( pua aloalo or mao hau hele ). Ubiquitous throughout the islands, there are five endemic species of hibiscus in Hawaii. These brightly colored tropical blossoms can measure up to a foot in diameter and have become a popular symbol of the state. Orchids, plumeria, bougainvillea, and birds of paradise are also commonly found in Hawaii. Sugarcane, pineapples, guavas, mangoes, papayas, coconuts, avocados, bananas, passion fruit, macadamia nuts, taro root, breadfruit, and ginger—the makings for the ultimate fruit salad—are all cultivated on Hawaii. The endangered sandalwood tree, famous for its aromatic oil, also grows on the islands.