Naupaka
Like many flowers on the island of Hawaii, a fascinating Hawaiian tale explains how their form came about. According to mythology, princess Naupaka was in love with a commoner. They couldn’t marry because they were from different social classes, but a wise man advised them to visit a temple and inquire of the priest what he had to say.
They had to travel many days to get to the distant temple. When they arrived, the priest offered them nothing helpful. The broken princess took a white flower from her hair and ripped it in half. She gave half of the flower to her lover and instructed him to return to the beach while she would reside in the mountains.
The naupaka plant is a Hawaiian native with two varieties: one from the beach and one from the mountains. Unfortunately, each of them only produces half a blossom. With its strong odor, the mountain naupaka is referred to as the “female” variety of the plant, whereas the beach naupaka, with a milder fragrance, is known as the “male” version.
Pua Keni Keni
The pua Keni Keni is another Hawaiian flower with a unique and interesting backstory. This yellow blossom was once used as a lei by royalty because of its intoxicating fragrance. It’s believed that the ali’i, or Hawaiian chiefs, would present this lei to visiting dignitaries as a sign of their high regard.
The name “pua Keni Keni” comes from two different words in the Hawaiian language: “pua,” which means flower, and “Keni Keni,” which is the name of aromatic oil that found use in ancient times to perfume clothes and hair. The pua Keni Keni flowers can be found on all of the Hawaiian islands except for Lanai. These flowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil and can grow up to six feet tall!
Lokelani
The Lokelani, also known as the Rose of Hawaii, is a beautiful pink flower that is indigenous to the island chain. The name “Lokelani” means “heavenly rose” in Hawaiian, and it truly lives up to its name. This flower has gotten used in leis and other Hawaiian floral arrangements for centuries.
The Lokelani is the official state flower of Hawaii, and it can be found on all of the islands. These flowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They are also relatively drought-tolerant, making them an excellent choice for those who live in dry climates.
Conclusion
In conclusion, many tropical flowers are native to Hawaii. These flowers have unique shapes, colors, and histories. The flowers that made this list are just a few of the many Hawaiian flowers that you can find on the islands. If you’re interested in planting any of these flowers, be sure to do your research beforehand to make sure they will thrive in your climate and soil type!