Last Updated on June 22, 2025 by Aram Vardanyan

Hawaiian flowers captivate visitors and locals alike with their vibrant colors, intoxicating fragrances, and deep cultural significance.

From the iconic plumeria adorning countless lei to the majestic Bird of Paradise gracing tropical gardens worldwide, these stunning blooms represent the essence of paradise.

Whether you’re planning a Hawaiian vacation, considering tropical plants for your garden, or simply fascinated by exotic flora, this comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about Hawaiian flowers.

Hawaiian Flowers: Your Complete Guide to Paradise Blooms

What Makes Hawaiian Flowers Special?

Hawaiian flowers are unique due to the islands’ isolated location and diverse microclimates.

In Hawaiʻi, there are roughly 1,400 native Hawaiian plants, with many more hybrids, varieties, and subspecies, creating an incredible botanical diversity found nowhere else on Earth.

The Hawaiian Islands’ volcanic soil, tropical climate, and varying elevations from sea level to over 13,000 feet create perfect conditions for both native endemic species and introduced tropical flowers from around the world.

This combination of natural conditions and human cultivation has made Hawaii a living showcase of some of the world’s most beautiful flowering plants.

Most Popular Hawaiian Flowers and Where They Grow

1. Plumeria (Frangipani) 

Origin: Central and South America Islands Found: All Hawaiian islands Garden Suitability: Excellent for tropical and subtropical gardens worldwide

Plumeria is perhaps the most recognizable Hawaiian flower, though it’s not native to the islands.

Plumeria is commonly used in tropical landscapes worldwide for its vibrant, fragrant blooms. It serves as a striking specimen plant or accent and can be grown in containers, adding color and fragrance to patios and decks 

Growing Locations in Hawaii:

• Thrives on all main islands: Oahu, Maui, Big Island, Kauai, Molokai, and Lanai
• Particularly abundant in drier, sunny areas
• Common in hotel landscapes and residential gardens

Worldwide Garden Cultivation:

• Plumeria is salt and drought-tolerant
• Grows successfully in USDA zones 9-12
• Popular in Florida, California, Texas, and other warm climates
• Can be grown in containers in cooler regions and brought indoors during winter

2. Hibiscus 

Origin: Various (some native, some introduced) Islands Found: All Hawaiian islands Garden Suitability: Excellent for warm climate gardens

While some hibiscus species are native to Hawaii, many popular varieties were introduced. The yellow hibiscus (Ma’o Hau Hele) is Hawaii’s official state flower and is endemic to the islands.

Growing Locations in Hawaii:

• Native varieties found on Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and the Big Island
• Introduced varieties flourish on all islands
• Coastal to mid-elevation areas

International Cultivation:

• Grows in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide
• Popular in the southern United States, Mediterranean climates, and tropical countries
• Available as houseplants in temperate climates

3. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia) 

Origin: South Africa Islands Found: All Hawaiian islands Garden Suitability: Excellent for tropical gardens and indoor plants

They are often used as landscape plants in warmer regions of the United States, such as Hawaii, southern California, or Florida. They are the official flower of the City of Los Angeles!

Growing Locations in Hawaii:

• Thrives on all the main islands
• Particularly common in resort landscaping
• Grows from sea level to mid-elevations

Global Garden Success:

• These plants can be grown indoors in colder climates as an attractive (quite large) houseplant
• Popular in California, Florida, and Mediterranean climates
• Excellent container plant for patios and indoor spaces

4. Anthurium 

Origin: Colombia and Ecuador Islands Found: All Hawaiian islands, especially the Big Island Garden Suitability: Great for humid, warm gardens and houseplants

Growing best in humid conditions, Anthurium was originally brought to Hawaii in 1889 from England.

Hawaiian Growing Locations:

• Big Island is the major commercial growing center
• Thrives in the rainforest areas of all islands
• Hilo area is particularly famous for anthurium farms

Worldwide Cultivation:

• Popular houseplant globally
• Thrives in greenhouse conditions
• Commercial production in tropical countries worldwide

5. Pikake (Arabian Jasmine) 

Origin: Southeast Asia Islands Found: All Hawaiian islands Garden Suitability: Excellent for fragrant gardens in warm climates

This intensely fragrant white flower was Queen Liliuokalani’s favorite and remains highly prized for lei making.

Hawaiian Distribution:

• Grows successfully on all islands
• Prefers slightly cooler, more humid areas
• Common in residential gardens

International Growing:

• Grows in warm, humid climates worldwide
• Popular in the southern United States and tropical regions
• Often grown as a container plant for fragrance

Hawaiian Flowers by Island 

Each Hawaiian island has its official flower, reflecting the unique character and growing conditions:

Oahu – Ilima

• Small, delicate orange/yellow flowers
• Native to Hawaii
• Grows in dry coastal areas

Maui – Lokelani (Pink Cottage Rose)

• The color of the Valley Isle is pink from the petals of the island’s floral emblem, the Lokelani rose. The flower is a Damask rose and is incredibly fragrant,t but extremely rare
• And interestingly, the rose is not native to Hawaiʻi like the other flowers

Big Island (Hawaii) – Ohia Lehua

• Bright red native flower
• The most common native tree in the Hawaiian Islands
• Sacred in Hawaiian culture

Kauai – Mokihana

• Native berry rather than a flower
• Anise-scented green fruit
• Endemic to Kauai

Molokai – Kukui (Candlenut)

• White flowers on a native tree
• Important in Polynesian culture
• Grows on all islands but represents Molokai

Lanai – Kaunaoa

• The golden kaunaʻoa (Cuscuta sandwichiana) paints the island of Lānaʻi orange. The Hawaiian dodder is an endemic vine, growing low to the ground along beaches and coastlines

Growing Hawaiian Flowers in Your Garden

Climate Requirements

Most popular Hawaiian flowers thrive in:

• Temperature: 65-85°F (18-29°C)
• Humidity: 60-80%
• Sunlight: 6-8 hours of bright, indirect light
• Rainfall: 30-60 inches annually or supplemental watering

Suitable Growing Regions Outside Hawaii

United States:

• Florida: Excellent for most Hawaiian flowers
• Southern California: Great for drought-tolerant varieties like plumeria
• Texas (southern regions): Good for many tropical flowers
• Arizona: Suitable for desert-adapted varieties with irrigation

International Locations:

• Australia: Many Hawaiian flowers thrive in tropical and subtropical regions
• Mediterranean countries: Excellent for drought-tolerant varieties
• Caribbean islands: Similar climate to Hawaii
• Southeast Asia: Natural habitat for many flowers now associated with Hawaii

Container Gardening Tips

For gardeners in cooler climates:

1. Choose appropriate containers: Large pots with drainage holes
2. Use quality tropical potting mix: Well-draining but moisture-retentive
3. Provide winter protection: Move indoors or to protected areas
4. Maintain humidity: Use pebble trays or humidifiers
5. Adjust watering: Reduce in winter, increase in growing season

Hawaiian Flower Care and Cultivation

Plumeria Care

• Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic
• Water: Deep but infrequent watering
• Fertilizer: Balanced fertilizer during the growing season
• Pruning: Light pruning to maintain shape
• Winter care: Protect from frost, reduce watering

Hibiscus Care

• Soil: Rich, well-draining soil
• Water: Consistent moisture, not waterlogged
• Fertilizer: Regular feeding during the growing season
• Pruning: Regular deadheading for continuous blooms
• Pests: Watch for aphids and whiteflies

Bird of Paradise Care

• Soil: Rich, well-draining potting mix
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy
• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight
• Humidity: High humidity preferred
• Space: Allow room for large leaves to spread

Cultural Significance of Hawaiian Flowers

Hawaiian flowers hold deep cultural meaning beyond their beauty:

Lei Making Tradition

• Plumeria: Symbol of positivity and new beginnings
• Pikake: Represents elegance and grace
• Maile: Sacred plant for special ceremonies
• Ilima: Symbol of love and respect

Spiritual and Mythological Connections

• Ohia Lehua: Connected to the volcano goddess Pele
• Hibiscus: Symbol of delicate beauty and the fleeting nature of life
• Ti Plant: Protection and good luck

Best Places to See Hawaiian Flowers

Botanical Gardens

• Lyon Arboretum (Oahu): Extensive tropical plant collection
• Maui Tropical Plantation: Commercial flower displays
• Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden (Big Island): Rainforest setting
• Koko Head Botanical Garden (Oahu): Dryland plants

Natural Locations

• Haleakala National Park (Maui): Native Hawaiian plants
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Big Island): Ohia lehua forests
• Waimea Canyon (Kauai): Native and introduced species

Seasonal Blooming Patterns

Year-Round Bloomers

• Plumeria (peak in summer)
• Hibiscus
• Anthurium
• Bird of Paradise

Seasonal Varieties

• Spring (March-May): Peak blooming for many species
• Summer (June-August): Plumeria at its best
• Fall (September-November): Second blooming period for many flowers
• Winter (December-February): Fewer blooms but still colorful

Conclusion: Bringing Paradise Home

• Practical takeaway: Hawaiian flowers can be grown both in tropical climates and as houseplants
• Cultural respect: The Importance of understanding heritage and supporting conservation
• Action-oriented ending: Encourages readers to start with beginner-friendly varieties

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