20 Hawaiian Flowers You Cannot Miss—Explore the State Flower of Hawaii

Hawaiian flowers are not just beautiful tropical blooms; they are also the carriers of culture, emotion, and tradition. They hold a special place in island culture, serving as symbols of love, affection, honor, and spiritual beliefs. 

From lei to hula dance, native Hawaiian plants communicate different emotions without words. Furthermore, this article comprises 20 Hawaiian flowers with names and their significance. Explore the care guide of these botanical marvels and the importance of the Hawaiian state flower.  

Top 10 Hawaiian Flowers That You Cannot Miss

Hawaiian flowers are typically known for their vibrant colors and the iconic cultural beliefs they carry with them. Here are the top 10 breathtaking and sweet-smelling Hawaiian blooms that you surely cannot miss exploring. 

Plumeria, the Hawaiian flower, is loved for its wax-like, five-petaled blooms and tropical fragrance. It thrives in warm climates, blooms profusely in summer, and is available in white, yellow, pink, and red shades.

This pink flower is low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and symbolizes love, positivity, and new beginnings.

Key Facts
Common Name	Plumeria, Frangipani
Botanical Name	Plumeria spp.
Hardiness Zone	10-12 USDA
Native Place	Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean
Plant Type	Deciduous tropical flowering shrub or small tree
Common Usage	Garlands, religious offerings, perfumes
Growth Requirements	Requires full sunlight, moderate watering, and a permeable soil type.

Hibiscus, also known as the Hawaiian state flower, holds a profound meaning and represents the rich history of its native land. Although the main bloom is mostly yellow, it grows in various colors. 

Symbolizing love, friendship, and hospitality, the delicate petals of this tropical flower attract essential pollinators and enhance the aesthetic of any garden space. 

Key Facts
Common Name	Chinese Hibiscus, Tropical Hibiscus, or China Rose
Botanical Name	Hibiscus × rosa-sinensis
Hardiness Zone	9-11 USDA
Native Place	Depends on the species
Plant Type	Annual, perennial, woody shrub
Common Usage	Ornamental, dried petals are used to make herbal teas or add flavor to savory dishes.
Growth Requirements	Thrives in a sunny climate with regular watering. Grows best in fertile and moist soil, but not waterlogged.

Pikake (Jasmine) is one of the most popular Hawaii flowers. Belonging to the olive family, there are many types of jasmine flowers, and these fragrant blooms are mainly used for ornamental purposes. The bushy structure of the genus adds a visual effect to any garden space. 

Pikake flowers symbolize love and romance, often given on special occasions to express affection to a partner.

Key Facts
Common Name	Arabian Jasmine or Sambac Jasmine
Botanical Name	Jasminum sambac
Hardiness Zone	9-11 USDA
Native Place	Tropical Asia
Plant Type	Evergreen woody shrub
Common Usage	Primarily used to make scents and essential oils, also planted in containers for decorative purposes.
Growth Requirements	Full and direct sun exposure is necessary for high yield, moderate watering, and fertile soil works best for the genus.

The Lokelani, or Pink Damask Rose, is one of the most elegant flowers of Hawaii. Known for its sweet fragrance and delicate pink blooms, the genus is associated with Queen Liliʻuokalani and is said to represent dignity and strength. 

“Lokelani” actually means “heavenly rose” and is a key flower to create Hawaiian leis. Similar to the Rose of Sharon, the petals of the genus have anti-inflammatory properties and are often used to make calming skincare products.  

Key Facts
Common Name	Damask Rose, Damascus Rose, Rose of Castile, Summer Damask
Botanical Name	Rosa × damascena
Hardiness Zone	5-9 USDA
Native Place	Mostly grown in the Middle East
Plant Type	Deciduous shrub
Common Usage	Extensively used to produce rose water and rose oil for skincare.
Growth Requirements	At least 6 hours of direct sunlight with regular watering and fertile soil type.

Anthurium, a stunning Hawaiian flower that starts with A, is valued for its heart-shaped blooms. The waxy and vibrant petals make the genus a popular low-light indoor plant, enhancing the aesthetic of any living space. 

Found in astonishingly different colors, Anthurium signifies hospitality, love, and happiness. These are mainly used as housewarming gifts, as the species is said to bring abundance and prosperity. 

Key Facts
Common Name	Flamingo flower, Tailflower, Laceleaf
Botanical Name	Anthurium andraeanum
Hardiness Zone	10-12 USDA
Native Place	Tropical regions of Hawaii
Plant Type	Evergreen, epiphytic perennial
Common Usage	Used as a houseplant for decorative purposes
Growth Requirements	Bright, indirect sunlight works best for the plant with moderate watering. The soil should be fertile and well-draining.

One of the most stunning Hawaiian flowers, the Bird of Paradise, is a breathtaking species that not only brings drama but also joy and serenity. The tropical plant is named for its unique blooms resembling a bird in flight. 

With an exotic appearance, symbolic beauty, and rich cultural significance, the genus is widely grown as a houseplant. 

Key Facts
Common Name	Crane Flower
Botanical Name	Strelitzia reginae
Hardiness Zone	10-12 USDA
Native Place	South Africa
Plant Type	Evergreen perennial
Common Usage	Popular ornamental houseplant for a tropical look
Growth Requirements	Indirect sunlight is needed with moderate watering. The soil should be organically rich and well-draining.

The Ten Cent Flower is a tropical ornamental bloom that is prized for its unique fragrance and color-changing blossoms. One of the most cherished plants in Hawaiian culture, the genus is mainly planted to add a pop of color to any garden or living space.

Used to make garlands or for other decorative purposes, this bellflower is exceptionally sweet and memorable.  

Key Facts
Common Name	Pua Kenikeni, perfume flower tree
Botanical Name	Fagraea berteroana
Hardiness Zone	10-12 USDA
Native Place	South Pacific Islands
Plant Type	Small evergreen shrub
Common Usage	The blooms are commonly used to make leis, perfumes, or scented oils.
Growth Requirements	Grows best in full sunlight or partial shade with moderate watering and fertile soil type.

The Queen of the Night is one of the most exquisite Hawaiian blooms and can only be spotted under moonlight. This rare flower is a symbol of luck, prosperity, and abundance. Not only is it easy to grow, but the aromatic white flowers also attract essential pollinators. 

Perfectly suited for the Hawaiian climate, when the flowers bloom at midnight, they create a mesmerizing view. 

Key Facts
Common Name	Orchid Cactus, Night Blooming Cereus
Botanical Name	Epiphyllum oxypetalum
Hardiness Zone	9-11 USDA
Native Place	Southern Mexico, Central and South America
Plant Type	Epiphytic Cactus
Common Usage	Mainly used as an ornamental houseplant in hanging baskets.
Growth Requirements	It thrives in partial shade; direct sun exposure can damage the leaves of the genus. Grows best in sandy, well-draining soil with average watering.

Heliconia, also known as Lobster Claws, is a Hawaiian beauty and an ornamental hanging plant that tends to transform dull walls into aesthetic corners. The vibrant red, waxy petals resemble a parrot’s beak, and the bright-green bracts create a stunning contrast in any garden space. 

Due to its unique structure and leathery leaf texture, this bloom tends to attract many useful pollinators. Mostly grown as a container plant, Heliconia is also found in other bold colors like orange, yellow, pink, and green. 

Key Facts
Common Name	Lobster Claw, Parrot’s Beak, False Bird of Paradise
Botanical Name	Heliconia spp.
Hardiness Zone	8-11 USDA (depends on the species)
Native Place	Tropical America
Plant Type	Herbaceous Perennial
Common Usage	Landscape plant, container plant, and houseplant.
Growth Requirements	A minimum of six hours of direct sunlight is needed. Water the soil regularly to keep it consistently moist. Grows best in fertile and permeable soil type.

The term Okika typically refers to various hybrid orchids. These are mostly easy-to-grow and are widely appreciated for their unique-looking foliage. According to the BBC, Rhizanthella gardneri, also called the Western Underground Orchid, is the rarest Okika and truly a botanical marvel. 

This beloved flower from Hawaii is mainly used for ornamental purposes, especially to make leis. Also gifted to represent love, affection, and elegance, Okika, specifically the blue orchids, adds a pleasing touch to any garden space.

Key Facts
Common Name	None
Botanical Name	Depends on the species, but belongs to the Orchidaceae family.
Hardiness Zone	10-13 USDA
Native Place	Tropical areas of Hawaii
Plant Type	Tropical Perennial
Common Usage	Floral gifts, leis, landscaping
Growth Requirements	Grows best in bright, indirect sunlight with abundant watering. Be sure to use a well-draining soil type.

Each plant has a unique appearance and a profound meaning. They all have different care guides, but what they share is how elegantly they embody the island’s culture. 

Explore Some More Astonishing Hawaiian Plants

Given below is an extended list of some alluring Hawaiian plants that you surely cannot miss. Let’s explore some fascinating facts about each of them. 

Serial No	Flower Name	Description
1	Hawaiian Gardenia	Gardenia is a popular evergreen shrub mostly grown for its creamy white flowers. This Hawaiian plant is adaptable to different climatic conditions and requires minimal upkeep.
2	Blue Ginger	The Blue Ginger plant is a tropical ornamental flower with violet-blue petals and dark green, glossy leaves. While this plant is not used like the culinary ginger, its stems are used in many Asian recipes to add flavor.
3	Naupaka	Naupaka is one of the most alluring flowers in Hawaii. The half-broken blooms instantly catch the attention of the visitors. Its off-white or pale yellow flowers are often used to defog goggles or to treat burns/sores.
4	Hawaiian Maple	Hawaiian Maple is a stunning orange flower and an endangered species. The heart-shaped blooms and the glossy green leaves tend to attract many essential pollinators.
5	Mamane	Mamane is a native Hawaiian yellow flower and has significant medicinal properties. During ancient times, the mamane flower was mostly grown by people belonging to the higher order.
6	Bougainvillea	Though Bougainvillea is not native to Hawaii, it is commonly found in the dry forest areas of the island. This flowering plant is found in many shades and is popularly grown due to its low-maintenance nature.
7	Dwarf Poinciana	Locally known as ʻOhai Aliʻi, dwarf poinciana is an ornamental Hawaiian plant with year-round, beautiful blooms. The genus is drought-tolerant and attracts essential pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.
8	Linden Leaf Rosemallow	The Linden Leaf Rosemallow is a showy hibiscus variety, found specifically in Hawaii and Florida. Its flowers last only for 2-3 days, yet they serve as well-established accent plants.
9	Torch Ginger	The Torch Ginger is a popular tropical Hawaiian bloom appreciated for its cherry red bracts. It is an aromatic species with flavorful blooms and is used in a variety of Hawaiian recipes.
10	Uki Uki	Though Uki Uki is alternatively called Hawaiian Lily, it does not belong to the Lily family. It is mostly grown as a ground cover plant and is found in many shades.

What is the State Flower of Hawaii?

The yellow hibiscus is the official state flower of Hawaii. Botanically called Hibiscus brackenridgei or Maʻo hau hele, the genus is said to be a symbol of the heritage and beauty of the island state. 

• Moreover, the Hawaiian hibiscus flower is an endangered species, native to the islands, and grows naturally in dry forests and coastal areas. 

• It is a tropical flowering plant appreciated for its large, delicate petals and bright yellow color with a deep red center. 

• Speaking of the significance, the hibiscus holds deep cultural, emotional, and symbolic value in Hawaii. It represents beauty, strength, warmth, and the spirit of living. 

• In Hawaiian culture specifically, the bloom is often worn behind the ear, on the left to show someone is taken, and on the right to show they are single. 

In essence, the Hawaiian state flowers are more than just elegant blooms. They tell a story of simplicity and cultural respect, portraying the perfect reflection of Hawaii. 

What is the True Meaning of Hawaiian Flowers?

If you have ever visited Hawaii, you may remember the warm sunshine on the beaches or the delicious food, but what’s completely unforgettable are the Hawaiian flowers. 

With profound significance, these islands are known for their floral usage on different occasions. They are not just worn for beauty; each placement and usage communicates a message.

Below is a clear table explaining the true meaning of the bloom depending on its usage. 

Placement	Meaning
Flower Behind Right Ear	Indicates the person is single and open to a relationship.
Flower Behind Left Ear	Means the person is taken or married.
Flower on Both Ears	Either signifies the person is widowed/separated or represents confidence and celebration.
Leis (Garlands)	Often given to welcome guests, show affection, or honor someone. Typically used in major life events like graduation ceremonies or wedding functions.
Worn on the Head	Represents beauty, femininity, joy, and respect, often worn during celebration or hula dance.

One can simply say that in Hawaii, the blooms are a language of emotions. Where, when, and how they are worn—all carry a unique meaning.

Conclusion

Hawaiian flowers beautifully represent the island life. They show how culture, traditions, emotions, and spiritual beliefs can co-exist, all represented by the same blooms. 

From being used as an offering at sacred places to being grown for ornamental purposes, these botanical marvels are an interesting part of the Hawaiian culture. Whether it’s the delicate plumerias or the vibrant hibiscus, the essence of these blossoms is something you’ll cherish forever.