A vibrant collection of 15 stunning Hawaiian flowers, including Hawaiian Hibiscus (Hibiscus arnottianus), Plumeria (Plumeria spp.), Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae), Heliconia (Heliconia spp.), Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.), Pikake (Jasminum sambac), and Naupaka (Scaevola spp.), surrounded by lush tropical foliage and bathed in warm sunlight.

15 Stunning Hawaiian Flowers: You Need to Experience

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Hawaii’s tropical climate and unique ecosystems make it a haven for stunning and diverse flowers. Here are 15 beautiful Hawaiian flowers you can explore, with their identification details to help you recognize and appreciate them.

Hawaiian Flowers

1. Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)

A vibrant red Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) flower in full bloom, showcasing delicate petals and a prominent yellow-tipped stamen, surrounded by lush green leaves with sunlight filtering through.
  • Identification: Large, vibrant blooms in shades of red, pink, yellow, and white.
  • Description: The hibiscus is Hawaii’s state flower. Its broad petals and conspicuous stamens make it a standout.
  • Habitat: Found in gardens, parks, and wild areas across the islands.

2. Plumeria (Plumeria spp.)

A delicate Plumeria (Plumeria spp.) flower in full bloom, with velvety petals blending white, pink, and yellow, surrounded by lush green leaves and bathed in soft sunlight.
  • Identification: Fragrant flowers with five rounded petals, typically white with yellow centers but also found in pink and red.
  • Description: Often used in leis, plumeria flowers symbolize aloha and grace.
  • Habitat: Grows in clusters on small trees or shrubs in gardens and landscapes.

3. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)

A vibrant Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) flower in full bloom, with striking orange and deep blue petals resembling a tropical bird, surrounded by large, glossy green leaves.
  • Identification: Unique, bird-like shape with vibrant orange and blue petals.
  • Description: Known for its striking appearance, resembling a bird in flight.
  • Habitat: Common in landscaped gardens and tropical settings.

4. Ohia Lehua (Metrosideros polymorph)

A vibrant Ohia Lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) flower with bright red, needle-like stamens radiating outward, surrounded by soft green leaves and set against a misty, tropical backdrop.
  • Identification: Bright red, sometimes yellow, fluffy flowers resembling pom-poms.
  • Description: The flowers grow on the ohia tree and are culturally significant in Hawaiian mythology.
  • Habitat: Found in native forests and volcanic landscapes.

5. Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum)

A vibrant Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum) flower with a glossy, heart-shaped red spathe and a bright yellow spadix, surrounded by lush green tropical leaves.
  • Identification: Glossy, heart-shaped spathes in red, pink, white, or green with a protruding spadix.
  • Description: Popular in floral arrangements for its exotic look.
  • Habitat: Thrives in humid, shaded areas.

6. Naupaka (Scaevola spp.)

A Naupaka (Scaevola spp.) flower with unique fan-shaped white petals curling outward from a central yellow stamens cluster, surrounded by glossy green leaves.
  • Identification: Half-flower appearance, white or purple with a fan-like arrangement of petals.
  • Description: Symbolizes a Hawaiian legend of separated lovers.
  • Habitat: Found near beaches and coastal areas.

7. Heliconia (Heliconia spp.)

A striking Heliconia (Heliconia spp.) flower with bright red and orange bracts arranged in a cascading pattern, surrounded by lush green tropical foliage.
  • Identification: Brightly colored bracts in red, yellow, or orange, often mistaken for the actual flowers.
  • Description: Known for their dramatic, tropical appearance.
  • Habitat: Grows in dense clumps in tropical gardens.

8. Pikake (Jasminum sambac)

A delicate Pikake (Jasminum sambac) flower with pure white, star-shaped petals and a soft, waxy texture, surrounded by lush green leaves.
  • Identification: Small, white, star-shaped flowers with a sweet fragrance.
  • Description: Used in leis and perfumes, it’s a symbol of love and respect.
  • Habitat: Grows as a climbing shrub in gardens.

9. Ginger (Zingiber spp.)

A vibrant Ginger (Zingiber spp.) flower with bright red, cone-shaped bracts and delicate yellow true flowers emerging, surrounded by lush green tropical foliage.
  • Identification: Cone-shaped inflorescences with colorful bracts, typically red or pink.
  • Description: Striking tropical plant often used in landscaping.
  • Habitat: Prefers shaded, moist environments.

10. Hawaiian Gardenia (Gardenia Brigham)

A delicate Hawaiian Gardenia (Gardenia brighamii) flower with creamy white petals spiraling around a golden-yellow center, surrounded by glossy green leaves.
  • Identification: Creamy white, fragrant flowers with multiple petals.
  • Description: Endemic to Hawaii and known for its intoxicating scent.
  • Habitat: Found in dry forests and conservation areas.

11. Hawaiian Hibiscus (Hibiscus arnottianus)

A delicate Hawaiian Hibiscus (Hibiscus arnottianus) flower with pure white petals and a long, protruding red-tipped stamen, surrounded by lush green foliage.
  • Identification: White flowers with a prominent red-stamen column.
  • Description: A native hibiscus species found only in Hawaii.
  • Habitat: Grows in forests and mountainous regions.

12. Ilima (Sida fallax)

A delicate ʻIlima (Sida fallax) flower with soft golden-yellow petals and a small central stamen, surrounded by deep green, slightly fuzzy leaves.
  • Identification: Small, bright yellow flowers.
  • Description: Traditionally used in leis, symbolizing love and respect.
  • Habitat: Found in coastal and dry forest areas.

13. Lantana (Lantana camera)

A vibrant Lantana (Lantana camara) cluster with small, multicolored flowers in shades of yellow, orange, pink, and red, surrounded by deep green, textured leaves.
  • Identification: Clusters of small, multicolored flowers, often in shades of pink, orange, and yellow.
  • Description: Known for its rapid growth and vibrant colors.
  • Habitat: Grows in sunny, well-drained areas.

14. Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.)

A vibrant Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.) in full bloom, with magenta, pink, and purple papery bracts surrounding tiny white flowers, cascading over lush green foliage.
  • Identification: Clusters of papery bracts in vibrant colors like magenta, red, orange, and purple.
  • Description: Often used as ornamental plants for their showy displays.
  • Habitat: Thrives in sunny, dry locations.

15. Ti Plant (Cordyline fruticosa)

A Ti Plant (Cordyline fruticosa) with long, vibrant leaves in shades of burgundy, magenta, and green, arranged in a fan-like pattern, surrounded by lush tropical foliage.
  • Identification: Glossy, lance-shaped leaves in shades of green, red, or variegated patterns.
  • Description: Although not a flower, its colorful foliage makes it a popular landscape plant.
  • Habitat: Grows well in tropical gardens and as a potted plant indoors.

Explore these beautiful Hawaiian flowers in your garden or on your next visit to the islands. Each flower has its own unique charm and story, adding to the rich tapestry of Hawaii’s natural beauty. Enjoy the vibrant colors and delightful fragrances they offer!

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