You will find large numbers of eucalyptus trees along the trail, including Eucalyptus robusta. Eucalyptus robusta, otherwise known as swamp mahogany, looks reddish brown and has a heavy wood. Actually native to a small coastal strip in southeastern Australia, swamp mahogany now grows in many tropical areas throughout the world, quite commonly seen in several tropical locations. Many countries also cultivate this tree and a lot of folk remedies use products of the tree.
Possibly arriving in Hawaii from across the ocean because its seeds can float, the hala tree grows on the Waikamoi Nature Trail, as well. This tree grows up to 20 feet, and you will find it all over Hawaii. Hawaiians have utilized the hala tree for various things, including weaving the leaves into roofing material and hats. The female hala tree grows an edible fruit, and islanders have taken parts of the fruit for leis, at times.
Brought to Hawaii by Polynesian islanders, the kukui tree now serves as the Hawaiian state tree. You will find it in many places in Hawaii, of course, including along the trail. In fact, as you descend the trail from the parking area, you will find yourself in a little forest of kukui trees. These trees grow quite high, as tall as 80 feet. Perhaps the most useful part of the tree, the kukui nut produces a valuable oil sought after for many uses.
Other trees you can observe along the Waikamoi Nature Trail include strawberry guava trees and paperbark trees. Paperbark trees, of course, refer to the melaleuca genus of trees and plants. Many natural remedy products all over the world contain products from melaleuca trees, for medicinal uses. Paperbark trees have a whitish, papery bark and do not grow too high, usually only up to 25 feet or so. Just like eucalyptus trees, they are native to Australia.
