Hawaii is home to numerous species of tropical flowers. Its many islands provide the perfect climate for these beautiful flowers, and some of them are quite rare. According to Aloha-Hawaii.com, each island has its own designated official flower, many of which have traditional uses from the island's Polynesian past.
The official state flower of Hawaii is the yellow hibiscus. Also known as the pua aloalo, the hibiscus became the official state flower of Hawaii in 1988. According to TheFlowerExpert.com, this striking yellow flower comes from a shrub that can grow up to 15 feet in height. Though they grow on most of Hawaii's islands, hibiscus are still quite rare. Aloha.Hawaii.com lists the yellow hibiscus as one of five varieties of hibiscus native to the Hawaiian islands. It most often blooms in spring through early summer.
The yellow ilima is the official flower of the island of Oahu. It is related to the hibiscus, but its flowers are much smaller. The flowers of the yellow ilima are often used to make Hawaii's world-famous lei, a circular dressing made of flowers that is worn around the neck. Besides ornamental use, the yellow ilima has been used for medicinal purposes by native Hawaiians for generations. It was thought to be a general cure-all, and the yellow ilima was also used as a laxative for children.
The red ohia is the official flower of Hawaii's Big Island. Found on the Ohia tree, they come in numerous colors such as red, white, yellow and orange. Ohia flowers are also used in making leis. In Polynesian folklore, the Ohia flower is thought to represent Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of violence and volcanoes.
The lokelani is the official flower of the island of Maui. Also known as the cottage rose, the lokelani was imported in 1800 from Asia Minor. It is well known for its beauty and fragrance. According to HawaiiFlower.com, the lokelani is the subject of many poems and songs, and it is often featured in photographs from Maui.
