Hawaii’s Most Beautiful Flowers and How to Wear Them!
Hawaii’s beautiful and lush islands are known for their colorful flowers. From beautiful Hibiscus to fragrant pink Plumeria — there is a countless variety of exotic and rare flowers to touch, smell, and see while visiting the islands. Here is a list of some of the most popular varieties!
Orchid – Hawaiian orchids come in a rainbow of beautiful colors! The most popular shades for leis are often purple and white. These sturdy flowers easily string together making them perfect for leis.
The best-known species of orchid in Hawaii are the Dendrobium and the Epidendrum.
Hibiscus – The Hibiscus is the official state flower of Hawaii. These beautiful flowers grow all over the islands. The hibiscus was once considered endangered, yet now is thriving! Over 30 new species bloom in Hawaii’s fertile soil.
Plumeria – This flower is famous for its beautiful scent! Plumeria grows in white, pink, red, and yellow. These flowers look beautiful worn behind the ear or in a bright and happy Lei!
Ginger – Ginger on the islands blooms in red, pink, blue, white, or yellow. This special flower is not only lovely but also good for you! Many people consume ginger root to soothe upset stomachs or even squeeze Awapuhi— the “shampoo ginger” into their hair.
Pikake – The Hawaiian name for Jasmine is Pikake, this translates to “peacock”.
The light and bight scent of Pikake is one of Hawaii’s signature scents.
Heliconia – This flower is a close relative to the banana plant. It grows up to 20 feet tall and resembles the shape of a bright lobster claw! Find the Heliconia at one of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens on Kauai such as Allerton and McBryde Gardens in Poipu.
Bird of Paradise – This flower is native to South Africa. A featherlike splay of gorgeous colors, this flower is one of the most appropriately named plants on Hawaii.
Anthurium – The nickname for Anthurium is the“Flamingo Lily”. Its brightly colored flower features an almost wax-like petal. It grows best in humid conditions!
Mokihana – Kauai’s official “flower” and “official lei material” is the Mokihana. This green berry grows only on the second wettest place on earth, Mount Waialeale. It is woven into Maile leaf and strung like beads.
How to Wear Them:
Haku lei – This type of lei is a flower crown or headdress. These headpieces beautifully tie the Aloha Spirit into weddings and celebrations!
Lei – A lei is a collection of blossoms tied and hung around your neck. Traditional Hawaiian leis are a fun way to showcase Mother Nature’s beauty while celebrating loved ones. Locals and visitors often partake in the custom of wearing Leis.
Flower bracelet – A colorful wrist lei is a fun and youthful alternative to the neck lei. Be sure to measure accordingly and tie off the string at an appropriate length.
Flower behind your ear – It’s a well-known fact that wearing a flower behind your ear is much more than a fashion statement. In the Hawaiian culture, if you are to wear a flower behind your left ear, you are married and/or unavailable. Wearing a flower on the right side signifies the opposite, that the person in question is single and looking for love!
NORTH SHORE SHARK ADVENTURES
Haleiwa Harbor
66-105 Haleiwa Rd
Haleiwa, HI 96712
Call 808.228.5900