Hawaiian Plant Names: A Comprehensive Guide to the Flora of the Islands

Discover the beauty and cultural significance of Hawaiian plant names. These names, steeped in ancient traditions, offer a glimpse into the island's rich history and diverse ecosystem. From towering trees to delicate flowers, each Hawaiian plant name holds a unique story, revealing its medicinal properties, symbolic meanings, and connection to the land. Explore this comprehensive list, meticulously curated with detailed explanations of each name, enriching your understanding of the vibrant flora of Hawaii.
1. **ʻĀkia:** Also known as the "Hawaiian sandpaper tree," this tree's rough bark was used for sanding wood.
2. **ʻAʻaliʻi:** A vine that climbs high into trees, often referred to as the "Hawaiian raspberry," its berries were once a staple food source.
3. **ʻAʻoʻo:** This tree's wood was highly prized for its durability and used in making tools and weapons.
4. **ʻAwa:** Known for its psychoactive properties, this plant was used in religious ceremonies and for medicinal purposes.
5. **ʻĒkaha:** The ʻĒkaha, or "Hawaiian hibiscus," was a popular flower for leis and adornment.
6. **ʻIlima:** This yellow flower, revered for its beauty and fragrance, symbolizes love and affection in Hawaiian culture.
7. **ʻIʻiwi:** A vibrant red bird that frequented the ʻōhiʻa lehua tree, giving rise to its name, which means "red."
8. **ʻŌhiʻa Lehua:** This iconic tree, with its brilliant red flowers, is deeply intertwined with Hawaiian mythology and folklore.
9. **ʻOhiʻa ʻAi:** A species of ʻōhiʻa with edible fruits, providing a valuable source of sustenance for the ancient Hawaiians.
10. **ʻUlu:** The breadfruit tree, a staple food source, was revered for its versatility and nutritional value.
11. **ʻUluhe:** A fern with edible fronds, often used in traditional Hawaiian cuisine.
12. **ʻŌhiʻa Lehua:** This tree, known for its vibrant red flowers, is deeply intertwined with Hawaiian mythology and folklore.
13. **Hāpuʻu:** A giant tree fern, its trunk provided a source of wood for tools and construction.
14. **Hau:** This tree, also known as the "Hawaiian linden," was used for its fibrous bark, which was used for making rope and clothing.
15. **Hāwane:** A vine with edible leaves, often used in traditional Hawaiian medicine for its healing properties.
16. **Hibiscus:** A genus of flowering plants, many species of which are native to Hawaii and are commonly known as "Hawaiian hibiscus."
17. **ʻIeʻie:** A vine with long, flowing tendrils, often used for weaving and ornamentation.
18. **Kalo:** Taro, a root vegetable of great cultural significance, is considered a gift from the gods.
19. **Kō:** Sugarcane, a staple crop in Hawaii, was used for its sweet juice and for making sugar.
20. **Kōlea:** A small, brown bird that was often used as a symbol of peace and tranquility.
21. **Kūkae Nene:** This plant, meaning "goose droppings," was so named because its leaves resemble the droppings of the Nene goose.
22. **Lauhala:** The leaves of the hala tree, used for weaving mats, baskets, and other items.
23. **Lehua:** A beautiful red flower, the emblem of the island of Hawaiʻi, is a symbol of love and passion.
24. **Lūʻau:** A type of taro leaf, often used to wrap food for cooking, and also known for its use in traditional Hawaiian dishes.
25. **Maile:** A vine with fragrant leaves, often used for leis and other decorations.
26. **Māmaki:** A shrub with leaves used for making tea and for its medicinal properties.
27. **Māmane:** A tree native to the dry forests of Hawaiʻi, its seeds were used as a food source for the Hawaiians.
28. **Nānū:** A type of wild banana, its fruits were eaten by the ancient Hawaiians.
29. **Ohia:** This tree is revered for its vibrant red flowers, and is associated with the goddess Pele.
30. **ʻŌhiʻa Lehua:** This tree, known for its vibrant red flowers, is deeply intertwined with Hawaiian mythology and folklore.
31. **ʻŌhiʻa Lehua:** This tree, known for its vibrant red flowers, is deeply intertwined with Hawaiian mythology and folklore.
32. **Pāʻū o Hiʻiaka:** This plant, named after the goddess Hiʻiaka, is known for its beautiful flowers.
33. **Pōhuehue:** A vine with edible roots, often used in traditional Hawaiian cuisine.
34. **Puakea:** A type of grass with edible seeds, used by the Hawaiians for food and medicinal purposes.
35. **Puaʻala:** A flowering vine, its flowers were used for making leis and for their medicinal properties.
36. **Puaʻena:** A type of wild ginger, its leaves and roots were used for medicinal purposes.
37. **Puaʻilima:** A small, white flower, often used for making leis and for its fragrance.
38. **Puaʻolo:** A type of hibiscus, its flowers were used for making leis and for their beauty.
39. **Wiliwili:** A tree known for its bright orange flowers, its wood was used for making canoes and other items.
40. **ʻŌhiʻa Lehua:** This tree, known for its vibrant red flowers, is deeply intertwined with Hawaiian mythology and folklore.