Hawaiian Flowers: A Guide to Names and Meanings

Discover the vibrant beauty and deep symbolism of Hawaiian flowers. From delicate orchids to bold hibiscus, these tropical blooms hold cultural significance and unique meanings. Dive into the fascinating world of Hawaiian flora, exploring their names and rich interpretations. This guide will help you understand the language of flowers in Hawaii, allowing you to appreciate their beauty on a deeper level.
1. **Plumeria (Frangipani):** Symbol of beauty, grace, and new beginnings. Its fragrance is said to attract good luck and prosperity.
2. **Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis):** Represents love, passion, and beauty. The red hibiscus is especially significant, symbolizing the heart and representing love.
3. **Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spectabilis):** Signifies passion, joy, and enthusiasm. Its vibrant colors bring a sense of cheer and vibrancy.
4. **Orchid (Orchidaceae):** Embodies beauty, elegance, and refinement. Orchids are also associated with love, luxury, and thoughtfulness.
5. **Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae):** Represents joy, paradise, and freedom. Its exotic appearance suggests a sense of adventure and exotic beauty.
6. **Ginger (Zingiber officinale):** Signifies strength, resilience, and good health. The flower’s vibrant yellow color symbolizes joy and happiness.
7. **Ixora (Ixora coccinea):** Represents love, passion, and devotion. Its clusters of bright red flowers symbolize a strong connection and deep affection.
8. **Heliconia (Heliconia psittacorum):** Represents joy, celebration, and vibrant energy. Its colorful blooms evoke a sense of warmth and excitement.
9. **Ti plant (Cordyline fruticosa):** Represents strength, resilience, and good luck. Its sturdy leaves symbolize perseverance and the ability to overcome adversity.
10. **Maile (Alyxia oliviformis):** Represents love, friendship, and respect. It is traditionally used in leis and is considered a sacred plant.
11. **Ohia Lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha):** Represents love, passion, and commitment. The legend of Pele and Hi'iaka makes this flower a powerful symbol of love and sacrifice.
12. **Hala (Pandanus tectorius):** Represents strength, resilience, and protection. Its leaves are used in traditional crafts and its fruits provide sustenance.
13. **Kukui (Aleurites moluccana):** Represents light, knowledge, and prosperity. The nut of the kukui tree provides oil, which is used in traditional medicine and for lighting.
14. **Lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha):** Represents love, passion, and beauty. It is a symbol of the volcanic goddess Pele, and its red color is associated with fire and passion.
15. **Ilima (Sida fallax):** Represents love, gentleness, and humility. Its yellow flowers are often used in leis and are considered a symbol of Hawaiian royalty.
16. **Mokihana (Pelea anisata):** Represents love, affection, and devotion. Its small, fragrant flowers are traditionally used in leis and are associated with love and romance.
17. **Puakenikeni (Gardenia taitensis):** Represents love, beauty, and purity. Its sweet-scented flowers are often used in leis and are associated with love and affection.
18. **Pikake (Jasminum sambac):** Represents love, beauty, and elegance. Its fragrant flowers are often used in leis and are considered a symbol of Hawaiian royalty.
19. **Noni (Morinda citrifolia):** Represents strength, resilience, and healing. Its fruit has medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine.
20. **Kopi (Coffea arabica):** Represents energy, alertness, and focus. The coffee plant is a source of caffeine, which is known for its stimulating effects.
21. **Ulu (Artocarpus altilis):** Represents abundance, fertility, and prosperity. The breadfruit tree is a staple food in Hawaii and is associated with abundance and nourishment.
22. **Kolo (Cordyline terminalis):** Represents strength, resilience, and good luck. Its leaves are used in traditional crafts and are associated with protection and good fortune.
23. **Aiea (Hibiscus arnottianus):** Represents love, beauty, and delicacy. Its white flowers are often used in leis and are associated with purity and innocence.
24. **Kupaoa (Brighamia insignis):** Represents strength, resilience, and perseverance. Its unique appearance and ability to survive in harsh environments make it a symbol of determination.
25. **Pua Kenikeni (Gardenia taitensis):** Represents love, beauty, and purity. Its fragrant flowers are often used in leis and are associated with love and affection.
26. **Pua Aloalo (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis):** Represents love, passion, and beauty. Its vibrant colors and showy blooms make it a popular choice for leis and decorations.
27. **Pua Lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha):** Represents love, passion, and commitment. Its red flowers are often associated with the volcanic goddess Pele.
28. **Pua Maile (Alyxia oliviformis):** Represents love, friendship, and respect. It is traditionally used in leis and is considered a sacred plant.
29. **Pua Mokihana (Pelea anisata):** Represents love, affection, and devotion. Its small, fragrant flowers are traditionally used in leis and are associated with love and romance.
30. **Pua Pikake (Jasminum sambac):** Represents love, beauty, and elegance. Its fragrant flowers are often used in leis and are considered a symbol of Hawaiian royalty.
31. **Pua Ti (Cordyline fruticosa):** Represents strength, resilience, and good luck. Its sturdy leaves symbolize perseverance and the ability to overcome adversity.
32. **Pua Hala (Pandanus tectorius):** Represents strength, resilience, and protection. Its leaves are used in traditional crafts and its fruits provide sustenance.
33. **Pua Kukui (Aleurites moluccana):** Represents light, knowledge, and prosperity. The nut of the kukui tree provides oil, which is used in traditional medicine and for lighting.
34. **Pua Noni (Morinda citrifolia):** Represents strength, resilience, and healing. Its fruit has medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine.
35. **Pua Ulu (Artocarpus altilis):** Represents abundance, fertility, and prosperity. The breadfruit tree is a staple food in Hawaii and is associated with abundance and nourishment.
36. **Pua Kolo (Cordyline terminalis):** Represents strength, resilience, and good luck. Its leaves are used in traditional crafts and are associated with protection and good fortune.
37. **Pua Aiea (Hibiscus arnottianus):** Represents love, beauty, and delicacy. Its white flowers are often used in leis and are associated with purity and innocence.
38. **Pua Kupaoa (Brighamia insignis):** Represents strength, resilience, and perseverance. Its unique appearance and ability to survive in harsh environments make it a symbol of determination.
39. **Pua Ilima (Sida fallax):** Represents love, gentleness, and humility. Its yellow flowers are often used in leis and are considered a symbol of Hawaiian royalty.
40. **Pua Ohia Lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha):** Represents love, passion, and commitment. The legend of Pele and Hi'iaka makes this flower a powerful symbol of love and sacrifice.