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

Discover the beauty and wonder of Hawaiian plants with this comprehensive guide to their names and meanings. From iconic flowers to rare trees, this list explores the rich cultural and ecological significance of the flora that thrives in the Hawaiian archipelago. Learn the unique origins of these names and appreciate the deep connection between the people and their environment.
1. **ʻAʻaliʻi:** "Climbing" or "to ascend." A thorny vine native to Hawaii that grows on cliffs and rocky terrain.
2. **ʻAʻe:** "To rise" or "to ascend." A tree with fragrant flowers that grows in dry forests and is known for its beautiful wood.
3. **ʻAkia:** A rare, endangered tree that produces edible fruit. Its name is said to mean "to stick" or "to cling," referring to its clinging roots.
4. **ʻAʻoʻao:** "Side" or "edge." A fern that grows on cliffs and rocks, its name reflecting its location.
5. **ʻAwa:** "To bind" or "to tie." A plant that produces a powerful psychoactive root used in traditional ceremonies.
6. **ʻĀwikiwiki:** "To hurry" or "to rush." A plant with medicinal properties known for its rapid growth and use in treating ailments.
7. **Banyan:** Introduced from India, this tree is known for its extensive root system and the ability to form new trunks from its aerial roots.
8. **ʻŌhiʻa Lehua:** A native tree with stunning red flowers, representing the fiery goddess Pele. The name is said to mean "sparkling" or "radiant."
9. **ʻŌhiʻa ‘Ai:** "Edible ʻŌhiʻa" A tree with edible fruit, distinguished from the ʻŌhiʻa Lehua by its non-showy flowers.
10. **Hau:** "To twist" or "to wind." A tree with strong, flexible branches used in traditional crafts.
11. **Hāpuʻu:** A large, tree fern that is an important part of the Hawaiian ecosystem. The name means "to grow" or "to flourish."
12. **Heʻe:** "To crawl" or "to creep." A vine with medicinal properties that grows along the ground.
13. **Ilima:** A small, yellow flower that is a symbol of love and affection. The name means "precious" or "beautiful."
14. **Ilima Lau: "Leaf Ilima" A tree with large, shiny leaves that is used in traditional medicine.
15. **Keawe:** "Ironwood." A hardwood tree introduced from Australia, known for its strong, durable wood.
16. **Kō:** "To eat." A species of sugarcane that is a staple food in Hawaii.
17. **Kōlea:** "To fly" or "to soar." A plant with medicinal properties that is said to attract birds.
18. **Kūpaoa:** "To be hard" or "to be strong." A tree with durable wood used in traditional construction.
19. **Lehua:** A beautiful, red flower that blooms on the ʻŌhiʻa tree, representing the fiery goddess Pele.
20. **Lūʻau:** A type of taro leaf used in traditional Hawaiian cuisine. The name means "to gather" or "to feast."
21. **Maile:** A fragrant vine with religious significance in Hawaiian culture. The name means "to bind" or "to connect."
22. **Māmane:** A tree that grows in dry forests and is an important food source for native birds. The name means "to search" or "to explore."
23. **Nānū:** A vine that grows on trees and rocks, with medicinal properties. The name means "to climb" or "to ascend."
24. **ʻŌhiʻa Lehua:** A tree with stunning red flowers, representing the fiery goddess Pele. The name is said to mean "sparkling" or "radiant."
25. **Pāpala:** A shrub with edible fruit that is commonly used in traditional Hawaiian cuisine. The name means "to eat" or "to consume."
26. **Pōhuehue:** A type of sweet potato that is an important food source in Hawaii. The name means "to be long" or "to be slender."
27. **Puakea:** A beautiful, yellow flower that grows in dry forests. The name means "yellow" or "golden."
28. **ʻUlu:** A type of breadfruit that is a staple food in Hawaii. The name means "head" or "top," referring to its large, round fruit.
29. **Wiliwili:** A tree with bright red flowers that is often used in traditional crafts. The name means "to whirl" or "to spin," referring to its spinning seedpods.
30. **ʻOhiʻa Ai:** "Edible ʻŌhiʻa" A tree with edible fruit, distinguished from the ʻŌhiʻa Lehua by its non-showy flowers.
31. **Lauhala:** The leaves of the hala tree, used in traditional crafts. The name means "hala leaf."
32. **Hala:** A tree with spiky fruit and leaves that are used for various purposes.
33. **Naio:** "To smell" or "to have a fragrance." A tree with fragrant flowers that are used in traditional medicine.
34. **Koa:** "Warrior" A tree with strong, durable wood that was used to make weapons, canoes, and other important items.
35. **ʻŌhiʻa Lehua:** "Flowering ʻŌhiʻa" A tree with stunning red flowers, representing the fiery goddess Pele. The name is said to mean "sparkling" or "radiant."
36. **ʻIliahi:** "Sandalwood." A tree with fragrant wood that was highly valued in ancient Hawaii.
37. **Kokiʻo:** A rare, endangered tree with beautiful flowers. The name means "to be red" or "to be scarlet."
38. **ʻOhe:** "Bamboo." A type of grass that grows in clumps and is used in traditional crafts.
39. **Kukui:** "Candlenut." A tree with nuts that were used for lighting. The name means "to shine" or "to illuminate."
40. **Pili:** "To stick" or "to attach." A vine with sticky leaves that was used to make rope.
41. **ʻAʻaliʻi:** "Climbing" or "to ascend." A thorny vine native to Hawaii that grows on cliffs and rocky terrain.
42. **ʻAiea:** "To carry" or "to transport." A shrub with edible fruit that is said to have been used to carry food.
43. **ʻAʻoʻao:** "Side" or "edge." A fern that grows on cliffs and rocks, its name reflecting its location.
44. **ʻĀweoweo:** "To be soft" or "to be delicate." A vine with delicate flowers that is used in traditional medicine.
45. **ʻŌhiʻa Lehua:** "Flowering ʻŌhiʻa" A tree with stunning red flowers, representing the fiery goddess Pele. The name is said to mean "sparkling" or "radiant."
46. **ʻOhe:** "Bamboo." A type of grass that grows in clumps and is used in traditional crafts.
47. **Kāhili:** "Feather standard." A type of grass used to make the traditional feather standards.
48. **Hāpuʻu:** A large, tree fern that is an important part of the Hawaiian ecosystem. The name means "to grow" or "to flourish."
49. **Kokiʻo:** A rare, endangered tree with beautiful flowers. The name means "to be red" or "to be scarlet."
50. **Māmaki:** "To eat" or "to consume." A shrub with edible leaves that is used in traditional medicine.
51. **Niʻau:** "Coconut." The fruit of the coconut palm, a staple food in Hawaii.
52. **ʻUlu:** A type of breadfruit that is a staple food in Hawaii. The name means "head" or "top," referring to its large, round fruit.
53. **Wiliwili:** A tree with bright red flowers that is often used in traditional crafts. The name means "to whirl" or "to spin," referring to its spinning seedpods.