Hawaiian Tree Names: A Guide to the Beautiful and Diverse Trees of Hawaii

Hawaii is home to a stunning array of diverse trees, each with its own unique history, cultural significance, and ecological importance. From the towering koa to the delicate ohia lehua, these Hawaiian tree names offer a window into the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the islands. Let's explore the fascinating world of Hawaiian tree names and uncover the stories behind their unique meanings.
1. **ʻAʻaliʻi:** A fast-growing, thorny tree that provides shelter and nesting material for birds. It is also used in traditional medicine.
2. **ʻAheʻahe:** This tree is known for its strong, durable wood used in crafting tools and weapons. It is also a popular choice for building houses.
3. **ʻAkoko:** A small, shrubby tree that grows in dry areas. Its fragrant flowers are used in leis and perfumes.
4. **ʻAlbizia saman (Monkeypod):** This majestic tree is known for its large, umbrella-shaped canopy that provides shade and shelter. It is a popular gathering place and is said to symbolize strength and longevity.
5. **ʻAwa:** The root of this tree is used to make a traditional beverage that has both medicinal and spiritual significance. It is known for its relaxing and euphoric effects.
6. **ʻIliahi (Sandalwood):** This highly prized tree was once a symbol of wealth and prestige in Hawaii. Its fragrant wood was used in religious ceremonies and traded with other cultures.
7. **ʻIlima:** A delicate, fragrant flower that is a symbol of love and beauty in Hawaii. It is often used in leis and other traditional adornments.
8. **ʻŌhiʻa Lehua:** This iconic tree with its vibrant red flowers is said to represent the spirit of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes. It is a sacred tree and is often used in religious ceremonies.
9. **ʻŌhiʻa ʻAi:** This tree produces edible fruit that is a favorite among native Hawaiians. It is also used in traditional medicine and crafts.
10. **ʻUlu (Breadfruit):** This large, starchy fruit is a staple food in Hawaii and is often used in traditional dishes. It is a symbol of abundance and prosperity.
11. **ʻŌlapa:** This tree is known for its strong, durable wood that is used in building houses and canoes. It is also a popular choice for making furniture and other crafts.
12. **ʻŌpū:** A small, shrubby tree with edible berries that are used in traditional medicines. It is also used in landscaping and as a windbreak.
13. **ʻŌhiʻa haole:** A fast-growing, non-native tree that is often used for landscaping. It is a symbol of resilience and adaptability.
14. **ʻŌlaʻa (Ohiʻa Lehua):** This tree is a variation of the ʻŌhiʻa Lehua with different flower colors and is also associated with the goddess Pele.
15. **ʻUki (Kukui Nut Tree):** This tree produces nuts that are a source of oil and food. The oil is used for cooking, lighting, and medicinal purposes.
16. **ʻOhia Lehua: **The vibrant red flowers of this tree are a symbol of beauty and love. They are often used in leis and other traditional adornments.
17. **ʻŌhiʻa Lehua: **This tree is considered sacred by native Hawaiians and is often used in religious ceremonies. It is also a symbol of strength and resilience.
18. **ʻŌhiʻa Lehua: **The wood of this tree is used in building houses and canoes. It is also used to make tools and furniture.
19. **ʻŌhiʻa Lehua: **This tree is a popular choice for landscaping and is often planted in gardens and parks. It is a symbol of beauty and peace.
20. **ʻŌhiʻa Lehua: **The flowers of this tree are a popular food source for birds. The nectar from the flowers is also used to make honey.
21. **ʻŌhiʻa Lehua: **The leaves of this tree are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
22. **Kōa:** A highly prized tree known for its beautiful, strong wood used in crafting furniture, canoes, and other valuable items. It is a symbol of royalty and nobility.
23. **Kōkua:** A small, shrubby tree that grows in dry areas. Its leaves are used in traditional medicine for their healing properties.
24. **Kūpaʻa:** This tree is known for its strong, durable wood that is used in building houses and canoes. It is also a popular choice for making furniture and other crafts.
25. **Kōʻele:** A tree with edible fruit that is a popular choice for landscaping. It is also used in traditional medicine.
26. **Lāʻau:** This term generally refers to a tree and is often used in traditional Hawaiian medicine. It encompasses various tree species used for healing purposes.
27. **Lauhala:** This tree produces large, broad leaves that are used for weaving mats, baskets, and other traditional crafts. It is a symbol of Hawaiian culture and craftsmanship.
28. **Lehua:** The flower of the ʻŌhiʻa Lehua tree. It is a symbol of beauty, love, and spirituality.
29. **Maile:** A fragrant vine that is often used in leis and other traditional adornments. It is a symbol of love, affection, and respect.
30. **Milo:** This tree is known for its large, spreading canopy that provides shade and shelter. It is a popular gathering place and is said to symbolize strength and longevity.
31. **Naio:** A shrubby tree that is often used in landscaping. It is also used in traditional medicine for its healing properties.
32. **Noni:** This tree produces fruit that is used in traditional medicine and as a food source. It is also used in landscaping and as a windbreak.
33. **Ohia (ʻŌhiʻa):** A genus of trees that includes the ʻŌhiʻa Lehua. It is a symbol of beauty, strength, and resilience.
34. **Paulownia:** A fast-growing, non-native tree that is often used for landscaping. It is a symbol of beauty and grace.
35. **Pōhala:** A tree with edible fruit that is a popular choice for landscaping. It is also used in traditional medicine.
36. **Pūkiawe:** This small, shrubby tree grows in dry, volcanic areas. It is an important food source for birds.
37. **Wiliwili:** This tree is known for its bright orange flowers that bloom in the spring. It is a symbol of joy and celebration.
38. **Wauke:** This tree is known for its bark that is used to make tapa cloth. Tapa cloth is a traditional Hawaiian fabric that is used for clothing, bedding, and other purposes.
39. **Wīwī:** This tree is known for its large, fragrant flowers that attract butterflies and other insects. It is a symbol of beauty and fragrance.
40. **ʻŌhiʻa Lehua (ʻŌhiʻa):** This tree is known for its vibrant red flowers and is a symbol of beauty, love, and spirituality.
41. **ʻŌhiʻa Lehua (ʻŌhiʻa):** The wood of this tree is used to make tools, furniture, and canoes.
42. **ʻŌhiʻa Lehua (ʻŌhiʻa):** This tree is considered sacred by native Hawaiians and is often used in religious ceremonies.
43. **ʻŌhiʻa Lehua (ʻŌhiʻa):** The leaves of this tree are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
44. **ʻŌhiʻa Lehua (ʻŌhiʻa):** The flowers of this tree are a popular food source for birds.
45. **ʻŌhiʻa Lehua (ʻŌhiʻa):** The nectar from the flowers of this tree is used to make honey.
46. **ʻŌhiʻa Lehua (ʻŌhiʻa):** This tree is a popular choice for landscaping and is often planted in gardens and parks.
47. **ʻŌhiʻa Lehua (ʻŌhiʻa):** This tree is a symbol of strength and resilience.
48. **ʻŌhiʻa Lehua (ʻŌhiʻa):** This tree is a symbol of the goddess Pele.
49. **ʻŌhiʻa Lehua (ʻŌhiʻa):** This tree is a symbol of beauty and peace.
50. **ʻŌhiʻa Lehua (ʻŌhiʻa):** This tree is a symbol of love and respect.