Hawaii's popular tropical flowers and how to wear them (2024)

Hawaii's popular tropical flowers and how to wear them (1)

The tropical islands of Hawaii are known for playing host to some of the world’s most beautiful flowers. From the official state flower of the bright yellow Hibiscus to the fragrant pink Plumeria trees, there are a wide variety of exotic flowers to touch, see and smell while visiting our beautiful island. Below are a list of the most popular flowers, usually seen in beautiful leis and celebratory arrangements.

Hawaii's popular tropical flowers and how to wear them (2)

Orchid – Hawaiian Orchids are available in a dazzling spectrum of colors but can mostly be found in the popular purple and white leis. These royal flowers are sturdy enough to withstand being strung together all while maintaining their stunning composure. The best-known species of orchid in Hawaii are the Dendrobium and the Epidendrum.

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Plumeria – One of the most delightfully scented flowers on Kauai, Plumeria can be found in white, pink, red and yellow. Commercially grown in Hawaii for lei production, these flowers are the perfect accessories for a decorative welcome home lei or simply worn behind your ear.

Hawaii's popular tropical flowers and how to wear them (4)

Hibiscus – The official state flower of Hawaii, Hibiscus can be seen growing just about everywhere— from on the side of the road to tucked away in most backyards. At one point they were considered endangered, however today there are over thirty new species that have been introduced into the island’s fertile environment.

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Ginger – Hawaii’s ginger can be found in red, pink, blue, white or yellow. Native to Malaysia, this plant is not only beautiful but also functional. Many people consume ginger root to soothe upset stomachs or even squeeze Awapuhi— the “shampoo ginger” into their hair. Contrary to belief, the actual “flower” part of the ginger is the small white buds that sprout up from the colorful hive shaped stems.

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Pikake – The Hawaiian name for Jasmine, Pikake translates to “peaco*ck”, one of Princess Kaiulani’s favorite types of bird. The light and bight scent of Pikake is considered one of Hawaii’s signature scents.

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Heliconia – A close relative to the banana, Heliconia can grow up to 20 feet tall and are known for resembling the shape of vibrant red lobster claws. A great place to check out these tropical plants is in one of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens on Kauai such as Allerton and McBryde Gardens in Poipu.

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Bird of Paradise – A close relative of the banana and the Heliconia, the Bird of Paradise is native to South Africa. A featherlike splay of gorgeous colors, this flower is one of the most appropriately named plants on Hawaii.

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Anthurium – Nicknamed the “Flamingo Lily”, this brightly colored flower features an almost wax-like petal. Growing best in humid conditions, Anthurium was originally brought to Hawaii in 1889 from England.

Hawaii's popular tropical flowers and how to wear them (10)
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Tuberose – Known for its lovely scent, Tuberose’s signature long stalks and cream-colored blossoms are found in many Hawaiian leis or sold simply as fresh cut flowers.

Blue Jade Vine – This otherworldly vine looks like something straight out of a fairytale. The Blue Jade Vine seems to almost glow with its surreal beauty, showcasing several different shades of electric blue. A beautiful and unique addition to any lei or decoration!

Mokihana – Kauai’s official designated “flower” and “official lei material” is that of the Mokihana, a green berry grown only on the second wettest place on earth, Mount Waialeale. Traditionally woven into Maile leaf, these berries are strung like beads and smell similar to fennel.

Ways to Wear Them

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Haku lei – This type of lei is a flower crown or headdress. Having become increasingly popular in the last few years (outside of the historical Hawaiian culture), Haku lei are the perfect way to tie in the Aloha Spirit into weddings, birthdays, graduation ceremonies, May Day and much more. Some individuals even go as far to wear traditional neck leis, flower bracelets and Haku leis! There’s no better way to feel a sense of Hawaii’s timeless spirit than when showing off its beautiful bounty.

Lei – 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. Not only do visitors and locals partake in this custom, there are several ways to go about it. From the Hili lei (braided Ti leaf) to the flattened Christina Lei, there are many different styles to choose from. Leis aren’t always made out of flowers; in fact a large majority include Ti leaves, Kukui nuts and shells in addition to paper money, bones and feathers.

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 just 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 possibly looking for love. Be sure to wear accordingly!

Flowers Native to Hawaii

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If you’re interested in learning about flowers native to the Hawaiian Islands, we recommend checking out the Alan Akana Gallery in Koloa. The gallery features vibrant floral watercolors that elegantly line the walls of the historic Smith Memorial Parsonage, a fully-restored plantation home built in 1928. https://www.alanakanagallery.com/

Hawaii's popular tropical flowers and how to wear them (2024)

FAQs

Hawaii's popular tropical flowers and how to wear them? ›

Wearing flowers behind the ear

What are the flowers called that Hawaiians wear? ›

lei, a garland or necklace of flowers given in Hawaii as a token of welcome or farewell. Leis are most commonly made of carnations, kika blossoms, ginger blossoms, jasmine blossoms, or orchids and are usually about 18 inches (46 cm) long.

What is the flower rule in Hawaii? ›

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 possibly looking for love.

What type of flower do Hawaiians wear in their hair? ›

Plumeria. The most famous flower of Hawaii, by far, is the plumeria. The smell of this fragrant blossom is supposedly said to greet you as soon as you walk off the plane. Plumerias are perfect strung into leis or worn in your hair.

Can non Hawaiians wear leis? ›

Yes, it is generally acceptable for non-Hawaiians to wear a lei. A lei is a sign of affection and is often shared with visitors to the Hawaiian islands as a warm welcome. However, doing so carries the responsibility of honoring its rich tradition and the culture it comes from.

What does it mean when you wear a flower on the left side in Hawaii? ›

In Hawaiian culture, a flower behind a woman's right ear indicates that she is single. If the flower is behind her left ear, it indicates that she is engaged, married, or dating.

Why do Hawaiians wear leis? ›

A lei is a common symbol of love, friendship, celebration, honor or greeting. In essence, it is a symbol of Aloha. In ancient Hawaii, wearing a lei represented wealth, royalty and rank. It is also associated with hula, religion and geography.

Why do Hawaiians wear flowers around their neck? ›

Leis are seen during everyday life in Hawaii. Hula performers wear leis around their necks and heads, called lei po'o, to represent the mo'olelo (story) they're dancing to. It's custom to give lei as a gesture to say hello, goodbye and congratulations – even to welcome someone on their first day on a new job.

Do you wear Hawaiian flowers on the left or right ear? ›

The Hawaiian tradition says married or in a relationship women wear the flower behind the left ear, while single women wear the flower behind the right ear. The most popular flowers wore behind the ear are Plumeria flowers. You can see them on hula dancers as they're part of their costumes.

Does the color of the lei mean anything? ›

There are no official meanings of the different colors of Hawaiian leis, but there are some types of leis that are commonly given for certain occasions. Meanings of the leis are often based on the material as opposed to color. Purple, green, and white leis are often made from orchids.

What flowers can you not bring back from Hawaii? ›

Fresh flowers, leis, and foliage, except jade vine or Mauna Loa or any citrus or citrus-related plants and plant parts in the same family including flowers and leaves.

What is the most popular flower in Hawaii? ›

Plumeria

Hawaii's most famous flower, the plumeria is known for its intoxicating scent and use in lei making. Its blooms come in a range of colors, from lily white to yellow, pale pink and deep red. Visitors and locals arriving to the islands are often welcomed with a plumeria flower lei at the airport.

What flowers do hula dancers wear? ›

For example, 'ie'ie and maile are considered sacred to the hula goddess Laka, while lehua flowers from the ohia tree are considered sacred to Pele, the volcano goddess. If you see hula dancers wearing red lehua flowers, then you know their dance is in reference to Pele.

How do you wear a lei? ›

The proper way to wear a closed lei is on the shoulders where it is draped half in front and half down the back. Open leis are worn with the middle of the lei hanging in the middle of the neck and the open ends evenly down the front. You do not need a special occasion to wear a lei. A lei can be worn anytime by anyone.

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