With its gentle and varied climate covering environments from the mountains to the sea, Hawai’i is an abundant garden of brilliant flowers, tropical fruit, flowering trees, and exotic greenery. Some plants are endemic to these Islands, which means they are not found naturally anywhere else in the world.

Many were brought by early Polynesians, while others arrived as deliberate imports over two centuries of contact with the East and West. Prominent in legend and song, floral names are often given to children.

Also, floral motifs adorn the fabrics of clothing known as “aloha attire,” and fresh flowers are often worn in the hair.

When people think of a tropical island, most of us instantly think of Hawaii. With more than 1,200 km of stunning coastline, a warm tropical climate, and a wide variety of wildlife, flora, and scenery, Hawaii is an extraordinary place for sure. Hawaii is also the only state outside of North America and the only state that is an archipelago (a collection of islands to form one state). Making it a unique environment for many types of Hawaiian flowers to grow. 

Hawaii lies in the Pacific Ocean, more than three thousand miles away from any other continental land. This makes it one of the most isolated places on earth. Because it is so far away from any other place, birds, wind, water, and other flora spreading methods are very limited compared to mainland USA. As a result, Hawaii has an unusually high proportion of endemic native plant species, 89% to be precise! 

While you’re in Honolulu, you’ll encounter the beautiful flora in most places. If you have the time, pay a visit to any of the 5 botanical gardens listed here.

NOTE: Hawaiians are super-protective of local agriculture and are mindful of invasive species (even more so than California!). Everyone that arrives in Hawaii has to complete an arrival form specifying any agricultural items they are bringing (seeds, plants, etc.). More about that in the next post.