Hawaiian Flowers

Tropical Flowers and Lei Plants in Hawaii

Hawaii's flowers are part of what makes the Islands feel so colorful, fragrant and alive. From bright hibiscus blossoms and sweet pikake to plumeria lei flowers, orchids, ginger and heliconia, many tropical plants can be seen in gardens, hotel landscapes, residential yards, forested areas and walking paths throughout the Islands.

This guide introduces popular Hawaiian flowers and tropical plants commonly associated with Hawaii. Some are native to the Islands, while others were introduced from tropical regions around the world and became familiar parts of local scenery, lei making, landscaping and island culture.

Flowers Used in Hawaiian Lei

Many flowers in Hawaii are valued not only for their beauty, but also for their fragrance and use in lei. Plumeria, pikake, tuberose, gardenia, orchid and crown flower are among the best-known lei flowers.

Each bloom has its own look, scent, meaning and level of durability. As a result, lei makers choose different flowers for different occasions, from fresh airport greetings to weddings, graduations and everyday celebrations. Fragrant flowers are especially treasured because a lei is experienced through both sight and scent.

Native and Introduced Flowers in Hawaii

Not all flowers associated with Hawaii are native. Some plants, such as native hibiscus species, belong to Hawaii's natural heritage. Others arrived through Polynesian voyaging, agriculture, gardening or ornamental landscaping. Over time, many introduced flowers became closely connected with island life.

Native and endemic plants are especially important because they support Hawaii's natural ecosystems and cultural history. Introduced ornamentals, meanwhile, help shape the colorful look of gardens, resorts, roadsides and home landscapes across the Islands.

Colorful Tropical Flower Favorites

Some Hawaii flowers stand out because of their bold colors and dramatic shapes. Bird of paradise, heliconia, red ginger, blue ginger and protea bring strong tropical character to landscapes and floral arrangements.

Other flowers are smaller but still memorable. Lilikoi, night-blooming cereus, firecracker plant and shrimp plant add unusual shapes, seasonal interest and garden color.

Where to See Flowers in Hawaii

Visitors can see tropical flowers throughout Hawaii. Botanical gardens offer some of the best places to view many species in one setting. Hotel grounds, neighborhoods, parks, farmers markets and hiking areas also feature a wide range of flowering plants.

Windward areas with more rain often have lush tropical growth, while drier leeward areas may feature hardier flowering shrubs and trees. Browse the flower directory below to learn more about each bloom, its appearance and where it is commonly seen in Hawaii.