The hibiscus flower is known around the world as a beautiful flower of tropical climates. For many, it's beauty is reminiscent of an island paradise. Though, some hardy hibiscus species will tolerate more temperate climates. Hibiscus syriacus, or Rose of Sharon, is one such variety.
This charming plant comes in a variety of colors and species from the prized purple hibiscus to more delicate varieties like the pink hibiscus flower. Here we will explore these iconic tropical flowers, the symbolism behind the hibiscus plant as well as some of it's historical and current uses.
"When a flower doesn't bloom you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower. "
-Alexander Den Heijer
"Electric Duo"
Hibiscus flower painting by tropical flower artist Karen WhitworthThe hibiscus flower grows in warm climates around the globe. Along with the rich diversity found on our planet, this flower's cultural importance varies from one region to the next. In English, the Hibiscus name can be traced back to the Greek word "hibiskos." The first known use of this word was penned by Pedanius Dioscorides, a Greek Pharmacologist and botanist. (40-90AD)
"Sunrise Sonnet" hibiscus painting by Karen Whitworth
Unlike the many natural red hibiscus flower species found around the world, an endemic Hawaiian hibiscus variety is brilliant yellow in color. The scientific name for this variety, is Hibiscus brackenridgei. It is known as Ma'o hau hele in the Native Hawaiian language. This yellow hibiscus is the official state flower of Hawaii, but there are several other hibiscus varieties in Hawaii as well. These flowers were used in many ways from functional to ornamental.
"Past Present Future" Hawaiian hibiscus painting by Karen Whitworth
The official national flower of Malaysia, the hibiscus has the local name of Bunga Raya. In the local Malay language, this translates to "big flower". Fitting, right? :) In it's natural varieties, the tropical hibiscus flower is often red. In Malaysia, these red flowers symbolize great courage.
The five petals of the hibiscus are also carry the symbolic meaning of the foundation for the Rukun Negara, Malaysia's national philosophy. This philosophy which was officially adopted in 1970, was specifically designed to unite the country towards unity and inclusion of all races, making the visual impact of the hibiscus flower even more beautiful and a powerful part of Malaysian heritage.
"Red Hot Hibiscus" hibiscus painting by Karen Whitworth
Though not the official national flower, the hibiscus flower is prized on the island nation of Haiti and has been adopted by many to be their national symbol.
This flower is used in many ways, just as in Hawaii. From practical uses in herbal medicine as with hibiscus extract which is said to have antiviral qualities, boost the immune system, regulate cholesterol and more, even used in shoe polish, fabric die, to food and popular health drinks like hibiscus tea and juice, it is easy to see why his plant is widely praised.
Not just beautiful, the hibiscus flower is a versatile and useful flower in everyday Haitian life.
"Gentle Radiance" hibiscus painting by Karen Whitworth
Come take a stroll through a tropical garden with us. In this list you will find a collection of exotic flowers to dazzle your senses. From the iconic hibiscus flower and unique heliconia, to rainbow plumeria and the tropical bird of paradise, these Hawaiian tropical flowers will lure you to an island paradise full of heavenly fragrances and beautiful color. We have paired gorgeous photos of these stunning flowers with images of my Hawaiian flower paintings. The exotic blooms found in Hawaii are a huge inspiration for my art. I am so excited to share my love of these botanical masterpieces with you. Let's get started!
"Tropical Delight" rainbow plumeria oil painting by Karen Whitworth.
Rainbow plumeria are among the most beautiful Hawaiian flowers. They are full of beautiful color and for lack of better terminology, are just plain dreamy. One downside of the rainbow plumeria flower however, is that it does not smell nearly as good as the other plumeria varieties. Can't win at everything, I guess!
On top of just being a beautiful tropical flower, Plumeria are known in the Hawaiian islands for their use in lei making. Plumeria leis are treasured not just because of their incredible beauty and soft foamy petals, but also for their heavenly sweet fragrance. This scent is one of the most pleasant fragrances I have ever had the pleasure to experience. While a plumeria lei is usually more expensive than it's orchid counterpart, it is for good reason. These flowers surround the wearer in a cocoon of tropical goodness. While the scent is very noticeable, it has soft notes of cotton candy and subtle hints of a sweet rose.
Photo of plumeria flower by Eleonora Patricola
Plumeria flowers come in a broad array of different colors and grow on large deciduous trees that shed their leaves in the winter. This bare tree is a puzzling sight for many who expect the tropics to be full of flourishing vegetation no matter the time of year. If you want to see lush Hawaiian flowering trees, we recommend May through July for the best floral display.
Though not endemic (native) to the islands of Hawaii, these flowering trees are such a special addition to Hawaiian gardens and landscaping. They have adapted quite well into the local environment and have become quite special to local culture.
No list of Hawaiian tropical flowers would be complete without the Hibiscus. This flower has become synonymous with all things tropical. Below is a collection of hibiscus images to bring you a little bit of that Aloha spirit.
Hawaiian hibiscus by Paje Victoria
From the deep red hibiscus, to the rainbow hibiscus, there is an endless spectrum of hibiscus plant varieties and colors. Master growers the world over are expertly curating their creations to bring our various traits and characteristics. Many of these can be found in the tropical gardens and landscaping in Hawaii. You can see one such specimen in the image below.
"Radiance" hibiscus painting by Karen Whitworth
Pua Aloalo
Hibiscus brackenridgei
The yellow hibiscus is the official flower of the state of Hawaii. It can be found on all Hawaiian islands except Niihau and is especially noticeable on Kauai in the Hanalei valley as you approach town. It grows quite tall there and borders on what some would even consider a tree as it towers over the road and nearby Hanalei river.
"Past Present Future" Painting of Hawaiian Yellow Hibiscus Flowers by Karen Whitworth
King protea picture by Jelle de Gier
These prehistoric flowers are not endemic to Hawaii and are another transplant to the islands. The arid volcanic soil and high elevation of the island slopes are the ideal growing environment for protea. I love how unique these exotic flowers are.
"Sunlit Protea" painting of tropical protea Hawaii flowers by Karen Whitworth
Bird of Paradise photo by Lili Kovac
I remember being fascinated by these flowers when I saw them for the first time. They were so otherworldly that my brain could not fathom such a being existing here on earth. These beautiful flowers are a staple in many Hawaiian gardens and they even can be seen growing in the median of various highways in Hawaii. The sight of such a rare exotic bird in an incredibly pedestrian setting still amuses me to this day.
"If looks could kill" Bird of Paradise painting by Karen Whitworth
The bird of paradise flower is excellent for fresh flower arrangements. Tropical florists will often use these stunning flowers in a variety of their floral creations. One of my favorite tropical flower sellers is Blooms of Hawaii. They not only sell gorgeous tropical flower arrangements shipped fresh to your door, but they also allow you to buy the fresh tropical flower stems individually. One of the many flower varieties they carry is the bird of paradise. I am not affiliated with them, I am very much a huge fan of their flowers. Be sure to check out their shop!
Heliconia is another flower that seems so bizarre to those who are not familiar with exotic plants. It would feel almost better suited to an episode of Star Trek than someone's flower garden. Heliconia come in many varieties. My favorite is the lobster claw. This chain of colorful structures descend from a lofty stalk that can measure up to 4 feet long!
"The Gift" heliconia painting by Karen Whitworth
If you ever find yourself on Oahu, be sure to schedule in a visit to Koko Head Botanical Garden. It is a huge outdoor playground for tropical plant lovers. Acres and acres of exotic flowers, trees, and shrubs line the long pathways. For an insider scoop, check out this article about the Koko Head Botanical Garden by my friend Sarah Etinas, Hawaii expert and general travel goddess. She gives you pro tips on how to make the most of your visit, like what to bring, when to go, and more. She has also launched an excellent new website for Hawaii visitors. Check it out! https://hawaiihopper.com/
MEET THE AUTHOR
Karen Whitworth
Artist, color lover, home decor geek, travel fiend, based in Carnation, Washington.
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The Hawaiian Islands are filled with many beautiful Hawaiian plants, some of which can only be found in Hawaii. While some were introduced, many are native to the Hawaiian Islands and still continue to grow today.
The ancient Hawaiians were a very resourceful group, as can be seen by their use of the ‘ohi‘a lehua tree. The leaves were used for medicinal purposes, and the bark was used for everything from beating kapa cloth to pounding poi.
One of the most interesting things about this Hawaiian plant is the Hawaiian legend associated with it. Once upon a time, there was a man named ‘Ohi‘a, who attracted the attention of the fire goddess Pele. But ‘Ohi‘a only had eyes for a woman named Lehua, and Lehua only had eyes for ‘Ohi‘a. In a fit of jealousy, Pele turned ‘Ohi‘a into a nasty, gnarled plant that became known as the ‘ohi‘a tree. The gods then took pity on Lehua and turned her into a beautiful red flower on the ‘ohi‘a tree, so that the two of them could never be separated again.
In ancient times, the ‘ohi‘a lehua tree was one of the most resilient Hawaiian plants. It would be the first to grow in the dry, harsh landscapes of lava rock right after a fresh lava flow. Today, though, the ‘ohi‘a lehua tree is struggling. Currently, two types of bacteria, Ceratocystis huliohia and Ceratocystis lukuohia, plague the plant, and there is no cure. To avoid spreading these bacteria, make sure to leave ohia plants unharmed! Openings in the ‘ohi‘a plants’ outer bark can become entry points for these destructive bacteria.
"I'iwi and O'hi'a Lehua" Hawaiian flower painting by Karen Whitworth
The ‘ilima blossom is the official flower for the island Oahu. This tiny, yellow flower is indigenous to many Pacific Islands, not just the Hawaiian Islands. Regardless, the ‘ilima was highly valued in ancient Hawaiian culture. As a matter of fact, it was actually one of the only plants that the ancient Hawaiians purposefully planted and cultivated. After all, the ‘ilima blossoms are so small that takes 500 to 1,000 flowers to create a single-stranded lei!
In ancient times, the ‘ohi‘a lehua tree was one of the most resilient Hawaiian plants. It would be the first to grow in the dry, harsh landscapes of lava rock right after a fresh lava flow. Today, though, the ‘ohi‘a lehua tree is struggling. Currently, two types of bacteria, Ceratocystis huliohia and Ceratocystis lukuohia, plague the plant, and there is no cure. To avoid spreading these bacteria, make sure to leave ohia plants unharmed! Openings in the ‘ohi‘a plants’ outer bark can become entry points for these destructive bacteria.
The hibiscus is one of the iconic Hawaiian plants, as the yellow hibiscus is the state flower of Hawaii. There are many different variates of hibiscuses in many different colors, including red, white, pink, and orange. To the ancient Hawaiians, these flowers were treasured more than just for their beauty.
"Past Present Future" yellow hibiscus - Hawaiian flower painting by Karen Whitworth
The ancient Hawaiian people used hibiscuses for a variety of medicinal purposes, including to treat stomach irritation, colds, and blood pressure. The flowers were also used for dye, and the bark was used for hula skirts and wigs.
"Radiance" Tropical hibiscus painting on canvas by Karen Whitworth
While most of the Hawaiian plants on this list are native to Hawaii, plumerias are not. There are dozens of varieties of plumerias found in Hawaii, ranging from white to yellow to orange, pink, even rainbow plumeria. The most popular type is a white flower with a spot of yellow on the inside. Many of these plumeria varieties can be found in the plumeria grove at Koko Crater Botanical Garden.
"Paradise Delight" rainbow plumeria painting by Karen Whitworth
The beautiful, aromatic flowers originally became a symbol of Hawaii, because they were used in most leis given to tourists. Today though, plumeria leis are hard to come by, as they have been replaced by leis made of purple and white orchids.
"Heavenly Scent" yellow plumeria painting on canvas by Karen Whitworth
Just like the plumeria, the bird of paradise plant is not native to Hawaii. This rainbow-colored, bird-shaped flower is often the first thing people think of when referring to tropical Hawaiian plants. This eye-catching plant actually grows wild on many of the Hawaiian Islands!
"If Looks Could Kill" Orange Bird of Paradise flower painting by Karen Whitworth
Haleakala Lobelia
Rare Maui Flowers
The Haleakala lobelia may be one of the rarest Hawaiian plants. This bluebell variation can only be found in the most remote gulches of Maui. But it’s quite the sight to see, especially if the endangered Amakihi bird happens to be gathering some nectar from the Haleakala lobelia.
"Amakihi and Haleakala Lobelia" Hawaiian flowers painting by Karen Whitworth
Kukui Nut Tree
The source of the iconic Hawaiian Kukui nut lei
Kukui Nut Photo by Daniel Ramirez
The kukui nut tree, also known as the candlenut tree, is one of the most interesting Hawaiian plants. It is actually the state tree of Hawaii. Today, kukui nuts are most commonly known for their use in leis. There are both brown and white versions of kukui nuts, but white kukui nuts are very hard to come by.
Photo by Scot Nelson
Video by John Poon
The kukui nut tree got its alternate name as the candlenut tree from the fact that the ancient Hawaiians used to light these nuts as candles. Each one has enough oil to last two to three minutes, so, when combined with hundreds of others, the kukui nuts could provide light for hours!
Photo by Kim and Forest Starr
But that wasn’t the only purpose the ancient Hawaiians had for this precious Hawaiian plant. The nuts and bark were also used to dye traditional Hawaiian kapa cloths for hula and traditional ceremonies.
Koli'i
One of the uncommon Hawaii flower names
"Amakihi and Koli'i" Hawaiian flower painting by Karen Whitworth
When the koli‘i flower blooms it is one of the most beautiful Hawaiian plants. These bright, contrasting pink flowers bloom in bunches from November to February, when the rest of Hawaii’s landscape is bright green from the rain. These flowers are most commonly found in the remote areas of the Koolau Mountains of Oahu, but they can also be found on Molokai and Maui.
Mokihana From Kaua'i
One of the uncommon Hawaii flower names
The island of Kauai has a signature lei made of bright green, anise-smelling marbles from the mokihana plant. To receive one of these mokihana leis is truly a great honor in local culture.
Do know that the sap inside the mokihana berries can cause severe skin rashes, so be sure to place it over clothing.
One of the rarest Maui flowers.
The Haleakala Silversword is endemic to the slopes of Maui’s highest peak. In other words, the Haleakala Silversword is extremely rare and can only be found on Haleakala. When the golden glow of a Haleakala sunrise shines on these Haleakala Silverswords, they are stunningly beautiful. These plants can live for up to fifty years but flower just once, right before they spread a bunch of seeds and die.
Photo by Kim and Forest Starr
One of the reasons the Haleakala Silversword is so rare is because many tourists will get too curious and end up pulling out parts of the plants in the process. If you do see these endangered plants, remember to look but don’t touch!
Whether you use this article as a virtual escape to paradise, or Hawaiian flower research and ideas for future travel to Hawaii, (and everything in between) we hope you enjoyed Sarah's collection of Hawaiian plants and flowers.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Sarah Etinas
Travel writer and wildly knowledgeable Hawaii local. Check out her blog where she shares all her Hawaii travel tips. Sarah has also launched a new free resource for Hawaii visitors. It is a great place to plan for your upcoming trip to paradise.
Check it out here: https://hawaiihopper.com/
This post includes affiliate links. Some purchases made after clicking an affiliate link may bring us a small benefit.
Copyright - This blog is property of karenwhitworth.com Please include links to this page if you share our content. Thanks!
From big beautiful Hawaiian hibiscus flowers, to deliciously aromatic plumeria flowers, we have a stunning gallery of beautiful flower paintings to feast your eyes on.