The Hawaii state flower is the beautiful yellow hibiscus. It hasn't always been, though.
The yellow hibiscus, also known as the pua aloalo or ma'o hau hele in the Hawaiian language wasn't Hawaii's state flower until 1988. In 1923 the hibiscus flower (in any color) was designated as the state flower.
Although there wasn't a specific color, it was usually seen in pictures as the red hibiscus. It wasn't until the 1988 legislature determined that the law needed to be more specific that the native yellow hibiscus was named.
credit HTA/ Joe Solem
There are only 5 hibiscus plants that are native to Hawaii. The yellow variety is one of them. It is now listed as an endangered plant. There are conservation efforts in place to bring it back.
Each island also has their own flower.
Hawaii (the Big Island) is the Pua Lehua
Oahu is the Pua Ilima
Maui is the Lokelani
Kauai is the Mokihana
Molokai is the Pua Kukui
Lanai is the Kaunaoa
Kahoolawe is the Hinahina
These flowers are perfect
tropical wedding flowers.
They would be beautiful at the beach, resort, reception hall or in your hair with a hawaii flower lei.
The Hawaiian state flower and all of the island's flowers are as different and unique as the islands. Exotic, fragrant and beautiful in a way no other flowers are.
