Hawai'i's Plant Life | Maui Ocean Center
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Why Hawaiian Plants and Flowers Are So Unique

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How Many Plants Are Native To Hawai'i?

Many plant species are found exclusively in the Hawaiian Islands and nowhere else in the world.  It is estimated that there are around 1,200 native flowering plant species in Hawai’i. This includes various types of trees, shrubs, herbs, and ferns.

It’s important to note that this number represents native plant species, excluding non-native or introduced plants that have been brought to the islands by humans.

Experience the Magic of Hawaiian Flora

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Hawaiian plants are incredibly unique because of the way they had to evolve and adapt to the specific conditions of the islands. Hawaiian plants are considered unique for several reasons:

  • Geographic Isolation: The Hawaiian Islands are one of the most isolated landmasses on Earth. This isolation allowed for the evolution of unique plant species that could adapt to the specific environmental conditions of the islands.
  • Volcanic Origins: The Hawaiian Islands were formed by volcanic activity, with the oldest islands being millions of years old. As new islands formed through volcanic eruptions, they provided opportunities for plant colonization. Over time, different plant species arrived, adapted, and diversified, resulting in a high level of endemism (species found nowhere else).
  • Diverse Microclimates: Despite being relatively small, the Hawaiian Islands exhibit a wide range of microclimates due to variations in elevation, exposure to trade winds, and rainfall patterns. These microclimates support a variety of habitats, including rainforests, dry forests, shrublands, bogs, and coastal dunes. The diverse habitats have led to the evolution of numerous specialized plant species.
  • Evolutionary Pressure: With limited space and resources available, Hawaiian plants have undergone many changes, where a single ancestral species gives rise to multiple descendant species that occupy different ecological niches. This process has led to the development of unique plant forms, growth habits, and reproductive strategies.
  • Lack of Herbivores: Before human arrival, the Hawaiian Islands had no native land mammals, and there were limited herbivorous insects and birds. This absence of large herbivores and plant-eating predators allowed plants to evolve without the same level of herbivory pressures found in other ecosystems. As a result, some Hawaiian plants have lost their physical defenses, such as thorns or tough leaves, and have instead developed vibrant flowers and fragrances to attract pollinators.
  • Human Impact: While the isolation and unique environmental conditions contributed to the development of distinctive plant species in Hawai'i, human activities have also influenced the plant diversity. Introduction of non-native plant species, habitat destruction, and climate change pose significant threats to the native Hawaiian flora.
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Discover our Hawaiian Plants

‘Awapuhi ‘ula ‘ula (Red Ginger)

Also known as “bitter ginger”, this plant has been used for centuries as a shampoo and conditioner. The red bulbous...

Awapuhi ‘ula ‘ula, or Red Ginger, while native to Malaysia has a special place in Hawaii due to its vibrant beauty and cultural significance.
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Melia (Plumeria)

Discover the Enchanting Beauty of Hawaiian Plumeria (Melia) Plumerias are not native to Hawaiʻi but have been widely cultivated and...

Explore the allure of Hawaiian Plumeria: vibrant hues, captivating fragrance, and cultural elegance in a tropical floral paradise.
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Pōhuehue (Beach Morning Glory)

This coastal plant thrives in dry, windy, salty and sandy conditions, making it an excellent option for erosion control in...

Pōhuehue, known as Beach Morning Glory, is often seen growing in conjunction with kaunaoa, a spaghetti-like vine that grows atop the plant.
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‘Ulu (Breadfruit)

Breadfruit was one of the two foods that could replace Kalo as a staple food in certain areas of Hawai’i....

Breadfruit (Ulu) was one of the two foods that could replace Kalo as a staple food in Hawai’i. It is cooked and pounded into a poi ‘ulu.
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ʻUala (Hawaiian Sweet Potato)

ʻUala, also known as Hawaiian sweet potato, is a starchy root vegetable that has been a staple crop in Hawaiʻi...

The Hawaiian sweet potato, also known as ‘uala in Hawaiian, is a staple crop in Hawaii with a rich history and cultural significance.
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Hala (Screwpine, pineapple tree, walking tree)

The hala tree, also known as the screwpine, pineapple tree, or walking tree, is a unique and versatile plant found...

Discover the rich cultural significance, unique features, and practical uses of the Hala tree to the people of Maui, Hawaii.
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Hau (Sea Hibiscus, Coastal Cottonwood)

Hau can be seen growing in low elevation environments in somewhat dry conditions. It is a true hibiscus, meaning it...

Hau (Sea Hibiscus) grow in low elevation environments in dry conditions. It flowers year round, but blossoms only last for one day.
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Pua Kenikeni (Perfume Flower, Ten Cent Flower)

The Pua Kenikeni, (Perfume Flower) a non-native small spreading tree or large shrub of Hawaii, are popular on the island for making lei.
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‘Ōhi‘a ‘ai (Mountain Apple)

The ʻōhiʻa ʻai is a member of the myrtle family (Myrtaceae) and is related to other plants like guava and...

The Mountain Apple (‘Ōhi‘a ‘ai) is an edible fruit that can be consumed when raw and ripe. In Hawai’i, the fruits are consumed the same way a Pacific Northwest apple is eaten.
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Due to weather

Maui Ocean Center is expecting higher-than-usual attendance.  We recommend purchasing tickets in advance.

As an indoor and outdoor attraction, we suggest bringing an umbrella or raincoat.

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