Hawaii Flowers: 22 Stunning Tropical Blooms

Hawaii flowers are world-renowned for their stunning colors, exotic shapes, and deep cultural significance. Across the islands, these blooms thrive in the tropical climate, filling gardens, forests, and coastal areas with beauty and fragrance. From the delicate hibiscus to the striking bird of paradise, each flower carries a story—whether it’s a symbol of hospitality, a traditional lei adornment, or a native plant that supports the islands’ fragile ecosystem.

In this guide, we’ll highlight 22 of the most beautiful Hawaii flowers, including native species and tropical favorites that have become synonymous with the islands. Whether you’re a gardener, a traveler, or simply a flower enthusiast, these blooms capture the essence of paradise.

Table of Contents

1. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)

The bird of paradise is one of the most iconic tropical flowers seen in Hawaiian landscapes. With its bright orange and blue petals resembling a bird in flight, it thrives in the islands’ warm climate.

Blooming season: Year-round in tropical climates
Growing tip: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil
Fun fact: Despite its tropical look, it’s native to South Africa but has become a beloved feature in Hawaii gardens.

Its striking appearance makes it a popular ornamental flower for landscaping and floral arrangements.

2. Heliconias

Heliconias are some of the most visually striking Hawaii flowers, often called “lobster claws” or “false bird of paradise” due to their unique, claw-shaped bracts. These bright red, yellow, or orange blooms add a tropical flair to gardens and thrive in Hawaii’s warm, humid environment.

Blooming season: Mostly summer, with some varieties year-round
Growing tip: Requires partial shade, rich soil, and consistent moisture
Fun fact: The actual flowers are small and hidden inside the colorful bracts, attracting hummingbirds and pollinators.

Heliconias are a favorite in Hawaiian landscapes for their dramatic height and exotic appearance, making them perfect for tropical gardens and floral displays.

3. Flowering Maple | Ko’oloa ‘ula (Abutilon menziesii)

The flowering maple, known locally as Ko’oloa ‘ula, is a rare native shrub that produces soft, bell-shaped red or pink flowers. This endangered species is cherished for its ornamental appeal and its role in preserving Hawaii’s unique ecosystem.

Blooming season: Primarily spring through fall
Growing tip: Requires dry, sunny areas and is often grown in conservation gardens
Fun fact: Its velvety leaves and delicate flowers make it a favorite among native plant enthusiasts.

As one of the few naturally occurring Hawaii flowers, it plays an important part in native habitat restoration efforts.

4. Frangipani (Plumeria rubra)

The frangipani, or plumeria, is one of the most recognizable Hawaii flowers, often used to craft fragrant leis. Its petals range from white and yellow to pink and deep red, with a sweet, tropical fragrance that lingers in the evening air.

Blooming season: Spring through early fall
Growing tip: Thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil
Cultural note: In Hawaiian tradition, wearing a plumeria behind your left ear signifies you’re taken, while the right ear means you’re single.

Plumerias are not native to Hawaii, but they have become an essential part of the islands’ floral identity.

5. Māmane (Sophora chrysophylla)

The māmane tree produces clusters of bright yellow blooms and is an important native Hawaii flower species, particularly in high-elevation areas of the Big Island and Maui.

Blooming season: Spring to early summer
Growing tip: Prefers dry, upland regions and can tolerate volcanic soil
Fun fact: This tree is crucial for the survival of the endangered palila bird, which feeds on its seeds and flowers.

In addition to its ecological value, the māmane’s golden blooms add bursts of color to Hawaii’s higher landscapes.

6. Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea is one of the most vibrant Hawaii flowers, known for its brilliant pink, purple, red, or orange bracts that blanket fences, trellises, and walls. Its papery, petal-like bracts surround tiny white flowers, creating a dramatic tropical display.

Blooming season: Nearly year-round in Hawaii’s climate
Growing tip: Prefers full sun and thrives in well-drained soil with minimal watering
Fun fact: Bougainvillea is drought-tolerant and often used as a low-maintenance ornamental plant for bright color.

This versatile plant is often seen climbing along Hawaiian properties, providing splashes of color across the islands.

7. Flamingo Lily (Anthurium andraeanum)

The flamingo lily, or anthurium, is a glossy, heart-shaped bloom that comes in vibrant shades of red, pink, white, and green. This tropical favorite is among the most popular Hawaii flowers for indoor arrangements and leis.

Blooming season: Year-round in humid, shaded areas
Growing tip: Requires filtered light, warm temperatures, and consistently moist soil
Fun fact: Anthuriums are long-lasting as cut flowers and can brighten any tropical bouquet for weeks.

Its sleek and shiny appearance has made the anthurium a signature flower for Hawaiian hotels, gardens, and events.

8. Dwarf Poinciana (Caesalpinia pulcherrima)

The dwarf poinciana, also called the peacock flower, is a small tropical shrub with fiery red, orange, and yellow blossoms. Its fern-like foliage and clusters of blooms make it a striking choice for sunny Hawaiian landscapes.

Blooming season: Late spring through fall
Growing tip: Thrives in dry, sunny locations and tolerates poor soil
Fun fact: Although not native, it’s widely used in xeriscaping due to its drought tolerance.

Its bright blooms add bursts of tropical energy to gardens and roadsides across the islands.

9. Yellow Hibiscus | Ma’o Hau Hele (Hibiscus brackenridgei)

The yellow hibiscus is Hawaii’s state flower and a true native treasure. Known locally as Ma’o Hau Hele, it features large, golden petals with a deep red or maroon center.

Blooming season: Spring to early fall
Growing tip: Requires full sun and well-drained soil; often grown in native gardens
Fun fact: This rare native species symbolizes Hawaiian heritage and is highly protected.

Among Hawaii flowers, the yellow hibiscus stands out as a cultural icon and a must-see for flower enthusiasts.

10. Fragrant White Hibiscus | Koki’o ke’oke’o (Hibiscus arnottianus)

The fragrant white hibiscus is the only hibiscus species in the world with a natural fragrance. Native to Oahu and Molokai, this elegant bloom is a prized example of native Hawaii flowers.

Blooming season: Year-round with peak in spring and summer
Growing tip: Thrives in moist, shaded areas and benefits from regular pruning
Fun fact: The sweet fragrance attracts pollinators and has made it a favorite in Hawaiian gardens for generations.

This white hibiscus is both rare and symbolic of the islands’ natural beauty.

11. Kauai White Hibiscus | Koki’o kea (Hibiscus waimeae)

The Kauai white hibiscus, or Koki’o kea, is a rare native bloom found primarily in the wild forests of Kauai. Its large, snow-white petals with a soft fragrance make it one of the most delicate Hawaii flowers.

Blooming season: Early spring through summer
Growing tip: Prefers moist, partially shaded environments typical of Kauai’s mountain slopes
Fun fact: This hibiscus opens early in the morning and fades by afternoon, adding a fleeting beauty to its native habitat.

As a rare native species, it symbolizes the untouched elegance of Hawaii’s natural landscapes.

12. Red Kauai Rosemallow | Koki’o ‘ula’ula (Hibiscus clayi)

The red Kauai rosemallow is a striking, deep red hibiscus species native to the island of Kauai. Known locally as Koki’o ‘ula’ula, its vibrant color and rarity make it a highly valued Hawaii flower for conservation.

Blooming season: Primarily spring through early fall
Growing tip: Thrives in dry, sunny conditions and volcanic soils
Fun fact: This hibiscus is federally endangered and is protected in botanical gardens and nature reserves.

Its brilliant red blooms are a reminder of the islands’ unique flora and the importance of preservation efforts.

13. Linden Leaf Rosemallow | Akiohala (Hibiscus furcellatus)

The linden leaf rosemallow, or Akiohala, produces pink to purple blooms with darker centers. This native hibiscus species thrives in wetland areas, making it a distinctive member of Hawaii flowers.

Blooming season: Mostly spring and summer, with occasional blooms year-round
Growing tip: Best suited for wet or marshy areas where few other hibiscus thrive
Fun fact: Its heart-shaped leaves resemble those of the linden tree, inspiring its name.

Because it grows in wet habitats, this hibiscus contributes to wetland biodiversity in the islands.

14. Sea Hibiscus | Hau (Hibiscus tiliaceus)

The sea hibiscus, or Hau, is a coastal tree producing large yellow blooms that gradually turn orange and then deep red before falling. Its color-changing flowers make it one of the most unique Hawaii flowers.

Blooming season: Year-round in coastal regions
Growing tip: Prefers sandy soil and is tolerant of salt spray, making it ideal for beachside planting
Fun fact: Historically, Hawaiians used its strong wood for canoe parts and its bark fibers for cordage.

The hau tree’s ever-changing blooms provide both beauty and cultural significance along Hawaii’s shores.

15. Native Red Hibiscus | Koki’o ‘ula (Hibiscus kokio)

The native red hibiscus, or Koki’o ‘ula, is a vivid scarlet bloom that grows in dry to mesic forests across the Hawaiian Islands. It’s one of the few native Hawaii flowers still found in the wild.

Blooming season: Mostly spring and summer
Growing tip: Requires sunny, dry locations and benefits from careful watering in home gardens
Fun fact: This hibiscus has played a role in Hawaiian lei-making traditions and native plant restoration projects.

Its bright red petals are a living representation of Hawaii’s floral heritage.

16. Red Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)

The red hibiscus is perhaps the most iconic tropical bloom and a common sight among Hawaii flowers. Its large, bright red petals and yellow-tipped stamens make it a favorite for gardens, leis, and decorative landscaping.

Blooming season: Year-round in Hawaii’s climate
Growing tip: Thrives in full sun with regular watering and well-drained soil
Fun fact: While not native to Hawaii, this hibiscus has become a beloved symbol of island life.

Its continuous blooms and vibrant color bring a classic tropical touch to any Hawaiian garden.

17. Dendrobium Orchids

Dendrobium orchids are delicate, long-lasting flowers frequently seen in Hawaiian leis and tropical arrangements. These elegant Hawaii flowers come in white, purple, pink, and bi-color varieties, often blooming in clusters along tall stems.

Blooming season: Year-round, with peak flowering in spring and summer
Growing tip: Prefers bright, indirect light and thrives in hanging baskets or mounted on trees
Fun fact: These orchids can last up to three weeks as cut flowers, making them a florist’s favorite.

Their exotic look and versatility make dendrobiums an essential part of Hawaii’s floral culture.

18. Vanda Orchid

The vanda orchid is one of the most colorful and showy orchids grown in Hawaii. Its blooms can be deep purple, bright blue, yellow, or even speckled, adding a splash of elegance to Hawaii flowers collections.

Blooming season: Several times a year under the right conditions
Growing tip: Needs high humidity, strong light, and good air circulation
Fun fact: Unlike most orchids, vandas can be grown without soil, often suspended in hanging baskets or mounted for maximum airflow.

This tropical showstopper is popular in Hawaiian floral displays and luxury leis.

19. Torch Ginger | Awapuhi-ko’oko’o (Etlingera elatior)

The torch ginger is a striking tropical bloom with tall, cone-shaped flower heads in shades of red, pink, or orange. As one of the most dramatic Hawaii flowers, it often towers over other garden plants.

Blooming season: Year-round in humid and shaded areas
Growing tip: Requires rich, moist soil and partial shade to thrive
Fun fact: Its buds are edible and often used in Southeast Asian cuisine, though in Hawaii it’s mainly ornamental.

Torch ginger is a favorite in tropical gardens for its architectural shape and brilliant color.

20. Red Ginger | Awapuhi ‘ula’ula (Alpinia purpurata)

The red ginger, or Awapuhi ‘ula’ula, is a lush, bright bloom that thrives in Hawaii’s warm, humid climate. Its cone-shaped flowers make it an eye-catching addition to any display of Hawaii flowers.

Blooming season: Year-round with peak in summer
Growing tip: Prefers partial shade, rich soil, and regular moisture
Fun fact: Despite its showy appearance, the “flower” is actually a colorful bract; the true flowers are small and white.

Red ginger is widely used in tropical landscaping and adds height and color to Hawaiian gardens.

21. White Ginger Lily | Awapuhi-ke’oke’o (Hedychium coronarium)

The white ginger lily, or Awapuhi-ke’oke’o, is a highly fragrant bloom that adds a touch of elegance to the collection of Hawaii flowers. Its soft white petals resemble butterflies and are often used in leis and home gardens for their soothing scent.

Blooming season: Late summer to early fall
Growing tip: Prefers moist, partially shaded locations and thrives in rich, well-drained soil
Fun fact: The flower’s fragrance intensifies in the evening, making it a favorite for nighttime gardens.

White ginger lilies are often planted near lanais or windows so their fragrance can drift through Hawaiian homes.

22. Blue Ginger (Dichorisandra thyrsiflora)

Despite its name, blue ginger is not a true ginger but a striking tropical plant with vibrant purple-blue flower clusters. Among Hawaii flowers, it is a unique ornamental option for shaded gardens.

Blooming season: Late summer through fall
Growing tip: Requires partial shade, high humidity, and rich soil to produce its vibrant blue blooms
Fun fact: Its deep blue hue is rare in tropical flowers, making it a favorite for collectors and exotic gardens.

Blue ginger adds a dramatic pop of color to Hawaiian landscapes and thrives as a statement plant in shaded garden corners.

Written by Molly 🌿

Founder of Grow Greenery Now, Molly’s gardening journey began in her grandmother’s sunlit vegetable patch. Every bloom she plants honors that legacy of patience, love, and quiet miracles. Through heartfelt stories and practical tips, she shares how gardening can be both soulful and sustainable.

Conclusion

Hawaii is truly a paradise for flower lovers. From the iconic plumeria and native hibiscus to rare orchids and towering gingers, these Hawaii flowers bring color, fragrance, and cultural meaning to the islands. Whether you’re exploring a botanical garden, hiking through native forests, or cultivating a tropical backyard, each bloom tells a story of beauty and biodiversity.

If you’re inspired to grow some of these flowers, consider native species to help preserve Hawaii’s delicate ecosystem and support local wildlife.