Hawaiian Flowers and their Island's Representation - By: Allan Michael Taylor

Hawaii is known in the world as America's 50th state and because it has eight major islands, it also popularly recognized as the Hawaiian groups of islands. Hawaii is located in the northern part of the Pacific Ocean. Because of its natural elements such as its exotic flora and fauna and beautiful pristine beaches, it became known to be the land natural beauty. No wonder so many people from different states prefer to have their vacations in this islands' paradise. Its rich volcanic soils also favorably produce lush vegetations of beautiful tropical plants and this is why Hawaii is very popular for its amazing Hawaiian tropical flowers.

Hawaii is also admired by its traditional brand of giving Hawaiian flower leis to all tourists who come to Hawaii. When a lei is given to you, it symbolizes you are most welcome in this amazing island.

There are actually so many types of tropical plants in Hawaii that are endemic on each island. Because of the island's varying elevation and climate, different Hawaiian tropical flowers exist. For one, the Plumeria which is known for its soft pink or white star-shaped petals and commonly grown on the Big Island is used on making leis. Another lei flower is the Ohia Lehua and it can be easily familiarized by its bright colored needle-like petals. It is the official bloom of the Big Island.

Hawaiian tropical flowers can be easily identified by their tropical look. They are brightly colored when they get more sunlight and the plants are very resistant to hot weather. The yellow Hibiscus is the official state flower of Hawaii and it can grow better on areas where there is more sunlight. Known locally as Pua aloalo, it is the state's official flower since the 1920s. It now comes in varieties of color such as pink, white, purple, and red. The yellow Hibiscus was selected among all other varieties because people say it represents the Aloha spirit and all the things that represents Hawaii.

Hawaii has eight major islands and these are the Big Island (capital island of Hawaii), Maui, Koho'olawe, Lana'i, Moloka'i, Kaua'i, O'ahu, and Ni'ihau. Each island also has its own Hawaiian tropical flowers to be proud of as well as each own official flower. For Maui, the pink Lokelani represent the island. The Koho'olawe Island which is almost unpopulated is represented by the Hinahina plant, while Oahu's official flower is the yellow Ilima.

Lana'i is officially represented by the yellow and orange vine Kaunaoa, the white Kukui blossom represents Molokai, and Kaua'i's official flora is not a flower but a bushy plant which is the anise-scented Mohikana. Last on the list is the Ni'ihau Island which is represented by the white Pupu sea shell. Hawaii is also popular for its tropical proverbial plants like the orchids, anthuriums, heliconias (birds of paradise) and ginger. Though some of these species did not originate from Hawaii, they all become symbols as Hawaii's tropical flora and the island's representation to the world.

About the Author

Michael Jennings has many interests in topics ranging from gardening to travel to car repair. While travelling to Hawaii and seeing the beauty all around the islands, this helped to drive a desire to write about it. View hawaiian flowers or just visit at Hubpages.

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