Guide to Flowers in Hawaiian Culture

Flowers hold a profound place in Hawaiian culture, embodying the spirit of Aloha—love, peace, and compassion. They are not merely decorative but carry deep symbolic meanings, historical significance, and roles in traditions, ceremonies, and daily life. From ancient times to modern practices, flowers connect people to the land, ancestors, and each other. This guide explores their history, symbolism, uses, and etiquette, drawing from traditional knowledge and cultural practices.

Historical Significance

The use of flowers in Hawaiian culture dates back to ancient Polynesian voyagers who brought plants and traditions to the islands. Flowers were initially used in adornments to signify peace agreements between tribes, mark social status, and honor the gods. Chiefs wore elaborate floral garlands to symbolize their divine connection and elevated rank. Over time, these practices evolved, influenced by interactions with other Pacific cultures like Tahiti and Samoa, where florals were used in leis as gifts to gods and to honor one another. By the 19th century, flowers like carnations were introduced by immigrants, expanding the variety used in traditions. Today, flowers remain central to Hawaiian identity, celebrated on Lei Day (May 1st) and in everyday expressions of affection.

Common Flowers and Their Symbolism

Hawaiian culture features a rich array of native and introduced flowers, each with unique characteristics and meanings. Many are endemic to the islands, adapted to volcanic soils and diverse ecosystems. Below are key flowers, their descriptions, symbolism, and common uses:

Hibiscus (Maʻo Hau Hele): Large, vibrant blooms in yellow (Hawaii's state flower), red, pink, or white; short-lived (one day). Symbolizes beauty, grace, hospitality, royalty, and tribute to Laka (goddess of hula). Used in leis, hair adornments, casual arrangements; historically worn by royalty.

Plumeria (Frangipani): Fragrant, five-petaled flowers in white, yellow, pink, or red; clustered on trees. Symbolizes love, beauty, romance, new beginnings, positivity, and the spirit of Aloha. Used in leis for welcomes and milestones; easy to string due to soft texture.

ʻŌhiʻa Lehua: Bright red or yellow fuzzy blossoms on twisted trees; first to grow on lava flows. Symbolizes resilience, love, fidelity, cycle of life and rebirth; sacred to Pele (volcano goddess). Used in traditional leis, ceremonies; picking may bring rain (per legend).

Pikake (Jasmine): Small, white, intensely fragrant buds; named after Princess Kaʻiulani. Symbolizes romance, grace, joy, love, and hospitality. Used in wedding leis, hula adornments; strung with rosebuds or orchids.

Orchid: Diverse colors and shapes; three native species among thousands worldwide; long-lasting. Symbolizes strength, resilience, beauty, love, and Aloha. Used in formal leis for weddings and celebrations.

Ginger: Tall spikes in red (passion, wealth) or white (love); fragrant and exotic. Symbolizes passion, tolerance, affection (varies by color). Used in ceremonial arrangements and leis.

Tuberose: White, waxy flowers with a strong, sweet scent. Symbolizes love, sensuality, remembrance, spiritual connection. Used in memorial leis and personal milestones.

ʻIlima: Small, orange-yellow blooms; Oahu's official flower, related to hibiscus. Symbolizes good luck, royalty, respect. Used in leis as gifts of affection or tribute.

Carnation: Ruffled petals in red (love), white (purity), pink (gratitude). Symbolizes love, admiration, good luck, gratitude. Used in versatile leis for various occasions.

Mokihana: Small green berries from a Kauai-native tree; spicy scent. Symbolizes cultural rarity and tradition. Used in traditional leis for ceremonies.

Non-floral elements like ti leaves (good fortune), maile leaves, kukui nuts (enlightenment), and ferns often complement flowers, adding texture and symbolism.

The Tradition of Leis

Leis are garlands symbolizing love, friendship, respect, and Aloha, made by stringing, weaving, or braiding flowers and other materials. Techniques include kui (piercing with a needle), haku (weaving on a base), hili (braiding), and wili (twisting). They are given at arrivals, weddings, graduations, funerals, and luaus as gestures of affection or honor. For example, green maile leis are used at funerals to symbolize respect. To make a simple plumeria lei, gather 50-60 fresh blossoms, thread them onto a string using a needle, and tie the ends—ensuring flowers face outward for fullness.

Wearing Flowers: Behind the Ear and Other Adornments

A cherished tradition is wearing a single flower behind the ear, which conveys relationship status: right ear for single/available, left ear for taken/married. This practice, common among women, adds a touch of elegance and cultural flair at events like luaus. Other adornments include haku lei (head crowns) for hula or weddings, kupeʻe (wrist/ankle bands) to accentuate movements in dance, and hei lei (hip garlands) for traditional performances. Hair picks with flowers enhance updos, symbolizing joy and celebration.

Flowers in Legends and Myths

Hawaiian folklore weaves flowers into stories of love and nature. The legend of the ʻŌhiʻa and Lehua tells of lovers transformed by jealous goddess Pele: Ohia into a tree, Lehua into its flower, symbolizing eternal fidelity. Picking a Lehua is said to cause rain—Lehua's tears of separation. Such tales underscore respect for nature and enduring love, influencing art, songs, and dances.

Uses in Ceremonies, Hula, and Daily Life

In hula, flowers adorn dancers to honor Laka and enhance storytelling through movement. At weddings, pikake leis symbolize romance; at funerals, tuberose connects to the spiritual realm. Medicinally, plants like kukui provided oil and remedies. Daily, flowers are offered to ancestors or the land, hung on trees as memorials, or used in food wrapping with ti leaves.

Etiquette and Respect

Respect is paramount: accept leis graciously, as refusal may reject Aloha, but politely decline if allergic or pregnant (closed leis are bad luck for expectant mothers). Avoid exploiting traditions—wear leis with cultural awareness, not as fashion. Use biodegradable materials in nature, and never pick protected native plants like ʻōhiʻa lehua from trails. Pregnant women traditionally avoid certain leis like maile for spiritual reasons.

Conservation and Modern Context

Many native flowers face threats like invasive species and diseases (e.g., Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death). Conservation efforts preserve them in parks like Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Modernly, flowers blend tradition with tourism, seen in luaus and crafts, but emphasis remains on sustainability and cultural integrity.