A Visitor's Guide to Hawaiian Flowers (What to Look for & Where to See Them!)🌸

Discovering the fragrant flowers of Hawaii is one of the best things about visiting. Here are a few beautiful tropical flowers to look for.

When you step off the plane in Hawaii, the fragrant scent of plumeria in the tropical air is likely one of the first things you’ll notice.

The beautiful tropical flowers of Hawaii are everywhere—lining roadsides, climbing trellises, blooming in hotel gardens, and tucked behind ears.

Hawaii’s tropical climate means you’ll find tropical plants and colorful blossoms year-round, from native plants with deep roots in Hawaiian culture to flowers introduced from around the world that have thrived in the islands.

But the amazing flowers in the Hawaiian archipelago aren’t just beautiful.

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They also carry deep cultural significance and are used in traditional Hawaiian lei, ceremonies, and everyday life. When you visit Hawaii, getting to know the local flora and fauna is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the Polynesian culture.

So today, let’s talk about some of the most common Hawaiian flowers you’ll see during your visit and where to find them.

First up, the flower you’ll probably spot the minute you step off the plane.

1. Hibiscus

The Hawaiian hibiscus is the quintessential Hawaiian flower. Its large, showy petals come in a rainbow of colors, from classic red to pink, orange, and white.

Kula Country Farms Hibiscus waimeae — White Kauai Hibiscus at Kula Country Farms on Maui

The yellow hibiscus (Hibiscus brackenridgei) is Hawaii’s state flower and is found mostly on the Big Island. The solid yellow is rare to find; more often you’ll see a yellow hibiscus with a red center.

Yellow Hibiscus Hawaii State Flower — Hawaii State Flower – Yellow Hibiscus

Where you’ll see it: Everywhere—front yards, resorts, parking lots, roadside hedges.
Cultural note: Often worn behind the ear, hibiscus flowers are symbols of beauty and femininity.

2. Plumeria

With its sweet fragrance and star-shaped petals, the plumeria flower is one of the most beloved flowers in Hawaii. There are thousands of varieties of plumeria with blossoms ranging from creamy white to deep pink and yellow.

Hawaiian Flowers Pink Plumeria — JL Hokulea Plumeria

You will spot them everywhere around Hawaii (though you’ll likely smell them before you see them!). Though not native to Hawaii, it’s become an iconic symbol (and scent!) of Hawaii.

Tip: If you love plumeria, you will adore the fun tour at the family-owned Little Plumeria Farms on Oahu’s North Shore. It’s one of my favorite things to do on the North Shore.

JL Strawberry Guava Plumeria Little Plumeria Farms North Shore Oahu Hawaiian Flowers — JL Strawberry Guava Plumeria at Little Plumeria Farms

Where you’ll see it: Often strung into leis, scattered across hotel grounds, and blooming along neighborhood streets. There’s also an incredible (free) plumeria grove tucked behind the Koko Head crater (and no, you don’t have to do the challenging railway stairs hike to see it!)
Cultural note: Worn behind the right ear to show you’re single and the left ear if taken.

3. Orchids

Hawaii is home to both native Hawaiian orchids and countless imported varieties that flourish in the tropical climate.

Cattleya Orchids Volcano Queen Hybrid Hawaiian Flowers Foster Botanical Garden Oahu — Cattleya Orchids Volcano Queen Hybrid

They’re prized for their delicate beauty and intricate patterns. From wild orchids spotted on a hike to elaborate displays in gardens, they’re everywhere.

Queen Kapiolani Statue Orchid Lei Day — Queen Kapiolani Statue Adorned with Orchid Lei on Lei Day

Where you’ll see it: Floral arrangements, weddings, lei, and botanical gardens.
Cultural note: Orchids symbolize love, refinement, and beauty.

4. Bird of Paradise

The bird of paradise flower is impossible to miss. Its spiky orange and blue petals resemble a tropical bird in flight.

While it’s one of many non-native flowers you’ll spot (it’s originally from South Africa), it thrives in Hawaii’s warm climate and has become a favorite for landscaping.

Bird of Paradise Waikiki Oahu Hawaii — Bird of Paradise in Waikiki

Where you’ll see it: Hotel gardens, public parks, and tropical landscaping across all islands.
Cultural note: Often used in floral arrangements as a bold, exotic statement.

5. Anthurium

With its glossy, heart-shaped spathes in red, pink, and white, the anthurium is one of Hawaii’s most recognizable flowers. Originally from South America, it’s been grown here for decades and is often exported.

Foster Botanical Garden Oahu Hawaii Flowers Anthurium — Anthurium at Oahu’s Foster Botanical Garden

Where you’ll see it: In hotels, at luaus, and sold at farmers’ markets and flower shops.
Cultural note: A symbol of hospitality, often given as a welcoming gift.

6. Red Ginger

Tall, dramatic spikes of red ginger make this tropical flower a showstopper. Though non-native, it flourishes in Hawaii’s gardens and adds a lush, jungle-like feel.

Hawaiian Flowers Red Ginger Waimea Valley Oahu — Red Ginger at Waimea Valley

Where you’ll see it: Botanical gardens, rainforest areas, and landscaped grounds.
Cultural note: Popular in tropical floral arrangements for its vibrant color.

7. ʻŌhiʻa Lehua

The ʻōhiʻa lehua is one of Hawaii’s most important native flowers. Its pompom-like blooms (often red, but also orange and yellow) grow on the ʻōhiʻa tree, which is the first to sprout on new lava flows. It’s closely tied to the fire goddess Pele.

Ohia Lehua Big Island Volcanoes National Park Hawaii — ‘Ōhi’a Lehua at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Where you’ll see it: Volcano areas on the Big Island and across native forests.
Cultural note: The lehua is deeply symbolic of Hawaiian resilience, love, and the islands’ volcanic origins.

8. Naupaka

The naupaka is one of Hawaii’s most unique flowers, appearing as if only half the blossom has bloomed.

Hawaiian legend tells of two lovers separated by the gods—one banished to the mountains, the other to the sea. The half-flowers represent their eternal separation.

Where you’ll see it: Two varieties—naupaka kahakai (coastal) grows along sandy beaches, while naupaka kuahiwi (mountain) is found in higher elevations.
Cultural note: A reminder of enduring love and longing.

9. Pikake

Known for its sweet fragrance, pikake is a small white flower often woven into leis for weddings and special occasions. Brought to the Hawaiian Islands in the 1800s, the flower soon became a favorite of the royals.

Especially Princess Kaiulani, Hawaii’s last crown princess, who adored the delicate white flowers. She also loved peacocks and gave the flower its Hawaiian name “pikake,” the Hawaiian word for peacock.

Where you’ll see it: Lei shops, gardens, and around residential areas.
Cultural note: A favorite for bridal lei, symbolizing love and romance.

10. Heliconia

With its bold, tropical look, heliconia is a showstopper. Its brightly colored bracts resemble lobster claws, earning it the nickname “lobster claw plant.”

Though not native, it’s a popular choice in botanical gardens and landscaping. And while most are red and yellow, I found this pink one at Oahu’s Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden.

Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden Sexy Pink Heliconia Chartacea Hawaii — Sexy Pink Heliconia at Oahu’s Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden

Where you’ll see it: Hotel gardens, botanical gardens, and tropical plantings across the islands.
Cultural note: Known for its ornamental value and dramatic shape.

Where to See Hawaiian Flowers

While you’ll spot flowers everywhere—from roadsides to hotel grounds—the best way to experience the full range of Hawaiian flowers is at one of Hawaii’s incredible botanical gardens.

Here are the top botanical gardens on the main Hawaiian islands, plus a few more of my favorite places on each island for flower spotting.

Oahu

Botanical Gardens: Honolulu’s Foster Botanical Garden, Lyon Arboretum (near the trailhead for the Manoa Falls hike), Koko Crater Botanical Garden, Wahiawā Botanical Garden, and Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden (one of the best free things to do on Oahu!)

As an Oahu resident, I also spot beauty in random places all the time in my neighborhood. Like this lovely hibiscus sprucing up a Waikiki parking lot.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Waikiki Hawaii — Hibiscus rosa-sinensis spotted in Waikiki

Oahu Bonus! Waimanalo Country Farms

No, sunflowers are not native to Hawaii. But if you LOVE a beautiful sunflower field, head to Waimanalo Country Farms between mid-May and mid-July. The annual sunflower event at this 6th-generation Oahu family farm is a summertime must-do for incredible photo ops.

They also have an annual Fall Harvest Event with a pumpkin patch and hayrides (bonus: the sunflowers are still blooming in the fall!).

Waimanalo Country Farms Oahu Hawaii — Sunflower fields at Waimanalo Country Farms

Maui

Botanical Gardens: Kula Botanical Garden, Kahanu Garden

Upcountry Maui is one of the best places to see a wide variety of unique flowers. For example, I love wandering the lush grounds at Kula Country Farms.

Kula Country Farms King Protea or Protea cynaroides — King Protea spotted on Maui at Kula Country Farms

You’ll also notice some unique blooms at Maui Wine, the island’s popular winery.

Maui Wine Jade Vine Strongylodon macrobotrys — Jade Vine Strongylodon macrobotrys spotted at Maui Wine

And, of course, if there’s one unique plant or flower you don’t want to miss on Maui, it’s the incredible silversword.

Found only on the high-altitude volcanic slopes of Haleakalā on Maui and on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on the Big Island, the rare silversword plant is a unique sight.

Haleakala Silversword Maui Hawaii — Haleakala Silversword on Maui

With a lifespan of 3 to 90 years, they flower only once in their lifetime (just before they die), sending up a soaring stalk of gorgeous deep purple blooms. If you’re fortunate enough to spot one in bloom, you’ll never forget it!

Big Island

Botanical Gardens: Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, Nani Mau Gardens

To spot the ʻōhiʻa lehua, head to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. But keep your eyes open for tropical beauty everywhere you go around the island.

For example, I spotted this gorgeous hibiscus at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort.

Tropical Hibiscus Westin Hapuna Beach Resort Big Island Hawaii — Beautiful hibiscus spotted on the Big Island at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort

Kauai

Botanical Gardens: Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens (reservations required), Allerton Garden, Limahuli Garden

There’s a reason Kauai is nicknamed the “Garden Isle.” You’ll find beautiful flowers just about everywhere around Kauai.

For example, this gorgeous hibiscus I spotted near the lobby at the Hilton Garden Inn Wailua Bay Kauai, one of Kauai’s best budget-friendly hotels.

Flowers in Hawaii Lavender Hibiscus Kauai — Lavender hibiscus spotted on Kauai

Or this beauty I stumbled across in the parking lot at Longs Drugs in Kapaa…

Tropical Hibiscus Pink Kauai Longs Drugs Kapaa — Tropical beauty in a parking lot on Kauai

People say you should always stop and smell the flowers. My husband would say I always stop and photograph them. (Okay, he’s not wrong.)

The beauty of the islands stays with you

Hawaii’s flowers are more than just beautiful—they’re a huge part of Hawaiian culture and traditions.

So whether you’re wandering through a botanical garden, hiking past native ʻōhiʻa lehua in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, or simply admiring the landscaping at your hotel, take time to notice the Hawaiian flora.

Long after you get home, these fragrant blooms will always transport you back to Hawaii.