YELLOW HIBISCUS - THE HAWAII STATE FLOWER

Hawaii State Flower and Island Flowers

Hawaii knows many species of flowers, but the Hibiscus definitely is the one most associated with Hawaii. The Hibiscus belongs to a large family, many of which are to be found in Asia. However, the yellow Hibiscus Brackenridgei is original to Hawaii, and is its State flower. It is also known as the pua aloalo. In addition to the yellow Hibiscus Brackenbridgei, every island of Hawaii has its own official flower. To every island and flower there is also an official colour attached. To sum it up, the Big Island is represented by the colour red and the red Ohia blossom. The colour pink and the sweet rose Lokelani are symbols of Maui Island. The yellow Ilima represents the island Oahu, while the colour green and the (white) blossom of the Kukui tree symbolize Molokai. The orange Kaunaoa plant represents the island of Lanai. The island Nihau is not represented by a real flower but by a seashell, the Pupu shell. The white Hinahina flower is the symbol of Kahoolaw Island. Ultimately, the island of Kauai is not represented by a flower, but by a green berry that grows on the Mokihana. The Mokihana is a native citrus tree.

History of the Hibiscus

It is believed that there are only five species of Hibiscus that originated from Hawaii. Other species found their origin in Asia and the Pacific islands. In the early twenties, the Hibiscus Brackenbridgei was adopted as the official Territorial flower of Hawaii. It kept this status throughout the 20th century, but only in 1988 its yellow colour was defined as the official colour for the Hibiscus representing the State of Hawaii. Before 1988, the official hibiscus could have any colour. Additionally, it was not until 1988 that the flower could represent the State of Hawaii, because before that time the territorial status of the group of islands was unclear.