Native Hawaiian Plants: My Plant ID Guide
In Hawaiʻi, there are roughly 1,400 native Hawaiian plants, with many more hybrids, varieties, and subspecies, making the actual number much bigger!
That being said, this is my long running list of native Hawaiian plant observations from across the islands, and all of the photos are my own.
My Hawaiian plant ID is good, not perfect. Therefore, if you think I’ve made a mistake, please leave a comment below. I’d love to know more.
Furthermore, this resource linked here is a great list, including many of the roughly 1,400 native Hawaiian plants. However, the problem is that many of the photos are old and unrecognizable. On top of this, you need to know exactly what you are looking for to make it useful because all of the plants are all grouped by genus.
For these reasons, I hope the following list is a more useful resource for anyone curious about this amazing subject.
Sharing Plant Locations
I wish location information didn’t have to be such a touchy subject, but I’ve been made aware of some pretty disgusting people out there. There’s vandalism, there’s theft, and there’s even a bit of a black market for rare species.
Since I’ve come to learn this, I am doing my best to exclude any information about plants that are rare or uncommon to find.
Therefore, if you think I made any mistakes or should exclude something specific, please comment below and tell me why.
In any case, I ask that you please use this information responsibly, as many Hawaiian species are endangered and always on the verge of extinction.
My Native Hawaiian Plant Observations
This list is in alphabetical order by the Hawaiian names, not the scientific.
However, since this post is so long, I recommend searching the page by the genus, or if you know the common name, you can skip through the page by clicking one of the links below.
ʻAʻaliʻi / Kūmakani
(Dodonaea viscosa) [Indigenous] - ʻAʻaliʻi grows on all eight of the major Hawaiian Islands, from sea level under dry conditions to high mountainous environments under wet conditions.
Additionally, ʻAʻaliʻi can be male, female, or both on the same plant (monoecious).
These photos are from Mt. Kaʻala, the Mauna Loa Trail, and the Tom Tom Trail.
ʻAe
(Polypodium pellucidum var. vulcanicum) [Endemic] - Polypodium pellucidum can be found across the Hawaiian Islands, but Polypodium pellucidum var. vulcanicum is only endemic to Molokai, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
ʻAeʻae
(Lycium sandwicense) [Indigenous] - L. sandwicense is a coastal-growing plant found on all eight of the main Hawaiian Islands, and it plays an important role in maintaining shoreline integrity, like Naupaka.
I took this photo at Kahuku Point.
ʻAhakea lau nui
(Bobea elatior) [Endemic] - B. elatior is native to Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
That being said, B. elatior can sometimes look similar to Psychotria mariniana, but to tell the difference between ʻAhakea lau nui and Kōpiko, look for the differences in the fruits and how they grow out from the meristem. Kōpiko grows with structure straight up and out, while ʻAhakea lau nui grows out and drupes over, like the flower pictures below.
There are also subtle differences in the leaves that can be more difficult to notice. However, the last picture is a great side-by-side comparison.
I took these photos on Puʻu Kōnāhuanui Ridge, and the Papali Ridge Trail.
ʻAhaniu / ʻUki / ʻUki Grass
(Machaerina angustifolia) [Indigenous] - M. angustifolia is a very common wet forest species that can be found on all the main islands, except Niʻihau and Kahoʻolawe.
I took this photo on Hawaiʻi Loa Ridge Trail, as well as the Kaulana Manu Nature Trail.
ʻĀhinahina
(Argyroxiphium sandwicense subsp. macrocephalum) [Endemic] - This Argyroxiphium subspecies is endemic to Haleakalā on Maui.
Furthermore, both ʻĀhinahina subspecies are very slow-growing monocarpic species that are adapted to the alpine deserts on Maui and Hawaiʻi Island.
That being said, it typically doesn’t rain or snow often in these environments, so ʻĀhinahina generally gets its moisture from the clouds as they pass by, and the water is then directed back down toward the base.
Since this is such an easy species for thousands of people to come across within the National Park, this may be the only endangered species on my post where the location information is just too obvious to hide.
(Argyroxiphium sandwicense subsp. sandwicense) [Endemic] - A. sandwicense subsp. sandwicense is the other endemic subspecies, which is only native to Hawaiʻi Island.
ʻAhuʻawa
(Cyperus javanicus) [Indigenous] - ʻAhuʻawa is a lowland, dry, grassy species that grows on all of the major Hawaiian Islands, as well as the Northwestern Islands.
ʻAkiohala / Hau hele
(Hibiscus furcellatus) [Indigenous] - Excluding subspecies and variations, there are seven native Hawaiian Hibiscus species, all of which you can find in this article. They are:
Hibiscus arnottianus
Hibiscus brackenridgei
Hibiscus clayi
Hibiscus furcellatus
Hibiscus kokio
Hibiscus tiliaceus
Hibiscus waimeae
That being said, Hibiscus furcellatus is one of two indigenous Hawaiian Hibiscus species, and it can be found on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
Akaʻawa
(Smilax melastomifolia) [Endemic] - Akaʻawa can be found on all the main islands, except Kahoʻolawe and Niʻihau, in upper elevation, high rainfall environments.
Personally, I often see Akaʻawa trailing its way over the dense Uluhe fern.
These photos were taken on both Schofield-Waikāne, and the Kīpuka Puaulu Trail.
ʻĀkala / Hawaiian Raspberry
(Rubus hawaiensis) [Endemic] - R. hawaiensis is one of two native raspberry species in Hawaiʻi, and it’s also the most widespread of the two, being found on Maui, Molokai, Kauaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island.
That being said, I’m not sure why I’ve been taught that ʻĀkala has lost its mainland defenses (thorns), as both species absolutely have prominent thorns along the stems.
I took these photos on the Mauna Loa Trail.
(Rubus macraei) [Endemic] - R macraei is an upper-elevation species endemic to Maui and the Big Island only.
ʻĀkia
(Wikstroemia forbesii) [Endemic]
(Wikstroemia oahuensis var. oahuensis) [Endemic] - Out of the 12 ʻĀkia species in Hawaiʻi, Oʻahu has only one of the 12 species.
That being said, the two W. oahuensis varieties are W. oahuensis var. oahuensis, which is found on Oʻahu, Molokai, Lānaʻi, and Maui, and W. oahuensis var. palustris, which is endemic to the bogs of Kauaʻi.
(Wikstroemia phillyreifolia) [Endemic] - W. phillyreifolia is a dry forest ʻĀkia that’s endemic to Hawaiʻi Island only.
ʻAkoko
(Euphorbia celastroides var. amplectens) [Endemic] - E. celastroides has eight different variations, some of which are very rare and/ or extinct.
The eight variations are:
Euphorbia celastroides var. amplectens - All Main Hawaiian Islands
Euphorbia celastroides var. celastroides - Nīhoa, Niʻihau, and Kauaʻi
Euphorbia celastroides var. hanapepensis - Kauaʻi
Euphorbia celastroides var. kaenana - Oʻahu
Euphorbia celastroides var. laehiensis - Maui and Lānaʻi
Euphorbia celastroides var. lorifolia - Maui and Lānaʻi
Euphorbia celastroides var. stokesii - Niʻihau, Kauaʻi, Molokaʻi, and Kahoʻolawe
Euphorbia celastroides var. tomentella - Oʻahu
In any case, Euphorbia celastroides var. amplectens is a coastal and mountain species.
This was taken on the Crouching Lion Trail.
(Euphorbia celastroides var. hanapepensis) [Endemic]
(Euphorbia celastroides var. stokesii) [Endemic] - I took these photos on the Sleeping Giant (Nounou) Trail.
(Euphorbia degeneri) [Endemic] - E. degeneri one is a coastal species native to Niʻihau, Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
(Euphorbia multiformis) [Endemic]
(Euphorbia skottsbergii var. skottsbergii) [Endemic]
ʻAkolea
(Boehmeria grandis) [Endemic] - While being in completely different genera, B. grandis is strikingly similar to Māmaki, as they both come from the same Urticaceae family.
That being said, the first major difference that I see is the seeds/ stamens on ʻAkolea. On Māmaki, the seeds are grouped tightly together on the branches of the tree, but on ʻAkolea, they extend outward, like the photos below. Additionally, there are slight differences in the leaves, which can be difficult to describe, but personally, I find the leaves of ʻAkolea to be smoother, darker green, and more rigid on the sides.
On a different note, ʻAkolea is also one of the four Kamehameha Butterfly (Pulelehua) host plants, for which I have all five species in this article. They are ʻAkolea, Māmaki, Olonā, and Ōpuhe (two species).
All said, the last photo is a picture of what the Pulelehua caterpillars do to wrap themselves in the leaf for protection. They chew this hook-like flap away from the leaf to roll themselves in, and the last photo below is the remnants of one left over.
ʻĀkulikuli
(Sesuvium portulacastrum) [Indigenous] - ʻĀkulikuli is a coastal-growing species that can be found on all eight main Hawaiian Islands, as well as the Northwest Hawaiian Islands.
ʻĀlaʻa
(Pouteria sandwicensis) [Endemic] - P. sandwicensis is a dry to mesic hardwood tree species that can be found on all of the main Hawaiian islands, with the exception of Kahoʻolawe and Niʻihau.
I took this photo on the Waimano Ridge Trail.
ʻAlaʻala wai nui
(Peperomia blanda var. floribunda) [Indigenous] - P. blanda var. floribunda can be found on all of the main Hawaiian Islands, with the exception of Kahoʻolawe.
(Peperomia cookiana) [Endemic]
(Peperomia leptostachya) [Endemic] - I took this photo on the Keālia Trail.
(Peperomia tetraphylla) [Indigenous] - I took this photo on the Puʻu Manamana Trail.
(Plectrathus parviflorus) [Indigenous] - This ʻAlaʻala wai nui species is a different genus under the same common name as the species above.
That being said, Plectranthus parviflorus can be found on all the main Hawaiian Islands, with the exception of Kahoʻolawe.
Alaheʻe
(Psydrax odorata) [Indigenous] - Psydrax odorata, more commonly known as Alaheʻe, is a dry/ mesic forest tree that can be found at the low to mid elevations on many trails, like Kuliʻouʻou and Mauʻumae Ridge.
Furthermore, P. odorata has a native range in Hawaiʻi across Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
Alani
(Melicope clusiifolia) [Endemic] - Out of all Melicope species, Melicope clusiifolia seems to be the most commonly encountered.
Furthermore, Melicope clusiifolia has a native range in Hawaiʻi across Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
These photos were taken in the bog on Mt. Kaʻala, Kuliʻouʻou, and the northern Koʻolaus.
(Melicope oahuensis) [Endemic] - M. oahuensis is an Oʻahu endemic species.
These photos were taken on the Waʻahila Ridge Trail, and on the northern Koʻolau Summit Trail (KST).
(Melicope rotundifolia) [Endemic] - M. rotundifolia is an Oʻahu Koʻolau endemic species, where I’ve seen observations on Puʻu Lanipō, the Puʻu Kōnāhuanui Ridge Trail, and Kūlepeamoa Ridge.
(Melicope sp.) [Endemic] - Comment below if you know any of the following Melicope species.
(Melicope sp.) [Endemic]
Alena
(Boerhavia repens) [Indigenous] - Alena is a coastal-growing vine species found on all the main Hawaiian Islands, as well as the Northwest Islands.
I took these photos on the Hanauma Bay Rim Trail.
Ālula / ʻŌlulu / Pua ʻala
(Brighamia insignis) [Endemic] - Brighamia is a Hawaiian endemic genus.
Brighamia insignis is endemic to Niʻihau and Kauaʻi only.
ʻAmaʻu
(Sadleria cyatheoides)[Endemic] - The entire Sadleria genus is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.
Furthermore, Sadleria cyatheoides can be found on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
These photos were taken near the summit of false Puʻu ʻO Kona and Mānana Ridge.
(Sadleria souleyetiana) [Endemic]
ʻĀnunu
(Sicyos macrophyllus) [Endemic] - S. macrophyllus is an endangered ʻĀnunu that can only be found on Hawaiʻi Island.
That being said, there is a possibility that the second photo is Sicyos albus x macrophyllus, but I haven’t seen this rare species enough to know the difference.
(Sicyos pachycarpus) [Endemic] - S. pachycarpus is a common endemic to all the main Hawaiian Islands and Nīhoa.
These were taken on the Mokulēʻia Forest Reserve Access Road.
ʻApeʻape
(Gunnera petaloidea) [Endemic] - G. petaloidea is endemic to Oʻahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
Āulu / Kaulu
(Rockia sandwicensis) [Endemic] - Rockia is a monotypic genus, meaning the only species that exists within the genus is Rockia sandwicensis, as clarified by this paper published in 2020.
Originally, Pisonia was used to group a few Hawaiian species into one, which is why R. sandwicensis also goes by the synonyms Pisonia sandwicensis or Ceodes sandwicensis.
In any case, Rockia sandwicensis is found on all of the main Hawaiian Islands, with the exception of Kahoʻolawe and Niʻiahu.
ʻĀwikiwiki
(Canavalia galeata) [Endemic] - Canavalia galeata is an Oʻahu endemic species found in various mesic habitats across the island.
ʻĀweoweo
(Chenopodium oahuense) [Endemic] - Chenopodium oahuense is native to all eight main Hawaiian Islands, as well as the Northwest Islands.
I took this photo at Kahuku Point.
Diamond Head Schiedea
(Schiedea adamantis) [Endemic] - Schiedea adamantis is a very narrow Oʻahu endemic.
ʻĒkaha
(Asplenium nidus) [Indigenous] - A. nidus is native to Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
ʻEnaʻena
(Pseudognaphalium sandwicensium) [Endemic]
Globe Schiedea
(Schiedea globosa) [Endemic] - S. globosa is an Oʻahu, Molokai, and Maui endemic.
This was taken on the Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail.
Hāhā
(Cyanea anugustifolia) [Endemic] - Cyanea is a Hawaiʻi endemic genus.
In any case, Cy. anugustifolia can be found on Oʻahu, Molokai, Maui, and Lānaʻi.
That being said, Cy. angustifolia is not federally listed, but even so, sharing these locations wouldn’t be responsible, as it is not nearly as common as it once was.
(Cyanea calycina) [Endemic] - Cy. calycina is a rare Cyanea endemic only to the Waiʻanae and Koʻolau Mountains on Oʻahu.
Furthermore, a named Cyanea calycina called Caly can be seen here on a live plant camera.
(Cyanea crispa) [Endemic] - Cyanea crispa is an incredibly rare species known only to the Koʻolau Mountains on Oʻahu.
(Cyanea coriacea) [Endemic] - Cy. coriacea is an uncommon Cyanea that’s endemic to the island of Kauaʻi.
(Cyanea grimesiana subsp. obatae) [Endemic] - Cyanea grimesiana is endemic only to Oʻahu and Molokai, where Cyanea grimesiana subsp. obatae can only be found in the Waiʻanae Mountains on Oʻahu.
(Cyanea humboldtiana) [Endemic] - Cy. humboldtiana is endemic to the Koʻolau Mountains on Oʻahu.
(Cyanea koolauensis) [Enemic] - Cy. koolauensis is an incredibly rare Koʻolau Mountain endemic on Oʻahu.
(Cyanea membranacea) [Endemic] - Cy. membranacea is an uncommon Oʻahu endemic.
(Cyanea pilosa) [Endemic]
(Cyanea shipmanii) [Endemic] - Cy. shipmanii is a rare endemic native only to the Big Island of Hawaiʻi.
(Cyanea st.-johnii) [Endemic] - Cy. st.-johnii is an Oʻahu Koʻolau Mountain endemic, and it would be extremely uncommon for anyone to come across this rare species while hiking.
(Cyanea superba subsp. superba) [Endemic] - Cy. superba subsp. superba, also known as the Mt. Kaʻala Cyanea, is native only to Oʻahu.
Haʻiwale
(Cyrtandra cordifolia var. brevipilita) [Endemic]
(Cyrtandra dentata) [Endemic] - C. dentata is an Oʻahu endemic.
(Cyrtandra giffardii) [Endemic] - C. giffardii is a very rare species endemic to Hawaiʻi Island.
The second image is potentially a Cyrtandra giffardii hybrid.
(Cyrtandra grayana) [Endemic]
(Cyrtandra hawaiensis) [Endemic]
(Cyrtandra laxiflora) [Endemic] - C. laxiflora is endemic only to Oʻahu.
(Cyrtandra lessoniana) [Endemic] - C. lessoniana is an Oʻahu endemic.
(Cyrtandra paludosa var. paludosa) [Endemic]
(Cyrtandra procera) [Endemic]
(Cyrtandra spathulata) [Endemic] - C. spathulata is a Maui endemic.
(Cyrtandra wainihaensis) [Endemic] - C. wainihaensis is a Kauaʻi endemic.
(Cyrtandra sp.) [Endemic] - I believe this to be either Cyrtandra kalichii or Cyrtandra gracilis, but it could be neither, as Cyrtandra species are some of the trickiest to identify.
Comment below if you know.
Hala / Lau Hala
(Pandanus tectorius) [Indigenous] - P. tectorius is a canoe plant, as well as being native to Hawaiʻi.
That being said, Lau Hala is dioecious, meaning that there are male and female trees, and the female trees are the only ones that produce fruit.
All of these photos were taken on the Crouching Lion Trail.
(Dracaena aurea) [Endemic] - Dracaena aurea is endemic to Kauaʻi.
(Chrysodracon forbesii / Dracaena forbesii) [Endemic] - This species also goes by the name Waiʻanae Range Hala Pepe, where it is endemic on Oʻahu.
Hame / Haʻā
(Antidesma platyphyllum) [Endemic] - Antidesma platyphyllum is a dioecious species found on Oʻahu, Molokai, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
(Antidesma pulvinatum) [Endemic] - Antidesma pulvinatum can be found on Oʻahu, Molokai, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
That being said, the biggest difference between A. platyphyllum and A. pulvinatum is the length of the petioles.
In A. pulvinatum, the petioles are significantly longer, and because of this, they are hard to mistake for one another. Additionally, the other main difference is the size of the leaves, which are also noticeably bigger.
Hao
(Rauvolfia sandwicensis) [Endemic] - R. sandwicensis is a dry forest species found on all the main Hawaiian Islands, with the exception of Kahoʻolawe.
Hāpuʻu / Hāpuʻu ʻiʻi / Hāpuʻu Tree Fern
(Cibotium chamissoi) [Endemic] - Cibotium chamissoi is endemic to Oʻahu, Molokai, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
(Cibotium glaucum) [Endemic]
(Cibotium menziesii) [Endemic] - Cibotium menziesii is native to Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
These photos were taken on both Wiliwilinui and Lulumahu Ridge.
Hau
(Hibiscus tiliaceus) [Indigenous] - Hibiscus tiliaceus is the second of the seven native Hibiscus species in this article.
In any case, Hau trees are a coastal/ low elevation bushy tree that some people refer to as Hau bush because it acts like an invasive species on account of how dense it can grow.
I took these photos at the Turtle Bay Resort, but Hau can also easily be seen on trails, such as Lulumahu Falls, Mānoa Falls, Ulupaina, or Likeke Falls.
Hau kuahiwi
(Hibiscadelphus distans) [Endemic] - Hibiscadelphus is a Hawaiian endemic genus, and Hibiscadelphus distans can only be found on the island of Kauaʻi.
Other species within the genus are/ may be extinct, or they only exist today as hybrids.
(Hibiscadelphus giffardianus) [Endemic] - H. giffardianus is a critically endangered Big Island endemic that has narrowly survived extinction, thanks to cuttings regrown from a single parent tree.
Hawaiʻi Alpine Hairgrass
(Deschampsia nubigena) [Endemic] - D. nubigena is native to Kauaʻi, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
Hawaiʻi Bentgrass
(Agrostis sandwicensis) [Endemic] - I took this photo on the Humuʻula Trail.
Hawaiian Moonflower
(Ipomoea tuboides) [Endemic] - I. tuboides is endemic to all of the eight main Hawaiian Islands, and it can typically be found in drier coastal areas up to a few thousand feet.
Hidden-petaled Abutilon / Flowering Maple
(Abutilon eremitopetalum) [Endemic] - Abutilon eremitopetalum is a very rare narrow endemic to Lānaʻi only.
No one by chance would ever just happen to see one growing, which is why I’m happy to share these photos here.
Hinahina
(Heliotropium anomalum) [Indigenous] - Heliotropium anomalum is a very common, low-growing coastal species that can be found in association with other plants, such as Naupaka and Pōhuehue.
A good trail to see Hinahina is the Moʻomomi Sand Dunes.
(Artemisia mauiensis) [Endemic] - A. mauiensis is endemic to Maui only on the upper elevations of Haleakalā.
Hōʻawa / Hāʻawa
(Pittosporum confertiflorum) [Endemic] - Pittosporum confertiflorum is native to Oʻahu, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
I took this photo on the Tripler Ridge Trail.
(Pittosporum glabrum) [Endemic] - P. glabrum is native to Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai, Lānaʻi, and Maui.
I took these photos on Papali, Waʻahila Ridge, and Waiheʻe Ridge.
(Pittosporum halophilum) - [Endemic] P. halophilum is a rare Molokai endemic that is restricted to the north sea cliffs and islets off of the island.
(Pittosporum hosmeri) [Endemic] - P. hosmeri is endemic to Hawaiʻi Island only, where this photo was taken on the Kīpuka Puaulu Trail.
(Pittosporum kauaiense) [Endemic] - P. kauaiense is native to Kauaʻi, where it is found in moist, forested upper elevation areas.
(Pittosporum napaliense) [Endemic] - P. napaliense is a rare Kauaʻi endemic.
(Pittosporum sp.) [Endemic] - Comment below if you know either of these species.
Hoe-a-Māui / ʻEkaha / Laukahi nunui
(Elaphoglossum crassifolium) [Endemic] - Elaphoglossum crassifolium is endemic to Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
These photos were taken on the Waʻahila Ridge Trail.
(Elaphoglossum fauriei) [Endemic] - E. fauriei is endemic to Oʻahu and Molokai only, which is where this was taken in the Pēpēʻōpae Bog.
Hōlei
(Ochrosia compta) [Endemic] - Ochrosia compta is a rare dry forest species that’s found on Oʻahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
Huʻahuʻakō
(Rumex albescens) [Endemic]
Hulumoa / Hawaiian Mistletoe
(Korthalsella complanata) [Indigenous] - In the western U.S., mistletoe is looked at as an invasive species for how it can destroy Lodgepole pine forests. Over there, it infects healthy trees, causing them to grow all of their resources into what foresters call a 'witch’s broom,' which eventually kills the tree.
However, Hawaiʻi has six different native mistletoe species that don’t perform this same function that you may be used to if you’ve seen what witch’s broom looks like on a Lodgepole.
In Hawaiʻi, mistletoe looks much different, and I wish I had my own photo of a Lodgepole to compare.
Hunakai / Beach Morning Glory
(Ipomoea imperati) [Indigenous] - Ipomoea imperati is native to Niʻihau, Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai, and Maui.
I took this photo at a remote beach along the Kahuku Coastline.
ʻIeʻie
(Freycinetia arborea) [Indigenous] - Freycinetia arborea is a very common wet forest species that’s native to Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island. Many times, ʻIeʻie doesn’t look like these photos at all, but rather, it’s a long-tall skinny plant with leaves that fan out in all directions and no flower.
These photos below look so clean because they were taken just after one of the flowers opened, but this state doesn’t last long before the beauty of the flower quickly deteriorates once pollinating insects discover the flower.
These photos were taken just below the summit of false Puʻu ʻO Kona, but ʻIeʻie can truly be found on many upper-elevation hikes across Hawaiʻi.
ʻIhi
(Portulaca lutea) [Indigenous] - P. lutea is a coastal-growing species, much like ʻĀkulikuli shown above.
Since P. lutea looks extremely similar to the invasive P. oleracea when they both don’t have flowers, I may have mistaken this. They are much easier to tell apart when they have flowers, and I will update this one when I have better photos.
If you know either way, comment below.
(Portulaca molokiniensis) [Endemic] - P. molokiniensis is a narrow coastal endemic to only Molokini and Kahoʻolawe.
ʻIhiʻihilauākea
(Marsilea villosa) [Endemic] - Marsilea villosa is Hawaiʻi’s most elusive fern, and not for reasons that you might think.
This is because, at most times of the year, ʻIhiʻihilauākea is lying dormant. The spores only germinate once they are submerged in water, which is why ʻIhiʻihilauākea has adapted to grow in select low-lying areas or craters on the islands of Molokai, Oʻahu, and Niʻihau.
ʻIliahi
(Santalum freycinetianum) [Endemic] - In Hawaiʻi, ʻIliahi has a bit of a dark backstory.
In short, when foreigners came to Hawaiʻi in the 1700s, they quickly became fond of ʻIliahi, or Sandalwood, as a luxury wood.
So the story goes, the Hawaiian royalty at the time grew a liking to western goods to which they were amassing debts that they needed to repay. Exporting ʻIliahi to China was one way of repaying these debts, making ʻIliahi Hawaiʻi’s first export.
However, the limited supply of ʻIliahi could not keep up with the much larger demand from China, which eventually led to the decline of the Sandalwood trade in Hawaiʻi, as many of the species were driven to near extinction, leaving only unsellable trees that had no value.
As for this ʻIliahi species, Santalum freycinetianum is endemic to Oʻahu, which can be found in both mountain ranges.
These photos were taken on ʻIliahi Ridge, which is the highest-density ʻIliahi forest that I’ve come across while hiking here.
(Santalum paniculatum) [Endemic] - S. paniculatum is an Island of Hawaiʻi endemic, where I took these photos on the Crater Rim and Puʻu Huluhulu Trail.
(Santalum pyrularium) [Endemic] - S. pyrularium is a Kauaʻi endemic sandalwood.
ʻIliahi aloʻe
(Santalum ellipticum) [Endemic] - Santalum ellipticum is found on all the major Hawaiian Islands, as well as the Northwestern Islands, in dry to mesic habitats.
When you come across a tree that’s full-grown, it may be as large as 30 ft. (9.1 m) tall, or in dryer coastal areas, it is more often a small bush.
I took these photos on the Keālia and Kuaokalā Trail.
Iliau
(Wilkesia gymnoxiphium) [Endemic] - W. gymnoxiphium is a Kauaʻi endemic that I took on the Iliau Nature Loop Trail in the Waimea Canyon.
(Wilkesia hobdyi) [Endemic] - W. hobdyi is a monocarpic, dry forest Kauaʻi endemic that is very uncommon to see.
ʻIlieʻe
(Plumbago zeylanica) [Indigenous] - ʻIlieʻe is a dry forest trailing vine.
However, ʻIlieʻe is commonly used for urban landscaping, or it can be found growing natively in the understory of other dry forest overstory species, like Lonomea or Wiliwili.
These photos were taken on the Keālia Trail.
ʻIlima
(Sida fallax) [Indigenous] - Sida fallax is one of the most common natives in Hawaiʻi, as it can be found growing on all eight main Hawaiian Islands and the Northwest Islands.
These photos were taken on the Waiʻanae Summit Trail (WST), and the southeast ridge of Puʻu ʻŌhulehule.
ʻIlihia
(Cyrtandra platyphylla) [Endemic] - C. platyphylla is endemic to the wet forests of Maui and Hawaiʻi Island.
Kaʻa / Puʻukaʻa
Kalamoho
(Pellaea ternifolia subsp. ternifolia) [Indigenous]
Kalia
(Elaeocarpus bifidus) [Endemic] - Elaeocarpus bifidus is endemic to Kauaʻi and Oʻahu.
I took these photos on Mānana Ridge, Kuilau Ridge, and the Mokulēʻia Trail.
(Labordia helleri) [Endemic] - L. helleri is also called Nāpali Coast Labordia, where it is only known to a few populations on Kauaʻi.
(Labordia hosakana) [Endemic] - Labordia hosakana is a Koʻolau endemic species.
(Labordia hymenopoda) [Endemic] - L. hymenopoda is another Koʻolau endemic.
(Labordia kaalae) [Endemic] - L. kaalae is endemic to the Waiʻanae Mountains on Oʻahu.
(Labordia sessilis) [Endemic]
(Labordia sp.) [Endemic] - I didn’t think I would have trouble finding the ID for this Maui observation, but comment below if you know!
Kanawao / Pūʻahanui
(Broussaisia arguta) [Endemic] - Broussaisia is an endemic genus in Hawaiʻi, and B. arguta is the only species within the genus.
Furthermore, Kanawao can be found at high, wet elevations across Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
Additionally, Kanawao is one of the best native plants to find native snails, as well as native happy-faced spiders.
Kāpana
(Phyllostegia grandiflora) [Endemic] - Phyllostegia grandiflora is an Oʻahu endemic, which can be found in both mountain ranges.
The photos below are from the Mt. Kaʻala summit bog, and the Moanalua Middle Ridge Trail.
Kauaʻi Delissea / Kauaʻi Leechleaf Delissea
(Delissea rhytidosperma) [Endemic] - D. rhytidosperma is a rare mesic forest Delissea that can only be found on Kauaʻi.
Kauaʻi Schiedea / Māʻoliʻoli
(Schiedea kauaiensis) [Endemic] - S. kauaiensis is a rare Kauaʻi endemic.
Kaunaʻoa
(Cuscuta sandwichiana) [Endemic] - C. sandwichiana is a native parasitic vine found on all the main islands, except Kahoʻolawe.
This was taken on the lower elevations of the Puʻu Piei Trail, as it was covering the native ʻŪlei.
Kauila
(Colubrina oppositifola) [Endemic] - Colubrina oppositifola is a dry forest tree native to Oʻahu, Maui and Hawaiʻi Island.
Kaulu
(Pteralyxia macrocarpa) [Endemic] - P. macrocarpa is a rare Oʻahu endemic.
Kāwaʻu
(Ilex anomala) [Indigenous] - Ilex anomala is a very common native found on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
Kāwelu
(Eragrostis variabilis) [Endemic] - E variabilis is a very common native grass across all the main Hawaiian Islands, and the Northwestern Islands.
I took these photos on the Awaʻawapuhi and Hanakāpīʻai Falls Trail.
Keahi
(Sideroxylon polynesicum) [Indigenous] - Sideroxylon polynesicum is a dry forest tree found on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
Kīlau
(Pteridium aquilinum var. decompositum) [Endemic] - Pteridium aquilinum is not endemic to Hawaiʻi; however, this variation is.
Kīpūkai
(Heliotropium curassavicum) [Indigenous] - H. curassavicum is only one of two native Heliotropium species in Hawaiʻi, the other being Heliotropium anomalum.
That being said, the common name Kīpūkai should not be confused with the very common Kīpūkai Tree found across coastal areas in Hawaiʻi, as this tree is not native to the islands.
Koa
(Acacia koa) [Endemic] - Much like ʻŌhiʻa leahu, Acaica koa is one of the most widely known and widespread native species across all the main the Hawaiian Islands, except Kahoʻolawe and Niʻihau.
Additionally, Acaica koa has a special relationship with the Koa butterfly or Hawaiian Blue Butterfly (Udara blackburni), which is one of only two native Hawaiian butterflies.
The photo below is a native ʻIʻiwi in an Acaica koa on the Kaulana Manu Nature Trail.
Koa ʻohā
(Acacia koaia) [Endemic] - A. koaia is the much less common Acacia species in Hawaiʻi compared to Acacia koa, which dominates much of Hawaiʻi forests.
Furthermore, A. koaia is native to Kauaʻi, Molokai, Lānaʻi, Maui, Oʻahu, and Hawaiʻi Island.
Koali ʻawa
(Ipomoea indica) [Indigenous] - I took these photos on the North Shore Kaʻena Point Trail.
(Ipomoea indica var. indica) [Indigenous]
Kokiʻo / Hau hele ʻula
(Kokia cookei) [Endemic] - Kokia cookei has a long story of near extinctions, followed by rediscovery and fire.
In 1910, a single living Kokia cookei was discovered, but five years later in 1915, this last remaining wild specimen was found in extremely poor condition. A few seeds were found and collected, and only one individual came of these seeds, which were planted at a Molokai residence.
In 1918, Kokia cookei was deemed extinct in the wild, and in the late 1950s, the single plant died at the residence. However, in 1970, a single tree was rediscovered, and a branch was cut and grafted from this tree prior to a 1978 fire that destroyed the last true remaining individual.
Today, we have only Kokia cookei that is a result of this one graft. Now, they can be called Kokia cookei or Kokia cookei x drynarioides / kauaiensis, as they are now grafted onto the rootstock of one of these other species.
The only reason I was able to see this incredibly rare tree was by making friends with someone who safeguards the species from the public. Other than knowing where they are planted in a few select locations, there’s no reason why anyone would come across a Kokia cookei.
(Kokia drynarioides) [Endemic] - K. drynarioides is endemic to the Big Island.
Kokiʻo Keʻokeʻo / Aloalo
(Hibiscus arnottianus subsp. arnottianus) [Endemic] - Hibiscus arnottianus is the third of the seven native Hibiscus species in this article, which exists as three separate subspecies.
They are H. arnottianus subsp. arnottianus, H. arnottianus subsp. immaculatus, and H. arnottianus subsp. punaluuensis.
Hibiscus arnottianus subsp. arnottianus is endemic to the Waiʻanae Mountains on Oʻahu.
(Hibiscus arnottianus subsp. punaluuensis) [Endemic] - Hibiscus arnottianus subsp. punaluuensis is endemic to a few select areas in the Koʻolau Mountains on Oʻahu.
The term robust is thrown around with this subspecies to tell it apart from the rest because the flowers and leaves are thicker and bigger than any of the other arnottianus subspecies in Hawaiʻi.
I took these photos on the Castle Trail.
(Hibiscus arnottianus subsp. immaculatus) [Endemic] - Hibiscus arnottianus subsp. immaculatus is an extremely rare Molokai endemic.
(Hibiscus waimeae subsp. hannerae) [Endemic] - Hibiscus waimeae is the fourth of the seven native Hibiscus species in this article, and this Hibiscus species exists as two subspecies, both of which are endemic to Kauaʻi.
H. waimeae subsp. hannerae is only found in certain Waimea Canyon valleys that face the ocean.
(Hibiscus waimeae subsp. waimeae) [Endemic] - H. waimeae subsp. waimeae is only found in certain north/ northeast facing valleys on Kauaʻi.
Kokiʻo ʻula
(Hibiscus clayi) [Endemic] - Hibiscus clayi is the fifth of the seven native Hibiscus species in this article, and it’s endemic to Kauaʻi only.
(Hibiscus kokio subsp. kokio) [Endemic] - Hibiscus kokio is the sixth of the seven native Hibiscus species in this article, and this endemic subspecies is a relatively low-elevation dry species found only on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
Two Hibiscus kokio subspecies are recognized, both of which are shown below.
(Hibiscus kokio var. pekeloi) [Endemic]
(Hibiscus kokio subsp. saintjohnianus) [Endemic] - H. kokio subsp. saintjohnianus is a dry forest species endemic only to Kauaʻi.
Kokolau / Koʻokoʻolau
(Bidens amplectens) [Endemic] - B. amplectens is endemic to the Waiʻanae Mountains on Oʻahu.
(Bidens forbesii subsp. forbesii) [Endemic] - Bidens forbesii exists as two subspecies, both of which are endemic to Kauaʻi.
The other, Bidens forbesii subsp. kahiliensis, has a bit of a narrower range than Bidens forbesii subsp. forbesii.
I took this photo on the Kalalau Trail (Nāpali Coast).
(Bidens macrocarpa) [Endemic] - B. macrocarpa is an Oʻahu endemic Bidens species.
I took these photos on Lulumahu and Kīpapa Ridge.
(Bidens menziesii subsp. filiformis) [Endemic] - Bidens menziesii exists as two separate subspecies, which are B. menziesii subsp. menziesii and B. menziesii subsp. filiformis.
Bidens menziesii subsp. filiformis is endemic to the Island of Hawaiʻi only.
(Bidens torta) [Endemic]
(Bidens sp.) [Endemic] - This may be Bidens cervicata based on where it was found in the Waiʻanaes, and no other Oʻahu species make sense with this range or appearance.
However, there is not enough photo evidence out there for me to confirm this.
(Bidens sp.) [Endemic] - The same as above goes for these photos. This may be Bidens cervicata based on where it was found in the Waiʻanaes, but I can’t say for sure.
Comment below if you know.
(Bidens sp.) [Endemic] - Based on where this one was found in the central Koʻolaus, I don’t believe this is B. torta.
The only other two possilbe options are Bidens populifolia or Bidens molokaiensis, but I cannot find enough information to confirm either of these.
(Bidens sp.) [Endemic] - My same thought as the photos above goes for these. They were taken in the same area of the central Koʻolaus.
The reason why I don’t suspect B. torta is because of appearance and also because B. torta only grows in the Waiʻanaes and northwestern portion of the Koʻolaus.
I need to find more information about what is meant by this portion of the Koʻolaus, but I wouldn’t expect the Mānana to Kīpapa area to be considered the same.
(Bidens sp.) [Endemic] - This was taken on Kauaʻi.
Kōlea
(Myrsine degeneri) [Endemic] - M. degeneri is an Oʻahu endemic, where I took all of these photos along the Koʻolau Summit.
(Myrsine juddii x sandwicensis) [Endemic]
(Myrsine lanaiensis) [Endemic] - M. lanaiensis is endemic to Molokai, Oʻahu, Lānaʻi, Maui, Hawaiʻi Island, and Kauaʻi.
These photos were taken on Kauaʻi.
(Myrsine pukooensis) [Endemic] - M. pukooensis is endemic to Oʻahu, Molokai, and Maui.
I took these photos on Mānana Ridge.
Kōlea lau liʻi
(Myrsine sandwicensis) [Endemic] - Myrsine sandwicensis is native to all the islands, with the exception of Kauaʻi, Niʻihau, and Kahoʻolawe.
The photo was taken near the Wailupe Summit and Mt. Kaʻala.
Kōlea lau nui
(Myrsine lessertiana) [Endemic] - Myrsine lessertiana is native to Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
These photos were taken in Kuliʻouʻou, Mt. Kaʻala, and the Tripler Ridge Trail.
(Myrsine lessertiana x sandwicensis) [Endemic] - This Kōlea species is the hybrid of both M. lessertiana and M. sandwicensis, which are the two species in the photos above.
(Myrsine sp.) [Endemic] - Comment below if you know the species.
Koliʻi
(Trematolobelia kaalae) [Endemic] - Trematolobelia kaalae is endemic to the Waiʻanae Mountains on Oʻahu.
(Tremataloblia wimmeri) [Endemic] - T. wimmeri is an uncommon Big Island endemic, where it can only be found in parts of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes, and the Kohala Mountains.
Koʻolau Range Lobelia
(Lobelia gaudichaudii subsp. gaudichaudii) [Endemic] - L. gaudichaudii subsp. gaudichaudii is the first of two Lobelia gaudichaudii subspecies. The other is shown below.
That being said, before they flower, both can be difficult to tell apart, but I like to use the stems. Lobelia gaudichaudii subsp. gaudichaudii has a rough stem, as you can see in the photo below, but L. gaudichaudii subsp. koolauensis is relatively smooth.
Both are endemic to the Koʻolau Mountains on Oʻahu.
(Lobelia gaudichaudii subsp. koolauensis) [Endemic] - L. gaudichaudii subsp. koolauensis is the second of two Lobelia gaudichaudii subspecies, which is much more rare to see.
Koʻoloa ʻula / Red ʻIlima
(Abutilon menziesii) [Endemic] - This Abutilon is a dry forest species endemic to Oʻahu, Maui, Lānaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island.
Abutilon menziesii Cream-Yellow Form
(Abutilon menziesii) [Endemic] - This is the same species as the red Abutilon menziesii flowers above.
(Psychotria mariniana) [Endemic] - Just as ʻŌhiʻa lehua and Koa are talked about as staple Hawaiian species in our native forests, it’s surprising that this species of Kōpiko isn’t among them.
I say this because when you learn to identify P. mariniana apart from similar-looking species, like ʻAhakea, it becomes apparent how prevalent this Kōpiko is in native Hawaiian forests.
Psychotria mariniana is native to Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai, Maui, and Lānaʻi.
(Psychotria hathewayi) [Endemic] - Psychotria hathewayi is a dry forest Kōpiko that is endemic to the Waiʻanae Mountains on Oʻahu.
(Psychotria hawaiiensis var. hillebrandii) [Endemic]
(Psychotria hexandra) [Endemic] - There is the possibility that this is Psychotria mariniana, but they can be hard to tell apart when their ranges overlap.
Comment below if you know either way.
(Psychotria kaduana) [Endemic]
(Psychotria sp.) [Endemic]
(Psychotria sp.) [Endemic]
Kou
(Cordia subcordata) [Indigenous] - Kou is a popular coastal tree used for urban landscaping.
That being said, Kou looks most similar to the Milo tree, especially when they are grown side by side. However, I use the differences in leaf shape, as well as the seeds, to differentiate them, especially if no flowers are present.
In Hawaiʻi, Kou can be found on all the main Hawaiian Islands, except Kahoʻolawe.
Kūkaenēnē
(Coprosma ernodeoides) [Endemic] - C. ernodeoides is endemic to Hawaiʻi Island and Maui, where I took these photos on the Mauna Loa Trail.
Kūʻau
(Asplenium kaulfussii) [Endemic] - Asplenium kaulfussii is native to Oʻahu.
Kuluʻī
(Nototrichium divaricatum) [Endemic] - Nototrichium is an endemic genus to Hawaiʻi.
Furthermore, N. divaricatum is a rare Nāpali Coast endemic.
(Nototrichium sandwicense) [Endemic] - Nototrichium sandwicense can be found on all eight of the major Hawaiian Islands in low-elevation dry forests.
(Nototrichium sandwicense var. sandwicense) [Endemic]
Kupukupu
(Nephrolepis exaltata subsp. hawaiiensis) [Endemic] - Nephrolepis exaltata subsp. hawaiiensis can be very difficult to tell apart from the many non-native/ invasive Nephrolepis species in Hawaiʻi.
Furthermore, Nephrolepis exaltata subsp. hawaiiensis is native to all the main Hawaiian Islands, except Kahoʻolawe.
(Nephrolepis cordifolia) [Indigenous]
Lama / Ēlama
(Diospyros sandwicensis) [Endemic] - As the much more common of the two species, D. sandwicensis can be found on all six of the major inhabited Hawaiian Islands.
These photos are from the Puʻu ʻO Kona Ridge Trail, the Mānoa Cliff Trail on the Tantalus Loop Trail, and the ʻAihualama Trail.
Lapalapa / ʻŌlapa
(Cheirodendron platyphyllum) [Endemic] - Cheirodendron platyphyllum is endemic only to Oʻahu and Kauaʻi, and I personally think that this is the prettiest of the five species.
On a different note, Lapalapa is a bit of a fan favorite when the wind blows because the leaves resemble the Quaking Aspen trees on the mainland.
(Cheirodendron trigynum subsp. trigynum) [Endemic] - Cheirodendron trigynum can be found as either Cheirodendron trigynum subsp. trigynum, which can be found on all the main islands except Kauaʻi or Kahoʻolawe, or Cheirodendron trigynum subsp. helleri, which is endemic only to Kauaʻi.
These photos were taken in the northern Koʻolaus, Puʻu Kōnāhuanui, Waiheʻe Ridge, and the Pēpēʻōpae Bog Trail.
(Cheirodendron trigynum subsp. helleri) [Endemic]
Laukahi / Alpine Wood Fern
(Dryopteris wallichiana) [Indigenous] - D. wallichiana is indigenous to Hawaiʻi, and it can also be found in the Himalayas, Mexico, and Jamaica.
(Plantago princeps var. princeps) [Endemic] - P. princeps var. princeps is an incredibly rare species, and it would be uncommon for anyone to notice it while hiking.
This specific variation is endemic to Oʻahu.
Lavaslope False Lobelia / Koliʻi
(Trematolobelia singularis) [Endemic] - T. singularis is without a doubt my favorite Hawaiian species.
In any case, T. singularis is an Oʻahu Koʻolau Mountain endemic that is only found in very select areas across the range. Therefore, it would be very uncommon for most people to come across this rare species while hiking.
To look for the differences between immature T. singularis plants and T. macrostachys plants, look at the knobs on the stems. T. singularis is considered 'knobby.'
In addition, I don’t know if it’s truly accurate to call T. singularis an unbranched Lobeliad because, in multiple instances, I’ve seen T. singularis branching into more than one flowering structure off of one plant.
Is it really fair to call T. singularis unbranched?
Lemuomakili / Mohihihi
(Vigna marina) [Indigenous] - Like Pōhuehue, Vigna marina, is a coastal species found across the same habitat.
Furthermore, V. marina is native to Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
Lepelepe a moa / Dwarf Spikemoss
(Selaginella arbuscula) [Endemic] - I took this photo on the KST, just below Puʻu Kainawaʻanui on the north side of the mountain.
Lonomea / Āulu / Oʻahu Soapberry
(Sapindus oahuensis) [Endemic] - Sapindus oahuensis is a dry forest species that can be found on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi.
On Oʻahu, Lonomea can be found on popular trails, like Kuliʻouʻou Ridge, Keālia in Mokulēʻia, and the Koko Crater Botanical Garden.
Loulu
(Pritchardia hillebrandii) [Endemic] - Pritchardia hillebrandii is a rare Molokai endemic that also goes by the common names Hāwane and Loulu lelo.
That being said, Hāwane is now presumed to be extinct on the mainland of Molokai because of invasive rats. Therefore, the species is restricted to only a few islands off of the North Shore of the sea cliffs, where there is estimated to be a few hundred growing on Huelo and Mōkapu.
(Pritchardia maideniana / Pritchardia affinis) [Endemic] - This Loulu palm is endemic to the Big Island, and I hope to get better photos in the future. However, it was pretty difficult when I found one this tall!
(Pritchardia martii) [Endemic] - Like P. kaalae is to the Waiʻanaes, Pritchardia martii is a Koʻolau Mountain endemic.
Maiapilo
(Capparis sandwichiana) [Endemic] - Maiapilo is a coastal-growing vine found across the main Hawaiian Islands, and the Northwestern Islands.
Commonly, it can be found in the same plant communities as Pōhuehue, ʻIlima, Naupaka, Naio, Alena, etc.
Maile
(Alyxia stellata) [Endemic] - Alyxia stellata is a common native found across the main Hawaiian Islands.
These photos were taken on the on the Waʻahila Ridge Trail.
Mākuʻe
(Elaphoglossum paleaceum) [Indigenous] - I took these photos on the Pēpēʻōpae Bog Trail.
Māmaki
(Pipturus albidus) [Endemic] - Māmaki is a fan favorite across the Hawaiian Islands because it’s the native plant for making Hawaiian tea.
Personally, I have made it myself but didn’t like it, as I am more of a coffee drinker.
In any case, Māmaki leaf veins can be one of two different colors: sometimes they are more pale/ white, or the more traditional beautiful plants have red/ maroon veins. That being said, I’m not sure if the color of the veins means anything about the tea’s flavor.
Other that being grow for cultivation, Māmaki can be found on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
On another note, Māmaki is also a vital host plant for the Kamehameha Butterfly (Pulelehua) (Vanessa tameamea), and of the four Pulelehua host plants, Māmaki is by far the most preferred/ common.
The photos below were taken on Puʻu Kalena and Mt. Kaʻala.
All said, if you are curious about trying the native Hawaiian Māmaki tea, I kindly ask that you don’t harvest Māmaki from our native forests but, instead, buy from one of the local reputable vendors, such as those listed below.
Māmane
(Sophora chrysophylla) [Endemic] - Māmane is a dry to mesic forest species found on all the main Hawaiian, with the exception of Kahoʻolawe and Niʻiahu.
On some islands, Māmane can be found in extensive forests of thousands upon thousands of trees, but on Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, and Molokai, it is much more rare.
All said, Māmane has a non-native look-alike tree that is common in landscaping settings around Hawaiʻi. If you see yellow flowers that resemble Māmane where you wouldn’t expect it, it’s probably not Māmane.
Mānele / Aʻe
(Sapindus saponaria) [Indigenous] - S. saponaria is the only indigenous Sapindus species in Hawaiʻi, and in my experience, it is by far lesser known than its cousin, the Lonomea tree.
This is because Mānele only grows natively on Hawaiʻi Island, whereas Lonomea grows on both Oʻahu and Kauaʻi.
Manono
(Kadua affinis) [Endemic] - Kadua affinis is native to Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
(Kadua centranthoides) [Endemic] - K. centranthoides is native to Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
(Kadua elatior) [Endemic]
Maʻo / Hawaiian Cotton
(Gossypium tomentosum) [Endemic] - G. tomentosum can be found on all of the major Hawaiian Islands, with the exception of Hawaiʻi Island.
Furthermore, it grows best in full sun, as a lowland dry forest species.
Maʻo hau hele
(Hibiscus brackenridgei subsp. brackenridgei) [Endemic] - Hibiscus brackenridgei is the seventh of the seven native Hibiscus species in this article.
That being said, many of the photos that you will find online when searching Google images for 'Hawaiʻi state flower' or 'Hibiscus brackenridgei' are incorrect or inaccurate Hibiscus ornamentals.
In reality, 'Hibiscus brackenridgei' is a rare dry forest species that exists as three separate subspecies, and it is much more infrequent to see than the ornamentals.
The three subspecies are H. brackenridgei subsp. brackenridgei, H. brackenridgei subsp. molokaiana, and H. brackenridgei subsp. mokuleianus, of which I have two of the three shown here.
Furthermore, Maʻo hau hele is most commonly known as the state flower of Hawaiʻi, and collectively, all three subspecies of Maʻo hau hele are one of the seven native Hawaiian Hibiscus species.
All said, Hibiscus brackenridgei subsp. brackenridgei, is native to only Maui, Molokai, Lānaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island.
(Hibiscus brackenridgei subsp. mokuleianus) [Endemic] - H. brackenridgei subsp. mokuleianus is a very rare narrow endemic to only a few patches of native forest in the Waiʻanae Mountains on Oʻahu.
Maʻo / Hoary Abutilon
(Abutilon incanum) [Indigenous] - A. incanum is the only indigenous Abutilon species in the Hawaiian Islands.
It can be found on most of the main Hawaiian Islands in coastal/ dry forest areas, which is exactly where these were taken—on the West Lāhainā Pali Trail and the Makapuʻu Tom Tom Trail.
The first photo is a really good example of what this Abutilon looks like when it’s side-by-side with ʻIlima. All of the leaves on the right side of the photo are ʻIlima.
Māʻohiʻohi
(Stenogyne calaminthoides) [Endemic] - S. calaminthoides is a wet forest Hawaiʻi Island endemic.
Maʻoloa
(Neraudia angulata) [Endemic] - Neraudia angulata is a rare Waiʻanae Mountain endemic on Oʻahu.
Maua / Aʻe
(Xylosma hawaiiense) [Endemic] - I absolutely love the beautiful colors of our endemic Maua trees!
In any case, Xylosma hawaiiense is native to Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
These photos are from Puʻu Manamana, Kahaualeʻa, and the Koko Crater Botanical Garden.
Maui Pilo Kea
(Platydesma spathulata / Melicope spathulata) [Endemic] - Platydesma used to be classified as an endemic Hawaiian genus, but now, all species within the genus are considered Melicope species.
Mauʻu ʻakiʻaki
(Fimbristylus cymosa) [Indigenous] - Fimbristylus cymosa can be found across all the main Hawaiian Islands and the Northwestern Islands, with the exception of Kahoʻolawe.
I took this photo on the Kaiwi Shoreline Trail.
Mēhamehame
(Flueggea neowawraea) [Endemic] - Mēhamehame is a very rare and endangered dry to mesic forest tree that’s native to Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui, Molokai, and the Big Island.
Milo
(Thespesia populnea) [Indigenous] - In Hawaiʻi, Milo is considered a questionable native, but when there is any uncertainty, it is best to treat the species as a native.
In Hawaiʻi, it can be found on all the main Hawaiian Islands, except Kahoʻolawe.
Moa / Flat-stemmed Whisk-fern
(Psilotum complanatum) [Indigenous] - There are two indigenous Psilotum species in Hawaiʻi, both of which are shown below.
Furthermore, the best way to tell the difference between both species is that P. complanatum will droop downward, and the stems are flatter, while P. nudum is more structurally sound, and it stands upright.
Psilotum complanatum can be found on all six of the inhabited Hawaiian Islands.
Moa / Upright Whisk-fern
(Psilotum nudum) [Indigenous] - Psilotum nudum can be found on all the main Hawaiian Islands, as well as the Northwest Islands.
Naʻenaʻe
(Dubautia ciliolata subsp. ciliolata) [Endemic] - Dubautia ciliolata exists as two subspecies, both of which are endemic to Hawaiʻi Island.
Dubautia ciliolata subsp. ciliolata is found on Kīlauea, Mauna Loa, and Hualālai, and Dubautia ciliolata subsp. glutinosa is found only on Mauna Kea.
These photos were taken on the Mauna Loa and Crater Rim Trail.
Naʻenaʻe Pua Melemele
(Dubautia menziesii) [Endemic] - D. menziesii is endemic to the dry subalpine desert on Haleakalā.
(Dubautia scabra) [Endemic] - D. scabra is commonly found coming through the cracks of lava flows on the Big Island, but it is also endemic to Maui, Molokai, and Lānaʻi.
Naio / Naeo
(Myoporum sandwicense) [Endemic] - Naio is a dry salt-tolerant species that grows on all of the major islands, with the exception of Kahoʻolawe.
I took these photos on the North Shore Kaʻena Point Trail.
Naʻu / Nānū
(Gardenia brighamii) [Endemic] - Gardenia brighamii is an incredibly rare species in its native dry forest habitat.
Furthermore, be careful not to confuse G. brighamii with the non-native G. taitensis that is more commonly found in urban landscape settings around Hawaiʻi.
(Gardenia remyi) [Endemic] - G. remyi is endemic to Kauaʻi, Molokai, Maui, and the Big Island.
Naupaka
Depending on who you ask, they may tell you that there are a different number of Hawaiian Naupaka species on account of the hybrids, but regardless, there are only two coastal species—one of which is the only indigenous species—and the rest are mountainous species.
In total, I count 11 species, which includes all of the hybrids.
(Scaevola chamissoniana) [Endemic] - Scaevola chamissoniana is endemic to Molokai, Maui, Lānaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island.
I took these photos on the Waiheʻe Ridge Trail.
(Scaevola mollis x gauchaudiana) [Endemic] - This is the hybrid between Scaevola mollis and S. gauchaudiana, which are both shown above.
(Scaevola sericea / Scaevola taccada) [Indigenous] - Scaevola taccada is commonly referenced by two different scientific names.
In any case, Scaevola taccada is the only indigenous Hawaiian Naupaka species, and it’s by far the most common across the Hawaiian Islands, as it’s found across the eight main islands and the Northwest Islands.
All said, if you click on the photo below, it will take you to a link where I am selling the high-quality version of this photo as a print.
Naupaka - (Scaevola sericea / Scaevola taccada)
Naupaka kuahiwi
(Scaevola gaudichaudii) [Endemic] - S. gaudichaudii is a bit of an uncommon dry forest Naupaka native to Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
Nehe
(Lipochaeta integrifolia) [Endemic] - L. integrifolia is a widespread coastal endemic, growing on all of the major Hawaiian Islands and the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
(Melanthera remyi) [Endemic] - M. remyi is endemic to the Waiʻanae Mountains on Oʻahu.
Neleau
(Rhus sandwicensis) [Endemic] - Rhus sandwicensis is the native Hawaiian sumac, but in Hawaiʻi, it doesn’t grow as weedy like the mainland species do.
Furthermore, R. sandwicensis can be found on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
I took these photos in the Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden, and the Kolowalu Trail.
Niu
(Cocos nucifera) [Indigenous] - Some sources have falsely reported that coconut trees are only a canoe plant, but just like the Hala tree, a canoe plant can also be a native indigenous species.
In any case, pollen core samples have proven Niu to be native to at least Oʻahu and Laysan (Kauō) in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands, but it is likely that Niu is native to all of the Hawaiian archipelago.
Nohoanu
(Geranium cuneatum subsp. hololeucum) [Endemic] - G. cuneatum exists as four different subspecies, which are G. cuneatum subsp. cuneatum, G. cuneatum subsp. hypoleucum, G. cuneatum subsp. hololeucum, and G. cuneatum subsp. tridens.
This subspecies, Geranium cuneatum subsp. hololeucum is endemic only to Mauna Kea.
(Geranium arboreum) [Endemic] - Geranium arboreum is an extremely rare and uncommon species.
It is one of four Geranium species found in Haleakalā National Park and is the rarest of the four by far.
Oʻahu Chewstick
(Gouania vitifolia) [Endemic] - G. vitifolia is an incredibly rare and endangered species endemic to Maui, Oʻahu, and Hawaiʻi Island.
Oʻahu Lobelia
(Lobelia oahuensis) [Endemic] - Lobelia oahuensis is endemic to Oʻahu only, and it is incredibly rare across its range.
Under suspected stress, the Oʻahu Lobelia has been noticed to flower much sooner, meaning shorter than it should. This produces far less seeds, which is problematic for rare monocarpic species like this.
Oʻahu Phyllostegia
(Phyllostegia lantanoides) [Endemic] - P. lantanoides is an Oʻahu endemic.
Oʻahu Sedge
(Carex wahuensis subsp. wahuensis) [Endemic] - Carex wahuensis exists as three separate subspecies.
Carex wahuensis subsp. wahuensis - Found on all the main islands, except Kahoʻolawe and Niʻihau
Carex wahuensis subsp. herbstii - Oʻahu
Carex wahuensis subsp. rubiginosa - Maui, Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, and Molokai
ʻOaliʻi / ʻOwaliʻi
(Asplenium trichomanes subsp. densum) [Indigenous]
ʻŌhā
(Clermontia parviflora) [Endemic] - All species within this genus are endemic to Hawaiʻi.
Cl. parviflora is a wet forest species endemic only to Hawaiʻi Island.
(Delissea kauaiensis) [Endemic] - Delissea kauaiensis is a very rare Kauaʻi endemic that once was thought to be extinct.
(Delissea waianaeensis) [Endemic] - Delissea waianaeensis is an Oʻahu endemic found only in the Waiʻanae Mountains.
ʻŌhā Kēpau
(Clermontia hawaiiensis) [Endemic]
(Clermontia oblongifolia subsp. oblongifolia) [Endemic] - Clermontia oblongifolia exists as three different subspecies, with Clermontia oblongifolia subsp. oblongifolia being endemic to Oʻahu.
The other two are Clermontia oblongifolia subsp. mauiensis, which is a Maui endemic, and Clermontia oblongifolia subsp. brevipes, which is a Molokai endemic.
(Clermontia peleana) [Endemic] - C. peleana is a rare Hawaiʻi Island endemic.
(Clermontia sp.) [Endemic]
ʻŌhai
(Sesbania tomentosa) [Endemic] - ʻŌhai is a coastal shrub/ bushy species that grows on all eight of the main Hawaiian Islands, as well as the Northwest Islands.
ʻOhe
(Polyscias hawaiensis) [Endemic] - Polyscias hawaiensis is endemic to Molokai, Maui, Lānaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island.
ʻOhe Makai
(Polyscias sandwicensis) [Endemic] - P. sandwicensis is a dry forest deciduous species that’s found on all of the major Hawaiian Islands, with the exception of Kauaʻi and Kahoʻolawe.
ʻOhe Mauka
(Polyscias gymnocarpa) [Endemic] - Polyscias gymnocarpa is a Koʻolau Range endemic, sometimes referred to as Koʻolau Range ʻOhe.
(Polyscias oahuensis) [Endemic] - Polyscias oahuensis is one of the more rare species that I’ve come across in the southern Koʻolaus, but in the northern Koʻolaus, it is much more common.
Furthermore, telling P. oahuensis apart from P. gymnocarpa can be a little tricky, but I like to use the flowers. P. oahuensis should have flowers that are more purple-colored all around, while P. gymnocarpa has flowers that are like a light yellow/ green.
All said, the Polyscias genus is entirely endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.
ʻŌhelo
(Vaccinium dentatum) [Endemic] - All three Vaccinium species in Hawaiʻi are edible, but there are rumors about which ones are better tasting.
That being said, I have heard that it’s ʻŌhelo ʻai by a few people.
(Vaccinium dentatum x calycinum) [Endemic] - Vaccinium dentatum x calycinum is the hybrid species of V. dentatum in the photos above and V. calycinum below; it is not one of the three main species referenced above.
This was taken on the KST.
(Vaccinium reticulatum) [Endemic] - Between the comment below and other sources, it’s confusing to say whether Vaccinium reticulatum is found on Oʻahu.
However, other sources say that Vaccinium reticulatum is endemic to Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
ʻŌhelo kau lāʻau
(Vaccinium calycinum) [Endemic] - Vaccinium calycinum is native to Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
ʻŌhelo Papa / Hawaiian Strawberry
(Fragaria chiloensis subsp. sandwicensis) [Endemic] - Fragaria chiloensis subsp. sandwicensis is the Hawaiian endemic strawberry, which can only be found on Maui and Hawaiʻi Island.
ʻOheʻohe
(Polyscias kavaiensis) [Endemic] - P. kavaiensis is endemic to Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui, Lānaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island.
ʻŌhiʻa / ʻŌhiʻa lehua mamo
(Metrosideros macropus) [Endemic] - Oʻahu has four out of the five native ʻŌhiʻa species, and Metrosideros macropus is one of the three that is only found on Oʻahu.
The reason that this ʻŌhiʻa is not called ʻŌhiʻa lehua, like most people are familiar with, is because the word "lehua" means reddish. This is the same reason why the Kamehameha Butterfly is called the Pulelehua, on account of its red/ orange color.
Note that the yellow color alone is not enough to tell the difference between M. macropus and M. polymorpha. By this, I mean that M. polymorpha has variations where it flowers yellow (photos below). Therefore, it’s important to use the leaves to indicate the difference.
I took these photos on Wiliwilinui Ridge and Puʻu Manamana.
ʻŌhiʻa ʻāhihi
(Metrosideros tremuloides) [Endemic] - Metrosideros tremuloides is the second of three ʻŌhiʻa species that is endemic to Oʻahu only.
ʻŌhiʻa ha / Hā
(Syzygium sandwicensis) [Endemic] - ʻŌhiʻa ha is not related to the famous ʻŌhiʻa lehua that’s widely known and loved, meaning it is in an entirely separate genus.
In any case, I think it’s important to show, in these three photos, all the different forms the leaves can take within this one species.
ʻŌhiʻa lehua
(Metrosideros polymorpha) [Endemic] - Metrosideros polymorpha is the staple of Hawaiian native forests.
Furthermore, M. polymorpha is by far the most widely-known native tree because it is the most widespread across the islands.
Depending on the soil of where it grows, M. polymorpha can be a short few inches on windswept slopes, to a bush, or a large overstory tree as commonly found on the Big Island.
All said, M. polymorpha has eight different variations, leading to the name 'polymorpha,' which quite literally means many forms. Along with this, the crown flower’s color is not an indicator of which variation of polymorpha it may be.
Metrosideros polymorpha Variations
Metrosideros polymorpha var. dieteri - Endemic to Kauaʻi.
Metrosideros polymorpha var. glaberrima - Endemic to all the islands, except Kahoʻolawe and Niʻihau
Metrosideros polymorpha var. incana - Endemic to Oʻahu, Molokai, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island
Metrosideros polymorpha var. macrophylla - Endemic to Maui and Hawaiʻi Island
Metrosideros polymorpha var. newellii - Endemic to Hawaiʻi Island
Metrosideros polymorpha var. polymorpha - Endemic to Oʻahu, Molokai, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island
Metrosideros polymorpha var. pseudorugosa - Endemic to W. Maui
Metrosideros polymorpha var. pumila - Endemic to Kauaʻi, Molokai, and Maui
(Metrosideros polymorpha var. glaberrima) [Endemic]
(Metrosideros polymorpha var. incana) [Endemic] - The way I look for var. incana is by the central depression in the leaves along the midrib and from the hairy abaxial surface.
(Metrosideros polymorpha var. polymorpha) [Endemic] - M. polymorpha var. polymorpha also has a hairy abaxial surface, and the leaves are typically rolled under, as shown in these photos.
I took these photos on the Puʻu ʻŌhulehule Trail.
ʻŌhiʻa lehua papa
(Metrosideros rugosa) [Endemic] - Metrosideros rugosa is the last of three ʻŌhiʻa species that can only be found on Oʻahu.
All said, the only one of the five species that is not on this list is M. waialeale. It is endemic only to Kauaʻi, and it is not as common to come across as the rest on this list.
Olomea
(Perrottetia sandwicensis) [Endemic] - Perrottetia sandwicensis is native to Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
Olonā
(Touchardia latifolia) [Endemic] - Touchardia is an endemic genus in the Hawaiian Islands, and T. latifolia is the only species within the genus.
Furthermore, Olonā, like Māmaki, ʻAkolea, and Ōpuhe, is a host plant for the Kamehameha Butterfly. It is one of the four plants that the Pulelehua will utilize, which you can read more about under Māmaki.
Touchardia latifolia is found on all the main Hawaiian islands, except Kahoʻolawe and Niʻihau.
These photos were taken on the summit of Puʻu ʻŌhulehule and on the Tantalus Loop Trail.
ʻOlopū / Pāmakani / Violet
(Viola chamissoniana subsp. chamissoniana) [Endemic] - V. chamissoniana exists as three different subspecies: V. chamissoniana subsp. chamissoniana, V. chamissoniana subsp. robusta, and V. chamissoniana subsp. tracheliifolia.
Viola chamissoniana subsp. chamissoniana is an Oʻahu endemic.
(Viola chamissoniana subsp. robusta) [Endemic] - V. chamissoniana subsp. robusta is endemic only to Molokai.
(Viola chamissoniana subsp. tracheliifolia) [Endemic]
Olopua
(Nestegis sandwicensis) [Endemic] - Nestegis sandwicensis is native to Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
Ōpuhe
(Urera glabra) [Endemic] - In order, Ōpuhe makes four of four Pulelehua host plants in the Hawaiian Islands. The others are ʻAkolea, Māmaki, and Olonā, which are all featured earlier in this article.
As a side note, there is two Ōpuhe species, the other being Urera kaalae, which would be very atypical for most hikers to come across.
Furthermore, Urera glabra can be found on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
(Urera kaalae) [Endemic] - I’ve only ever encountered Urera kaalae once, and I would be shocked if I ever hiked by another plant again.
U. kaalae is critically endangered, and from all my hiking across Oʻahu, I can confidently say that you’ll never see it on any trail.
All said, Urera kaalae is a Waiʻanae Mountain endemic.
Paʻiniu
(Astelia menziesiana) [Endemic] - A. menziesiana is endemic to Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island, but it is uncommon where feral pigs roam because they eat Paʻiniu.
Palaʻā / Palapalaʻā
(Sphenomeris chinensis) [Indigenous] - Palaʻā, sometimes referred to as the Hawaiian Lace Fern, is a very common fern that grows along trail embankments or steep walls in mountainous areas.
In Hawaiʻi, it can be found on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
I took this photo on Waʻahila Ridge.
Palapalai
(Microlepia speluncae) [Indigenous] - Other than the native Uluhe fern, Palapalai may be the most well-known native fern in Hawaiʻi because of its many cultural uses.
Its range extends across Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
(Microlepia strigosa var. strigosa) [Endemic] - M. strigosa var. strigosa is a dry to mesic forest species found on Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, Maui, Molokai, Lānaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island.
Pānaunau
(Lobelia yuccoides) [Endemic] - Pānaunau is endemic only to Kauaʻi and the Waiʻanae Mountains on Oʻahu, where it is quite rare.
Pāpala
(Charpentiera densiflora) [Endemic] - Charpentiera densiflora is an endangered Nāpali Coast endemic.
(Charpentiera ovata) [Endemic] - C. ovata is endemic to Oʻahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
(Charpentiera tomentosa) [Endemic] - C. tomentosa is found on Oʻahu, Molokai, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island, but it is most common on Oʻahu in the Waiʻanae Mountains.
Pāpala Kēpau / Kaulu
(Ceodes brunoniana) [Indigenous] - C. brunoniana is native to Oʻahu, Molokai, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
(Ceodes umbellifera) [Indigenous] - Ceodes umbellifera is found on all Hawaiian islands, except Niʻihau and Kahoʻolawe.
(Ceodes wagneriana) [Endemic] - C. wagneriana is a Kauaʻi endemic found in coastal and lowland forests.
(Ceodes sp.) [Indigenous] - My best guess is Ceodes brunoniana, but in general, Ceodes is difficult to tell species apart.
If you know, comment below.
Pāʻū o Hiʻiaka
(Jacquemontia sandwicensis) [Indigenous] - Pāʻū o Hiʻiaka is a common common coastal species that can be found on all eight main Hawaiian Islands.
I took these photos on the Hanauma Bay Rock Bridge Trail.
Pāwale / Uhauhakō
(Rumex giganteus) [Endemic] - Rumex giganteus is endemic only to Molokai, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island, where it’s found in upper-elevation mountainous areas
I took these photos in Haleakalā National Park and Mauna Kea.
(Rumex skottsbergii) [Endemic] - R. skottsbergii is endemic to Hawaiʻi Island, where I took these photos on the Kīlauea Iki Trail.
Pili / Pili Grass
(Heteropogon contortus) [Indigenous] - Pili grass can be found on all eight main Hawaiian Islands.
Pilo
(Coprosma longifolia) [Endemic]
(Coprosma montana) [Endemic] - C. montana is a high-elevation mesic forest species found on Maui and Hawaiʻi Island.
I took these photos in Haleakalā National Park, and the Puʻu Huluhulu Trail.
(Coprosma ochracea) [Endemic] - Coprosma ochracea is an Oʻahu, Molokai, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island endemic.
I took these photos on Mt. Kaʻala.
Pōhinahina / Kolokolo kahakai
(Vitex rotundifolia) [Indigenous] - Pōhinahina is a very common coastal species, and it can also be found in many urban landscaping settings.
Pōhuehue
(Ipomoea pes-caprae subsp. brasiliensis) [Indigenous] - Other than Naupaka, Pōhuehue is one of the most common coastal plants in Hawaiʻi, as it can be found on all the main Hawaiian Islands, and the Northwest Islands.
Pōkūlakalaka / Pōkalakala
(Polyscias racemosa) [Endemic] - P. racemosa is a rare Kauaʻi endemic.
Popolo ʻaiakeakua
(Solanum sandwicense) [Endemic] - Solanum sandwicense is a rare endemic to Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, and Hawaiʻi Island.
Pua Kala / Hawaiian Poppy
(Argemone glauca var. decipiens) [Endemic] - A. glauca var. decipiens is endemic to the upper elevations of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on Hawaiʻi Island only.
(Argemone glauca var. glauca) [Endemic] - Argemone glauca var. glauca is endemic to all eight of the main Hawaiian Islands.
Pūkiawe
(Leptecophylla tameiameiae) [Indigenous] - L. tameiameiae is famous for being one of the first colonizers of 'newly' formed lava flows in Hawaiʻi.
In any case, L. tameiameiae is found on all six of the inhabited Hawaiian Islands.
Pyrrhobryum pungens
(Pyrrhobryum pungens) [Endemic] - As I understand that there is a list of accepted Hawaiian names for mosses, liverworts, and lichen, I may update this with a better common name.
I took this photo on the Castle Trail.
Schiedea hookeri
Takeuch's Lipfern
(Doryopteris takeuchii) [Endemic] - Doryopteris takeuchii is about as narrow an an endemic can come.
That being said, it’s fairly easy to figure out where this Oʻahu endemic grows, but finding it can still be a challenge in a popular place. Therefore, if I were to share any more details about this endangered fern, I wouldn’t be doing my job at safeguarding these rare species.
Toothed Clubmoss
(Huperzia phyllanthus / Phlegmariurus phyllanthus) [Indigenous] - The 'leaves' are called the microphylls, and the part on the end is called the strobilus.
I took these photos on the lower elevations of Papali and Lulumahu Ridge.
(Huperzia sp.) - This may be Huperzia nutans.
Comment below if you know.
ʻUhaloa
(Waltheria indica) [Indigenous] - W. indica is typically a dry to mesic, weed-like species that grows on all the main islands, and the Northwest Islands.
These photos are from Puʻu Manamana and Pride Rock.
Additionally, ʻUhaloa can be found on other hikes, like Puʻu O Hulu or even the Mt. Olomana Trail.
Uhiuhi
(Mezoneuron kavaiensis) [Endemic] - Mezoneuron kavaiensis is an endemic species to Kauaʻi, Maui, Lānaʻi, Hawaiʻi Island, and Oʻahu, but today, it is not found across the same historic range.
ʻUki / ʻUki Grass
(Gahnia beecheyi) [Endemic]
ʻUkiʻuki
(Dianella sandwicensis) [Indigenous] - Some sources claim that Dianella sandwicensis is an endemic Hawaiian species, but it isn’t, as it can also be found in New Caledonia.
The Wahiawā Hills/ Schofield-Waikāne Trail are two great trails to see Dianella sandwicensis.
ʻŪlei
(Osteomeles anthyllidifolia) [Indigenous] - ʻŪlei is a dry to mesic forest species that most commonly grows as an understory plant in areas where it is too dry for Uluhe.
Furthermore, ʻŪlei can be found blanketing dry, rocky soil or exposed rock in areas across the Hawaiian Islands below a certain rainfall gradient. However, once Uluhe takes over, ʻŪlei will generally no longer be found.
Osteomeles anthyllidifolia can be found on all six of the inhabited Hawaiian Islands.
These photos are from the Kuliʻouʻou Ridge Trail, and the Crouching Lion Trail.
Uluhe
(Dicranopteris linearis) [Indigenous] - If you’ve never heard the term 'Uluhe hell,' then you probably haven’t been on an overgrown hike in Hawaiʻi yet.
Uluhe is easily the most common native plant across moderate to high rainfall environments in the Hawaiian Islands. It’s the plant that acts as a blanket over our mountains, and it’s arguably the most important plant playing a role in erosion mitigation.
If you start hiking in a lower-elevation forest and transition to an upper-elevation forest, Uluhe is typically the first giveaway that you’re starting to transition to a predominantly native forest.
I took these pictures in both the Waiʻanae and Koʻolau Mountains, but Uluhe can even be found as low as the Puʻu Māʻeliʻeli Trail in Kāneʻohe on Oʻahu.
Wahine Noho Mauna
(Adenophorus tamariscinus) [Endemic] - I took this photo on Puʻu Kōnāhuanui Ridge Trail.
Waiʻanae Range Phyllostegia
(Phyllostegia mollis) [Endemic] - P. mollis is native to both the Waiʻanae and Koʻolau Mountains on Oʻahu, as well as Maui and Molokai.
That being said, I took this photo in a known area for Phyllostegia mollis, but even then, I still second-guess this ID. It’s definitely a Phyllostegia, and no other Phyllostegia makes sense like sp. grandiflora that was suggested below. Perhaps it’s a hybrid.
In any case, please comment below and, if you may know something, explain why.
Waiʻanae Range Schiedea / Māʻoliʻoli
(Schiedea kealiae) [Endemic] - S. kealiae is endemic only to select areas in the Waiʻanae Mountains on Oʻahu.
Wāwaeʻiole / Hawaiian Staghorn Clubmoss
(Lycopodiella cernua) [Indigenous]
Wiliwili
(Erythrina sandwicensis) [Endemic] - Erythrina sandwicensis is native to all eight of the main Hawaiian Islands, and as a dry forest species, they can be found native on trails that don’t receive a lot of rainfall, such as the Keālia Trail and Koko Crater Botanical Garden on Oʻahu or the Kukui Trail on Kauaʻi.
That being said, the extremely dense and invasive Koa Haole (Leucaena leucocephala) also grows in the same habitat, and it’s one of the Wiliwili tree’s biggest threats.
On a different note, Wiliwili trees have arguably the most successful biocontrol story in Hawaiʻi.
In short, Wiliwilis were in danger of becoming extinct from an invasive wasp, but then, a successful biocontrol method was implemented by introducing another wasp to eliminate the harmful one. It was one of seemingly few cases where biocontrol has been successful, as many know the story behind the mongooses in Hawaiʻi.
My Observations with No ID Yet
Plant ID, especially in Hawaiʻi, is no easy task.
Therefore, if you have any idea about what any of these plants may be, whether native or not, please comment below.
Canoe Plants in Hawaiʻi
Canoe plants are plants that were first brought to Hawaiʻi with the Polynesians when they first arrived in the islands, and very broadly speaking, they are species that have a variety of uses from construction to food to everyday living.
According to some sources, there are 24 canoes plants, but with varieties, the number grows to 30.
All said, canoe plants are generally treated as natives, but they very well can be invasive species, like Kukui or Bamboo.
ʻAwapuhi
(Zingiber zerumbet) [Canoe]
Kamani
(Calophyllum inophyllum) [Canoe] - I took this photo on the Kuliʻouʻou Ridge Trail.
Kukui / Candlenut
(Aleurites moluccanus) [Canoe] - Kukui trees are one of the most highly visible trees from afar, as they create a bright green canopy that looks vastly different from the rest.
Places such as the Waimea Canyon on Kauaʻi are a good example of this, as the Kukui trees are highly visible on the canyon floor from many of the lookouts.
Noni
(Morinda citrifolia) [Canoe] - Noni is a species that has a variety of medical uses, but if you eat it, the fruits are quite disgusting.
One great place to see Noni growing is on the Poloū Trail, and the Puʻu Loa Petroglyphs Trail.
ʻŌhiʻa ʻAi / Mountain Apple
(Syzygium malaccense) [Canoe]
ʻUala / Hawaiian Sweet Potato
(Ipomoea batatas) [Canoe]
ʻUlu / Breadfruit
(Artocarpus altilis) [Canoe] - ʻUlu is a very common tree planted in people’s yards across Hawaiʻi.
Additionally, there are tons of ʻUlu recipes out there, but I have yet to actually try any myself.
Wauke / Paper Mulberry
(Broussonetia papyrifera) [Canoe]
Non-native / Invasive Species in Hawaiʻi
I used to include the invasive species section on this same post, but with how extensive this list has become with all of the native plants listed above, I thought that it was best to separate the two articles.
Read My Separate Post: Non-native / Invasive Hawaiian Plant Guide
