Pua Aloalo: Hawaiʻi's Endemic Hibiscus Species

The 8 Islands of Hawaiʻi are home to some of the most beautiful flora and fauna on Earth. From the moment your plane descends over the Islands to your first drive through the countryside, the beauty surrounds you at every turn. One of the most recognized flowers is the Pua Aloalo, or the hibiscus flower. While it may seem like a single flower in a range of colors, according to the National Tropical Botanical Garden, Hawaiʻi is actually home to 6 native hibiscus species — 5 of which are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth. And one of those rare five holds the honor of being Hawaiʻi's official state flower — each carrying a story as unique as the Islands themselves.

So what are the 5 endemic species, and what makes each one unique? Here's a closer look.

Maʻo Hau Hele (Hibiscus brackenridgei)

Perhaps the most celebrated of the five, the maʻo hau hele was designated as the official state flower of Hawaiʻi in 1988. Its striking yellow petals and deep maroon center make it instantly recognizable, yet it is surprisingly rare. This species can be found on all the main Islands except Niʻihau and Kahoʻolawe, though sadly, very few wild populations remain. The maʻo hau hele is not only endemic to Hawaiʻi — it is also a federally endangered species, making every sighting in the wild a truly special moment.

Kokiʻo Kea (Hibiscus waimeae subsp. hannerae)& Kokiʻo Keʻokeʻo (Hibiscus arnottianus) 

At first glance, these two white-petaled hibiscus look strikingly similar — but they come from different corners of the Islands. The kokiʻo keʻokeʻo calls Oʻahu and Molokaʻi home, while the kokiʻo kea is native to Kauaʻi. The kokiʻo kea's hannerae subspecies is federally listed as endangered, making it one of the rarest blooms of the five.

Kokiʻo ʻUla (Hibiscus clayi) & Kokiʻo ʻUlaʻula (Hibiscus kokio subsp. kokio)

The last two endemic species share not only their eye-catching red petals but also remarkably similar names — making them easy to mix up! The kokiʻo ʻulaʻula, previously known as Hibiscus kaahilii, can be found across most of the main Islands, except for Niʻihau and Kahoʻolawe. The kokiʻo ʻula, on the other hand, is found exclusively on Kauaʻi, adding to that island's reputation as one of the most botanically rich places in all of Hawaiʻi.

Where to See Them on the Islands

The best places to spot Hawaiʻi's endemic hibiscus are at the Islands' botanical gardens and native plant preserves. On Oʻahu, both Foster Botanical Garden and Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden are wonderful places to start. 

For those looking to bring a native hibiscus plant into their own garden, several local nurseries across Oʻahu carry endemic species. Mari's Gardens — with locations in Mililani, Kakaʻako, and Kailua — is a wonderful place to start, along with Glenn's Flowers and Plants in Waimanalo and Koʻolau Farmers, just to name a few. Shopping local not only supports small businesses but also helps keep the spirit of native Hawaiian plants alive and growing.

If you're hoping to take a piece of that beauty home, it's important to know that all plants, cuttings, and many flowers traveling from Hawaiʻi to the U.S. mainland must be declared and inspected by the USDA at the airport before departure. Items must be free from pests and disease, and soil is generally prohibited. It's always worth checking the latest guidelines before you travel.

Traveling from Hawaiʻi to the Mainland

Bring a Hibiscus Home With You — Without the Hassle

Of course, there's one way to bring the beauty of the hibiscus home with no inspection lines required. At Maui Divers Jewelry, the hibiscus is one of our most beloved designs, handcrafted here in Hawaiʻi to capture the delicate elegance of this iconic bloom. Whether you're drawn to it as Hawaiʻi's state flower, a symbol of the Islands' rare natural beauty, or simply because it's stunning — wearing a hibiscus piece is a way to carry a little piece of Hawaiʻi with you, always.

Discover the Hawaiian Gardens Collection and add a piece of Hawaiʻi to your ever-growing collection today. 

Sources
"Grow Aloha Podcast: Native Hawaiian hibiscuses". Ching, Kapiʻolani. National Tropical Botanical Garden. https://ntbg.org/stories/grow-aloha-native-hibiscuses/
"Mao hau hele". Garrett. Hui Kū Maoli Ola. https://hawaiiannativeplants.com/ourplants/maohauhele/
"Hibiscus waimeae subsp. hannerae". Native Plants Hawaiʻi. http://nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Hibiscus_waimeae_hannerae/