Hawaiian Flowers

Hawaiian Flowers
We have all seen the beautiful leis. What are they made from?  They are made from Hawaiian Orchid flowers.

Traditional Hawaiian Leis are not commercially made because the flowers are do not abundantly grow.  Many of the traditional flowers are hard to find.  For this reason, companies use common orchids, hibiscus, and anthuriums.  These flowers are grown in Hawaii, but may not be the traditional Hawaiian Lei flowers. 

Anthuriums
Anthuriums are grown in Hawaii.  They are a rounded and heart shaped waxy leaf that is brilliant in shades of red, white, and yellow.  The most common variety the large heart shaped red anthurium.  

Orchids
Orchids are the choice to make leis.  They grow abundantly in Hawaii and come in a wide variety of colors.  In addition, the orchid is a very beautiful flower.

Bird of Paradise
These flowers looks like a bird beak.  They have orange beaks with silky lavender leaves and splashes of red.  They are a beautiful with anthuriums.

Hibiscus
The yellow Hibiscus is the state flower of Hawaii. 

Yellow Ilima
A plant that looks like a small hibiscus.  It is often used in leis. 

Red Ohia
This is a flowering tree from the big island.  This flower is also used in leis.

Lokelani
It is a beautiful pink or red flower.  It is used in making leis. It was brought to Hawaii by the Spaniards in the 1800s. 

White Kukui
This plant has many tiny white flowers.  It is also used in making leis.

Kaunaoa
Kaunaoa is a strong vine like plant.  It is used as a string to make the leis.