The official emblems for each of the eight major islands were chosen by the Hawai'i's Territorial Legislature in 1923. The State flower is the yellow hibiscus. Except for Maui's "heavenly rose" (Lokelani), each of the emblems are native to Hawai'i or were introduced by early Polynesians and are associated with the island they represent. Click on the links below for line art you can print out and color.

Hawai`i Island: The blossoms of the native hardwood tree `Ohi`a Lehua (Metrosideros collina), are sacred to the fire goddess Pele. Set against dark green leaves of the `ohi`a tree, the blossoms occur in a variety of colors, most often in red, occasionally yellow and very rarely in white.

Maui: The pink Damask rose or Lokelani (Heavenly Rose), was most likely introduced by missionary women. It became so abundant in local gardens it became known as the Maui Rose.

Kaho`olawe: Hinahina (Heliotropium anomalum), is a silvery grey coastal herb which bears clusters of fragrant white flowers.

Moloka`i: Kukui (candlenut, Aleurites moluccana), the emblem for the island of Moloka`i, was introduced by Polynesian settlers. This useful tree is now one of the most common in the Hawaiian forest. The hard polished shells of the kukui are often strung together as a lei, but the traditional kukui lei was made by incorporating the fresh green leaves and clusters of white blossoms together in a braid.

Kaua`i: Mokihana berries (Pelea anisata) are only found in the wet rain forests of the Garden Isle. As a lei, the anise aroma of mokihana is often complemented by strands of fragrant maile (Alyxia olivaeformis).

Ni`ihau: Strands of the indigenous Pupu (shells, Columbella varians, Euplica varians, Mitrella Margarita, Leptothyra verruca and others) are considered fine jewelry in Hawai`i. The delicate, tiny shells vary in color from ivory and cream to dark brown and have become known as the symbol of Ni'ihau.

Lana`i: Endemic to Hawai`i, Kauna'oa (Hawaiian Dodder, Cuscota sandwichiana) is found in the coastal zone up to the high water mark. The long stems of this leafless, yellow-orange vine are most often braided to make a head lei or to hang over the shoulders as a horseshoe lei.

O`ahu: Golden `Ilima (Sida fallax) garlands were considered the lei of Hawaiian royalty. Hundreds of tissue-paper thin flowers are required to make a delicate and fragile strand which may last only a few hours.

 

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