Hawaiian Flowers

The flowers of Hawaii are marketed as exotic, vibrant and colorful and the three most common flower forms hold true to the image. The Hawaiian lei is by far the trademark symbol of Hawaii itself and is a collection of a colorful arrangement of flowers worn around the neck as a symbol of greeting. The Hawaiian lei was first introduced to Hawaii by Polynesian travelers and was made of many materials such as shells, leaves or more commonly flowers. They were used to distinguish and proliferate peace amongst villages. As tourism grew, Hawaiian leis symbolized Hawaii and Hawaiians. It is even possible for tourists to order a traditional lei greeting at the airport! While there are no steadfast rules on what flowers form a lei, typical flowers are anthuriums and orchids. 

Anthuriums (full name anthurium andraeanum) come in an assortment of colors from vibrant red to green and even peach. With a long vase life, it is no wonder they are called the heart of Hawaii and are boasted to be the most popular tropical flowers. Anthuriums come in three forms: standard, obake and tulip. The most popular, the standard is described as heart-shaped lobes. Obake anthuriums are usually two-toned in color, while tulips have cupped spathes or sheath-like leaves.

Orchids (dendrobium orchid) are widely regarded as the most elegant tribute to the image of Hawaii symbolizing love, tenderness, joy and friendship. Like anthuriums, they have an excellent vase life and versatility, making it one of Hawaii's greatest enhancers and natural decorations for special occasions. These flowers also come in a wide range of colors including—but not limited to–white, purple, orange and green.

The exquisite beauty, versatility and endurance of these two flowers make them the perfect components for any Hawaiian lei. However, it is not just the awesome decorative possibilities that anthuriums and orchids posses for a given lei. It is also the meaning behind the flowers that add to their magnificence and significance. Regarded as a form of affection rude, it is considered if one does not accept a lei. If you are given a lei as a tourist, you are not just given a breathtaking adornment, but also the heart of Hawaii: love, tenderness, joy and friendship.

While you can make a lei in a variety of ways, what cannot be lost is how the lei represents Hawaii and its people, and fosters feelings of unity, camaraderie and undeniable splendor. You don't have to go to Hawaii to experience the Hawaiian lei, leis and other tropical flowers are available online. If you don't want to hurt your budget, there are gorgeous pictures online that feature Hawaiian flowers. Who knows, they might make a great gift idea or spark musings of an unforgettable vacation.







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