Hawaiian flowers are not just beautiful — they are cultural artifacts, living symbols of a tradition that uses flowers to communicate welcome, love, respect, and spiritual connection in ways that mainland American flower culture rarely approaches. The lei — a garland of flowers worn around the neck — is the most visible expression of this tradition, but Hawaiian flower culture extends far beyond the lei to encompass ceremonies, home décor, spiritual practice, and a relationship between people and plants that is fundamentally different from the way flowers are used in Los Angeles or anywhere on the mainland. This guide explores the most important Hawaiian flowers, their cultural significance, how to incorporate them into celebrations and gifting in Los Angeles, and the growing availability of Hawaiian-grown flowers for delivery to the mainland.
In This Article
ICONIC FLOWERS · LEI TRADITION · TROPICAL VARIETIES · HAWAIIAN IN LA · CARE GUIDE · MY THOUGHTS · FAQ · CONCLUSION
For more flower varieties and their meanings, see our types of flowers guide and the language of flowers.
THE ICONIC FLOWERS OF HAWAII
Hawaii's unique geography — volcanic islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, with climate zones ranging from tropical beach to alpine summit — supports an extraordinary diversity of flowering plants. Some of Hawaii's most iconic flowers are native species found nowhere else on Earth. Others were brought by Polynesian settlers over a thousand years ago or introduced by European and Asian immigrants in the 18th and 19th centuries. Together, they form a floral vocabulary that is as distinctive as the Hawaiian language itself.
Plumeria (frangipani). The plumeria is the flower most people picture when they think of Hawaii — a five-petaled, waxy bloom in shades of white, yellow, pink, and red, with a fragrance that is simultaneously sweet, spicy, and tropical. Plumeria is technically not native to Hawaii (it was introduced from Central America in the 19th century), but it has become so thoroughly integrated into Hawaiian culture that it is inseparable from the islands' identity. Plumeria is the most popular lei flower, the default flower worn behind the ear (right ear if you are taken, left ear if you are available — a tradition that is more tourist folklore than authentic Hawaiian practice, but charming nonetheless), and the flower most likely to be carved into decorative art, tattooed on skin, or printed on aloha shirts.
Hibiscus (pua aloalo). The yellow hibiscus (Hibiscus brackenridgei) is the official state flower of Hawaii — designated in 1988, replacing the red hibiscus that had held the title since 1923. The yellow hibiscus is actually an endangered native species, found on only a few islands in small populations. The more commonly seen red, pink, and orange hibiscus varieties that decorate Hawaiian gardens and tourist photography are generally non-native cultivars, but they have become visual shorthand for "Hawaii" worldwide. The hibiscus blooms last only one to two days — a characteristic that aligns with the Hawaiian appreciation for impermanence and present-moment beauty.
Bird of paradise (Strelitzia). The bird of paradise — with its dramatic orange and blue flower that resembles a tropical bird in flight — is one of the most visually striking flowers in the Hawaiian landscape. Like plumeria, it is not native (it originated in South Africa), but it thrives in Hawaii's climate and has become a staple of Hawaiian floral design. Bird of paradise flowers are popular in modern arrangements because of their architectural quality and their ability to make a dramatic statement with a single stem.
Pikake (Arabian jasmine). Pikake is the Hawaiian name for Arabian jasmine (Jasminum sambac), a flower with a fragrance so intense and beautiful that it has been called "the perfume of the gods." Princess Kaiulani, Hawaii's last heir to the throne, loved both the flower and the peacock (pikake is the Hawaiian pronunciation of "peacock"), and the flower was named in her honor. Pikake leis are considered the most elegant and romantic of all Hawaiian leis — their intoxicating scent and delicate white blossoms make them the traditional choice for weddings and special celebrations.
Ohia lehua. The ohia lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) is the most culturally significant native Hawaiian flower — a bright red pom-pom bloom that grows on the ohia tree, the first plant to colonize new lava flows on the Big Island. In Hawaiian mythology, the ohia tree is the physical form of the demigod Ohia, who was turned to stone by the volcano goddess Pele. His lover, Lehua, was transformed into the flower that blooms on his branches — forever reaching toward him but never able to reach his heart. The legend says that picking an ohia lehua flower will bring rain — the tears of the separated lovers.
THE LEI — HAWAII'S MOST IMPORTANT FLOWER TRADITION
The lei is Hawaii's most recognized cultural tradition — a garland of flowers, leaves, shells, or other natural materials worn around the neck as a symbol of welcome, love, honor, or celebration. The practice predates European contact by centuries and remains deeply embedded in contemporary Hawaiian life. Understanding lei culture means understanding the values at the heart of Hawaiian society — generosity, connection, and the expression of aloha (love, compassion, grace) through tangible, beautiful gifts.
Types of flower leis. The most common flower leis are made from plumeria (casual, festive, universally appropriate), pikake (elegant, romantic, reserved for special occasions), orchid (affordable, long-lasting, popular for tourist welcome), tuberose (intensely fragrant, traditionally used for celebrations and funerals), and maile (a vine rather than a flower, considered the most sacred lei material, used for blessings, dedications, and the most significant ceremonies). The choice of lei material communicates the nature and significance of the occasion — a plumeria lei for a friend's airport arrival says something different from a pikake lei at a wedding or a maile lei at a graduation.
Lei etiquette. A lei is always given with a kiss — a touch of cheeks, not a peck — and should never be refused, as refusal is a serious insult in Hawaiian culture. A lei should not be worn and then hung on a door handle or tossed in the trash — when you are finished wearing it, the proper practice is to return it to the earth by hanging it on a tree, placing it at a memorial, or scattering the flowers in the ocean. Pregnant women receive open-ended leis (not closed circles) to symbolize safe delivery. The giving of a lei is an expression of aloha — the most important value in Hawaiian culture — and should be treated with the respect that significance deserves.
Lei Day. May 1 is Lei Day in Hawaii — a statewide celebration established in 1927 that honors the lei tradition with lei-making competitions, pageants, music, and community gatherings. The famous saying "May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii" reflects the joy and pride that the lei tradition holds in Hawaiian identity. Each of the eight main Hawaiian islands has a designated lei flower and color — Oahu is yellow ilima, Maui is pink lokelani (a Damask rose), the Big Island is red ohia lehua, and Kauai is purple mokihana (a berry, technically).
TROPICAL VARIETIES FOR ARRANGEMENTS AND EVENTS
Beyond the iconic flowers, Hawaii produces a range of tropical blooms that are increasingly available for arrangements, events, and gifting on the mainland. These flowers bring a distinctly Hawaiian energy to any setting — warm, lush, and evocative of island life.
Anthuriums. The heart-shaped, glossy anthurium is Hawaii's most commercially important flower crop. Hawaiian anthuriums are grown primarily on the Big Island in the Hilo area, where the wet, warm climate produces the largest, most vibrant blooms in the world. Anthuriums come in dozens of colors — red, pink, white, green, purple, chocolate, and bi-color varieties — and last an extraordinary 2–3 weeks as cut flowers. Their modern, sculptural appearance makes them popular in contemporary floral design and luxury event décor.
Ginger flowers. Hawaiian ginger varieties — red ginger, pink ginger, shell ginger, and torch ginger — produce large, exotic blooms on tall, sturdy stems that make dramatic statements in arrangements. Red ginger (Alpinia purpurata) is the most popular variety for cut flower use, with its cone-shaped bloom that can last 2–3 weeks in a vase. Torch ginger (Etlingera elatior) produces the most visually spectacular bloom — a large, waxy, dome-shaped flower that looks like it belongs in a science fiction film.
Protea. While protea is native to South Africa, it grows exceptionally well on the slopes of Haleakala on Maui, where the volcanic soil and elevation produce some of the finest protea in the world. Hawaiian-grown protea — including king protea, pincushion protea, and leucadendron — is shipped to the mainland and used in luxury arrangements. Protea dries beautifully, making it a practical choice for long-lasting arrangements.
Orchids. Hawaii is one of the world's leading producers of tropical orchids, particularly dendrobium and oncidium varieties. Hawaiian orchids are used extensively in lei-making, event décor, and export arrangements. The dendrobium orchid lei — strung from dozens of individual orchid blooms — is the most commonly given lei for airport arrivals, graduations, and casual celebrations because orchids are affordable, durable, and available in a wide range of colors.
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HAWAIIAN FLOWERS IN LOS ANGELES
Los Angeles has the largest Hawaiian diaspora community on the mainland, and the city's proximity to Hawaii (a five-hour flight) means Hawaiian flowers, traditions, and cultural practices are more accessible here than almost anywhere outside the islands.
Where to find Hawaiian flowers in LA. The LA Flower Market carries tropical varieties including anthuriums, ginger, bird of paradise, and orchids year-round, with much of the inventory shipped directly from Hawaiian farms. Specialty tropical flower vendors at the market can source specific Hawaiian varieties on request. Several LA florists specialize in tropical and Hawaiian-inspired arrangements, and many offer lei-making services for events.
Growing Hawaiian flowers in LA. Los Angeles's climate is warm enough to grow many Hawaiian flowers outdoors, particularly in sheltered coastal and southern-facing locations. Plumeria grows exceptionally well in LA — many Southland gardens feature mature plumeria trees that produce abundant blooms from June through October. Bird of paradise, hibiscus, and anthuriums also thrive in LA's warmer microclimates. The key limitations are winter temperatures (plumeria goes dormant below 55°F and can be damaged below 40°F) and humidity (Hawaiian tropicals prefer more moisture than LA typically provides, so supplemental watering and mulching are helpful).
Hawaiian-inspired events in LA. Luau parties, Hawaiian-themed weddings, and tropical event design are popular in Los Angeles, and the city's florists are experienced in creating the lush, tropical aesthetic that these events require. A typical Hawaiian-themed event arrangement might combine bird of paradise, anthuriums, ginger, orchids, monstera leaves, and ti leaves in a cascading, organic design that evokes the islands without resorting to kitsch. For a more authentic approach, consider incorporating actual leis — either ordered from Hawaiian lei makers and shipped overnight, or assembled locally from available tropical flowers. See our occasion guide for more event ideas.
DID YOU KNOW
Hawaii's flower industry generates approximately $100 million in annual revenue, making it the state's second-largest agricultural sector after macadamia nuts. The Big Island alone produces more than 30 million anthurium stems per year. Hawaiian tropical flowers are shipped to all 50 states and more than 20 countries, with the majority of exports going to Japan, where Hawaiian flowers are prized for their quality and freshness. The five-hour flight from Honolulu to Los Angeles means that Hawaiian-grown flowers purchased at the LA Flower Market were often still on the plant less than 48 hours earlier — among the freshest tropical flowers available anywhere on the mainland.
HOW TO CARE FOR HAWAIIAN AND TROPICAL FLOWERS
Temperature. Tropical flowers are warm-climate plants and should never be refrigerated. While roses, tulips, and most temperate flowers benefit from cool storage, tropical flowers suffer chilling injury below approximately 55°F — their petals darken, their stems soften, and their vase life drops dramatically. Keep tropical arrangements at room temperature (65–80°F) and away from air conditioning vents that blow cold air directly on the flowers.
Water. Tropical flowers generally require less water maintenance than temperate flowers because their thick, waxy stems and petals retain moisture more efficiently. Change the water every 3–4 days (less frequently than the daily changes recommended for roses), and use room-temperature water rather than cold. Misting the blooms with a spray bottle every other day helps compensate for LA's dry air and keeps the flowers looking fresh.
Vase life expectations. Most tropical flowers outlast temperate flowers significantly. Anthuriums last 2–3 weeks. Bird of paradise lasts 1–2 weeks. Ginger flowers last 2–3 weeks. Orchids last 1–2 weeks. Protea lasts 2–3 weeks (and dries beautifully for permanent display). The extended vase life of tropical flowers makes them an excellent value despite their higher per-stem cost.
Handling leis. Fresh flower leis should be stored in the refrigerator only if the ambient temperature is very warm and the lei needs to be preserved for several hours before use. Otherwise, keep the lei at room temperature, lightly mist with water, and wear it as soon as possible. A fresh plumeria lei lasts 1–2 days. A pikake lei lasts approximately 1 day before the jasmine blooms begin to brown. An orchid lei lasts 3–5 days. Tuberose leis last 2–3 days and become more fragrant as they age.
MY THOUGHTS — A FLORIST'S PERSPECTIVE ON HAWAIIAN FLOWERS
Working with Hawaiian flowers in Los Angeles feels like a bridge between two places that share more than most people realize. Both are warm, sun-drenched, culturally diverse communities where flowers are woven into daily life rather than reserved for special occasions. When a Hawaiian family in LA orders plumeria leis for a graduation, or when a couple requests a tropical arrangement for their Malibu wedding, the flowers carry a cultural weight that goes beyond decoration — they connect people to a place, a tradition, and a way of relating to natural beauty that mainland flower culture often misses.
My recommendation for anyone wanting to explore Hawaiian flowers in LA is to start with plumeria. If you have a yard with sun, plant a plumeria tree — they are available at most nurseries in the city, they bloom prolifically once established, and the experience of picking your own plumeria flowers on a warm Los Angeles morning is as close to the Hawaiian flower experience as you can get without boarding a plane. For tropical flower delivery in LA, our shop sources the freshest Hawaiian-grown blooms available on the mainland.
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FAQ
WHAT IS THE MOST POPULAR HAWAIIAN FLOWER?
Plumeria (frangipani) is the most recognizable and widely used Hawaiian flower. It is the most popular lei flower, the most commonly grown ornamental flower in Hawaiian gardens, and the flower most associated with Hawaiian culture worldwide. The yellow hibiscus is the official state flower, but plumeria dominates in cultural use and popularity.
CAN I GROW HAWAIIAN FLOWERS IN LOS ANGELES?
Yes. Plumeria, hibiscus, bird of paradise, and bougainvillea all grow well in Los Angeles. Plumeria thrives in full sun with well-drained soil and goes dormant in winter. Bird of paradise and hibiscus are evergreen in LA's mild climate. Anthuriums can be grown outdoors in sheltered, frost-free locations or as indoor plants.
HOW LONG DO HAWAIIAN LEIS LAST?
Vase life varies by flower type. Orchid leis last 3–5 days. Plumeria leis last 1–2 days. Pikake (jasmine) leis last approximately 1 day. Tuberose leis last 2–3 days and become more fragrant over time. Maile leis (vine, not flower) can last 1–2 weeks. Keep leis at room temperature and mist lightly with water.
CAN I ORDER HAWAIIAN LEIS FOR DELIVERY IN LOS ANGELES?
Yes. Several Hawaiian lei companies ship fresh leis overnight to Los Angeles. Leis ordered Monday through Thursday typically arrive next day. Many Los Angeles florists also create lei-style arrangements using locally sourced orchids, plumeria, and tropical flowers. For events requiring multiple leis, order at least one week in advance.
WHAT FLOWERS ARE USED IN HAWAIIAN WEDDINGS?
Hawaiian weddings traditionally feature pikake (jasmine) for the bride's lei, maile for the groom and officiant, plumeria for the wedding party, and orchid or tuberose for guest leis. Tropical arrangements often include anthuriums, bird of paradise, ginger, and orchids. Many couples incorporate ti leaves for blessings and good luck.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A LEI AND A GARLAND?
A lei is specifically Hawaiian — it carries cultural significance beyond decoration and is given with specific protocols (always with a kiss, never refused, returned to nature when finished). A garland is a general term for any decorative strand of flowers or foliage. All leis are garlands, but not all garlands are leis. The cultural context and intention behind the giving distinguish the two.
CONCLUSION
Hawaiian flowers carry a cultural depth that mainland American flower culture rarely achieves — they are not just decorative objects but active expressions of connection, welcome, love, and spiritual relationship with the natural world. From the intoxicating fragrance of a pikake lei to the dramatic architecture of a bird of paradise arrangement to the mythological weight of an ohia lehua blossom, Hawaiian flowers communicate in a language that transcends simple aesthetics. For Los Angeles residents — many of whom have deep personal connections to Hawaii — incorporating Hawaiian flowers into celebrations, gifting, and daily life is a way of honoring both the islands' traditions and the beauty of the tropical flowers that thrive in Southern California's welcoming climate.
For tropical and Hawaiian-inspired flower delivery in Los Angeles, Pink Clover Flowers sources the freshest Hawaiian-grown tropicals and creates custom arrangements that bring the warmth, color, and aloha spirit of the islands to any occasion. Same-day delivery across all LA neighborhoods.
