10/01/2026
🌼 Hawaiian Plant of the Month: Maʻo Hau Hele
You may know it as Hawaiʻi’s yellow hibiscus, but this flower is much more than a tropical icon.
Maʻo hau hele (Hibiscus brackenridgei) is Hawaiʻi’s official state flower, designated in 1988. It’s also endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and federally listed as endangered.
Its bright yellow flowers bloom primarily in winter and spring, while the plant itself thrives in sunny, dry conditions — a beautiful example of how native plants are uniquely adapted to Hawaiʻi’s environment. 🌿
The flowers have also been used to create dye for kapa, connecting this striking native plant to traditional Hawaiian arts and culture.
A little more than just a pretty flower. 🌼
