Maui is known for a colorful variety of hibiscus flowers. There are actually several hundred species of hibiscus in existence, and the flowering plants thrive in tropical climates like Hawaii’s. Traveling around the island of Maui, you’ll see a number of beautiful shades of this floral species. The yellow Hawaiian hibiscus is our state flower, known in the Hawaiian language as the pua aloalo or ma`o hau hele. There are seven hibiscus that are native to the Hawaiian islands, but many that are seen here grow as ornamental plants and come from the Chinese hibiscus and its many hybrids. Here are a few flowers that I’ve photographed around the island.
I saw this unique variety while walking on Old Makena Road…
This one was blooming just off South Kihei Road…
This one fell on a rock in Iao Stream at Iao Valley…
A bright hibiscus being pollinated in Central Kihei…
A blooming red flower in Wailea…
Seen way Upcountry in Olinda…
Another variety spotted in Olinda…
Hibiscus are seen island-wide on Maui, ornamental and wild. Look for their large palm-sized colorful displays, and you may even find pollinators like bees and butterflies nearby. One of many vibrant flower species to enjoy on the islands.