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Hawaii’s living landscapes are shaped by a remarkable mix of native Hawaiian trees, Polynesian-introduced “canoe plants,” and later arrivals that have become icons of island life. From towering koa forests on misty slopes to fragrant plumeria near the shore, each species tells a story about ecology, culture, and everyday life in the islands.
This guide highlights some of the most beloved Hawaiian trees and fruit trees: koa, ohi‘a lehua, hala, sandalwood, milo, kukui, monkeypod, kamani, mango, banyan, papaya, plumeria, and breadfruit. Some are truly endemic to Hawaii (found nowhere else in the world), while others were brought by Polynesian voyagers or later settlers and have become woven into the cultural and ecological fabric of the islands.
The koa tree (Acacia koa) is one of the most iconic and valuable trees in Hawaii. Endemic to the islands, koa grows on volcanic slopes in both lowland and upland forests where it can reach heights of 80–100 feet. The wood is famous for its curly grain patterns, rich reddish-brown color, and shimmering figure, making it a premium choice for:
Because koa grows slowly and high-quality logs are limited, sustainable koa forestry has become a major focus in Hawaii. Replanting programs and selective harvesting aim to balance demand for koa wood with the long-term health of native forests and watersheds.
Ecologically, koa is a keystone species in many native Hawaiian forests. Its broad canopy provides shade and habitat for native birds, including rare Hawaiian honeycreepers, while its deep roots help anchor fragile volcanic soils, preventing erosion and protecting island watersheds. Koa is also a nitrogen-fixing tree, helping to enrich poor soils and support the growth of other native plants beneath its canopy.
Another truly iconic native Hawaiian tree is the ‘ohi‘a lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha). This hardy species often forms the backbone of Hawaiian rainforest and lava field ecosystems, and it is usually the first tree to colonize newly cooled lava flows. ‘Ohi‘a can grow as a shrub in windswept alpine areas or as a large forest tree at lower elevations, reflecting its incredible adaptability.
The tree’s brilliant pom-pom flowers – usually red, but sometimes yellow, orange, or pink – are called lehua blossoms. They are a critical nectar source for endangered Hawaiian honeycreepers such as the ‘apapane and ‘i‘iwi. When these birds visit the blooms, they carry pollen to other trees and help keep native forest ecosystems functioning.
Culturally, ‘ohi‘a lehua is deeply woven into Hawaiian legends and chants. The lehua flower is often associated with love, loyalty, and the island of Hawaii. Today, forest managers are working to protect ‘ohi‘a from threats like Rapid ‘Ohi‘a Death, a fungal disease that has killed many trees on the Big Island and beyond, making conservation of ‘ohi‘a forests more important than ever.
The hala tree (Pandanus tectorius) is a familiar sight along coasts and lowland valleys. Also known as screwpine, hala is easy to recognize by its prop-like aerial roots and long, spiky leaves arranged in spirals. For generations, Native Hawaiians have used hala as a multi-purpose resource.
The tough leaves are harvested, stripped, and dried for plaiting and weaving. Hala leaves can be crafted into:
Hala’s large, segmented fruit – sometimes called hala fruit – can be chewed for its sweet, fibrous segments, and different parts of the plant have long been used in Hawaiian herbal medicine. The tree is also spiritually important; hala groves are sometimes associated with sacred sites, and the leaves may be used in ceremonial contexts.
Hawaiian sandalwood (Santalum spp.) holds a special place in the islands’ natural and cultural history. Known locally as ‘iliahi, the tree’s fragrant heartwood has been used for incense, carving, and medicine for centuries. In the early 1800s, sandalwood trade with foreign ships created a major but short-lived industry in Hawaii, as vast numbers of trees were cut and exported.
Overharvesting dramatically reduced wild populations, and today several Hawaiian sandalwood species are rare or threatened in their native habitats. Modern conservation programs promote:
Beyond its economic value, sandalwood contributes to forest biodiversity and supports native insects and birds. Its lingering fragrance and dramatic history continue to inspire conservation efforts across the Hawaiian Islands.
The milo tree (Thespesia populnea) is a classic coastal species found on sandy shores and lowland landscapes. Milo’s broad, heart-shaped leaves and hibiscus-like yellow flowers make it an attractive ornamental tree, while its deep roots help anchor beach soils and protect against erosion and salt spray.
Traditionally, milo wood was used for canoe parts, food bowls, and carved implements because it is strong, workable, and polishes to a beautiful luster. The bark can be used for cordage, and the tree’s pods and leaves have been included in various Hawaiian medicinal and dyeing practices. Today, milo remains a favorite shade and landscape tree in coastal gardens, parks, and beaches.
The kukui tree (Aleurites moluccanus) is Hawaii’s official state tree and a classic Polynesian “canoe plant” brought by early voyagers. With its silvery-green leaves, clusters of white blossoms, and round nuts, kukui is both beautiful and incredibly useful.
Kukui nuts – often called candlenuts – are rich in oil. Historically, they were strung and burned as candles, pressed for lamp oil, and ground into condiments. Today, polished kukui nuts are commonly used in traditional Hawaiian leis and jewelry. Other parts of the tree have been used for dyes, medicine, and woodcraft.
Ecologically, kukui trees form a dense canopy that shades understory plants and helps stabilize steep slopes and gulches. Their large leaves and extensive root systems help hold soil in place and support healthy stream corridors, especially in wetter valleys.
The monkeypod tree (Samanea saman), also known as rain tree, is not native to Hawaii but has become one of the islands’ favorite shade trees. Native to tropical Central and South America, monkeypod was introduced to Hawaii in the 19th century and quickly became popular in parks, schoolyards, and large lawns.
Its enormous, umbrella-like canopy and feathery foliage create deep, cool shade—perfect for picnics and gatherings. The tree produces powder-puff pink flowers and flat seed pods that give monkeypod its common name. Its wood is also used for bowls, tables, and other wood craft items prized by visitors and locals alike.
While not a native Hawaiian tree, monkeypod is now part of the visual language of island towns and landscapes, offering habitat for birds and insects and providing welcome relief from the tropical sun.
The kamani tree (Calophyllum inophyllum) is another coastal species with glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant white blossoms. Kamani produces round green fruits that encase an oily nut. These nuts have long been valued in the Pacific for food, medicine, and body care.
Kamani oil is used in traditional Hawaiian massage and natural skincare products for its soothing, moisturizing, and restorative properties. The tree’s dense, attractive wood has been used for canoes, tools, and structural timbers. Today, kamani is planted for coastal windbreaks, shade, and its multi-use nuts and oil.
The mango tree (Mangifera indica) is not native to Hawaii, but it feels right at home in the islands’ tropical climate. Mango trees can grow into large shade trees with broad canopies and produce heavy crops of fragrant fruit through the summer months.
Mangoes are among the most loved fruit trees in Hawaii. The sweet, juicy flesh is eaten fresh, blended into smoothies, dried, pickled, or turned into chutneys and desserts. Mango trees also provide shade, habitat for birds, and attractive wood that can be used for furniture and indoor woodworking projects. As part of the broader family of Hawaiian trees, mango contributes to both food security and the island sense of tropical abundance.
The banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) is another non-native tree that has become a landmark in many Hawaiian communities. Originating in the Indian subcontinent, banyans are known for their dramatic aerial roots that descend from branches to the ground, forming new trunks over time.
In Hawaii, one of the most famous banyans stands in Lahaina on the island of Maui, where its intertwined trunks and sprawling canopy shade an entire town square. The banyan tree is often seen as a symbol of strength, connection, and community, with its many trunks representing the interconnectedness of people and the land.
Banyan trees provide habitat for birds and a cool refuge for people in urban areas, though they need space to grow and careful placement away from buildings and infrastructure due to their aggressive root systems.
The papaya tree (Carica papaya) is a fast-growing, short-lived tree that has become a staple of local agriculture in Hawaii. Within a year of planting, papaya trees can begin producing their first crops of sweet, melon-like fruit, making them ideal for home gardens, small farms, and food forests.
Papaya fruits are rich in vitamins A and C, digestive enzymes, and antioxidants. The leaves and seeds are also used in traditional remedies and herbal preparations. In diversified farms, papaya trees are often interplanted with other crops, providing both vertical structure and a reliable source of fresh fruit.
The plumeria tree (Plumeria spp.) is synonymous with the fragrance and color of Hawaii. While not native, plumeria has become one of the most recognizable ornamental trees in Hawaii. Its showy, waxy flowers appear in shades of white, yellow, pink, and deep red, filling gardens and walkways with a sweet, tropical perfume.
Plumeria blossoms are commonly used in leis, the flower garlands given as a traditional sign of welcome and aloha. The tree’s sculptural branches and long blooming season make it a favorite for yards, courtyards, and resort landscapes. Its wood can also be used for small carvings and craft projects.
The breadfruit tree (Artocarpus altilis), or ‘ulu, is one of the most important traditional staple crops in the Pacific. Brought to Hawaii by Polynesian voyagers, breadfruit trees can produce hundreds of large, starchy fruits per year, making them a cornerstone of island food security.
Breadfruit can be baked, boiled, fried, or mashed into a dough-like paste. It serves a role similar to potatoes or bread in local diets. The tree itself offers multiple benefits: its deep roots stabilize soil, its broad canopy shades gardens and understory crops, and its leaves and wood have traditional medicinal and cultural uses.
Recognizing how important native Hawaiian trees are for biodiversity, culture, and climate resilience, community groups, landowners, and agencies are investing in long-term conservation. Programs focus on fencing native forests, controlling invasive plants and feral animals, and restoring koa- and ‘ohi‘a-dominated ecosystems through careful reforestation.
Organizations like the Hawaii Forest Institute and the Lyon Arboretum in Mānoa Valley help preserve rare species, share propagation techniques, and educate residents and visitors about the value of Hawaii’s forests. Community planting days and youth education projects are building a new generation of forest stewards across the islands.
If you want to see these trees up close, Hawaii offers many opportunities. The Lyon Arboretum on O‘ahu and the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden on the Big Island display a mix of native and introduced species in lush valley settings. National and state parks such as Haleakalā National Park on Maui and Waimea Canyon State Park on Kaua‘i allow you to experience native forests, lava fields, and coastal groves in their natural habitats.
Walking forest trails, reading interpretive signs, and joining guided tours all deepen appreciation for the role trees play in Hawaiian life. Whether you’re interested in rare native trees, edible fruit trees, or towering shade trees in town, Hawaii offers endless chances to learn from – and care for – the living green heart of the islands.
Two of the most iconic Hawaiian trees are koa (Acacia koa), a prized native hardwood used for canoes, furniture and instruments, and ʻohiʻa lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha), the fiery red-flowering tree that often colonizes fresh lava flows. Other well-known species in island forests and landscapes include hala, sandalwood, milo, kukui, monkeypod, kamani, mango, banyan, papaya, plumeria, and breadfruit.
Trees such as koa, ʻohiʻa lehua, some species of sandalwood (ʻiliahi), and several upland forest species are native to Hawaiʻi. Important “canoe plants” like kukui, hala, and breadfruit (‘ulu) were brought by Polynesian voyagers and are considered Polynesian introductions. Shade and ornamental trees such as monkeypod, banyan, mango, papaya, and plumeria were introduced later but are now closely associated with Hawaiian landscapes.
Site selection is critical. Many koa provenances prefer mid- to high-elevation sites with cooler temperatures and well-drained volcanic soils; strong coastal winds and salt spray can stress young koa trees. ʻŌhiʻa lehua has a very wide range and can grow from low to high elevations, but it still needs well-drained substrates and careful watering during establishment. Always match the species (and nursery seed source) to your elevation, rainfall and exposure, and follow current guidance related to Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death when sourcing and planting ʻohiʻa.
Coconut palms (Cocos nucifera) are culturally important in Hawaiʻi, but they are not endemic to the islands. They were introduced by Polynesian voyagers and have long been used for food, fiber, tools, and building materials. In coastal restoration projects, coconuts are often planted alongside native coastal species such as hala, coastal milo and naupaka to support both cultural use and biodiversity.
For exposed, salty sites, look for species adapted to coastal conditions. Good candidates include hala (Pandanus tectorius), milo (Thespesia populnea), kamani (Calophyllum inophyllum), kukui (Aleurites moluccanus), and coconut palms. These trees tolerate wind and salt spray and help stabilize dunes and shorelines. When planting, use deep but infrequent watering during establishment, apply mulch to conserve moisture (keeping it off the trunk), and consider temporary windbreaks until roots are well anchored.
You can support conservation by choosing native or Polynesian-introduced trees for new plantings, buying nursery stock grown from locally appropriate seed, and avoiding the movement of soil or plant material between islands. Participating in or donating to reforestation and invasive-species removal projects, supporting organizations like the Hawaiʻi Forest Institute and Lyon Arboretum, and planting koa, ʻohiʻa and other natives on suitable land all help protect Hawaiʻi’s unique forests.
Excellent places to see Hawaiian trees up close include Lyon Arboretum in Mānoa Valley on Oʻahu, the Hawaiʻi Tropical Botanical Garden on the Big Island, and national and state parks such as Haleakalā National Park on Maui and Waimea Canyon State Park on Kauaʻi. Many offer guided walks, plant labels, and interpretive signs that explain the ecological and cultural importance of native and introduced trees across the islands.
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