The Best Flowers to Plant in Hawaii: 18 Flowers for a Gorgeous Blooms

With the warm tropical nights, glorious sunny days, and occasional rain showers, Hawaii has become one of the biggest plant paradises in the world. This means that loads and loads of species thrive here. But, because the island rarely meets cold nights, certain plants do better there than others. And like anywhere else in the world, you should figure out which species and varieties do best in tropical weather year-round. The list below offers both endemic and transplanted species of flowers to plant in Hawaii for the perfect seasonal or year-round garden.

Ilima

The gorgeous, stunning ilima flower or “black coral” grows endemically in the forests on O’ahu and Kaua’I in Hawaii. Coastal varieties feature velvety, soft “hairy” blooms. The flowers come in yellow to orange shades and thrive all over Hawaii. Plant them in full sun, in well-draining soil, and make sure you don’t waterlog them.

Protea

Sometimes called the honeypot plant, the protea is actually endemic to South Africa, not Hawaii. The beautiful bloomer was brought to the islands in the 1970s, though, and thrives there. The distinctive flowers prefer hot, dry summers and sandy, well-draining soil. Be sure to keep them in sunny locations where they’ll get plenty of air circulation and not too much water when it rains.

Hinahina

The Hinahina, or Geranium cuneatum, or Silver geranium, thrives in gorgeous Hawaii. The perennial, low-growing shrub loves open, dry, high elevation areas but still blooms passionately in this humid state. The shrub may reach 3 feet in height and produces white to creamy yellow flowers. Each bloom has five narrow, egg-shaped petals. Each petal may be solidly colored or lined with purple at the heart. They plant also produces fruit pods and silky, hairy leaves that reflect sunlight in their shiny silvery green shades. These stunning flowers need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day.

Passionflower Vine

While these unique flowers may be the native state wildflower of Tennessee, the passionflower vine also thrives in Hawaii. In fact, the uniquely vivid bloom looks a bit more natural in the Aloha State than the Volunteer state! The beautiful blooms come in purple, white, red, pink, or blue, with oblong sepals and “fringe” on the base. They need well-draining soil and anywhere from full sun to partial shade.

Lobster Claws/Heliconia

Known as either lobster claws for the shape of the flowers or Heliconia, this beautiful iconic bloomer thrives in Hawaii. The trees look a bit like banana plants, so when not in bloom, folks mistake them for each other. The tree produces red and orange flowers in the shape of panicles, with red, waxy bracts and yellow edges. These beauties thrive in full sun to light shade, love loads of water, and need hummus-rich soil.

Kou

A perennial flowering tree in Hawaii, Kou offers bright orange flowers of a distinctly tropical nature. The Cordia subcordata, as it is known scientifically, grows up to 35 feet in height, though usually less. The stunning blooms attract many pollinators with long tongues, as they are funnel shaped. However, these long blooms have mouths 1 to 2 inches wide, so even other insects may enjoy the gorgeous flowers for their nectar. They primarily grow in coastal areas of the Hawaiian islands and require partial shade.

Silversword

Known as either Silversword or Ahinahina, the unique plant to the Hawaiian Islands is perfect planting in your garden. The tall flowering stalk and pointed silver leaves add a certain distinctive beauty to any garden that you won’t see in most other native plants. They naturally grow at high altitudes along volcanos and live up to 50 years. However, they only flower once in their lifetime, so they’re not for the impatient gardener.

Silversword does best in full sun and will keep the lively foliage up most of its lifetime, as long as it is well-cared for.

Tuberose

Offering a subtle, sweet aroma, the tuberose belongs to the lily family. The gorgeous flower clusters and looks a bit like jasmine but has an entirely different scent. The plant does best in fertile soil and blooms for two to three weeks midsummer in Hawaii. It needs 5 to 6 hours of direct, constant light each day to thrive.

Mokihana

A native plant of Hawaii, as you might guess from the name, the Mokihana plant offers some stunning aromatic beauty. The small flowers and berries pop out on the gorgeous plant any time of year, when properly cared for. The beautiful flowers help make up the official lei of Kaua’i Island. These beauties do best with partial shade.

Blue Jade Vine

The stunning blue jade vine, or Strongylodon macrobotrys, belongs to the liana family. The plant comes natively from the Philippines but thrives in the Hawaiian climate. The flower grows on woody vines that reach about 55 feet in length, when they’re left to roam, so don’t expect it to do well as a confined container plant. Provide these turquoise or jade green flower clusters with full sun for the best growing results. They bloom in late spring and early summer most often.

Purple Water Lily

A crown-like bloom in white, pink, or purple, the purple water makes for the perfect garden pond choice in Hawaii. The stunning blooms love deep ponds from 15 to 30 feet deep but can thrive in shallower pools, as well, if properly cared for. These beauties require 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for rich, glorious blooms.

Anthurium

While anthurium can’t handle hot, direct sun and wind, it does thrive in Hawaii. Protect this beautiful flower with some shade and shield and allow the soil to dry between each watering. Over 500 varieties of this gorgeous plant exist, with shades of pink, red, purple, green, and white available. They look a bit waxy and some folks even think them artificial because of the unique natural texture.

Kahili Ginger

Thriving in fertile, well-draining yet moist soil, the Kahili ginger plant, or Hedychium gardnerianum offers some of the most beautiful blooms. The vivid, unique flowers almost look like feathery miniature lilies on tall stalks. The flower goes by many common names, too, including Yellow Ginger lily and Kahili garland lily. Give these beauties sand mixed into potting soil, peat moss, and loads of bright, indirect light.

Hawaiian Hibiscus

What Hawaiian garden would be complete without the iconic Hawaiian hibiscus flower? These beautiful blooms grow native to Hawaii, with the yellow hibiscus declared the official flower in 1988. The flower also comes in pink, white, and red, with flowers as often as daily all year, thanks to their perfectly suited growing habits to this tropical state. Be sure to plant them where they will get 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day in moist, well-draining soil.

Seven different Hawaiian hibiscus flowers are available to choose from.

• Hibiscus brackenridgei —  the state’s official flower
• Hibiscus arnottianus
• Hibiscus waimeae
• Hibiscus furcellatus
• Hibiscus clayi
• Hibiscus tiliaceus
• Hibiscus kokio

Ohia Lehua

Naturally grown in boggy or basalt soil, the ohia lehua flower thrives in the humid tropical environment of Hawaii. This is one of the best flowers to plant in Hawaii, especially if you tend to over-water plants a bit. They come in pink, salmon, red, orange, white, yellow, and similar shades. Be sure to plant them where they’ll get full sun.

Gardenia

If there’s an incredible, floral scent in the air, changes are you’re smelling either the plumeria or the gardenia. Gardenias bloom in vibrant solid white and creamy white shades, with elegant, almost rose-like shapes. These gorgeous flowers love humidity, warmth, and indirect but steady sunlight. They’re perfect for making your own perfumes or potpouris, but they’re gorgeous to look at, too.

Bird of Paradise

Apart from the hibiscus, almost no flower says “tropical” like the bird of paradise. The vibrant, multi-colored blooms just scream of humidity and temperate climes, with all you could hope for in unique looks. The flower originated in South Africa but thrives in Hawaii, growing up to 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Provide them with fertile, loamy, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.

Plumeria/Frangipani

The other most vivid smelling flower you’ll come across in Hawaii is the plumeria or frangipani. These bold flowers come in white with yellow hearts or shades or red, pink, orange, or even purple. The gorgeous flowers bloom from April to November but could produce flowers any time of year in the state. Grow them in well-drained, acidic soil with full, bright sunlight.