Hawaii's Flowers Are As Intricate And Alluring As Their Names

It is nearly impossible to experience Hawaii without noticing the islands' ever-present flora.

Hand-woven flower leis are commonly exchanged as an expression of love, recognition, or a simple, "Welcome!" Women regularly adorn their hair with plumeria, newly picked from a tree, and even politicians take part in the floral trend, wearing leis of fresh flowers while meeting in the Capitol.

The abundance of flowers growing in the islands make it one of the most unique paradises in the world. Below, marvel at the diverse -- sometimes strange -- and always alluring flora of Hawaii, and their intricate island-specific names.

Kokiʻo keʻokeʻo

Also known as Hibiscus.

Maʻo hau hele

Also known as Hibiscus brackenridgei.

Koliʻo

Also known as Hibiscus kokio.

Koʻoloa ʻula

Also known as Abutilon menziesii.

Alena

Also known as Boerhavia repens.

ʻAwikiwiki

Also known as Canavalia pubescens.

Melia

Also known as Plumeria. This flower is native to tropical America but grows abundantly in the Hawaiian islands.

Koali ʻawa

Also known as Ipomoea or Hawaiian moon flower.

Pukiawe

Also known as Leptecophylla.

Nanu

Also known as Gardenia.

ʻAkala

Also known as Rubus hawaiensis.

ʻIeʻie

Also known as Freycinetia arborea.

Hala

Also known as Pandanus tectorius.

Tiaré

Also known as Gardenia taitensis or Tahitian Gardenia.

Kahili Ginger

Also known as Hedychium gardnerianum. Kahili ginger is native to the Himilayas and was brought to Hawaii in the early 1900s. It is considered an invasive species in the islands.