The heavens weep, the land lives; Explore the Hawaiian cultural meanings and uses of the flora of Haleakalā
Haleakalā National Park Cultural Resources Management Program
Introduction
The islands of Hawaiʻi are home to some of the most unique and marvelous species in the world. Part of the mission of the National Park Service is to preserve and protect the biological and cultural resources for all of their beauty and inherent value. That includes plants, animals, and even insects! This StoryMap focuses on some of the native plants located within the Haleakalā National Park herbarium, which holds almost every native plant that can be found within the park boundaries. These plants have rich histories and hold immense significance within the Hawaiian culture and to the Hawaiian people. Showcasing these plants speaks life back into their names and brings forth a sort of resurgence of ʻike kūpuna, ancestral knowledge. The Hawaiian archipelago and the island of Maui hold such unique flora that it is worthwhile getting to know each plant on a more intimate level.
Map
The plants featured in this StoryMap were collected by scientists working under two scientific research collection permits and by NPS staff. The map below gives an overview of the places within Haleakalā National Park where these plants were collected from, and the findings of the botanists and biologists that collected in these special places.
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Kōlea
Primulaceae / Myrsine lessertiana
"Native species of trees and shrubs with oval to narrow leaves more or less crowded at branch tips, small flowers, and small round fruits among or below the leaves" - Puke Wehewehe
Photo: Kōlea herbarium specimen, HALE Museum Collection
A dried plant specimen.
General Information
Kōlea is endemic to all of the Hawaiian Islands except for Niʻihau and Kahoʻolawe. This plant enjoys mesic to wet forests and can sometimes even be found in subalpine shrubland. A small kōlea tree, when fully mature, can grow anywhere between 15 to 30 feet in height, while a medium sized tree can grow anywhere between 30 to 50 feet.
The kōlea blooms between fall and spring and sports either green or purple flowers. The young leaves (liko) are a bright magenta color while the more mature leaves are glossy and range from light to dark green in color.
Other species
Kōlea Lau Nui
Literally translated to "Large leaf Kōlea."
Kōlea Lau Liʻi
Literally translated to "Small Leaf Kōlea"
Endemic to the islands of Maui, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi, Hawaiʻi and Oʻahu.
Photo: Kōlea, NPS photo
Cluster of plants with bright green leaves with reddish centers.
Other Meanings
Kōlea is also the name of the Pacific golden plover, a migratory bird that comes to Hawaiʻi in the fall near the end of August, and returns to Alaska in the spring around the beginning of May.
Photo: Kōlea bird, NPS photo
A brown and white Kolea birds stands amidst grass.
Cultural Significance / Usage
Wood Work
The wood of the kōlea plant, specifically the kōlea lau nui, was used in the creation of posts and beams for the construction of hale (houses).
This same wood was used to make kua kapa, the anvil that Hawaiians would beat kapa on.
Dyes
Kōlea sap was used to create a red tinted dye. A black dye could be made from the charcoal of the burned kōlea wood.
These dyes could be used to dye or add color to kapa pieces.
Lei/Adornments
Liko, leaf buds, of the kōlea lau liʻi were highly sought out for the creation of lei. They were bright yellow to green in color with a purple mid-vein and margins. It was said that the liko of the kōlea lau liʻi was right next to that of the liko lehua in terms of beauty.
Medicinal
The bark, leaves and flowers of the kōlea plant were also used to treat illnesses such as pāʻaoʻao, a general term for childhood illness and physical weakness, and ʻea, a childhood disease known as thrush.
Photo at Left: Kōlea, NPS Photo
Photo at Right: Kapa cloth made by Dennis Kanaʻe Keawe, HALE Museum Collection
ʻAlaʻalawainui
Piperaceae / Peperomia macraeana
ʻAlaʻalawainui herbarium specimen, HALE Museum Collection
"A large genus of plants known as Peperomia of the order Piperaceae. It is found in stony places and is used as medicine." - Puke Wehewehe
General Information
There are 24 species of Peperomia found in the Hawaiian Islands. 23 of them are endemic and one is indigenous. These variations can currently be found on all the islands except for Kahoʻolawe.
ʻAlaʻalawainui can be found growing in a vast number of environments. Some species favor habitats more on the wet side, while others prefer the dry and mesic environments. They are a sort of succulent herb that enjoys growing on and between rocks.
A close up photo of a plant with tiny green leaves and red stamens with tiny red flowers.
A close up photo of a plant with tiny green leaves and red stamens with tiny red flowers.
A close up photo of a plant with tiny green leaves and red stamens with tiny red flowers.
A close up photo of a plant with tiny green leaves and red stamens with tiny red flowers.
A close up photo of a plant with tiny green leaves and red stamens with tiny red flowers.
A close up photo of a plant with tiny green leaves and red stamens with tiny red flowers.
Photos of ʻalaʻalawainui showing the beautiful diversity of the species throughout Haleakalā National Park, NPS Photos
Cultural Significance / Usage
Medicinal
The ʻalaʻalawainui was used as a general medicine, usually combined with other medicinal plants to create remedies for illnesses such as ʻea, kohepopo, and keʻewai.
Dyes
The leaves and stems of the ʻalaʻalawainui are used to create a grey-ish/green dye and the ashes are used to make a grey dye, both used for dying kapa.
Kāmakahala
Loganiaceae / Labordia hirtella
Kāmakahala herbarium specimen, HALE Museum Collection
"All species of a native genus (Labordia) of forest trees and shrubs" - Puke Wehewehe
General Information
Kāmakahala is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. This particular species of kāmakahala, Labordia hirtella, is known as a mountain dwelling species. Its flowers are orange to yellow in color, and they grow in bunches. Kāmakahala likes growing in moist to wet environments.
Photos of Kāmakahala, HALE Museum Collection
Cultural Significance / Usage
Lei/Adornments
Three species of Kāmakahala were known to have orange flowers what were used to make lei specifically for chiefs.
Naupaka Kuahiwi
Goodeniaceae / Scaevola chamissoniana
"Native species of shrubs found in mountains and near coasts, conspicuous for their white or light-colored flowers that look like half flowers." - Puke Wehewehe
Photo: Naupaka kuahiwi herbarium specimen, HALE Museum Collection
A dried plant specimen.
General Information
There are 10 native species of naupaka, nine of which are endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, including the naupaka kuahiwi. The remaining species, the common naupaka kahakai, is indigenous and found throughout coasts of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
The naupaka kuahiwi is a shrub that grows between 2 to 10 feet in height. It is better adapted to wet and cooler conditions. The plant produces white flowers sporadically throughout the year, but the major bloom is during the summer. Small dark purple fruits are also produced.
Photo: Naupaka kuahiwi, NPS photo
Dark green leafed plant with leaves with serrated edges and small white flowers growing amidst west forest in a green valley.
Cultural Significance / Usage
Moʻolelo
The naupaka is most notable for its intriguing half flower which is accompanied by its own tale of origin. There are many different interpretations of this story, but they all follow the same themes on why the flowers are the way they are.
The story follows a Hawaiian princess named Naupaka that lived in the uplands. She meets a commoner man from the coast named Kauʻi and they fall in love. Due to laws at the time, they were forbidden to be together. Though they tried, in every version of the story, they unfortunately are left heartbroken and are forced to separate. The princess fled to the uplands from which she came (thus the naupaka kuahiwi), and the commoner departed to the shore (thus the naupaka kahakai). Till this day, their love and heartbreak is encased forever in their respective half flowers, and when brought together can create a whole looking flower.
Lei/Adornments
The flowers of the naupaka can be used to make lei, carrying a slight fragrance to them.
Dyes
The dark purple fruits were used to create a purplish-black dye that was then used to dye things such as kapa pieces.
Photo: Naupaka kuahiwi, NPS photo
Palaʻā
Lindsaeaceae / Odontosoria chinensis
"The lace fern, a common wild fern in Hawaiʻi; also known in other parts of Polynesia and in Asia. Long, slender stems support smooth, ovate, pointed fronds, about 30 cm long, which are subdivided three times." - Puke Wehewehe
Photo: Palaʻāherbarium specimen, HALE Museum Collection
A dried plant specimen.
General Information
Palaʻā is indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands and is naturally found on every island except for Kahoʻolawe and Niʻihau. It is one of Hawaiʻi's more common ferns and is also native to places such as Madagascar, China, and India, among others.
The palaʻā fern is commonly found in mesic to wet forests, grasslands, or shrublands as well as alongside streams.
Other Meanings
Pāʻū o Palaʻe -
Pāʻū o Palaʻe, also known as Pāʻū o Palaʻā, was a companion to the goddess Hiʻiakaikapoliopele during her epic travels from Hawaiʻi Island to Kauaʻi and back. Pāʻū o Palaʻā was also known to be a servant of Pele, the older sister to Hiʻiaka. Similar to this companion, palaʻe is another name for the palaʻā fern.
Photo: Palaʻā, NPS Photo
Image of a deep green lacy fern fronds.
Cultural Significance / Usage
Dyes
The fronds of the pala'ā fern could be used to create a brownish-red dye that was then used to dye kapa.
Lei/Adornments
Palaʻā is used for lei haku, providing a comfortable, soft base from its lacy fronds. It is usually interlaced with other plants, such as maile or ʻōhiʻa lehua, to create lei for the neck, head, wrists, and ankles.
Medicinal
Palaʻā was used as both a tea as well as a bath. Boiling the plant and drinking it was used for various female disorders. A bath was used to help with puʻupuʻu ʻōhune (lump skin rash), also known as puʻu nunui (large or many bumps). It was also used to wash and treat pūhō (abscess, burst sore, ulcer), pehu (swelling), as well as pala (gonorrhea).
Photo: Palaʻā, NPS Photo
Image of deep green fern fronds.
ʻIeʻIe
Pandanaceae / Freycinetia arborea
ʻIeʻie herbarium specimens, HALE Museum Collection
"An endemic woody, branching climber growing luxuriantly in forests at altitudes of about 300 to 600 m. The ringed stems end in tufts of long, narrow, spiny leaves, in the center of which flowers are borne in cylindrical spikes surrounded by leafy bracts, which are orange or green with orange bases." - Puke Wehewehe
General Information
ʻIeʻie is an indigenous plant that is found on most of the main Hawaiian Islands. It is also documented to be found in places such as the Marquesas Islands, the Society Islands, the Austral Islands, the Cook Islands, and New Caledonia.
ʻIeʻie does well in wet to moist environments and has a habit of climbing and growing on trees. These plants can grow up to 60 feet and can live for over five years. The flower colors are pale yellow and grow in a group. Female plants will continue to fruit spadices (a spike of crowded flowers atop a fleshy stem) after they have finished flowering.
Image of spiny leafed plant with orange cylindrical flowers growing amongst green leafy trees.
Image of spiny leafed plant with orange cylindrical fruits at its center.
Close up of large cylindrical orange flowers at center of spiny leafed plant.
Photos of ʻieʻie; The photo at far right is a close-up of the fruit of an ʻieʻie growing on Oʻahu, NPS Photos
Cultural Significance / Usage
Kinolau / Theology
Laka is known as the Hawaiian goddess of hula. As with many other deities, Laka is thought to have different kino lau, or physical forms. Some of the forms of Laka include ʻieʻie, and practitioners of hula would place these kino lau on a kuahu, or altar. There were five main plant kino lau that practitioners would place on these kuahu for Laka, and ʻieʻie was one of them.
Weaving
The ʻieʻie leaves were used similarly to those of the hala tree. Early Hawaiians would weave things such as hīnaʻi hoʻomoe iʻa (fish baskets), hīnaʻi hoʻoluʻuluʻu (fish traps), as well as mahiʻole ʻie (aliʻi helmets).
Medicinal
The shoots, leaves, and stems of the ʻieʻie were used for various health issues. Leaves and shoots were placed over sheets in a bed to help alleviate severe body pain. Shoots were pounded and mixed with other plants to create a juice that was then given to strengthen children with general debility.
The stems of the ʻieʻie were created into a juice to help women who suffered with menstrual problems, and a tea was boiled to help stop blood flow after a woman gave birth.
Lei/Adornments
The bracts of the ʻieʻie were used to make beautiful orange-yellow lei.
Maile
Apocynaceae / Alyxia stellata
"A native twining shrub; described four forms of maile based on leaf size and shape. It is a member of the periwinkle family." - Puke Wehewehe
Photo: Maile herbarium specimens, HALE Museum Collection
A dried plant specimen.
General Information
Maile is indigenous and can be found on all of the Hawaiian islands. Once thought to be endemic to Hawaiʻi, maile was found to also grow in Australia, New Caledonia, as well as other parts of the Pacific Islands.
As an understory plant, maile likes to grow in moist to dry conditions and its vines are usually found climbing the other species in the area it is growing in.
Though technically only one species of Alyxia stellata is formally acknowledged, Hawaiians recognized that there were different forms of maile. There are at least six different varieties noted by Hawaiians based on the differentiation in the leaves.
Maile haʻi wale (brittle maile)
Maile lau liʻi (small-leaved maile);
Maile lau liʻiliʻi (very small-leaved maile);
Maile lau nui (big-leaved maile);
Maile kaluhea (sweet maile);
Maile pakaha (blunt-leaved maile)
Photo: Maile, NPS Photo
Vine with small, narrow, deep green leaves.
Cultural Significance / Usage
Lei / Adornments
Maile was a favored plant in the Hawaiian culture due to its fragrance. It was desired by all people, from chiefs to servants, and therefore it was mentioned highly and frequently when creating compositions.
The lei is made by stripping the bark off of the vine, ensuring that the leaves remain attached. The bark pieces were then intertwined together to create one long, thick lei.
Theology
Maile was another highly significant plant to Laka, the goddess of hula. Therefore, it was placed alongside the other important hula plants atop the altar.
Bird Catching
The sticks of the maile were used in bird catching. A maile stick would be attached to the end of the 'auku'u (long bamboo pole used in bird catching), and gummed with lime as to catch birds that chose to perch there.
Interestingly, the snare in which Hawaiians used when catching kōlea birds was also called maile.
Clothing
After making kapa, Hawaiians would place the pieces in a large calabash with pieces of maile and ʻiliahi (sandalwood). The sweet scents of these two plants were used as a type of perfume to mask the strange, natural scent of the kapa.
Games
The branches of the maile were also used in the creation of rods (or wands) that were then used in games such as pūhenehene and ʻume.
Pūhenehene was a game in which a noʻa, a stone or a piece of wood (like the maile branch), was given to one of the participants. The rest of the group would then have to figure out who was in possession of the noʻa.
ʻUme was a counterpart game to the game of kilu. Kilu was played by chiefs while ʻume was played by commoners. While the game of kilu was a bit more intense in terms of the rules, ʻume was a simple game in which a man, called the mau, came forward and, using his maile wand, he would choose a man and a woman to leave the group and enjoy themselves. While it may have seemed like they were chosen at random, prior to the start of the game, the man would approach the mau and tell him which woman he wanted to be paired with. Once outside, the woman had the option to veto the choice and end the game.
Medicinal
Due to the sweet scent of maile, steam baths were created using all parts of the plant to rid oneself of body odor. Maile kaluhea was specifically used to create a washing fluid to clean abscesses, hemorrhoids, and deep lacerations.
Photo: Maile, Hear.org photo
A close-up image of a deep green leafed plant with pale orange flowers.
"An endemic fern, with finely subdivided narrow-elliptical fronds 10 to 40cm long, growing on trees and on the ground. Literally, mountain-dwelling woman." - Puke Wehewehe
Photo: Wahine noho maunaherbarium specimens, HALE Museum Collection
An image of several dried ferns mounted to white paper with white tape.
General Information
Wahine noho mauna is endemic and therefore only found in the Hawaiian Islands. This species, Adenophorus tamariscinus, is one of the most commonly found of the whole genus. The fronds of this fern are usually clustered and often times are found growing on ʻōhiʻa trees.
Photo: Wahine noho mauna, NPS Photo
An image of bright green ferns growing on a stump or rock amidst a wet forest.
Cultural Significance / Usage
Bird-catchers, often spending days at a time in the forest away from wahine, would joke that they were indeed surrounded by wahinewhile in the forest. This was a refence to the abundance of wahine noho mauna.
Photo: Wahine noho mauna, NPS Photo
An image of bright green ferns growing on a stump or rock amidst a wet forest.
Kupukupu
Nephrolepidaceae / Nephrolepis cordifolia
"Sword fern, a long, narrow fern with many lateral divisions" - Puke Wehewehe
Photo: Kupukupu herbarium specimens, HALE Museum Collection
A dried brown fern specimen mounted to white paper with white tape.
General Information
Kupukupu is indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands, found growing on most of the main islands. It can also be found in Australia and Asia, where it is believed to have originated from.
This fern is known for itʻs pinna, or feather-shaped fronds that can range in length from 12 to 28 inches. Kupukupu likes to grow in dry to moist and wet conditions and has a pretty easy time growing and spreading.
Other Meanings
"Reduplication of ʻkupuʻ; to surge forth, as lava" - Puke Wehewehe
Kupukupu is a type of word termed as a ʻreduplication.ʻ In this case it is a reduplication of the word Kupu, which means to sprout or grow.
The word kupukupu is also used as a generalized term for ferns that grow on a single stem, just like the kupukupu fern.
Photo: Kupukupu ferns in Olinda, East Maui. Forest and Kim Starr Photo
A close-up view of many bright green sword-like ferns growing densely, as seen from above.
Cultural Significance / Usage
Theology
Though not considered one of the five major plants that were added to the kuahu for Laka, kupukupu was sometimes offered when asking Laka for help in sprouting, or kupu, knowledge.
Lei/Adornments
The fronds of the kupukupu were braided and used in the creation of lei known as kūpeʻe. These lei were and still are used by hula practitioners and are tied onto the wrists and ankles. The fronds could also be woven into a lei that is used on the head.
Photo: Kupukupu ferns in Olinda, East Maui. Forest and Kim Starr Photo
A close-up view of many bright green sword-like ferns growing densely, as seen from above. Red berries are also hanging over the ferns in the foreground.
Acknowledgments
This StoryMap was researched and put together by Student Conservation Association (SCA) Intern Shannon Purdy who spent six months working with the Culture Resource Management team at Haleakalā National Park. Many sources were used to gather the information found within this StoryMap. Noted below are those resources.
Haleakalā National Park Staff Review: Rachel Hodara Nelson, Archeologist and Cultural Resources Program Manager, helped to develop, review, and edit this StoryMap. Katie Matthew, Museum Curator, provided access to the herbarium collections included in this StoryMap. Leila M. Morrison, Biological Science Technician, and Woody Mallinson, Natural Resources Program Manager/Biologist, reviewed the botanical descriptions and provided photographs. Theresa N. Fernandez, Bi-lingual Educational Technician (ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi), reviewed for ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi accuracy.
The title of this StoryMap is ʻŌlelo Noʻeau #2888 from Pūkuʻi, M. K. (1983) ’Ōlelo No’eau: Hawaiian proverbs and poetical sayings Bishop Museum Press.
Abbott, I. A. (1992). Lā’Au hawai’i: Traditional Hawaiian uses of plants. Bishop Museum Press.
Bishop Museum - Ethnobotany Database. (n.d.). http://data.bishopmuseum.org/ethnobotanydb/ethnobotany.php?b=list&o=1
Buck, Peter H., & Hiroa, T. R. (1964). Arts and Crafts of Hawaii: Clothing. Bishop Museum.
Buck, Peter Henry. (1990). Arts and crafts of hawaii. Ornaments and personal adornment. Bishop Museum Press.
Buck, Peter Henry. (2003). Arts and Crafts of Hawaii. Bishop Museum Press.
Craighill, H. E. S., Handy, E. G., & Pukui, M. K. (1972). Native planters in old hawaii: Their life, lore, and environment. Bishop Museum Press.
Garrett. (2013a, October 23). Alaalawainui. Hui Ku Maoli Ola Native Plant Nursery. http://hawaiiannativeplants.com/ourplants/alaalawainui/
Garrett. (2013b, October 23). Kolea. Hui Ku Maoli Ola Native Plant Nursery. http://hawaiiannativeplants.com/ourplants/kolea/
Garrett. (2013c, October 23). Naupaka Kuahiwi. Hui Ku Maoli Ola. https://hawaiiannativeplants.com/ourplants/naupaka-kuahiwi/
Higashino, P. K., & Croft, L. K. (1979). (rep.). An Ecological Survey of Puaʻaluʻu Stream. Honolulu, HI: University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Higashino, Paul K., & Mizuno, G. (1976). (rep.). The Scientific Report of the Manawainui Research Project.
Hiroa, T. R. (1964). Arts and Crafts of Hawaii. Bishop Museum Press.
Kamakahala. Plants of Hawaii. (n.d.). https://www.oahunativeplants.com/mauka/kamakahala
Kolea lauliʻi. Hui Ku Maoli Ola Native Plant Nursery. (2013, October 23). http://hawaiiannativeplants.com/ourplants/kolea-laulii/
Krauss, B. H., & Greig, T. F. (1994). Plants in Hawaiian culture. Univ. of Hawaii Press.
Magazine, M. (2016, August 18). Kamakou Preserve: Molokaʻi Forest preserve: Molokaʻi hawaii. Maui No Ka Oi Magazine. https://www.mauimagazine.net/kamakou-preserve/
McDonald, M. A., & Weissich, P. R. (2003). Na Lei makamae: The treasured lei. University of Hawai’i Press.
Mountain Labordia (Labordia Hirtella): U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. FWS.gov. (n.d.-a). https://www.fws.gov/species/mountain-labordia-labordia-hirtella
Pūkuʻi, M. K., & Elbert, S. H. (1991). Hawaiian dictionary: Hawaiian-English, English-hawaiian. University of Hawaii Press.
Pūkuʻi, M. K. (1983). ’Ōlelo No’eau: Hawaiian proverbs and poetical sayings. Bishop Museum Press.
