Hawaiian History, the Royal Ali`i and the Hibiscus - 2009/03/08 15:48I am investigating flowers of significance of the Ali`i (the Royal Hawaiian Chiefs) and the Kingdom of Hawai`i prior to the Overthrow in 1893. According to:
“Hawaii State Flower [is the] Pua Aloalo-Hibiscus brackenridgei. The hibiscus, all colors and varieties, was the official Territorial Flower, adopted in the early 1920s. At statehood in 1959, the first state legislature adopted many of Hawaii's symbols as part of the Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS, state laws). It wasn't until 1988, however, that the yellow hibiscus which is native to the islands was selected to represent Hawaii”.
On the basis of the state adopting many Hawaiian royal symbols, I’m wondering if the hibiscus was one of them?
Re:Hawaiian History, the Royal Ali`i and the Hibiscus - 2009/03/09 00:49Hello and welcome. Perhaps one of our members who lives in Hawaii can answer your question, I'm afraid that I don't have a clue.
Re:Hawaiian History, the Royal Ali`i and the Hibiscus - 2009/03/09 14:17Michael, I know there are members here hailing from Hawaii and I suspect they will be reading this shortly (and react. I hope )
Re:Hawaiian History, the Royal Ali`i and the Hibiscus - 2009/03/12 23:49Hello my name is Kaimana and I will find out what the hibiscus as a symbol means.. Growing up we had May Day...is Lei Day...it was originally started in the 1920's and we always had the traditonal court, each island was represented by a flower and a color of the rainbow, I know the meanings are out there and I will ask my Kupuna what the symbolism is...
As far as the colors Red and Yellow were always royal colors, Kahili were made of bird feathers and that surrounded the court.
I did find this, Hawaii changed its state flower from the native red hibiscus (Hibiscus kokio),on June 6, 1988, to the Hawaiian hibiscus - ma'o hau hele, the only species of yellow hibiscus.
I will also put up here a list of each of the islands flowers are... "Each of the major Hawaiian Islands has a lei, treasured as its own.
Hawaii - lehua. It's blossoms come from the `ohi`a lehua tree which grows on the slopes of the volcanoes on the Big Island. Its flowers, most commonly red but also found in white, yellow and orange.
Kauai - mokihana. Actually a fruit, the purplish berries of this tree which is found only on Kauai are strung like beads and often woven with strands of maile. The berries have a scent of anise and are long lasting.
Kaho'olawe - hinahina. Found on the beaches of Kaho`olawe, the stems and flowers of this silver-gray plant are braided together to form this lei.
Lanai - kaunaoa. The light orange thread-like strands of this parasitic vine are gathered in handfuls and twisted together to form the lei.
Maui - lokelani. The pink lokelani or "rose of heaven" is sweet scented and very delicate.
Molokai - kukui. The leaves and white flowers and sometimes nuts of the silver-green kekui, or candlenut, tree are braided together to make this lei.
Ni'ihau - pupu. White pupu shells found along the shoreline of this rocky island are pierced and strung on cords to form this lei.
O'ahu - `ilima. This yellow/orange lei is velvety, paper thin and very delicate. It is sometimes called the royal lei because they were once worn only by the high chiefs." Quoted by - (Lei Day in Hawaii - Page 2 Each Island Has Its Own Lei By John Fischer, About.com)
Re:Hawaiian History, the Royal Ali`i and the Hibiscus - 2009/03/13 03:34This is very interesting, thank you Haimana.
It seems information about Hawaiian flowers as a symbol is readily available since statehood.
But I am most interested in pre-statehood and especially pre-occupation (1893 was the overthrow). I'm looking for the story and perspective of the Hibiscus (and other flowers and emblems) from the Monarchy and Ali`i period.
Re:Hawaiian History, the Royal Ali`i and the Hibiscus - 2009/03/13 03:45Sorry, Kaimana (not Haimana - I made a typo). By the way I live in Honolulu now, since living on Kauai for 12 years. Where do you live?
Re:Hawaiian History, the Royal Ali`i and the Hibiscus - 2009/03/13 09:59I live out in Ewa Beach. Look up Kahili. That was somthing that adorned the courts. Also look up Hawaiian courts. Kauai I heard is beautiful, haven't been there yet...but that is the Garden Isle you must have sen many gorgeous plants. Message me anytime about Hawaiiana or whatever, different flowers.
Re:Hawaiian History, the Royal Ali`i and the Hibiscus - 2009/03/13 10:02You are very close to the state library they will have a lot more info...also Iolani Palace and Kawaihao might be places of interest.
Re:Hawaiian History, the Royal Ali`i and the Hibiscus - 2009/03/13 16:27Wow. That's true. I have never, ever... seen yellow Hibiscus here (in Israel). Now you talk about it, this is really peculiar since one would think that all kinds of species would get transmitted across the world pretty fast in these modern times.
Re:Hawaiian History, the Royal Ali`i and the Hibiscus - 2009/03/14 23:55There are certain regulations to prevent plants from spreading. But most times cause it just doesnt thrive in other areas. I know many f the Hawaiian flowers are not allowed to leave Hawaii as well as there are some plant species that can't come into Hawaii.
Here is an excerpt fromhttp://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/10/endangered-species-hawaii.php
"Trust us, we're as surprised as you are: In a bold, uncharacteristic, and long-overdue move, the federal government announced a proposal on Tuesday to add 48 species, found only on the island of Kauai in Hawaii, to the endangered species list. With 329 imperiled plants, animals, and insects, Hawaii has more endangered species than any other state."
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