Kupukupu – A Fern of Growth and Perseverance

Kupukupu – A Fern of Growth and Perseverance

In Hawaiʻi, kupukupu (Nephrolepis cordifolia) is more than just a graceful fern—it’s a symbol of new beginnings, continuous growth, and the ability to thrive in unexpected places. Known for quickly taking root and spreading, kupukupu often appears after disturbance, quietly reminding us that life finds a way to flourish even after challenge.

In Hawaiian culture, kupukupu holds a place of honor. Traditionally used in hula adornments, it also carries symbolic meaning in personal growth and learning—always unfolding, always reaching for more light. Its name itself, kupu, means “to sprout” or “to grow.”


An Artist’s Return to Kupukupu

The first time I drew kupukupu was back in 2016, during one of my earliest workshops. At the time, my focus was on learning to see plants more closely—understanding their details through observation and sketching. I didn’t know then how much kupukupu’s meaning would weave into my own story.

Our last kupukupu-inspired design was released in 2023, and looking back at that work now, I can see how much I’ve grown as an artist. My lines are more confident, my layering more intentional, and my connection to the subject runs deeper. Revisiting kupukupu in 2025 is like meeting an old friend again—one who reminds you of how far you’ve come and encourages you to keep going.


Hoʻomau & Kupukupu

This year, our kupukupu illustration appears on a list pad alongside the word Hoʻomau, which means “to persist” or “to persevere.” It felt like the perfect pairing—kupukupu embodies the spirit of Hoʻomau in the way it quietly roots, thrives, and spreads, no matter the conditions.

For me, it’s more than a plant and a word on paper. It’s a daily reminder to keep moving forward, even when the path isn’t clear. Just like kupukupu, growth happens a little at a time, and before you know it, you’ve transformed.


Growing Forward

Kupukupu teaches us that growth isn’t always loud or dramatic. Sometimes it’s steady and patient—unfurling one frond at a time until one day you realize how far you’ve come. That’s the heart of Hoʻomau: to keep going, to root yourself in what matters, and to trust that persistence will carry you forward. Every time I see this fern, I’m reminded that progress isn’t about speed—it’s about showing up, again and again, until your growth becomes impossible to ignore.


meet our founder & illustrator

Kea peters

Native Hawaiian illustrator from Ewa Beach who balances motherhood and entrepreneurship.