ʻIlima kū kahakai, shoreline ʻilima, Oʻahu’s island flower, Sida fallax is indigenous to Hawaiʻi and can be found thriving on Hawaiʻi’s shorelines in varying weather conditions. Lei made of ʻilima was seen as lei for royalty, but is now a very special lei gifted for extremely special occasions. ʻIlima is associated with the goddess of hula, Laka, and is a kinolau (earthly form) of the god Kāne.
Available online on Monday, April 9 @ 12pm HST
The endemic ʻōhiʻa lehua tree (Metrosideros polymorpha), essential to Hawaii’s ecosystems, faces a threat from Rapid Ohia Death, a fungal disease. It’s our kūleana (responsibility) to protect this keystone species, vital for capturing mist and rainwater, nurturing soil, preventing erosion, and supporting native wildlife, while also replenishing our natural aquifers. Revered in Hawaiian culture through songs, chants, and legends, it’s been utilized in various ways, from making kapa cloth beaters to medicine. Through our artwork, we aim to raise awareness about its importance and inspire action in upholding our native forests.
Available online on Monday, April 9 @ 12pm HST
Kukui (candlenut tree) is a canoe plant brought to Hawaiʻi by our ancestors and is the state tree of Hawai’i. Like many canoe plants, it had a variety of uses, however it is most known for it’s nuts containing white, oily kernels used to create light. Because of this it is often used as a symbol of enlightenment.
Available online on Monday, April 9 @ 12pm HST
Nāʻū, Gardenia brighamii, Hawaiʻi’s native gardenia, once widespread across the islands, is now critically endangered, with only 15 to 19 individuals remaining on Hawaiʻi, Lana’i, Maui, Molokaʻi, and Oʻahu. Historically valued for its wood used in kapa anvils, its fragrant flowers for lei-making, and its fruit’s vibrant orange-yellow pulp for dyeing kapa.
Available online on Monday, April 9 @ 12pm HST
