Aloha Kākou!
Welcome to Lā ʻEkahi (Day One) of ka Mahina Lāʻau Kamaʻāina! (Native Hawaiian Plant Month). In case you forgot what we are up to this month, click here for a refresher!
Lā ʻEkahi (Day 1): Naupaka Kahakai
Naupaka Kahakai (Scaevola gaudichaudiana) is a shrub that is indigenous to Hawaii. Its name, ‘Kahakai,’ perfectly describes where you can find it – along the ocean’s coast! Check out local spots on Oahu like Allen Davis or Ka’ena Point and see if you can spot the Naupaka Kahakai’s distinctive ‘half’ flowers. Their unique blooms are perfectly shaped to help the Hawaiian yellow- faced bee pollinate.
This pretty plant does more than just prevent erosion, it’s also a nesting habitat for many seabirds. Plus, its hardiness and low-maintenance makes for a great hedge!
If youʻd like to learn how to illustrate Naupaka Kahakai, click here.
If youʻd like to see all of our collective content for Native Hawaiian Plant Month, click here.
To get in the Lāʻau Kamaʻāina spirit this month, make sure you check us out at the Grand Naniloa Hotel, (4/12 – 4/15 from 10am – 3pm), where we’ll be selling our newest creations featuring Naupaka Kahakai. At *this event only* we’ll have thrifted jean jackets with Naupaka- inspired fabric that was featured in our MAMo art show! (Super limited stock so run, don’t walk!) If you can’t make it to Hilo, no worries beef curries! You can still get your Naupaka on with our Naupaka Vinyl Stickers, available here on our website.
Stay tuned for more Lāʻau Kamaʻāina fun!
Mahalo for the resource used for this article:
1. Bishop Museum. “Online Database.” Bishop Museum - Ethnobotany Database, Bishop Museum, http://data.bishopmuseum.org/ethnobotanydb/ethnobotany.php?b=list&o=1.
2. “Hui Ku Maoli Ola - Transforming Land Back To ‘Āina.” Hui Ku Maoli Ola Native Plant Nursery, Hui Ku Maoli Ola,
http://hawaiiannativeplants.com/.
