Native Hibiscus at Mānoa Heritage Center

We have four species of native hibiscus thriving in our garden this summer.  They are all endemic, which is to say, they are found only in the Hawaiian islands.  They are believed to be the result of independent colonization events.  Hibiscus are among the easiest native plants to grow and can be propagated from seeds, cuttings or by grafting. The beautiful flowers of the hibiscus make this one of Hawaiʻi’s favorite plants. The yellow variety is the Hawaiʻi State flower; the white variety has a subtle scent, which is unusual for this genus.

kokiʻo keʻokeʻo         white hibiscus

Hibiscus arnottianus  ENDANGERED

kokiʻo ʻula    red hibiscus

Hibiscus kokio  RARE

maʻo hau hele    yellow hibiscus

Hibiscus brackenridgei   ENDANGERED

(Hawaiʻi State Flower)

kokiʻo ula    orange hibiscus

Hibiscus kokio subsp. saintjohnianus

RARE