Scented Souvenir
One of the sweetest Hawaiian traditions is the making and wearing of flower lei to celebrate people you love or places you’ve been.
The Once and Future Lei Flower
Few people know that plumeria has a true Hawaiian cousin: hōlei. This rare tree species is endemic to the dry forests of East Maui.
Spring Cleaning
‘Awapuhi is one of the twenty-seven species known as “canoe plants”—plants the first Hawaiians carried with them and relied on when colonizing these Islands.
James Bond, Caterpillar
Hawaiian scientists have discovered tiny caterpillars that climb, spin webs, and eat escargot! Meet Hyposomocoma, a native Hawaiian genus of moths with highly a charismatic caterpillar stage.
The One That Got Away?
Ulua are no easy catch. The powerful, deep-sea-dwelling predators can weigh over 100 pounds. And they’re smart.
Ripe Treasure: Hawaiian Heirloom Bananas
By the time Westerners arrived, Hawaiians had developed at least forty-four distinct banana varieties.
Summer Stargazing
Take advantage of Maui’s warm summer nights by gazing up into the star speckled sky.
Nene Nursery
In 1962, biologists reintroduced several breeding pairs of nene to Haleakala National Park, and now around 300 nene call the park home. Nene goslings take up to three months learning to fly and need special attention during this vulnerable time.
The Hawaiian Sphinx’s Riddle
Hawaiian Sphinx Moth is endangered and rare with many bright colors and can found in the winter months in a nocturnal environment.
Grow Your Own Fireworks
Celebrate the Fourth of July with a different kind of firecracker, the papala. This endemic Hawaiian plant is a Roman candle made by nature.
Hula Tree
Among the most charismatic species in the Hawaiian dry-land forest, six different species of hala pepe trees exist — each one endemic to its own Hawaiian island.
Hurricane Season
Official hurricane season in Hawaii runs from June to November and August is by far the biggest month for these events.
Shark Pups
When you enter the ocean this fall, remember that it’s not just the sharks’ home; it’s their nursery.
Hawaiian Turmeric
Turmeric is prized around the world for its yellow color, bold flavor, and medicinal properties. When Polynesian voyagers first sailed to Hawai‘i, they brought the pungent herb with them.
A Fern by Any Other Name
Two attractive fern species in Hawai‘i share the name laua‘e. Both are beloved by lei makers and Hawaiian cultural practitioners.
Oh, Hello!
Deck the halls this season with Hawaiian ohelo berries, a sacred yet edible plant endemic to Hawaii. They are also a nice alternative to cranberries.
Beach Naupaka: Opera by the Sea
Native Hawaiian naupaka is a beach shrub with worthy gems to offer the budding botanist.
Fair Winds
Trade winds are the prevailing gusts that blow across the tropics. But here in Hawai‘i, they’re mostly known for delivering perfect weather.
Holding the Sea at Bay
‘Aki‘aki, also known as seashore rush grass, is an indigenous ground cover that thrives in salty, sun-blasted environments.
Haleakalā Silverswords
Summer is the prime time to observe an only-on-Maui botanical phenomenon: the blooming of the Haleakalā silverswords.
Hercules of the Hawaiian Streams
Oopu nakea is the largest and most abundant of five native Hawaiian goby species, famous for their ability to climb steep waterfalls.
Maui Events & News
Imua Family Services’ Will Smith Discovery Garden
A World of Pure Imagination
Story by Savy Janssen
Photographs by Jason Moore
Sunlight filtered through the outstretched arms of the 120-year-old monkey pod trees, and...