The Urchin and the Hala Tree
Learn about hala trees (Pandanus tectorius), which are among Hawai‘i’s most recognizable and versatile native plants.
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.
All You Need Is Grub
Only around five hundred wild parrotbills exist today, in the remote rainforests of East Maui.
Casting Call
As summer ripens, local fishermen start scanning the shoreline for oama, or baby goatfish.
Delicate Beauties
Strung together, the tissue-thin flowers of the ‘ilima bush make an exquisite lei.
The Call of the ‘Alala
Ancient Hawaiian Chanters used the unique sounds of the Alala, Hawaiian crow, to broadcast messages in battle. Currently they are extinct in the wild.
Lono’s Light
This story explores ancient Hawaiian uses for the kukui nut, and the legends that surround it.
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.
Seasonal Reds
Bright red poinsettias are a familiar sight in the Hawaiian Islands during the holidays.
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.
On The Wing
Entomologists fear this endemic butterfly, our official state insect, may be disappearing from forests.
Hawaiian Owl: Love Is in the Air
Autumn is a thrilling time for Hawaiian owls and those who admire them.
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.
Hala: The Hawaiian Aphrodisiac
When foraging for plants to kindle romance, the love-struck Hawaiian had no further to look than the distinctive Hala tree.
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.
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...
