Hau

Growing on the edge of Waihonu pond in the northern quadrant of the Garden you will find Hau, or Hibiscus tilaceus. This species is indigenous to Hawai’i. It blooms bright yellow flowers containing a dark red “eye spot” inside. Hau is commonly found in Hawaiian lowlands, especially on the shores, of the Hawaiian islands where it can form dense thickets.

Early Hawaiians used the wood of this species to build the outriggers of canoes, floats for fish nets, long spears for games, and for the cross sticks of kites. The fibrous inner bark of the Hau was also used to create ropes, matts, and bark cloth.

Photos courtesy of Dayva Keolanui.