Kauai is one of the most interesting of all the Hawaiian Islands, and countless tourists see the appeal for themselves year after year. From the beautiful beaches and delicious food to the fascinating history and breathtaking wildlife refuges, there’s something for everyone to discover here on our shores. But one thing that almost everyone is attracted to is the beautiful plants and flowers.
Kauai has such an intriguing story surrounding its beginnings, and the plants on Kauai have played a large role in the culture of the island today. Both native and non-native plants help to make up the ecosystems on Kauai, and it’s worth learning about the flora before you check into your Kauai rentals.
Geology and Geography of Kauai
Before we can discuss the unique geography and geology of Kauai, we must first understand how the Hawaiian Islands were formed. Hawaii was born from volcanic activity. The outer crust of the Earth consists of tectonic plates, and if those plates come together, volcanoes may form. When magma rises up in the middle of a plate and erupts on the seafloor, this scenario is called a “hot spot.” When a hot spot popped up in the middle of the Pacific Plate, the tectonic plate that moved over that spot formed the string of islands that we now know as Hawaii!
Kauai is the oldest of all the main Hawaiian Islands at around 5 million years old. You can still see the impact that Kauai’s volcanic origins have on its geography today. Kauai is known for its incredible rain forests, waterfall-lined craters, lush valleys, and swamp lands. You also can’t miss the stunning shorelines, since Kauai has some of the longest white sand beaches in the state. Kauai is also home to the wettest spot on Earth, Kawaikini Peak, which sees more than 400 inches of rain per year.
We should also talk about how the Hawaiian Islands are the most isolated islands in the world. The Hawaiian archipelago sits 3,850 miles away from Japan and 2,390 miles away from California, making it the furthest from any other landmass on the planet. This separation has led to the endemism of many species in Hawaii, meaning that these species are native to Hawaii alone and are not found anywhere else.
Native and Non-Native Plants
Kauai remains one of the most diverse islands in Hawaii. Its nickname is “The Garden Island,” and once you get here, you’ll see why! There are tons of native and non-native plant species that you can spot right near your Kauai condo rentals. Like we mentioned, many of the native plants found on Kauai are endemic to the island, meaning that they aren’t found elsewhere. Since the island is so isolated, birds don’t transport the plants’ seeds to other areas for these plants to start growing naturally.
This might not sound like a good thing, but this separation actually helped many native plant species to thrive on Kauai. Since there weren’t many outside forces coming in to impact their growth, plants were able to simply draw on the natural resources of Kauai without too many curveballs or changes to the island’s population or climate.
On the other hand, Kauai is now also home to several non-native plant species. As Kauai began to get visitors, people would bring their own plant species from their native lands. While not all of these plants survived in the unique climate of the island, many of them have thrived, including the popular Banyan Tree. There are about 60 types of these trees all over Hawaii, and when you see one for the first time, you’re likely to be stunned by the huge height and massive trunks!
Interesting Plants
Nature lovers truly thrive on this island, since there are so many interesting plants to be found right outside many of the Kauai resorts on the beach. First, you’ll be intrigued by the trees here. Many of them hold fruits that you probably pick up at your local grocery, like bananas, coconuts, and papayas. You can even find almond, macadamia, and coffee trees!
One fruit tree that you probably haven’t seen before is the breadfruit tree. These massive trees can grow to more than 60 feet tall and produce a round green fruit that many Polynesians love. The fruits from this tree are often baked or roasted, and many believe that the fruit tastes somewhat similar to a sweet potato.
One of the most stunning trees in Hawaii is the golden shower tree. Native to southern Asia, this tree gives an absolutely stunning yellow color and can grow up to 66 feet tall! While the flowers are gorgeous and give a perfect photo op, be careful around them, since the tree’s seeds are poisonous. You might also be interested in the koa tree, Hawaii’s most common native tree. These trees can get up to 100 feet tall, and their wood was used in ancient Hawaii for building canoes and paddles.
When you’re seeking out the prettiest plants in Hawaii, you’re bound to spot some heliconia. There are more than 80 species of this flower in the state that have come from the Caribbean and Central and South America. The stunning yellows, reds, oranges, and greens of the plant overlap and bear a striking resemblance to origami birds. You’re most likely to recognize the lobster claw heliconia, which looks like a string of boiled pincers.
You can’t look out for flowers in Hawaii without trying to find a hibiscus, especially since the yellow variety is Hawaii’s state flower! They bloom all year long and can come in tons of colors, including bright red and pure white. Look for a flower that’s 4-6 inches long and whose petals resemble crepe paper.
Head out of your resort in the evening to look out for the night-blooming cereus. This flower is often found along rock walls and is actually a member of the cactus family. It’s a vine-like plant that blossoms with foot-long white flowers as the sun goes down, and you can also find an edible red fruit hanging on.
Kauai Resorts
Ready to try to spot some of these incredible trees and flowers for yourself? We can’t wait to welcome you to Kauai! While you’re here, you’ll need a place to stay that puts you near many of these breathtaking plant species. Find your home away from home at one of these resorts:
There is also the Waipouli Beach Resort and Spa situated in the perfect location. Not only will you be able to find many of these plant species nearby, but there are also tons of other attractions for you to explore in the area!
Plan Your Visit
Kauai is the oldest Hawaiian Island, and the chain of islands is the most remote in the world. This leads to some interesting native plants to see on your next vacation to The Garden Isle. Book your stay today!
The Waipouli Resort is near some of Kauai’s most popular spots, putting you just minutes from anything on your itinerary. Head out on a hike to try to find some of these plants, then grab lunch at a local restaurant, embark on a kayak tour, or simply stroll down the shoreline and soak up the sun. There’s no limit to the fun you can have on Kauai! Ready to get started? Contact us today to learn more about our resort!
