Naupaka Flower
Posted: Dec 12, 2010
See it on Tours:
When traveling around the island you may come across a rather peculiar flower that appears to be missing half of its pedals. This unique flower belongs to a Hawaiian plant called Naupaka. Although there are several species of naupaka on the island, the beach and mountain varieties tend to get the most attention, as they are believed to relate to a tale of separated lovers.
It is said that many years ago there were two lovers who were inseparable. Despite this, it is said that Pele took an interest in the young man. When he refused her, she became enraged and chased him into the mountains. In an effort to save the young man, it is said that Pele’s sisters took pity on him and turned him into a flower, the mountain naupaka. Pele then turned her rage towards the other lover, and again here sisters intervened and turned the young woman into a flower as well, the ocean naupaka. The two half flowers were said to be the separated lovers, only happy when united to be one single bloom.
