Here’s an exclusive list of the most Fragrant Hawaiian Flowers that can bring a fresh scent anywhere you grow them!
The Hawaiian Islands aren’t just a feast for the eyes and are home to fragrant flowers used in leis and ceremonies. Don’t worry if you don’t know about these; we’ve got this list of the most fragrant Hawaiian flowers to help you.
Fragrant Hawaiian Flowers
1. Gardenia
Botanical Name: Gardenia jasminoides
Gardenias are at their peak from spring to summer and give off a strong scent that lasts for most hours of the day.
2. Tuberose
Botanical Name: Polianthes tuberosa
These Hawaiian fragrant flowers are called Kupalo by the locals and give off a sweet scent that’s similar to lilies. Make sure they get plenty of sunlight.
3. Pua Keni Keni
Botanical Name: Fagraea berteroana
These plants have been used for making leis since the late 1800s and have a pretty white-gold color. You’ll smell these throughout the year because the trees keep blooming.
4. Plumeria
Botanical Name: Plumeria
Next on the list of most fragrant Hawaiian flowers is Plumerias. They were brought to Hawaii by a German biologist, Dr. William Hillebrand, in the 1860s. The flowers have a strong fragrance with sweet floral hints.
5. Hawaiian Ginger
Botanical Name: Zingiber zerumbet
These fragrant Hawaiian flowers stand out because they have strong notes of coconut, ginger, and red berries. It’s an energetic fragrance you’ll notice easily.
6. Arabian Jasmine
Botanical Name: Jasminum sambac
While not native to the island, Pikake flowers have been a part of the culture for centuries. They symbolize love and friendship and give off a lovely scent.
7. Hono Hono Orchid
Botanical Name: Dendrobium anosmum
These fragrant flowers are named Hono Hono as they have an alternating growth pattern of the leaves. Their scent is sweet and citrusy.
8. Crinum Lily
Botanical Name: Crinum asiaticum
Crinum lilies have stunning pink flowers with a sweet and spicy fragrance that also has some floral notes.
9. Mock Orange
Botanical Name: Philadelphus
Mock Oranges are quite common in Hawaii. Their fragrance matches that of an orange tree but is more distinguished and milder.
10. Naupaka
Botanical Name: Scaevola
Naupakas have a light scent and symbolize eternal love and hope. It’s also mentioned in mythological tales.
11. Mokihana
