Iiwi & Ohia Lehua Revisited Print

ʻŌhiʻa Lehua were one of the first plants to thrive in Hawaii. These blossoms are often a symbol of the volcano goddess Pele, as they are known to grow in the barren lava.

In Hawaiian mythology, the origins of the ʻŌhiʻa lehua stem from a tragic love story. Pele was captivated by a man named ʻŌhiʻa, who was already betrothed to a woman named Lehua. Out of jealousy, Pele transformed ʻŌhiʻa into a tree. Taking pity on the lovers, the other gods transformed Lehua into blossoms to adorn the ʻŌhiʻa tree. It is said that if it will start to rain if the blossoms are picked, representing tears of separation. Unfortunately, a fungal disease known as Rapid ʻŌhiʻa death, is eliminating vast numbers of these native trees. Avoid moving ʻŌhiʻa and contaminating them with vehicles and hiking gear. 

The rare ʻIʻiwi bird and ʻŌhiʻa lehua have a codependent relationship - as ʻIʻiwi help to pollenate as they gain nourishment from the nectar of the blossoms.