Big Island Hawaii's Beautiful & Culturally Cherished Plumeria Flowers

The Beautiful Big Island Plumeria Flowers of Hawaii

The plumeria is one of the most iconic and beloved flowers associated with the Hawaiian Islands. Known locally as melia, these fragrant blossoms come in a rainbow of colors and hold deep cultural significance across Polynesia. On Hawaii's Big Island, plumeria thrive in abundance, adding their vibrant blooms to dazzling tropical landscapes.

Unique Characteristics of Plumeria Trees

Plumeria belong to the Apocynaceae family along with oleander and milkweed. They grow on trees that can reach 15-25 feet in height with thick succulent branches and fleshy leaves. The branches contain a white latex sap that oozes out when cut or broken. Plumeria trees are deciduous, losing their foliage in winter or during drought conditions to conserve water.

The blooms of plumeria trees are formed in terminal clusters at the ends of branches. The five-petaled flowers have a lovely star shape and sweet fragrance. Blooms come in white as well as shades of yellow, pink, orange, and red with color intensity deepening toward the throat. Varieties with multicolored petals also exist.

Where To Find Big Island Plumeria Blooms

On Hawaii's Big Island, plumeria can be spotted growing throughout many areas. Drive along the Mamalahoa Highway through towns like Honokaa, Paauilo, and Laupahoehoe and you'll be treated to countless plumeria trees exploding with colorful blooms against backdrops of emerald mountains or sapphire ocean.

Head to the white sand beaches of the Kohala Coast, Waikoloa Village, or Kailua-Kona to find plumeria adding vibrant pops of color to resort landscapes. Likewise plumeria bloom in abundance along the Red Road in lower Puna around Kalapana and along Highway 130 and 132 intersecting Pahoa. Old Pahoa Town is especially dense with fragrant flowering plumeria.

Cultural Significance of Plumeria in Hawaii

In Hawaiian culture, plumeria hold deep symbolic meaning and have countless uses. All parts of the plumeria tree, from roots to branches to sap are incorporated into Hawaiian medicine as healers use the energy of the plant alongside its physical properties.

The plumeria flower is believed to possess feminine energy aligned with grace, beauty, and reproduction. In times past, they were highly valued as wood for carving sacred implements and hula drums as well as adornments for hula dancers. Today, plumeria lei and jewelry remain hallmarks of Hawaiian culture.

Growing Conditions for Plumeria on Hawaii's Big Island

The Big Island's subtropical climate makes an ideal growing conditions for plumeria trees. Abundant sunshine fuels growth alongside relatively high year-round temperatures and humidity.

While plumeria tolerate salty air well, they flourish best inland away from direct ocean exposure in areas with rich volcanic soil. Home gardeners across lower Puna have great success with plumeria while they require a bit more finesse in windy or arid West Hawaii.

During cooler winter months, some plumeria trees lose their leaves. Water should be reduced at this time but not eliminated entirely. Come spring, prune back branches to stimulate abundant flowering throughout summer and fall.

The Joy of Big Island Plumeria Season

From May through October, big island plumeria put on an incredible display of colorful blooms. Drive along backroads with the windows down to catch their sweet scent on the breeze. See locals proudly wearing plumeria lei for special occasions or spot yards bursting with rainbow blossoms.

Capture stunning photos of plumeria set against emerald mountains, crashing waterfalls, or cerulean sea to share the beauty of Hawaii with others. Simply relax and soak in the joy these special flowers bring to tropical landscapes across the Big Island.

FAQs

What colors do big island plumeria flowers come in?

Plumeria on Hawaii's Big Island bloom in a rainbow of colors including white, yellow, pink, orange, and red. Some varieties have multiple colors blended in a single blossom.

How should I care for a plumeria tree?

Plumeria need full sun and well-drained soil. Water them regularly during growth periods but reduce water in winter when they lose leaves. Prune branches in early spring to encourage abundant summer flowering.

Are plumeria trees fast growing?

Given ideal tropical conditions with adequate warmth, sun and moisture, plumeria trees grow quickly reaching 15-25 feet tall in just 3-4 years.

Where is the best place to see plumeria on the Big Island?

Some top spots include Honokaa, Laupahoehoe, Waikoloa Village, Kailua Kona, Kalapana, Pahoa, and Lower Puna where extensive stands of plumeria trees explode with colorful blooms.