Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ender or white, but they grow in a rainbow of colors, shapes, and sizes. The orchids used
for corsages are the large, delicate cattleya; the ones used in floral arrangements—you'll
probably see them in your hotel lobby—are usually dendrobiums.
PANDANUS
Called hala by Hawaiians, pandanus is native to Polynesia. Thanks to its thick
trunk, stiltlike supporting roots, and crown of long, swordlike leaves, the hala tree is easy
to recognize. In what is quickly becoming a dying art, Hawaiians weave the lau (leaves) of
the hala into hats, baskets, mats, bags, and the like.
PLUMERIA
Also known as frangipani, this sweet-smelling, five-petal flower, found in clusters
on trees, is the most popular choice of lei makers. The Singapore plumeria has five creamy-
white petals, with a touch of yellow in the center. Another popular variety, ruba—with
flowers from soft pink to flaming red—is also used in leis. When picking plumeria, be care-
ful of the sap from the flower—it's poisonous and can stain clothes.
PROTEA
Originally from South Africa, this unusual oversize shrub comes in more than 40 dif-
ferent varieties. The flowers of one species resemble pincushions; those of another look like
a bouquet of feathers. Once dried, proteas will last for years.
SILVERSWORD
This very uncommon and unusual plant is seen only on the Big Island and in the
Haleakala Crater on Maui. The rare relative of the sunflower family blooms between July
and September. The silversword in bloom is a fountain of red-petaled, daisylike flowers
that turn silver soon after blooming.
TARO
Around pools, near streams, and in neatly planted fields, you'll see these green heart-
shaped leaves, whose dense roots are a Polynesian staple. The ancient Hawaiians pounded
the roots into poi. Originally from Sri Lanka, taro not only is a food crop, but is also grown
for ornamental reasons.
The Fauna of the Islands
When the first Polynesians arrived in Hawaii between a.d. 400 and 800, scientists say they
found some 67 varieties of endemic Hawaiian birds, a third of which are now believed to be
extinct. They did not find any reptiles, amphibians, mosquitoes, lice, fleas, or even a cock-
roach.
There were only two endemic mammals: the hoary bat and the monk seal. The
hoarybat
must have accidentally blown to Hawaii at some point, from either North or South America.
It can still be seen during its early evening forays, especially around the Kilauea Crater on the
Big Island.
The
Hawaiianmonkseal,
a relative of warm-water seals found in the Caribbean and the
Mediterranean, was nearly slaughtered into extinction for its skin and oil during the 19th cen-
tury. These seals have recently experienced a minor population explosion; sometimes they
even turn up at various beaches throughout the state. They're protected under federal law by
the Marine Mammals Protection Act. If you're fortunate enough to see a monk seal, just look;
don't disturb one of Hawaii's living treasures.
The first Polynesians brought a few animals from home: dogs, pigs, and chickens (all were
for eating), as well as rats (stowaways). All four species are still found in the Hawaiian wild
today.
