Hawaiian Turmeric
Turmeric is prized around the world for its yellow color, bold flavor, and medicinal properties. When Polynesian voyagers first sailed to Hawai‘i, they brought the pungent herb with them.
The Voice of the Ulili
The “wandering tattler spends the summer nesting near streams in the Alaskan tundra. When the weather starts to cool, the birds fly south to Hawai‘i.
‘Uala, the Globe-trotting Sweet Potato
The sweet potato, or ‘uala, is one of Polynesia’s most mysterious plants.
We Give You the Raspberry
‘Akala, the native Hawaiian raspberry, is one of the native plants bringing life back to Poli Poli forest after last January’s devastating fire.
The Steadfast ‘A‘ali‘i
The native Hawaiian shrub 'a'ali'i is as tough as it is beautiful. Learn about its role in restoring ecosystems, and its uses for Hawaii's lei makers and crafters.
Rainy Season
Ho‘oilo starts in November and marks the rainy season in Hawaii. Micro climates and rain fall varies with wind, geography and elevation.
The Urchin and the Hala Tree
Learn about hala trees (Pandanus tectorius), which are among Hawai‘i’s most recognizable and versatile native plants.
Hawaiian Owl: Love Is in the Air
Autumn is a thrilling time for Hawaiian owls and those who admire them.
Kanawao: Hawai‘i’s Hydrangea
Beautiful and distinctive kanawao shrubs decorate rain forests across Hawai‘i.
Ripe Treasure: Hawaiian Heirloom Bananas
By the time Westerners arrived, Hawaiians had developed at least forty-four distinct banana varieties.
Hāhā: The Velvet Touch
Some of Maui’s strangest flowers bloom in winter—though witnessing these living curiosities requires some effort and a sharp eye.
Nene Nursery
In 1962, biologists reintroduced several breeding pairs of nene to Haleakala National Park, and now around 300 nene call the park home. Nene goslings take up to three months learning to fly and need special attention during this vulnerable time.
When Fire Meets Ice
The volcano goddess Pele created the tallest mountains in Hawaii — Mauna Kea and Haleakala — but those peaks are also home to her snow goddess rivals.
Lono’s Light
This story explores ancient Hawaiian uses for the kukui nut, and the legends that surround it.
Sex and the Coral Polyp
Few people think of corals as animals — which they are — and fewer folks contemplate their sex lives! Yet coral spawns are magical events.
Wetland Chic: Ae‘o Stilts
Summer is the season to look for an exceptionally photogenic shorebird: ae‘o, the Hawaiian black-necked stilt.
Hala: The Hawaiian Aphrodisiac
When foraging for plants to kindle romance, the love-struck Hawaiian had no further to look than the distinctive Hala tree.
Haleakalā Silverswords
Summer is the prime time to observe an only-on-Maui botanical phenomenon: the blooming of the Haleakalā silverswords.
Wave Chasers: Sanderlings
Global populations of sanderlings numbers around 700,000—but only a few hundred hunakai call Hawai‘i home.
Scented Souvenir
One of the sweetest Hawaiian traditions is the making and wearing of flower lei to celebrate people you love or places you’ve been.
Maui Events & News
Imua Family Services’ Will Smith Discovery Garden
A World of Pure Imagination
Story by Savy Janssen
Photographs by Jason Moore
Sunlight filtered through the outstretched arms of the 120-year-old monkey pod trees, and...
