11 Most Fragrant Hawaiian Flowers

Raul is an Editor at BalconyGardenWeb and an expert in flower and herb cultivation based in Phoenix, Arizona. A frequent speaker at horticultural events, he is also an active contributor to Facebook flower groups. Holding an MBA degree, Raul blends his gardening skills with strong leadership and analytical abilities.
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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

Fragrant Hawaiian Flowers
akisho_ohana

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

purenardo

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

Fragrant Hawaiian Flowers 4
louistheplantgeek

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

Benj Barr

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

Fragrant Hawaiian Flowers 11

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

craftyhope

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

tadakensuke

Botanical Name: Scaevola

Naupakas have a light scent and symbolize eternal love and hope. It’s also mentioned in mythological tales.

11. Mokihana

Fragrant Hawaiian Flowers 55
flickr
Botanical Name: Melicope hawaiensis
These flowers give off a fragrance that will remind you of anise and sandalwood. They also have small, green berries that can be crushed or dried for the scent.

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