Then of course, you’ll always find hundreds of wild chickens wandering about the island.
Blossoms of Hawai’i How I love arriving in Hawai’i and breathing in its flower-scented air! And I never tire of the tradition of being presented a lei of flowers upon arrival to. It sets the tone for enjoying the spectacular flowers that are found all over the island. Each of the Hawaiian Islands has an official flower. On the Big Island it’s the red lehua that grows on the ohi’a tree. This tree is the first plant to sprout up in barren land that’s been covered over by lava. There is also a legend about this flower and Pele, the volcano goddess. On our last visit, the legend was presented in song accompanied by a hula dance at the Bamboo Restaurant. It is said that Pele was enamored by a handsome man named Ohi’a. Ohi’a turned away Pele’s advances because he was in love with Lehua. This infuriated Pele, so she transformed him into a gnarled, twisted tree. Lehua besieged the gods to change him back. So as not to anger Pele, the gods compromised by transforming Lehua into a blossom on the ohi’a tree
Photos from top left: Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle; Hilo Bay Beach; Roosters and chickens roam the island; Lehua flower on Ohia tree
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so the two would be together forever. It is said that if you pick a lehua flower off its tree, it will rain soon thereafter, symbolizing the lovers’ tears at being separated. Orchids grow miraculously well in Hawai’i and you’ll find them everywhere. There’s even an orchid farm on the Hilo side of the island. And who doesn’t recognize those colorful birds of paradise that resemble singing birds with their long beaks? The lovely deep red heart-shaped anthurium is also common here and makes for a nicely cut flower in a centerpiece. Other flowers you’ll find in abundance include sweetsmelling gardenias and the picture-perfect plumeria with a host of vibrant hues. We love the lush Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden known as the “Garden in a Valley on the Ocean” just north of Hilo. The nonprofit botanical garden and nature preserve is situated on 40 acres and includes over 2000 species of plants. Hawai’i definitely surprises and delights with its’ beaches, birds and blossoms. Just some of the majesty of this amazing tropical paradise.