The plant has small clusters of small white flowers with light purple streaks. Naupaka typically grow up to 10 feet tall and six to 15 feet wide. It is said that when the flower from the mountain ( Naupaka Kuahiwi) joins the seashore Naupaka ( Naupaka Kahakai), both Hawaiian lovers are together once again. Today you may notice the Naupaka flowers bloom in halves. A half of the Naupaka flower tells us hearts have been broken. She would live a lonely life in the mountains. She placed one half in Kaui’s hand and told him to return to the seashore. Naupaka took the white flower in her hair and tore it in half. This was a sign from the gods disapproving their relationship the young couple knew what they had to do. Soon the sky darkened and a storm arrived. The priest shook his head and explained that he could not help them. When they arrived at the temple – exhausted but filled with hope – the young couple told their story. Naupaka and Kaui traveled together for days, over the mountains and through the forests. The kupuna (elderly) advised them to take a long journey to a faraway heiau (sacred place), where they should pray and ask the high priest for guidance. Back then, Hawaiian tradition strictly forbade those of royal blood to marry people from common decent. She told them that she had fallen in love with a man named Kaui, who was a commoner from the village below. Villagers noticed she looked very sad and asked her what was wrong. In ancient times, there was a beautiful princess named Naupaka. Different versions of this story exists, but I’ll share one that I learned growing up: Naupaka, a common Hawaii plant that has a not-so-common story to tell. One such story brings light to a common beach plant that many overlook. They define the place and its people and give meaning to everyday occurrences. There’s a story hidden in everything around us, and like many other societies, Hawaii’s moolelo (stories) have become an integral part of the culture today. Hawaii Accommodations & Dining Hawaii Animals & Nature Hawaii Beaches & Ocean Hawaii Culture & Happenings Hawaii Hiking & Outdoors Hawaii Travel & Vacation Info

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