HONOLULU (KHON2) — Christmas trees are an important part of holiday traditions all around the world. In many places, people decorate their Christmas trees with lights, tinsel, ornaments and ribbons.
In Hawaiʻi, however, we have the option of celebrating Christmas a little differently by using native plants and flowers to decorate our trees and homes.
This gives Christmas in Hawaiʻi a unique touch. So, KHON2.com decided to explore how families in Hawaiʻi can use native plants like kukui nuts, plumeria and other tropical flora to create beautiful and meaningful holiday decorations.
The Christmas Tree tradition in Hawaiʻi
In Hawaiʻi, we typically decorate Christmas trees just like in other parts of the world.
While many people use traditional pine trees, some families prefer to decorate palm trees, Norfolk pines or other tropical plants that are more common to the islands.
These trees are often placed in the living room or outside on the lanai (patio/balcony) to be admired by family and friends.
The tradition of decorating trees with native Hawaiian plants has been growing in popularity over the years as it reflects the beauty of the islands and honors the local culture.
These plants not only make the Christmas tree look beautiful, but they also help bring a little piece of Hawaiʻi’s nature into the holiday season.
Plumeria: A fragrant touch
One of the most famous and beloved flowers in Hawaiʻi is the plumeria. Known for its sweet fragrance and vibrant colors, plumeria flowers are often used in lei and are perfect for decorating Christmas trees.
The flowers come in many colors including white, yellow, pink, orange, red and multi-colors. Using plumeria on a Christmas tree brings a tropical, fragrant touch to the holiday season.
Plumeria flowers can be strung together to make garlands or placed directly on the tree as ornaments.
Some families even use fresh plumeria to make wreaths or floral arrangements to hang around the home during Christmas.
Because plumeria is so colorful, it adds a cheerful and festive look to the holiday decorations.
Kukui nuts: A traditional decoration
Kukui nuts are a great choice for decorating Christmas trees in Hawaiʻi. The kukui tree, also known as the candlenut tree, is native to Hawaiʻi and has a long history in Native Hawaiian culture.
The nuts from this tree were once used to make oil for lighting lamps and torches which is why the kukui nut is often referred to as the “candlenut”.
During the Christmas season, kukui nuts are often used to make garlands and ornaments for the tree.
The shiny, smooth nuts can be strung together and draped across the branches or used as individual ornaments.
Some families even paint the kukui nuts with gold or silver paint to give them a festive, shiny look.
The kukui nut also has symbolic meaning in Native Hawaiian culture. It is considered a symbol of light and protection and using it in Christmas decorations can add a deeper cultural meaning to the holiday season.
The bright shine of the kukui nuts can help bring a warm and welcomes light into the home during the holidays.
Ti leaves: A symbol of strength and blessing
Ti leaves are another native plant that can be used for Christmas decorations in Hawaiʻi. The ti plant, with its long, shiny leaves, is often associated with good luck, protection and blessings in Native Hawaiian culture.
Ti leaves are often woven into ropes or used to make wreaths to hang on doors and walls.
In addition to being used as decorations, ti leaves are also placed under Christmas trees or around the home to invite good fortune and blessings for the upcoming year.
The leaves are said to bring strength, harmony and happiness to the household which makes them a perfect addition to the holiday season.
Ti leaves can be used fresh or dried, and their vibrant green color adds a tropical touch to Christmas decorations.
Other Native Hawaiian plants for Christmas decorations
In addition to plumeria, kukui nuts and ti leaves, there are many other native Hawaiian plants that can be used to decorate homes for Christmas.
- Ohi’a lehua: The ohi’a lehua tree is known for its bright red flowers which bloom year-round. These flowers are often used in wreaths or garlands during the holiday season, adding a bright pop of color to Christmas decorations. Ohi’a lehua flowers are also a symbol of love and beauty in Hawaiian culture.
- Hibiscus: The hibiscus flower comes in many different colors and is another popular choice for holiday decorations in Hawaiʻi. Its large, vibrant blooms make it a perfect flower to use on Christmas trees, wreaths or centerpieces. Hibiscus flowers symbolize beauty and strength in Native Hawaiian culture.
- Maile leaves: Maile is a fragrant vine that is often used in Hawaiian lei. The leaves have a sweet smell and are used to make garlands or hung around the home to bring good luck and positive energy. Maile can also be used to decorate Christmas trees as it adds both fragrance and beauty.
- Mango and guava branches: Mango and guava trees are common in Hawaiʻi and produce beautiful fruits that are often used to make wreaths and other decorations. The branches of these trees, with their rich green leaves, can also be used to decorate Christmas trees or homes.
Bringing Hawaiʻi’s beauty into the holiday season
Decorating with native Hawaiian plants brings the beauty of the islands right into the heart of the holiday season.
By using plants like plumeria, kukui nuts and ti leaves, families can create a Christmas tree that reflects the unique beauty of Hawaiʻi and honors the local culture.
These decorations not only make the tree look stunning; but they also bring the warmth, color and spirit of the islands to the Christmas celebration.
In Hawaiʻi, Christmas is a time to gather with family, share meals and enjoy the company of loved ones.
By using native plants and flowers to decorate, families can create a holiday atmosphere that is filled with the natural beauty of the islands.
Whether it’s a Christmas tree adorned with colorful plumeria or a wreath made from fragrant ti leaves, Hawaiʻi’s options for Christmas decorations help make the holiday season feel truly special.
A unique Hawaiʻi Christmas
Overall, the Hawaiʻi inspired Christmas tree is a beautiful combination of local culture, nature and holiday cheer.
By decorating with native plants, families in Hawaiʻi can create a festive, tropical atmosphere that celebrates both the spirit of Christmas and the beauty of the islands.
Whether you are in Hawaiʻi or simply want to bring a little bit of the islands into your home, decorating with native Hawaiian plants is a wonderful way to make your Christmas tree shine with island warmth and beauty.