Loulu hiwa.
A native Hawaiian fan palm, once abundant across the islands.
Loulu hiwa is one of about two dozen species of native Hawaiian fan palms in the genus Pritchardia, the only native palms in Hawaiʻi.
Massive loulu groves once covered large sections of all the main islands, providing food (the immature seeds taste like coconut), thatching for traditional houses, and shade.
Today wild loulu groves are rare — introduced rats eat nearly every seed before it can germinate, so most surviving wild populations are on rat-free offshore islets or steep cliff faces. Restoration outplantings are a key recovery strategy.
More from Coastal Plants.
ʻŌhai
An endangered native shrub with stunning orange-red pea-like flowers and silvery foliage.
Naupaka kahakai
A wave-tough beach shrub with distinctive "half-flowers."
Maʻo hau hele
The bright yellow Hawaiian hibiscus — official state flower of Hawaiʻi.
Hala
The Hawaiian screwpine, instantly recognizable by its aerial prop roots and pineapple-like fruit.