Mānoa Heritage Center

Plants

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Naupaka kuahiwi

MHC photo

Scaevola gaudichaudii

Native Endemic

Fruit makes a purplish-black dye used in kapa making. Flowers are also used in lei. Tiny half flowers are part of a romantic Hawaiian legend. Read different versions of the moʻolelo below.

Additional Resources

  1. "Naupaka the Half Flower of Hawaiʻi" - Talking Story with Nona Beamer - Winona Desha Beamer
  2. Naupaka Moʻolelo - Source unknown
  3. Legend of the Naupaka Plant