Rainbow eucalyptus trees (Eucalyptus deglupta) are some of the most strikingly colorful trees in the world, and Hawaii is one of the few places in the U.S. where you can see them in all their vibrant glory. These trees, native to the Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea, are known for their unique multicolored bark, which naturally peels away in strips to reveal layers of green, blue, purple, orange, and red underneath.
Rainbow eucalyptus trees thrive in Hawaii’s warm, humid climate, particularly on Maui and the Big Island. One of the best places to see them is along the Road to Hana on Maui, especially near mile marker 7 in the Ke‘anae Arboretum. Some groves are near Hana, where the damp environment helps the trees maintain their vivid colors. The Big Island also has scattered rainbow eucalyptus groves, often found in botanical gardens and private lands.
In their native environment, these trees can grow up to 250 feet tall, but in Hawaii, they typically reach around 100-125 feet. Although they were initially planted for paper production, they’re mostly admired for their beauty and serve as popular photo stops for travelers.
The bark’s colors appear as the tree sheds layers at different times throughout the year, creating an ever-changing natural masterpiece. The bright green inner bark is newly exposed, and as it matures, it transitions through shades of blue, purple, orange, and eventually brown before peeling again.
Because they are non-native, some environmentalists monitor their spread, but unlike other eucalyptus species, they aren’t considered invasive in Hawaii. If you visit, remember to appreciate them without damaging the delicate bark—taking pictures is highly encouraged, but taking pieces of the bark is not!
As for orchids, as shown below in the “Photo from ten years ago today,”…
Orchids are a stunning and diverse part of Hawaii’s flora, thriving in the tropical climate and lush landscapes. While orchids are not native to Hawaii, they have become deeply intertwined with the islands’ culture, gardens, and even leis. With thousands of varieties growing across the state, orchids are found everywhere—from botanical gardens and forests to roadside stands and hotel lobbies.
A Brief History
European botanists and plant collectors introduced orchids to Hawaii in the 1800s. The warm, humid environment proved perfect for many species, and orchids quickly became a beloved part of Hawaiian horticulture. Over time, the islands developed a thriving orchid industry, with many local growers cultivating unique hybrids.
Where to See Orchids in Hawaii
- Hawai’i Tropical Bioreserve & Garden (Big Island): This lush botanical garden is a paradise for plant lovers. It features a variety of orchids growing in their natural rainforest setting.
- Akatsuka Orchid Gardens (Big Island): A famous orchid nursery near Volcanoes National Park, where you can see (and even buy) rare orchids, including the high-priced and fragrant volcano mist orchids.
- Foster Botanical Garden (Oahu): One of Honolulu’s hidden gems, featuring a stunning collection of tropical plants, including native and exotic orchids.
- Maui and Kauai Botanical Gardens: Various gardens, such as the National Tropical Botanical Garden on Kauai, showcase rare orchid species in beautifully curated environments.
Notable Orchid Varieties in Hawaii
- Dendrobium Orchids: These are commonly used in Hawaiian leis and have delicate, vibrant petals in shades of purple, pink, and white.
- Cattleya Orchids are large, fragrant, and bold in color. They are often associated with classic tropical orchid beauty.
- Vanda Orchids: Known for their bright blues and purples, these orchids thrive in Hawaii’s warm climate.
- Oncidium Orchids (“Dancing Ladies”) flourish in Hawaii’s humidity. Their small, intricate blooms resemble dancing figures.
Orchids and Hawaiian Culture
Though orchids are not as profoundly tied to Hawaiian traditions as native plants like maile or plumeria, they have become a favorite for leis, floral arrangements, and even weddings. Purple dendrobium leis are most commonly given to visitors and at celebrations.
Orchid Growing in Hawaii
If you love orchids, Hawaii is an ideal place to grow them. Many local nurseries sell plants, and some even provide shipping services. The key to growing orchids successfully in Hawaii is good air circulation, filtered sunlight, and the right amount of humidity.
Orchids in Hawaii are more than just flowers—they symbolize the islands’ natural beauty and resilience and how different cultures have influenced the landscape.
We are grateful for our experiences in Hawaii and other countries, where we have visited countless botanical gardens worldwide. Now, we look forward to taking photos of unusual flowers that bloom in the bush in South Africa when we arrive in a mere 28 days.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, February 3, 2015:
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