Wet Side

Bamboo

Blue Calathea

Climbing Pandanus

(Bambusa vulgaris)

There are several bamboo forests along the Road to Hana. The local folks use it for everything from food to flutes to fishing poles. Beautiful, willowy tree with feathery foliage.

(Calathea spp.)

An recent introduction from the Brazilian rain forest, this amazing blossom turned up under some trees in our yard when we lived in Huelo.

(Freycinetia multiflora)

A sprawling vine whose leaves and roots were woven into mats, baskets, fish traps and sandals. Look for them around Hana.

Hanging Lobster Claw

Hau

Laua'e Fern

(Heliconia rostrata)

Intensely colored and strangely shaped, this heliconia is an eye catcher. You'll find it in the parks along the road to Hana and even for sale from buckets along the road. Take some back to the hotel with you.

(Hibiscus tiliaceus)

A useful tree to ancient Hawaiians for ropes, medicines, clothing, hau grows in impenetrable tangles covered with pretty yellow flowers

(Microsorium scolopendria)

This common fern grows in clumps along the ground sending up shiny, leathery leaves with little dots of spore clusters. Symbolized romantic love to the old Hawaiians.

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Ginger

White Ginger

Yellow Ginger

Pink Ginger

Ginger can get to be an obsession. There are so many different kinds, all amazing. Our favorite is the gorgeous fragrant blossom of the Kahili Ginger (below). This one grew outside our bedroom window.

Kahili Ginger

Red Ginger

Parrot Beak Ginger

Monstera

Philipine Ground Orchid

Self Peeling Banana

(Monstera deliciosa)

When I imaging a jungle, these huge, perforated leaves are a major feature. Watch for the along the road to Hana. You'll see them in many gardens as well. The fruits are edible but prickly when ripe. Used to have a plant in my New York office, but not like these.

(Spathoglottis plicata)

Watch closely and you'll see these little spots of color in the grass along the road to Hana

(Musa velutina)

Not edible, but amazing and long lasting as a cut flower, you'll see them in ornamental bouquets in the big hotels and in their gardens. The blossoms unfurl, yellow flowers appear, then turn into pink bananas which peel themselves.