Like an erupting volcano, the Ohia Lehua Tree signals the completion of one cycle and illuminates a new beginning. 

The indigenous Hawaiian Ohia Tree is the first form of life to grow directly out of the hardened black lava. Its beautiful red flowers are called Lehua, which means “Flower sacred to the Gods” in the Hawaiian language. The red Lehua flower is the official flower of the Big Island of Hawaii. The Ohia Tree is vital to Hawaii’s natural ecosystem. It provides an essential food source for native birds and bugs.

Like an erupting volcano, the Ohia Lehua Tree signals the completion of one cycle and illuminates a new beginning.

Pele, Hawaiian Volcano Goddess

The Lehua is also known as Pele’s Flower. In Hawaiian mythology, Ohia and Lehua were two lovers. The Volcano Goddess Pele desired Ohia. But Ohia only had eyes for Lehua. His rejection made Pele so furious that she turned him into a tree. Lehua was devastated by losing her lover. Out of pity, the gods turned her into a flower which they placed on Ohia’s tree. Hawaiians believe that it rains when a Lehua flower is picked from the Ohia tree, signifying the tears of these eternal lovers.

The Ohia Lehua Tree has been sacred to the Hawaiian people since ancient times and is often mentioned in legends, hula, songs, and chants.

Native Hawaiians used to make a medicinal potion out of the Ohia Tree’s bark and leaves. It was meant to spark a strong, passionate, inward fire to grow, bloom, and rejoice in life. The Ohia Lehua Tree is said to grant visions of the future, offering inspirations to manifest personal transformation. It signals the completion of one cycle and illuminates a new beginning.

The Ohia Lehua Tree is a powerful symbol of all that is Hawaii.