Types Of Native Trees And Shrubs For Hawaii Landscaping

Landscaping with native Hawaiian trees and shrubs provides multiple benefits: improved habitat for endemic wildlife, reduced water and fertilizer needs, cultural connection, and stronger resilience to local pests and weather. This article describes practical choices for residential and public landscapes across Hawaii’s varied microclimates, gives planting and maintenance guidance, and flags key biosecurity and legal considerations when sourcing and installing native plants.

Why choose native trees and shrubs for Hawaii landscapes?

Native plants are adapted to local soils, rainfall patterns, and seasonal extremes. They support native pollinators, birds, and insects that non-native ornamentals often do not. Using natives reduces long-term maintenance because these plants typically need less supplemental irrigation and fertilization once established. Culturally important species also support restoration of traditional landscapes and materials for cultural practices.

Broad categories of native species and their landscaping roles

Native trees and shrubs can be grouped by function. Choose species based on the purpose you want them to serve.

• Shade and canopy trees: provide cooling, canopy cover, and large ecological value.
• Coastal and salt-tolerant shrubs/trees: stabilize dunes and tolerate wind and salt spray.
• Dryland, drought-tolerant species: work well on leeward slopes and xeric gardens.
• Mesic and wet-forest species: for wetter sites and upland gardens.
• Food and cultural plants: Polynesian-introduced species often treated as “native” in cultural landscapes.

Recommended native trees for Hawaii landscaping (by use and site)

Below are practical species recommendations with short notes on site suitability, size, and care. Use local nursery advice and consider microclimate (wind, salt, sun) and elevation when selecting plants.

• Koa (Acacia koa)
• Use: large native canopy tree prized for shade, windbreaks, and timber.
• Site: best in mesic to upland sites; prefers well-drained volcanic soils and moderate rainfall.
• Care: tolerates drought once established; young trees benefit from regular water and protection from grazing animals.
• Ohia lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha)
• Use: highly versatile endemic suitable for wet to dry sites; iconic red flowers attract native birds.
• Site: adaptable across elevations and soils; many forms exist.
• Care: important caution — avoid moving soil and plants between areas because of Rapid Ohia Death (ROD); sanitize tools and buy from reputable nurseries.
• Kukui (Aleurites moluccanus)
• Use: medium to large shade tree with cultural significance (candlenut).
• Site: tolerant of many soils and exposures; early to moderate growth.
• Care: tolerates salt and wind; produces nuts that may be messier in lawns.
• Milo (Thespesia populnea)
• Use: coastal and urban landscape tree with durable wood and attractive flowers.
• Site: excellent on shorelines and along streets; tolerates poor soils and salt.
• Care: prune to manage shape; seed pods can be prolific.
• Wiliwili (Erythrina sandwicensis)
• Use: drought-tolerant native that provides bright orange blooms and light canopy.
• Site: thrives in low-elevation dry forests and lava flows.
• Care: susceptible to some introduced pests; plant in well-drained soils and monitor for galling insects.
• Naio (Myoporum sandwicense)
• Use: versatile small tree or shrub, good as windbreak and coastal screening.
• Site: tolerates coastal exposure, poor soils, and dry conditions.
• Care: low maintenance, suitable for hedging.

Recommended native shrubs and smaller trees

• Naupaka kahakai (Scaevola taccada) and Naupaka kuahiwi (Scaevola glabra)
• Use: dense coastal groundcover/shrub (kahakai) and higher-elevation shrub (kuahiwi) for borders and erosion control.
• Site: kahakai tolerates salt spray and sand; kuahiwi prefers mesic to wet sites.
• Care: prune to maintain shape; excellent for stabilizing sand and slopes.
• Mamaki (Pipturus albidus)
• Use: native shrub used for medicinal/tea purposes and as host plant for Kamehameha butterfly.
• Site: thrives in mesic to wet areas; prefers some shade and fertile soil.
• Care: requires regular moisture while establishing; attractive understory plant.
• Ilima (Sida fallax)
• Use: low shrub and groundcover valued for small yellow flowers used in leis.
• Site: tolerates sun to part shade and coastal exposure.
• Care: easy to establish; good for pollinator gardens.
• Ma’o (Hibiscus brackenridgei) and native hibiscus species
• Use: showy flowering shrub or small tree, state flower of Hawaii.
• Site: often used in dry to mesic gardens; requires well-drained soils and full sun.
• Care: protect from fungal problems in poorly drained soils; propagate from cuttings or nursery stock.
• Hala (Pandanus tectorius)
• Use: distinctive coastal tree/shrub for screening, windbreaks, and edibles (starchy fruits).
• Site: tolerant of salt spray and sandy soils.
• Care: slow-growing; tolerate pruning for form.

Choosing species by microclimate

Match plants to your site rather than trying to change the site to fit a plant. Use the list below as a quick selection guide.

• Coastal and windy sites:
• Naupaka kahakai, Hala, Milo, Naio, Kukui.
• Dry, leeward slopes:
• Wiliwili, Ma’o (Hibiscus brackenridgei), Naio, Koa in drier leeward pockets.
• Mesic residential yards:
• Kukui, Milo, Mamaki, Ilima, Naio.
• Upland/wet forest:
• Koa, Ohia, Naupaka kuahiwi, Mamaki.

Planting, establishment, and maintenance best practices

Successful native landscaping depends not only on species choice but on good planting and ongoing management. Follow these practical steps.

• Prepare the planting hole and soil:
• Dig a hole about twice the width of the root ball but no deeper than the root depth. Break up compacted soil to encourage root spread. Mix native soil with no or minimal amendments; excessive compost can hold too much moisture around roots and invite rot.
• Mulch and irrigation for establishment:
• Apply 2-4 inches of organic mulch, keeping it a few inches away from trunks. Water regularly for the first 12-24 months; frequency depends on species and rainfall. For dryland natives, taper irrigation earlier.
• Spacing and layering:
• Consider mature canopy and root spread. Plant in layers (groundcover, shrub, understory, canopy) to recreate natural structure, which reduces weed invasion and supports biodiversity.
• Pruning and long-term care:
• Minimal pruning is needed for most natives; prune to remove dead wood, maintain structure, and reduce hazards. Avoid heavy shearing that stresses native growth forms.
• Protect young plants:
• Use tree guards or netting where rats, pigs, deer, or goats may browse. Fencing may be required in rural areas to prevent damage from feral ungulates.

Biosecurity and legal considerations

• Rapid Ohia Death (ROD): do not transport ohia logs, soil, or plant material between islands or between forests. Clean and disinfect tools, boots, and equipment after visiting multiple sites. Buy ohia only from certified, reputable nurseries that follow ROD-safe practices.
• Seed and plant sourcing: never collect protected or rare species from the wild without permits. Use native plant nurseries or community restoration programs to source plants. Nurseries that propagate from local stock help preserve genetic integrity.
• Protected species: some native plants are endangered or protected. Check local regulations before collecting or moving plants and use nursery-grown stock for landscaping.

Propagation methods and nursery considerations

• Seeds: many natives can be grown from seed but germination rates vary and may require stratification or scarification. Seed-grown plants retain genetic diversity and are often hardier for restoration projects.
• Cuttings and division: shrubs like naupaka and some hibiscus species root readily from cuttings. Cuttings provide faster establishment and earlier flowering.
• Container-grown stock: buy well-rooted containers to reduce transplant shock. Inspect for healthy root systems and absence of pests.
• Local nurseries: choose nurseries that specialize in natives and can advise on ecotype suitability for your island, elevation, and microclimate.

Common pests, diseases, and challenges

• Introduced insects and fungal pathogens can affect specific natives (for example, gall wasp on Erythrina species, ROD on ohia). Monitor plants regularly for signs of stress and consult local extension services for identification and management.
• Invasive plants and grasses: they can outcompete young natives. Remove invasive weeds and mulch to suppress regrowth.
• Ungulate browsing and trampling: fencing, tree shelters, and early protection are often required in restoration and rural landscapes.

Design ideas and practical takeaways

• Start with a site assessment: soil, sun exposure, wind patterns, salt exposure, and drainage. Classify your site into coastal, dry, mesic, or wet pockets.
• Use mixed plantings: combine canopy trees, understory shrubs, and groundcovers to mimic native structure and reduce maintenance.
• Prioritize local ecotypes: plants sourced from the same island or elevation are more likely to thrive.
• Plan for succession: plant longer-lived canopy trees where space allows and use faster-growing nurse shrubs to provide shelter for slower natives.
• Think long-term: native landscapes often require patience; many species grow more slowly than exotic ornamentals but yield greater ecological value over time.

Final notes

Using native trees and shrubs in Hawaii landscapes reconnects places to their ecological and cultural roots while offering practical benefits: resilience, reduced inputs, and habitat enhancement. Work with local native plant specialists and nurseries, plan for the right plant in the right place, and take biosecurity precautions to protect vulnerable species like ohia. With thoughtful selection and care, native landscaping can be both beautiful and regenerative.