The Orchids of Hawaii

The largest island in the archipelago that we know as the state of Hawaii is actually called Hawaii Island, however to avoid confusion it is generally referred to as “The Big Island”. However another name for the big island is the “orchid isle” and the reason for that is fascinating.

The Native Orchids

Surprisingly there are only three types of orchids that are actually native to Hawaii – and these are possibly the least colorful or extroverted orchids that you can imagine. Their technical names are Anoetochilus sandvicensis (the jewel orchid); Liparis hawaiensis (the twayblade orchid); and Platanthera holochila. These native orchids grow in the very highest places with the islands forests and bog land. They are not easy to find and really quite rare – the rarest is the Platanthera which is also known as the fringed orchid, identified by its greenish-yellow flowers and egg-shaped leaves. The best place to try and observe the native orchids of Hawaii is in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or the wet forests in the east of the island.

The Beginnings of an Orchid Industry

It was in the early 1900s when Hawaiian business people first began growing imported orchids in large shade-houses. They were primarily seen as status symbols. But, the expertise of the local growers combined with the perfect conditions found on Hawaii helped to build a reputation for excellence in the production of orchids. This reputation was cemented in 1957 when the Honolulu Orchid Society exhibited 22,000 plants in St Louis – it was such a success that Hawaii was declared as the “orchid center of the world”.

Hawaii’s Orchid Industry Today

Today, Hawaii’s orchid growing activities are a multi-million dollar export industry, generating annual sales well in excess of $20 million. The beautiful flower has become big business for the state.

Naturalized Species of Orchid

There are three varieties of orchid that have been introduced to Hawaii and have acclimatised so successfully that they have now established themselves in the wild. These are the bamboo orchid (Arundina bambusaefolia) which grows falls and has a white and purple flower; the Philippine ground orchid (Spathoglottis plicata) which grows to about three feet tall and has small purple flowers; and the Chinese ground orchid (Phaius tankervilliae) which grows to a height of about four foot and has multicoloured flowers of white, pink and brown. Hiking to See Hawaii’s Orchids If you want to see some of Hawaii’s orchids in their natural (or adopted) habitat, then the best way to do it is to tackle some of the many hiking trails throughout the island. Whether you are looking for an energetic and challenging hike or if you just want a gentle stroll through the forests then one of the best places to go to is the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. There is a huge network of trails here that help you see Hawaii’s natural wonders and unique flora at their very best. Another great place to check out award-winning orchids is just down the road from Volcano Village Lodge, Akatsuka Orchid Gardens. Whether you call it Hawaii, the big island, or the orchid isle, this island is clearly a beautiful and fascinating place that is the perfect destination for your next holiday….especially if you love orchids.