Naupaka Kahakai and Naupaka Hiwa – A Symbol of Love and Separation

At the heart of Waikoloa Beach Resort is a simple yet powerful symbol — the Naupaka flower. You’ll spot it growing low by the beach or tucked into the mountains, always offering a quiet reminder of love, hope, and the idea that even when separated, hearts can stay connected.

If you look closely at the naupaka, you’ll notice something unusual — the petals grow only in half. Down by the ocean, the naupaka kahakai blooms with petals forming just the lower half of a circle. Up in the mountains, the naupaka hiwa does the opposite — petals only on the upper side. Two halves of a whole, never growing side by side. But the deeper story behind these half-flowers is what makes them truly unforgettable.

The Legend of Naupaka

Like many Hawaiian legends, this one begins with love. Long ago, there was a beautiful princess named Naupaka who fell deeply in love with a man named Kaui. But Kaui was a commoner, and in ancient times, love between royalty and those of humble birth was not allowed.

Heartbroken, the two set off together in search of guidance. They climbed the mountains, hoping a kahuna at a sacred heiau might offer them a way forward. But even the wise elder had no answer. “Pray,” he told them. “Ask the gods.”

And so, they prayed.

As rain fell gently around them, Naupaka knew what they had to do. With tears in her eyes, she took the flower from behind her ear, tore it in half, and gave one piece to Kaui.

“You go live by the ocean,” she said. “And I will stay here in the mountains.”

They embraced one last time. And the next morning, the flowers around them bloomed as they had never bloomed before — in halves. Just like the lovers who had to live apart.  To this day, the Naupaka flower only blooms by half, signifying the lovers’ separation.

For more scientific information about Naupaka,  check out the Hawai’i Division of Forestry and Wildlife.