Symbol | Official Item

The Aloha Order of Merit is a lifetime title bestowed by the governor of Hawaii (with approval of the legislature) to honor individual accomplishment. All State Awards

Native Hawaiian was recognized as the official state language of Hawaii in 1978. All State Languages

The legal language states: "The Hawaiian language is the native language of Hawaii and may be used on all emblems and symbols representative of the State, its departments, agencies and political subdivisions."

In addition to having official island flowers or lei materials, each Hawaiian island also designates an official island color:

The Hawaiian island of Moloka'i recognizes pua kukui (Aleurites moluccana) as the official island lei material. Pua kukui is the white blossom of the candlenut tree (the fruit of this tree was used for candles by early settlers, hence it's common name). The candlenut tree (Kukui) is also the official state tree of Hawaii. All State Flowers

The Hawaiian island of Lāna'i recognizes kauna'oa (Cuscuta sandwichiana), also called native dodder, as the official island lei material. All Hawaii Symbols & Icons

Hinahina (native beach heliotrope; Heliotropium anomalum, var. argenteum) was designated the official island lei material of Kaho'olawe in 1988. The fragrant white flowers and the succulent leaves of hinahina are used to provide a long-lived attractive lei. Other names for hinahina: hinahina ku kahakai, nohonohopuuone, pohinahina (Boraginaceae). All State Flowers

The Hawaiian island of Ni'hau recognizes pupu (tiny seashells) as the official island lei material (also called pä pä, kahelelani, momi, and laiki). All Hawaii Symbols

The mokihana from the native tree (pelea anisata) was designated the official island lei material of Kaua'i in 1988. The mokihana is a native citrus tree. Other common names for mokihana berry: alani, alani kuahiwi, mokehana.

The leathery anise-scented fruit must be strung within a few hours of picking. Hawaiian women and men both wear the strung berries as leis and the anise-scented twigs and berries were once a favorite perfume (placed between the folds of tapa cloths).

Pua 'ilima (Sida fallax) was designated the official flower of the island of O'ahu in 1988. All State Flowers

Maui recognizes the super-fragrant Lokelani (the pink Damask rose) as the official island flower. All State Flowers

This rose (Rosa damascena) is a native of Asia Minor. It was brought to the New World by the Spanish and introduced to Hawai'i in the early 1800's.