One of the most common native Hawaiian plants, hala can now be found on every island. This tree has distinctive genders, males characterized by clusters of tiny white flowers, and females by the pineapple/candy corn-looking fruits. Hala was originally not thought to be a native Hawaiian plant, but a Polynesian introduction. Thanks to fossil records discovered at Kauai’s Makauwahi Caves, a Pandanus seed was discovered that predated human arrival. This is one of the few native plants that has spikes along the leaves.

Hala is cultivated for traditional weaving and is still a popular medium used today. The leaf, or lau, of the hala tree is collected, washed, spikes are removed, and wound into a bundle. The lauhala is used for a number of weaving projects, such as mats, papale (hats), jewelry, baskets, and many more creative ideas. This is a traditional weaving style that is still honored to this day. The fruit is edible, and can be used for baking.

A relatively easy plant to maintain, hala is happier to be sunnier than shadier. It can easily adjust to minimal watering schedules. Be cognizant of the spikey leaves when handling this plant. This plant appears to be pest-resistant, in my experience. Provide good drainage, and your hala should flourish.