Hōʻawa (Pittosporum halophilum)

Hawaiian name: Hō‘awa
Botanical name: Pittosporum halophilum
Family: Pittosporaceae
Status: Endemic, Endangered
Where found: Molokaʻi
Water/Light: Moist, with full sunlight
Elevation range: Coastal
Height: 2-6 feet

 

This species is the only hōʻawa of 11 endemic species to live in the salt spray zone, with a few wild specimens persisting in a small area of northern Molokai. Hōʻawa are important food sources for native Hawaiian forest birds like the five different ‘alalā or Hawaiian crow species that are now extinct, except for the one Hawaiʻi island species being captive bred for release. The ancestor to all of Hawaiʻi’s hōʻawa species likely came by bird from the South Pacific.

Location
The Garden is located at 150 Kanaloa Avenue in Kahului, Maui, right across from the War Memorial Stadium.
(808) 249-2798

Hours of Operation
Tuesday through Saturday,
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Closed occasionally for inclement weather and Hawaii State Holidays.

Admission
Members:   Free
General:   $10
Keiki Under 12:   Free
Kama'aina:   Free
(with Hawai'i ID)

Plants from the MNBG Collection:

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