Melia

Melia, commonly known as pua melia or plumeria, is celebrated for its stunning flowers in shades of yellow, pink, or burgundy, which come in various shapes and sizes. Frequently featured in modern mele (songs) for their vibrant beauty and sweet fragrance, plumerias are often associated with the islands. However, they are not native to Hawaiʻi; they originally come from Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. In 1860, German biologist Dr. William Hillebrand introduced this popular plant to the islands, where it thrived due to Hawaiʻi's warm climate and volcanic soil. The ease of growing plumerias from cuttings has led to their abundance, making them a common feature in leis and other cultural adornments.

A favorite among hula practitioners, the plumeria is sometimes called the “dancer’s flower.” Whether used in leis or as garden accents, plumerias consistently charm locals and tourists alike, dispersing their delightful fragrance and embodying love and beauty across the Islands.

This print was added to our collection in partnership with our friends at Coco Moon Hawaiʻi.