The koa is Hawaii's most common native tree. Koa trees grow fast and can reach heights of 100 feet (30 m). The beautiful reddish-brown koa wood is prized for its strength and weight.

There are three categories of Hawaiian flora – endemic, native and introduced. Endemic refers to those flowers, plants and trees found only in Hawaii. These are the flowering and non-flowering plants and trees that were brought to Hawaii by natural means, such as wind, tides and birds.

The koa is Hawaii's most common native tree. It is also a common sight in landscaped gardens. Koa trees grow fast and can reach heights of 100 feet (30 m). The beautiful reddish-brown koa wood is prized for its strength and weight, similar to black walnut. The ancient Hawaiians used koa wood to make canoes, paddles and furnishings.

Banyan trees can be seen all over the Hawaiian Islands. People who see these trees for the first time often gaze at them in awe. Some banyan tree species can be real giants, such as for example the Indian banyan, which is one of the broadest-spreading trees in the world.

The Wahiawa Botanical Garden on Oahu features mostly native and naturalized Hawaiian plants, though you'll also find many plants from other countries. Among the species on display are the elephant apple, rainbow eucalyptus, blue ginger, koa, shaving brush tree, candle tree and others.

Native to South America, the jacaranda tree was introduced to Hawaii around 1900. Jacaranda trees are a beautiful sight each year in the spring when they are in full bloom. The lavender-blue flowers have a trumpet-shape and the tree can grow to a height of up to 50 feet (15 m).

The Wahiawa Botanical Garden features mostly native and naturalized Hawaiian plants, though you'll also find many plants from other countries. Among the species on display are the rainbow eucalyptus, blue ginger, koa and others.

More than 90 eucalyptus tree species have been introduced to Hawaii. Native to mainly Australia, eucalyptus trees grow fast and can reach heights of up to 300 feet (91 m), making them the tallest hardwood trees in the world.

Spanning 1.5 acres, the Sadie Seymour Botanical Gardens provides an overview of the native and non-native plants that inhabit the Hawaiian Islands. A guided lunch tour explains the natural history of Hawaii and origins of different plants, including those that inhabited the island before the arrival of Polynesian explorers.

Visit a traditional Hawaiian luau feast, tour historic Pearl Harbor, explore the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, bike down Mt. Haleakala – the largest dormant volcano in the world – or kayak along the majestic Na Pali Coast. Hawaii has an adventure in store for everyone.