A variety of tropical flora and native plants can be found throughout the area from Wahiawa to the North Shore. Following are two of these plant species.

Koa (Acacia koa)
Koa is one of Hawaii’s most prized tree species. Known for its exceptionally beautiful and durable wood, koa is used for furniture, cabinetry, musical instruments, interior work and woodcrafts. Koa trees take approximately 50 years to mature and can grow 100 feet tall.

‘Ohi‘a Lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha)
‘Ohi‘a lehua trees are commonly found in forests and along the mountain slopes. The blossoms are said to be sacred to the volcano goddess, Pele. According to ancient legend, picking the blossom when ascending a mountain could lead to heavy rain obscuring the path back down the mountain.