When you land in the islands, the scent of the plumeria is like a warm hug for your soul. You want to tuck that pua behind your ear and start your vacation immediately. However, hold your horses! That little flower is actually a secret signal. If you want to know which ear you wear a flower on in Hawaii, you need to understand our local “dating app” of the past.
🌸 The Secret Language of the Pua
In our culture, flowers—or pua—do not just look pretty. Specifically, they communicate your relationship status to everyone who sees you. This tradition is a long standing part of the culture. It allows us to speak without saying a single word. Consequently, placing your flower on the wrong side might lead to some very funny (or awkward) conversations at the dinner table!
❤️ The Left Side: Taken and Treasured
If your heart belongs to someone else, you must wear your flower behind your left ear. Why the left? Actually, it is simple to remember. Your heart is on the left side of your chest. Moreover, Western tradition places a wedding ring on the left hand. Therefore, a flower on the left tells the world you are married, engaged, or in a committed relationship. It is a sign of respect for your partner and a “no-entry” sign for others!
✨ The Right Side: Single and Ready to Mingle
Are you solo and looking for a little island romance? Then, the right ear is your best friend. Wearing a flower on the right side signals that you are single and open to meeting someone new. Admittedly, it is a very witty way to let a handsome warrior know he can come over and say aloha. It shows you are available and ready for a new adventure. Ultimately, it is the most beautiful way to signal your “available” status.
🌿 Did You Know? Picking Flowers in Public
One of the best parts of being in Hawaii is the abundance of nature. In fact, you can actually pick flowers for your hair from public property! Hawaii state law allows you to gather reasonable quantities of “renewable natural products” like flowers and fruits from public lands for personal use. However, you must never pick for commercial sale. Always respect private property and never pick from someone’s yard without asking. Furthermore, keep an eye out for rare or endangered plants. We want to keep our islands blooming for the next generation!
🌺 Most Common Flowers: Plumeria and Hibiscus
You will see two main stars in the hair of locals and visitors alike. Specifically, the Plumeria (Melia) is a favorite for its sweet, buttery scent. It actually arrived in Hawaii in the 1860s and quickly became a staple for lei making. On the other hand, the Hibiscus (Pua Aloalo) is deeply rooted in our history. The yellow hibiscus is our official state flower. Ancient Hawaiians even used hibiscus bark to make strong cords for outrigger canoes! These flowers represent the delicate balance of beauty and warrior strength.
🔥 Feel the Mana at Mauka Warriors Luau
Now that you know the code, you are ready to join us for a night of history. Actually, observing these small traditions makes your trip much more authentic. At Mauka Warriors Luau, we love seeing our guests arrive with flowers in their hair. Furthermore, we teach you even more about the culture during our hands-on activities before the show. Whether you are “left-ear” or “right-ear,” you will find a place in our ʻohana! Book Now
