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Naupaka Kuahiwi or Mountain Naupaka is quite common in the mountain. But if you are on Oahu, you'd want to see the Purple Mountain Naupaka which only occurs on Kauai and Oahu. It is the most prettiest out of all the Naupaka's, coming in second is the 'Ohe Naupaka which can only be seen on Kauai and Oahu as well.
Background
There are 8 endemic species of Naupaka and 1 indigenous species. Naukpaka holds significance in Hawaiian Mythology. According to legend, Princess Naupaka met a fisherman named Kaui. They fell in love and wanted permission from a high ranking chief to get married. However, Hawaiian custom prohibits people of different social classes to marry. The priest said the gods will let you know. Princess Naupaka and Fisherman Kaui prayed to the gods, rain, thunder, and lightning ensued and Princess Naupaka knew that they could not be together. She told Kaui that he must return to the shoreline where he belongs while she goes back to the mountain. The two were separated forever. As a memory, Princess Naupaka split the Naupaka flower into two and that's why the Naupaka is a half flower. In commemoration of this story, the Mountain Naupaka will be listed here and the Beach Naupaka will be listed in Makai.
Naupaka Kuahiwi
This is the more common Naupaka Kuahiwi you will see in the forrest. The scientific name is Scaevola guadichaudiana. The plant is usually a bush, but can grow into a small tree.
Naupaka Kuahiwi
This species of Naupaka Kuahiwi has the purple flower. The scientific name is scaevola mollis. This variation of Naupaka is only found on Kauai and Oahu, maybe Molokai. It is one of my favorite plants and I fully take in the experience when I see it.
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Naupaka Kuahiwi
The Hawaiian name for this species of Naupaka is 'Ohe Naupaka. The scientific name is scaevola glabra. It usually grows as bush or small tree. It is found in the wet forest on Kauai and Oahu. However it is not common on Oahu. The half flowers are bright yellow and doesn't look like Naupaka.
Naupaka Kuahiwi
This species of Naupaka appears way different than the other Naupaka's. The half flower is yellow and thin. Even the leaves are thin. It occurs on all the main islands, but not easily seen on Oahu. The scientific name is scaevola gaudichaudii. The picture below was observed in cultivation.
Sources
Flowring Plants of Hawaii 782-789
Hall, 94-96
Google Sites
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