Quick answer: Maʻo hau hele (Hawaiian yellow hibiscus) (Hibiscus brackenridgei) is native to 1 state. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 24 Oct 2026.
Photo: Forest & Kim Starr, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Dry |
| Soil | Well-drained, rocky, lowland dry forest |
| Bloom | Bloom Year-round, peak spring |
| Height | 3-10 ft |
| Wildlife value | Endangered state flower, nectar for insects |
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 24 Oct 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about Maʻo hau hele (Hawaiian yellow hibiscus)
Where is Maʻo hau hele (Hawaiian yellow hibiscus) native?
Maʻo hau hele (Hawaiian yellow hibiscus) (Hibiscus brackenridgei) is native to Hawaii. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Maʻo hau hele (Hawaiian yellow hibiscus) bloom?
Maʻo hau hele (Hawaiian yellow hibiscus) blooms Year-round, peak spring. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Maʻo hau hele (Hawaiian yellow hibiscus) need?
Light: Sun. Water: Dry. Soil: Well-drained, rocky, lowland dry forest. Mature height: 3-10 ft.
Is Maʻo hau hele (Hawaiian yellow hibiscus) good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Endangered state flower, nectar for insects.
Is Maʻo hau hele (Hawaiian yellow hibiscus) deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Maʻo hau hele (Hawaiian yellow hibiscus) is drought-tolerant.
Where can I buy Maʻo hau hele (Hawaiian yellow hibiscus)?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 24 Oct 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Hibiscus brackenridgei by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Maʻo hau hele (Hawaiian yellow hibiscus).
- Hinahina kū kahakai Heliotropium anomalum
- Koʻoloaʻula (red ʻilima) Abutilon menziesii
- Nehe Lipochaeta succulenta
- Pōhinahina (beach vitex) Vitex rotundifolia
- Pōhuehue (beach morning glory) Ipomoea pes-caprae
- Wiliwili Erythrina sandwicensis
Also listed under
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