Hala or Pandanus Tectorius

By: Chloe

Hala or screwpine is also known as pandanus tectorius. It is a tree with wide branches and can grow to be more than 20 feet high. The roots may stick up out of the ground. The leaves are called lau hala. They are between 3 to 6 feet long and 2 to 6 inches wide. They also have fruit and flowers. The male flowers are white to cream colored and the female plants have a cluster of yellow, orange or red fruit with green ends.

The hala tree can be found all over Hawaii. There is a large population of trees found in Kea`au and the `Ola`a area on the Big Island. This area between Puna and Kea`au is known for its hala trees. A famous hala grove was called Hinano in the Puna area. It is also said that the hala leaves were used to collect water for the homes in the Puna areas. Hala is one of the most important prehistoric plants in Hawaii.

The hala plant has many uses. The leaves of the plant are used to make mats, fans, purses and sails for canoes. The lau hala is dried and weaved into many different things. The fruit was also used before as medicine. The roots were pounded, pressed, and heated to treat chest pains, stomach problems and even asthma. The leaves were used to cure a lot of illnesses.

As you can see, the hala is a very important plant to Hawaii. It is found all over Hawaii and a lot of it is found right here in Kea`au.

| Back |