Living Lace: The Ferns of Hawaiʻi and Their Sacred Stories

Ferns were one of the very first settlers to the Hawaiian Islands, arriving by spores lifted on the winds. Nowadays, around 200 varieties of ferns exist across the islands, with roughly 65% endemic to Hawaiʻi. Ferns are not only beautiful but an integral part of both Hawaiʻi's ecosystem and cultural richness.

Ferns have earned the nickname "Living Lace" for their intricately detailed leaves and the patterns they display. They symbolize new life, resilience, and growth.

Ferns in Hawaiian Folklore

In Hawaiian legend, Kamapuaʻa, a shapeshifting demigod, has multiple forms including a handsome man, a fierce boar, a humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, mist, and an ʻamaʻu fern.

He was in a relationship with Pele, the fire goddess, but when their argument escalated into a fierce battle of rain versus lava, Pele's heat left permanent scorch marks on him — a battle scar mirrored today in the striking red color of young ʻamaʻu fronds. To soothe her anger, Kamapuaʻa surrounded her crater home with these ferns. To this day, it is said he is still waiting for her affection, as the summit of Kīlauea is called Halemaʻumaʻu, "house of the ʻamaʻu fern."

Traditional Uses of Ferns

From food to fashion to decor, ferns are integral to Hawaiʻi's way of life. It's hard to limit our choices, but here are some standouts.

Hoʻio Fern (Edible)

If you haven't tried hoʻio, you're in for a treat. This Hawaiian fiddlehead fern has a succulent bite and a nutty flavor that makes it the star of hoʻio (or pōhole) salad — a local favorite you'll find at plate lunch spots and family potlucks. The ferns are blanched, then tossed with onions, tomatoes, seaweed, dried shellfish (usually squid or shrimp), and a sweet soy dressing. Simple but deliciously addictive.

ʻIwaʻiwa Fern

This rare, unique fern variety can be found nestled in crevices in sea caves along Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, and Molokaʻi, its graceful appearance matched by the elusive environments it grows in. It's actually the only maidenhair fern native to Hawaiʻi, and it has long been prized for weaving into baskets and hat trim. Beyond its looks, it has also been used medicinally to ease sore throats, hepatitis, jaundice, and bronchitis, and cosmetically to help with hair loss and darkening hair color.

Discover the elegance of this coastal treasure in our ʻIwaʻiwa Fern Collection .

Palapalai Fern

This vibrant, expansive fern is so prized that it is mentioned by name in Hawaiian mele (songs), oli (chants), and moʻolelo (stories) for its gorgeous appearance. Deeply grounded in Hawaiian culture, this fern is revered as the physical manifestation of Laka, goddess of hula. It frequently adorns hula altars and is woven into lei poʻo (worn around the head), leis (worn around the neck), and kūpeʻe (worn around the wrist or ankle).

Hāpuʻu Fern

The hāpuʻu fern is Hawaiʻi's largest endemic tree fern and can grow up to 35 feet tall. Symbolizing new beginnings, it is believed to be a physical manifestation of Haumea, Hawaiian goddess of fertility. Traditionally, the soft fibers found surrounding new sprouts were used for stuffing mattresses and pillows, bandaging wounds, and burials. The uncurling tips of the hāpuʻu fern are captured in the scrollwork of our Living Heirloom Collection pieces, embodying love, honor, respect, and new beginnings.

Create a legacy. Explore the Living Heirloom Collection .

Kupukupu Fern

Distinguished by its narrow, fishbone fronds, the kupukupu fern is particularly famed for its resilience, often being one of the first signs of life to emerge from lava fields. "Kupu" in Hawaiian means "to sprout," symbolizing growth, learning, and commitment. It commonly adorns hula altars to promote the sprouting of knowledge and learning, and, similarly to palapalai, its fronds are used in lei poʻo (head lei) and kūpeʻe (wrist or ankle lei).

Embrace resilience and unity on your journey. Explore our Kupukupu Fern Collection .

From ancient legends to modern-day local favorites, ferns are truly woven into the fabric of Hawaiʻi. Bring this timeless history to life and discover our fern designs here at Maui Divers.

Sources
Scott Konakoka — Flickr